Ianthia

Ianthia is a paladin and adventurer.
Born into nobility, Ianthia lived a comfortable lifestyle that many would only dream of. But this came at a price - her independence. For most of her life, Ianthia's destiny was strictly controlled. This all came to ahead when Ianthia learned she was engaged and spiritually bound to a person she didn't even know. On the way to her fiancé, she escaped and now wanders the Empire in search of her own destiny.
== History ==
=== Background ===
Ianthia was born in the Eleven Dragon Dominion to a noble family. However, she was not a full-blooded high elf with one of her parents being an Imperial aristocrat. As a result, even though Ianthia was primarily raised in the Dominion she had a close connection to the Empire of Man and visited it multiple times during her childhood. As she grew up, it became clear that she was knowledgeable in the fields of culture, history, and religion. This, combined with her silver tongue and natural charisma, made her an excellent representative for her family. Very quickly, Ianthia began to lose control over her destiny as her family paved roads for her to follow.
When Ianthia reached adulthood, she received the news that she was engaged in an arranged marriage. She knew not who her betrothed was, aside from that she was an Imperial noble. As a symbol of the engagement and Ianthia's dedication to it, she was given a ring. Upon placing the ring on her finger, it bound itself to her. Ianthia learned that her fiancé possessed another ring of the same kind, which bound their souls together. Any pain she would feel her fiancé would feel as well, and vice versa. Ianthia, naturally, was horrified by this news. Her freedom has been stripped from her even more.
As she sailed across the Great Sea and towards the Empire, Ianthia began to think. From the moment her potential was realised, her destiny has been controlled. Her agency had been stolen. Her freedom had been denied. This could no longer stand.
Upon arriving in the Empire, Ianthia was placed inside a coach and the overland journey to her new home began. Along the way, however, she fled. She ran into the wilderness and away from her escorts. When she ran what she believed was far enough away, Ianthia took stock of her situation. She had fled and her destiny was now hers to control. But she was in a land mostly unknown to her. With little money and no plan outside of what she had already achieved. With little else to do, Ianthia began to wander.
Since her escape, Ianthia has taken to adventuring. Though inexperienced, her social skills and limited martial training has made her at least competent enough to survive thus far. Despite the struggles, Ianthia is simply happy to have her freedom. Her family or fiancé never came after her, as far as she knew. They presumably believe that she died in the wilderness. Nevertheless, money needed to be made - and it is that simplest of needs that brought Ianthia to the village of Week...
== Characteristics and Personality ==
Ianthia is said to be quite a difficult person to read. She hides behind a bit of a shroud and is arguably quite a deceptive individual - though she is not necessarily selfish or evil. She is, though, undeniably manipulative. She is an expert flatterer and can make anyone she talks to feel like the most important person in the room - even if that is obviously not the case. Ianthia is also somewhat unforgiving. Her favour, when lost, is lost forever.
Perhaps Ianthia's most obvious trait is her fierce sense of independence. It is this want of freedom and desire for independence that drives her. She feels that she needs to prove to herself and others that she can function without the privileges of her upbringing and family. This can sometimes be to her detriment as Ianthia might not always ask for help when she needs it.
== Notable Possessions ==
=== Equipment ===
* Bound Ring - an engagement ring that was placed on her finger on the day her arranged marriage was announced. Ianthia cannot take it off, no matter how hard she tries.