Esdra

== History ==
The Tanar'ri Tiefling calling themself Esdra came across a group of adventurers from Freehearth on their way north to investigate rumours of falling gemstones. Coming across several demonic creatures known as Bulezau, Esdra took the opportunity when they were distracted to get a chance to finish off the fiends, which had previously pursued them to the surface.
Unsure what else to do on the surface, Esdra followed their new acquaintances with the intent on finding some place to stay during their time topside and quickly found themself staying in the same lodgings as another neather, Maeve.
== Introduction ==
A good hunt, a bad year
I pulled my axe from the spider. Much was good, plenty of food, no one to starve, no one hurt. That’s when I first saw them, off in the distance of the caves. Slinking away, back home, I told my family what I’d seen.
Later, I saw them again, this time more of them, closer. They nearly spotted me, but I was quicker, I was silent.
Most of all, I remember returning home, another successful hunt, another good prey. But as I returned, nothing was right. Wrath, survival, flight. Running through the tunnels, hearing the sounds behind me, chased, cornered. 
In my flight, I slew one of the horned ones. Staggered, bleeding, I escaped, hid, survived.
The tunnels were filled with gloom, something was lost. Sadness, worry, wrath. Need to keep moving, away, faster.
How long has it been? It’s getting harder to keep track. Doesn’t matter, keep moving, don’t stop.
Finally, the surface, never seen such light before. Too open, not safe, need cover, but it seems safer. Less danger, fewer foes, maybe find safety here.
==Characterisation==
===Basics===
*Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
*Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
*Current Location: Freehearth
*Education: Hunting, defence, oversight. Focus on notable threats they've encountered in the Underdark.
===Physical appearance===
*Eye Colour: Burning gold
*Hair Colour: Burnt auburn
*Skin Tone: Dark grey
*Build: Lean, fit
*Ears: Noticeable points, tilted to the side and slightly widened in a way that differs from an elf.
*Distinguishing features: The long black nails on their hands and feet might be more aptly described as claws. Slim needle-like teeth and prominent fangs, sharp facial features. Face is usually covered by a mask.
*Preferred Outfit: Silvery-grey tunic made from light but sturdy spider silk, clear signs of wear and tear. Sturdy dark green-grey hood worn on top, made from a sturdier fabric, probably spun from the threads of some creature from the Underdark. The neck of the hood is braced by a pair of Bulezau horns. Hood is usually pulled up, especially on the surface. Pulled down when visibility and mobility is a greater concern. Wears fine but worn boots of some unknown leather, tightly fitted with an opening at the front for their not-quite-human clawed feet. Overall: simple design of high quality with functionality as a primary concern. Showing wear and tear.
*Accessories: The Bulezau horns decorating their hood. Wears a mask that is white with grey edges, including around the eyes, dark lines flowing down from them. Few adornments overall.
*Level of Grooming: Rough on first meeting, improvements after having had a chance to rest. Not overdone, but enough to prevent issues, certainly.
*Other Details: Rarely removes the mask.
===Behaviour===
*Movement: Sharp, reactive movements, long, fast strides. Enters lower stance when things get intense. 
*Finer Details: The way they observe and react to others is reminiscient of a bird of prey. Sharp, jerky movements with eyes focussing harshly as needed.
*Demonic Transformation: In serious moments, can take on a more demonic appearance. Matted black wings, black claws on their hands and feet elongating. Horns growing longer, sharp points turning pale. [Mask]
===Speech and Communication===
*Talk Speed: Average, gets faster when agitated.
*Style of Speech: Quiet and understated. Condescending and harsh when frustrated with a conversation.
*Accent: Their common is slightly broken and a bit archaic (IG) Bloody mess, I don't know (IRL)
*Posture: Varies, low and prepared or alert being the most common.
*General Expression: Mask.
*Do they Gesture?: In a restrained manner. More wild when agitated.
*How much eye contact that they like to make?: Piercing, uncomfortable.
*Personal Motto: We all must earn our place in this world, the useless shall perish.
*Speech Impediments: None
*Distinguishing Speech “tics”: Often mixes in Undercommon and Abyssal in their speech, especially if speaking one of their less familiar languages (like Common).
*What's their laugh like?: You've not heard it.
*Describe their Smile: Mask.
*How emotive are they?: Mask.
== Attire and Items ==
* Weapon of choice: Esdra's current preferred weapon is that of a large axe, hafted for two-handed use. Elegant and functional with blackened steel to blend into the darkness of the caves. 
* Quickstep Boots: Fine boots made from sturdy leather. Shaped with a close fit at the ankles, opening at the front to allow for Esdra's clawed feet to grasp when necessary, in addition to allowing them to grow during their demonic transformation without damage to the boots.
* Hooded cloak: Hooded short cloak made from some sort of sturdy wool, the sides decorated with a trophy from some previous hunt, a pair of Bulezau horns.
* Wears armour made from metal scales, placed on a padded backing. Protection mostly focussed around the chest and shoulder area, for improved mobility.
== Powers ==
Generally prefers to get the first strike, getting up close and personal with their axe and claws. Vicious in combat with no hesitancy nor mercy. 
* Demonic transformation: Can momentarily grow larger claws and sprout wings, enabling short term flight and additional physical prowess.
* Guerilla tactics: Adept at ambushing and avoiding foes both, supported with natural prowess, training and magical disguises and shrouds.
* Martial prowess: A skilled fighter with most weapons, Esdra favours larger, two-handed weapons mixed with their potent claws.
* Naturalistic magic: Supports themself with magic, both in preparation, mobility and when striking. Their magic also serves more utility means, avoiding and escaping from enemies, in addition to surveying the natural world.
== Relationships ==
After first meetings, Esdra has tried to understand the topsiders and get to know their ways. In doing this, they have both made and gained impressions of others in Freehearth.
=== Kin ===
Though perhaps not in the traditional sense, these are those with which Esdra feels the strongest affinity by nature of their origins along with a good rapport.
* Maeve: The Lady Maeve was among those whom Esdra met shortly after reaching the surface. Seeing the wizard as a kindred spirit of the dark, and one with more experience with the topsiders, Esdra defers to Maeve on those matters that regard the topsiders, seemingly valuing her opinions highly.
=== Friends ===
These individuals are those with whom Esdra has forged a bond that goes beyond mere allies.
* [Empty]
=== Helpful companions ===
Those with whom Esdra has a working relationship, not necessarily friendly, but someone whom they show no problem working alongside.
* Auxley: Upon meeting the pirates outside the gem caves, Auxley showed an affinity with interacting with these strangers. Seeing later on how Auxley was willing to do what's necessary earned him the tiefling's respect.
*Pickle: Opposite his naive and jumpy behaviour, the survivor and drive visible beneath the kobold's visage is something to be respected, even though one should also be wary so his antics doesn't get you killed.
*Raisuboi: Despite his overly soft nature, the half-oni's willingness to aid his friends and kin is in itself a helpful quality and one to strive for in a community.
=== Naive fools ===
Esdra can be a harsh judge, those whom act in a way that is judged inadequate are listed here.
* Ana: Upon first meeting, the wyrdsinger's unwillingness to listen to those with more experience cemented her as someone who doesn't listen and doesn't understand. Still though, her competency in combat is helpful.
*Ered: The paladin's unwillingness to strike fast and hard when necessary is a weakness for foes to exploit, despite his physical presence and skill. Even so, he is useful as a meatshield.
== Trivia ==
* Mask: Esdra prefers to keep their face hidden behind a mask and will only remove it to eat unless around people they trust.
* Favourite colour: Silver accents, darker blues and greens are their preferred colours. They look good but are highly functional for a hunter.