Toxicus

[Toxicus]

The Basics

Full Name: Toxicus
Race: Wyvarnth Ithecal
Age: 19
Date of Birth: Saul 40, 705
Partner: None

Profession: None
Factions: None
Marks: None
Magic: None


Languages:
Fluent: Common
Conversational: None
Broken: Ancient Language

Appearance
Toxicus, the Ithecal, possesses a visage that is both fearsome and mesmerizing. His head is reptilian in nature, with a broad, flat snout and a mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth that are always bared in a menacing grin. His skin is a striking mix of black and yellow, creating a pattern that not only intimidates but also hints at his toxic nature. His eyes, slitted like those of a serpent, gleam with a malevolent intelligence, their vibrant orange color standing out vividly against his darker skin.

The physique of Toxicus is that of a warrior honed for battle in the most treacherous environments. His body is muscular and agile, built for both strength and speed. He stands with a slight hunch, which only adds to his predatory demeanor. His limbs are, despite not having claws like his larger kin, he grows his nails out to a point fine enough to draw blood. Prominent veins course beneath his skin, pulsating with the venom that fuels his ferocity. His tail, thick and muscular, helps maintain his balance and can be used as a weapon in close combat, adding to his already formidable arsenal.

Clad in minimalistic yet functional attire, Toxicus is adorned with trophies of his past victories. His waist is wrapped with a tattered cloth that secures various skulls, trophies from past adversaries, showcasing his prowess in battle. He wields a long, primitive spear with a sharpened, barbed tip, designed to pierce and hold onto his prey. The spear, combined with his sharpened nails, makes him a formidable opponent in any skirmish. His attire is sparse, prioritizing mobility and practicality, allowing him to move swiftly and strike with deadly precision. Each piece of his gear is carefully chosen to complement his lethal fighting style, making Toxicus a fearsome adversary on any battlefield.

Thread	Point Adjustment	Renown Total
Starting Renown	TBD	TBD

[Toxicus]

Personality

Toxicus embodies the intelligence and cunning characteristic of the Ithecal, amplified by his solitary existence in the swamp. His intellect is sharp and analytical, allowing him to navigate the treacherous environments and complex situations with ease. Toxicus approaches each challenge with a calculated mind, always weighing the potential outcomes before making a move. His decisions are rarely impulsive; instead, they are the result of meticulous planning and foresight. Despite his detached demeanor, he is keenly observant, always learning from his surroundings and the behavior of those he encounters.

Emotionless and curious, Toxicus views the world through a lens of dispassionate curiosity. He is fascinated by the intricacies of life and nature, often spending hours observing the flora and fauna of his swampy domain. This curiosity extends to other races and their behaviors, though he remains distant and untrusting of them. His emotionless nature allows him to maintain a level of detachment that others might find unsettling, yet it grants him clarity of thought and purpose. Toxicus does not form attachments easily, and his few words are always measured, each one serving a purpose in his larger scheme.

Living alone in the swamp, Toxicus has developed a deep sense of self-reliance and independence. He thrives in isolation, finding solace in the quiet and the stillness of his environment. This solitude has made him introspective, often reflecting on his ancestral memories and the purpose for which the Ithecal were created. He sees himself as a guardian, a role he takes seriously, though his interpretation of this duty is unique to him. He believes in maintaining the balance of his swamp and protecting it from any who would disrupt its natural order, whether they be human, beast, or otherwise.

Toxicus's communication is sparse but impactful. When he speaks, his words carry weight and authority, reflecting the thought he puts into each utterance. He does not waste breath on idle chatter or meaningless conversation; instead, he speaks only when he has something significant to convey. This trait can make him seem aloof or intimidating to others, but it also commands respect from those who recognize the depth of his wisdom and experience. His silence is a tool, used to observe and assess, ensuring that when he does engage, his words are precise and effective.

His headstrong nature, inherited from his Ithecal lineage, is tempered by his intelligence and cunning. Toxicus is stubborn and unyielding, particularly when it comes to his principles and the protection of his domain. He respects strength and intelligence in others and is quick to dismiss those who do not meet his standards. This stubbornness has occasionally brought him into conflict, but it also drives him to overcome challenges that others might deem insurmountable. In essence, Toxicus is a blend of ancient wisdom and primal ferocity, a true embodiment of the Ithecal's enduring legacy.

History

Toxicus hails from a lineage of Ithecal who were forced to abandon their homeland of Dynaash after its conquest by The Eternal Empire in 087. His ancestors, seeking refuge and survival, ventured east to the swamps of Maiden's Refuge, near the mercenary city-state of Yaralon. The harsh and unforgiving environment of the swamps became their new home, and over generations, his clan adapted to the murky, treacherous terrain. This migration and the ensuing generations shaped Toxicus into a creature perfectly suited to his swampy surroundings, instilling in him a deep connection to the land that he would later fiercely protect.

