Serra

For other versions of this character, see Thyra Erling (Disambiguation)

> "You will stumble along as prisoners or lie among the dead. But even then my lord Thedun’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is poised to strike."
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> - Thyra Erling, to a Nájazd chieftan
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**Thyra Erling**, otherwise known as **Serra Alghast**, is the **Princess of Lindholm** and an **adventurer** in **the** **Party**. A jaded and tired woman, she has left the comfort of her position in Lindholm to travel the world. Journeying far from her icy home in the north, she seeks to understand the broader workings of reality itself, and decipher the cryptic nature of magic.

## Description

> "You see a woman with pale, icy colored skin with lines of elemental lightning crackling in place of veins. Her face bears a tired, wary countenance, and is framed by a whispy cloud in place of hair. Her eyes shine with the light of the storm, and are currently fixated on the road ahead."
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> - An introductory description of Thyra
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Thyra is a young storm genasi woman commonly seen wearing her adamantine plate armor and wielding a morningstar and shield. Since the defeat of Volibag of Ligurwia, she has swapped her morningstar for the Staff of Greatness. She stands at 1.82 meters in height (6 feet), with pale, bluish-tinged skin and lightning running in her veins. Her head is capped by a cloud, the color of which fluctuates between light and airy to dark and stormy depending on the ambient humidity and her mood. Her face almost always bears a tired and wary expression, though she can often be seen with an aggravated expression when with her fellow adventurers Keeper and Grulem. She wears an amulet of Thedun Oakcracker around her neck, which she often fiddles with when antsy or stressed.

Thyra's body is toned and muscular, kept in shape by constant combat and a strict training regimen she executes every morning. She bears a few scars from her three campaigns, the most prominent of which is a long slash up her right arm. She also bears a lightning mark from her time near Stromm Lightningbeard during her second crusade against Vafheim.

## Personality

> "Let a man never stir on his road a step;
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> without his weapons of war;
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> for unsure is the knowing when need shall arise;
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> of a spear on the way without."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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Thyra has often been compared to a summer storm. Loud and passionate, especially when discussing topics of keen interest, her voice tends to boom and carry. This is generally not out of any anger, but rather a combination of her genuine excitement or passion over a subject, as well as her nature as a storm genasi. She often raises her voice unintentionally, as her companion Keeper tends to engage in philosphical discussions with her about ethics and the conflicts of humanoids versus nature. These discussions often get a rise out of her, most notably during Keeper's tirades about the sanctity of animal and plant life, a supposed moral high ground Serra does not and will not acknowledge, but can respect as a difference of opinion. Many of her friends and fellow adventurers think she gets angry during these debates, however that isn't the case. When Thyra truly gets angry, her voice becomes deep, rumbling, and furious, and her eyes spark with elemental energy. This most often occurs during combat, when particularly cowardly or villainous enemies manage to get under her skin.

This wrath is best noted when her god, Thedun, is attacked or insulted. Thyra owes her life to the Stormlord, his intervention having saved her on more than one occasion. Considering she was raised in a society heavily devoted to Thedun, it is easy to understand why she is so fervently devoted to him. Any harm brought to him, whether physical, mental, or even mere slander, is met by an immediate and violent response.

Despite her stormy nature, Thyra tends to prefer quiet and introspection. She adores research and study, capable of spending days poring over texts, scrolls, and artifacts, intent on unraveling every possible piece of information there is to discover. She will often dwell on her findings, holding internal debates in her head about the nature of magic and how her prior knowledge can either explain or be adapted to her new discoveries. Obsessed with the mechanics of magic and how it applies to the world around her, there have been times where she hasn't spoken for weeks, mulling over an impressive or expansive body of work without break or interruption. She often says her happiest days were spent in Thedun's Pontifical Library for this very reason, her love of knowledge and the quiet respect afforded to her there helping spur her insights and further foster her desire to learn magic.

This preference for introspection translates into her thought processes during battle as well. Highly analytical and well versed in tactics, Thyra prefers to deliberate on a situation before engaging. She performs best when given time to prepare for a conflict, however this does not mean she is inflexible. Being a veteran of three campaigns, Thyra is more than capable of thinking on her feet. However, when given the choice, she will always lean towards the more thought out option, believing that instinct, while valuable in certain situations, is ultimately inferior to higher thinking.

This fact renders her rather stubborn at times. She will often refuse to abandon a plan or objective unless provided with overwhelming evidence that the situation is untenable. This is in part due to the culture of her home, where traits like determination and resilience are emphasized heavily, and in part because of her unflinching loyalty. She refuses to forsake the trust of those she regards as friends. Her mind will often race through adaptations she and her allies can attempt in an engagement, only contemplating retreat when it is the only option left. Outside the battlefield, Thyra's thinking can be equally rigid. Unless provided with evidence to the contrary, she will often hold her beliefs to be true. This has led to many cyclical arguments with her companions in the Party, and can foster some animosity with others who don't understand how to change her mind.

