Dao-shai Flamesword

## Physical Appearance

Dao-shai is well-muscled, a product of his vigorous training routine. Most of his day is spent exercising, in the forge, or on a mission, and it shows. Despite all this, his fur is almost inexplicably soft. To anybody familiar with the elements, they might notice a faint power imbued in his very coat.

## Character History

Dao-shai was born to two relatively simple farmers, with an older sister. While living in Stoneplow, he learned the virtues of patience and hard work, but was not satisfied. One day, as he walked the fields, he witnesses two master Swordsmen pass by the road, engaged in a heated debate. Without warning, they drew their swords, and engaged in a magnificent duel befitting their skills. The clash went on for minutes, and was a beautiful display of talent that even a farmboy like Dao-shai could appreciate. Then, as suddenly as it began, they stopped, sheathed their weapons, bowed, and went on their way. Dao-shai was blown away by their grace and skill; he had to learn how they did it. Running as fast as he could, he caught up with the two travelers. When asked where they were headed, they informed him they were traveling to the Temple of the Red Crane. Dao had never been further from home than Halfhill; as much as he wanted to learn from them, he knew his family would not approve of him leaving. He could only think of one solution: performing for them himself.

There was two flaws in this plan. The first was that the Masters could only stay for a few days, as they were expected at the Temple. The second was that Dao-shai, being a farmhand, had absolutely no experience whatsoever in swordplay or even basic combat. He obtained permission from his parents to "talk" with the Masters for the short time they had, and spent every minute studying as much as he could. By the time of the performance, it was clear: While a fast learner, Dao-shai was definitely not any degree of talented after such a short time. Still, with hope in his heart, he asked his family to watch a demonstration, and that he wanted to convince them to let him train at the Temple. Begrudgingly, they sat on the steps of their modest home and watched their youngest child draw training swords with a true master War Dancer. It would be so wonderful to say that he defied all expectations and bested an ancient Master. Or perhaps that, knowing that Dao had to win in order to leave, the master played along and took the fall.

Unfortunately, in real life, nobody learns how to War Dance in four days.

Dao-shai got his furry little tail kicked. He didn't even manage to score a single hit, let alone win. While he did his best to dodge and block, in the end, a single, masterful blow took the farm boy from on his feet to out cold in the dirt.

When he awoke, there was not the comfort of his bed, or the gentle breeze through the window. Instead, the already bruised and aching Pandaren awoke in the back of a bumpy cart, on the edge of the Krasarang Wilds, being pulled by the two Masters. Glad to finally not have to carry him, they lowered him off and walked along the trails, full of hope for their eager, if roughed-up, new apprentice.

## Personality

Dao-shai tends to alternate between an impassioned, inspiring fervor, and a deep, almost meditative calm. Whenever he fights, it takes great effort to keep from shouting encouragement to his allies or even himself, and he ends up doing it anyway roughly half the time. He's usually more level-headed when it's calmer, but can still be spurred into fury if one intentionally pushes his buttons the right way.

## Combat

Dao-shai practices a fighting style he calls "The Dance of Flame". Meant to imitate the very nature of fire, it ramps up quickly in aggression as the fight continues. Curiously, he seems to somehow light *himself* on fire during most engagements, yet never becomes burned by the flames he creates.