Adeline Sterling

Adeline Sterling is Vennt's Iconic No Gift character.

## ***Paladin of the Empress***

*A brave knight, and young for her rank, Adeline upholds justice in the name of the Empress.*

*Adeline was always ready and willing to train on the frontline. She could take a hit and block a blow better than any knight her age. She was trained under strict regimen by her parents, yielding a relatively sheltered childhood. Despite her naivety, Adeline strives for perfectionism in every block, parry, and thrust, loyal and faithful to serving the Empress and her country Urgristan at any cost.*

# **Adeline’s Story**

*I was born to nobles of House Sterling in the kingdom of Urgristan. We lived in a mansion in Indigot, The Capital. Capital of the world, it feels like. Everything moves so fast in the city, and all the while young Empress Abigail is beginning to take over the throne of the whole continent. All of Gristan under her watchful eye. My parents let me go to her speeches, she’s brilliant. I’ve always known one day I would defend her as she defended me.*

*When I was 10 years old, my parents enlisted me in the Imperial Army to train my already budding discipline. I woke as the sun rose to carry water to the soldiers, and I began my studies in history and fencing with the help of my parents’ tutors. Some days were grueling, but my persistence drove me forward - I would force my body onward, I would keep working for many hours, and my parents were proud.*

*When I was 15, I had my first dance with a boy, Raymond, at one of the noble balls. We became best friends. He teased me about being sheltered, he said my parents were too strict and there was so much to the world I hadn’t seen. Maybe he’s right. One day I’ll see the world, and then I’ll know, and with that knowledge I will be empowered to protect the Empress.*

*When I was 17, my mettle was finally tested. The evening before the final test of my knight training, a call for help went out to the soldiers: a nearby town was under attack of creatures rising up from the underground. I volunteered myself to aid them, knowing that if I could save but one life at the cost of my own, it would be enough. With naught but a torch in hand, I ran thirty miles to the town and joined the fight with the town’s guards against the twisted creatures which sprung up. Shield in hand, I did all I could to defend them with my last breath, but with each breath that came, another followed. Morning came and the town was safe. I was weary, but I gathered my strength and sprinted the whole way back to make it in time for the day of my judgment, my final test as a knight in training.*

*Now I am 19, and my Imperial command has tasked me with a special mission. The Empress needs talented individuals to join her special forces, and I am to persuade them to our ranks. I am equally excited that my mission will finally have me see the world and learn what more wonder there is to find, what more justice there is to bring. In the name of Empress Abigail, I will fight with valor for those who cannot fight for themselves. I will gain trusted allies, uncover the world’s mysteries, and defend Gristan!*

## Trivia

* Adeline Sterling was originally the Iconic Character for the Gift of Endurance, based on the removed attributes of Fortitude and Stamina.