Above all else is Thyra's militant approach to life. Despite her fatigue in regards to organized conflict, she still holds the mindset of a soldier. She evaluates everything on a binary scale of winnable or unwinnable. Diplomatic endeavors tend to be viewed as conflicts of word and pen rather than genuine attempts at peace. Discussions are a mental battlefield rather than a means to convey thoughts and information. This is largely due to her disillusionment during her last crusade, the loss of a great many of her friends shifting her mentality to the sole subject of survival. While she is genuinely passionate about learning new information and making friends, the scars of her conflicts run deep, and when pressed on an issue she will ultimately regress into a combative mindset.

## Abilities

> "A mage is unto reality as a potter is to clay. The laws of what are and what will be are ours to shape, the results only limited to the quality and creativity of the artist."
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> - Thyra Erling, explaining magic
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Being a veteran and a seasoned adventurer, Thyra is a capable combatant. While most of her youth was spent refining her martial capabilities, she derives most of her strength from the magical power she has acquired through her reverence of the Stormlord and her study of the arcane.

### Cleric Powers

Despite her loyal devotion to Thedun, most of Thyra's strength is derived from other sources. Instead, she uses her gifts and abilities from her god to augment her arcane capabilities. Using a mixture of empowering effects, defensive abilities, and support-oriented spells, Thyra has managed to enhance her combat potential with clever use of Thedun's favor.

#### Cleric Features

As a low-level divine caster, Thyra possesses little strength originating from her clerical training. Despite this, she still utilizes what limited abilities she has extensively. They act as the most powerful effects in her arsenal, despite their low level.

* **Channel Divinity**: Utilizing her connection to Thedun, Thyra can channel divine energy to fuel magical effects once per short rest.
	+ *Destructive Wrath*: When Thyra deals lightning or thunder damage to a target, she can present her holy symbol and speak a prayer beseeching the Stormlord for his power, dealing maximum damage instead of rolling.
	+ *Turn Undead*: As an action, Thyra can present her holy symbol and speak a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead that can see or hear Thyra within 30 feet of her must make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage.
* **Wrath of the Storm**: When a creature within 5 feet of Thyra that she can see hits her with an attack, she can use her reaction to cause the creature to make a Dexterity saving throw. The creature takes 2d8 lightning or thunder damage on a failed saving throw, and half as much damage on a successful one.

#### Cleric Spells

Unlike her arcane abilities, Thedun's blessings rely on foresight and introspection. By utilizing her own insightful nature, Thyra is able to channel the powers of the storm to aid her allies, hinder her enemies, and in the rare occasion, deal damage to her foes. Being limited in nature by her study of the arcane, most of the divine spells at her disposal are low in power and effect, either being used in a supportive role or when all other options have been expended.

* **Cantrips**: Guidance, Light, Spare the Dying
* **First Level**: Create or Destory Water, Detect Evil and Good, Detect Life, Detect Magic, Fog Cloud, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Inflict Wounds, Thunderwave

### Wizard Powers

Thyra's love of study and obscure knowledge has led her down the path of the wizard. Curious about the secrets of magical theory, she devotes much of her energy to understanding the broader functions of the world. By taking this knowledge and applying to the elements, Thyra has managed to create and manipulate powerful sources of energy, generating violent outbursts of power and manipulating their composition to her desired effects.

#### Wizard Features

As a moderate level arcane caster, most of Thyra's combat potential is derived from her arcane knowledge. By using her many notes and scrolls on the workings of the spheres, Thyra is able to empower herself and her spells to great effect.

* **Arcane Recovery**: Once per day when Thyra finishes a short rest, she can choose expended spell slots to recover - up to a combined level of 6, and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher.
* **Awakened Spellbook**: Using specially prepared inks and ancient incantations passed down by the Pontifical Library, Thyra has awakened an arcane sentience within her spellbook, granting her unique abilities.
	+ *Arcane Transmutation*: While she is holding the awakened spellbook and casts a wizard spell with a spell slot, Thyra can temporarily replace its damage type with a type that appears in another spell in her spellbook, which magically alters the spell’s formula for that casting only.
	+ *Manifest Mind*: Thyra can conjure forth the mind of her spellbook. As a bonus action while the book is on her person, she can cause the mind to manifest as a tiny spectral object. The spectral mind is intangible and doesn’t occupy its space, and it sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius. While manifested, the spectral mind can hear and see, and it has darkvision with a range of 60 feet. The mind can telepathically share with Thyra what it sees and hears. Whenever she casts a wizard spell on her turn, she can cast it as if she were in the spectral mind’s space, instead of her own, using its senses.
	+ *Ritual Hastening*: When she casts a wizard spell as a ritual, Thyra can use the spell’s normal casting time, rather than adding 10 minutes to it.
* **Master Scrivener**: Utilizing her vast knowledge of scribe techniques, whenever Thyra finishes a long rest, she can create one magic scroll by touching her Wizardly Quill to a blank piece of paper or parchment and causing one spell from her Awakened Spellbook to be copied onto the scroll.
* **Wizardly Quill**: Using techniques passed down to her by the Pontifical Scribes, Thyra can magically create a Tiny quill in her free hand. It doesn’t require ink, and when she writes with it, it produces ink in a color of her choice on the writing surface. In addition, the time Thyra must spend to copy a spell into her spellbook equals 2 minutes per spell level if she uses the quill for the transcription. and she can erase anything she writes with the quill if she waves the feather over the text as a bonus action.