Before Toxicus was born, his parents, seeking a powerful ally and protector, approached Coven, a formidable witch residing deep within Maiden's Refuge. They sought her boon to ensure the safety and prosperity of their family in this dangerous new world. In exchange for her aid, they promised their unborn child to her service for ten years, starting from his tenth birthday. This pact, shrouded in mystery and ancient rituals, bound Toxicus to a destiny intertwined with the witch's enigmatic purposes. The weight of this promise loomed over his early years, shaping his childhood with an inevitable sense of duty and foreboding.

At the age of ten, Toxicus was handed over to Coven, fulfilling the terms of his parents' pact. Over the next eight years, Coven imparted her vast knowledge of the swamp to him, transforming him into an adept of his environment. Under her tutelage, Toxicus began to learn the arts of hunting and tracking, moving through the swamp with improving stealth and precision. She taught him the basics of the flora and fauna, the creation of some potent alchemical concoctions, and the rudimentary tactics of ambush warfare. Despite the breadth of her teachings, Coven withheld her magical disciplines from him, leaving him with the sense that he still had much to learn.

Coven's rigorous training has honed Toxicus into a capable warrior and survivalist, fully capable of defending his swampy home from most intruders. Each lesson and trial was designed to sharpen his instincts and enhance his natural abilities, preparing him for the inevitable challenges he would face. The swamps of Maiden's Refuge became not just his home, but his domain, a place he began to understand intimately and could navigate with growing confidence. Through his service to Coven, Toxicus developed a profound respect for the witch, recognizing her as a powerful mentor and a key to unlocking his full potential.

As the end of his servitude to Coven approaches, Toxicus finds himself still on the brink of significant transformation. The promise of learning her magical disciplines looms over him, a tantalizing possibility that could elevate his abilities to new heights. The years under Coven's guidance have instilled in him a sense of purpose and an understanding of his role as a guardian of the swamp. With his training still ongoing, Toxicus stands ready to embrace his destiny, eager to continue his learning, and prepared to protect his homeland against any threat.

Most recently, Toxicus has begun to dream of a dragon as black as night, its presence vast and imposing, speaking his name like echoes in a massive cavern. These dreams stir something ancient within him, a connection to his draconic heritage that feels both familiar and foreboding, hinting at a greater destiny that lies ahead.

[Toxicus]

Combat, Polearm (1H) 25/250

1. Combat, Polearm (1H): Precision thrusting attacks
2. Combat, Polearm (1H): Deflecting blows with the shaft
3. Combat, Polearm (1H): Sweeping strikes to trip opponents
4. Combat, Polearm (1H): Maintaining distance from enemies
5. Combat, Polearm (1H): Quick jabs for rapid engagement

Detection 10/250

1. Detection: Spotting subtle movement in the swamp
2. Detection: Identifying hidden threats in the environment

Field Craft 10/250

1. Field Craft: Building shelters from natural materials
2. Field Craft: Navigating the swamp using landmarks

Hunting 26/100

1. Hunting: Tracking prey through dense swamp
2. Hunting: Setting effective traps
3. Hunting: Stalking silently through underbrush
4. Hunting: Identifying animal tracks
5. Hunting: Using scent to locate targets
6. Hunting: Camouflaging in natural surroundings
7. Hunting: Predicting animal behavior
8. Hunting: Precision spear throwing
9. Hunting: Ambushing from water
10. Hunting: Utilizing terrain for concealment
11. Hunting: Preparing and preserving game

Stealth 26/250

1. Stealth: Moving silently through water
2. Stealth: Blending into shadows
3. Stealth: Evading detection by scent
4. Stealth: Navigating without leaving traces
5. Stealth: Concealing movements in dense foliage
6. Stealth: Silently approaching targets
7. Stealth: Hiding in natural cover
8. Stealth: Using environmental sounds to mask movement
9. Stealth: Remaining motionless for extended periods
10. Stealth: Disguising appearance with natural materials
11. Stealth: Avoiding attention in open areas

Tactics 10/250

1. Tactics: Coordinating ambushes in the swamp
2. Tactics: Devising escape routes under pursuit

Thread or Skill Name	Points Adjustment	Running Total
Stealth (ST) [FT]	+26	0
Hunting (ST)	+26	0
Combat, Polearm (1H) (Racial Bonus)	+25	0
Field Craft (ST)	+10	0
Detection (ST)	+10	0
Tactics (ST)	+10	0

[Toxicus]

Starting Pack: Wilderness Pack
Wealth Skill: Hunting
Tier: 2
Wealth Points: 6

Lifestyle

Edibles (Poor +): At Tier 2 a PC lives on a very limited budget. Edibles at this level are plain, unprocessed, and long-lasting (e.g. grains, beans, root vegetables). Most edibles are likely to be of poor or basic quality. There is no access to seasoning unless it has been gathered in the wild. Sweet treats are not available.
Drugs & Medicine: At Tier 2 a PC lives on a very limited budget. Medicines and alcohol are still very limited, and are likely to be of poor or basic quality.

Clothing

*Three outfits, poor quality

Armaments

*Leather Armor, basic quality
*Wooden Buckler, basic quality
*Two Steel Spear, basic+ quality (Heirloom)
*Three Iron Javelin, poor+ quality

Animals

*A non-exotic horse, average quality
*A non-exotic mule, average quality

Equipment

*Treated canvas walled tent that measures twelve feet long, ten feet wide and seven feet tall. (Tier 5)
*Campsite Equipment (Pots, pans, cooking essentials, etc.) (Tier 5)
*Bedroll and bedding (Tier 5)
*Camp Knife (Tier 5)
*Fishing Gear (with a set of hooks) (Tier 5)
*The equipment to set up traps and security around your camp. (Tier 5)
*One flatbed wagon, sufficient to store all your equipment in. (Tier 5)
*One Hunting Kit (equipment for hunting, skinning animals, etc) (Tier 5)
*A woodworking kit (Tier 5)
*Secure Saddle Bag (Tier 5)
*Pack Animal Saddle Bag (Tier 5)

Seafaring

*Four Canoe, average quality

Trinkets

Wealth Adjustment	Points Adjustment	Wealth Total
Starting Package [FT]	+6	6

[Toxicus]

Thread List Forthcoming

[Toxicus]

NPCs

Mage Mentor

Coven

Name: Coven
City Location: Maiden's Refuge, Yaralon
DoB: Zi'da 22, 639
Race: Human
Organization (if any): None
Skills: Graft 76, Attunement 51, Becoming 51, Alchemy 36, Gardening 36
Bio: Coven was once the oldest of three sisters born on the edge of Maiden's Refuge. The sisters, each possessing great skill in the magical arts, shared a deep interest in the spiritual and esoteric. Their names were once known among the sparse population living on the outskirts of the swamp, but as their abilities and curiosity grew, so did their ventures deeper into the swamp. Drawn by the power and secrets left behind by Kata, for whom the land was named, they became increasingly absorbed in their quest for knowledge, eventually fading from the memories of those who once knew them.

In the hidden depths of Maiden's Refuge, the sisters delved into the arcane secrets of the swamp, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire for power. The younger sisters perished in their quest, victims of the dark forces and ancient curses that permeated the land. The eldest sister, wracked with grief and madness from the loss and the taint of Kata's lingering presence, was irrevocably altered by the ordeal. Her mind shattered, she began to hear and speak in the voices of her deceased sisters, convinced that their spirits had merged with hers. Through this delusion and her relentless pursuit of knowledge, she unlocked great power, but at a terrible cost. She was now Coven, a powerful witch with a fractured mind.

Word of Coven spread slowly at first, whispered among the few who dared venture into the swamp. Her abilities to read the skeins of fate and offer great boons at an exorbitant cost became the stuff of legend. Foreigners who visited Blackmoor Village dismissed her as a myth, a bogeyman concocted by the locals to discourage exploration of the dangerous swamp. In contrast, the Yari who lived closer to the swamp, revered Coven as a dark guardian of the region. They showed respect when passing through her domain and sought her out only in times of dire need. The stories varied, but one detail remained consistent: Coven spoke in three distinct voices.

On occasion, Coven's price for her services was the offering of a young child, who would live with her for a period of ten years. These children, upon their return, were forever changed—scarred, unwilling to speak of their experiences, and marked by the witch's influence. The years spent with Coven were shrouded in mystery, but it was clear that the children underwent intense training and perhaps more experimentation with Graft. These experiences left them with abilities and knowledge far beyond their years, but at a cost that few could understand. Toxicus was one such child, given to Coven by his parents in exchange for her protection, and his transformation under her tutelage speaks to the profound and often terrifying power of the witch known as Coven.
Relationship: Toxicus was given to Coven as a young boy in exchange for a boon asked for by his parents. Coven was a teacher to the Ithecal youth, kind and harsh depending on what was needed in the situation. Toxicus was required to call her Auntie.