#### Wizard Spells

Thyra's arcane abilities rely on her knowledge and recollection. By utilizing her own curiosity, she is able to manipulate the ambient energies of reality to induce dramatic and highly damaging effects. As her main source of damage, most of Thyra's arcane spells focus on inflicting great harm on her enemies or aiding her mobility. She possesses a few spells capable of aiding her allies as well, though she typically leaves that role to those more capable in that respect.

* **Cantrips**: Encode Thoughts, Fire Bolt, Mending, Shock, Shocking Grasp
* **First Level**: Absorb Elements, Burning Hands, Chromatic Orb, Expeditious Retreat, False Life, Feather Fall, Find Familiar, Grease, Identify, Shield
* **Second Level**: Dragon's Breath, Misty Step, Scorching Ray, Vortex Warp
* **Third Level**: Counterspell, Fireball, Fly, Protection from Energy, Sending, Thunder Step, Vampiric Touch
* **Fourth Level**: Electric Discharge, Elemental Bane, Galder's Speedy Courier, Lightning Shield, Wall of Fire
* **Fifth Level**: Conjure Elemental, Legend Lore, Lightning Leap, Steel Wind Strike, Summon Draconic Spirit, Teleportation Circle
* **Sixth Level**: Chain Lightning, Disintegrate, Static Field

## Combat

> "A coward believes he will ever live;
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> if he keep him safe from strife;
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> but old age leaves him not long in peace;
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> though spears may spare his life."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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Thyra is no stranger to melee combat, having survived the many marine landings and urban conflicts of the War of Hämnd, as well as a few of the crusades to Vafheim. She is proficient in all weapons, though she holds a special preference for the spear and the morningstar. While no where near as capable as her allies Grulem or Cheese, Thyra remains a sizable threat in close quarters thanks to her training and a wide array of spells that boost her damage output and punish enemies for getting within her reach.

Despite her sturdy nature, a lot of Thyra's abilities rely on distance from her target, a fact many enemies refuse to allow. Prior to her attunement to the Staff of Greatness, Thyra would rely on her allies to keep targets away from her, allowing her to utilize spells such as fireball and scorching ray, which she would transmute to lightning or thunder in order to channel Thedun's wrath. After her attunement to the Staff of Greatness, her durability increased significantly. This, combined with her newfound access to spells like Steel Wind Strike and Static Field, has shifted her focus from artillery to mid-range damage and support.

Even with her ever growing penchant for close range, Thyra still remains most potent when given room to breathe. With a multitude of long range bombardment spells, she can be incredibly damaging if given the space to execute her most powerful attacks. In order to ensure this, she tends to utilize spells such as Fly and Misty Step to keep away from enemies that would prove too much for her countermeasures. When such spells would prove ineffectual, she will summon one of her Elemental Myrmidons to intercept enemies that are too fast or too durable for her to eliminate by herself.

When not using her spells to mete put Thedun's judgement, Thyra acts as a support caster. It is a role most commonly adopted for when her allies find themselves controlled or separated by an especially dangerous enemy. She gets an extensive amount of mileage out of spells like Counterspell, Dispel Magic, and Vortex Warp, using them to bail her fellow party member's out when they jump into an encounter blind or fail to account for a variable.

While far from a tactical genius, Thyra still prefers to engage in combat after putting thought into her actions. When given time to prepare herself, she can prove to be a dangerous foe. Unfortunately, the Party's propensity for chaos often gives her little or no time to prepare. She attempts to make up for this lack of preparedness with overwhelming brute force, but there is only so much such a strategy can do. Thankfully, her allies are capable combatants, especially the warrior Grulem and the songstress Alydiadne. She relies extensively on both of them to fend for themselves and support each other, roles they fill exceptionally.

## Possessions

> "The pen is the sacred bearer of countless lifetimes. In three generations we will be nothing but tall tales and ill-known recollections. It is the hallowed duty of the scribe to ensure the memorable is remembered; the tragic transcribed; the knowable known."
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> - Thyra Erling, on being a scribe
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Thyra prefers to travel light. However, since her induction into the Party, she has found herself amassing a small treasury of items and artifacts that she oftentimes finds stressful to carry. Being dubbed the responsible member of the Party, she has been granted the possession of the multitude of cursed artifacts and powerful items the adventuring group has encountered but hasn't found a particular use for.

### Artifacts

Thyra has come into possession of a multitude of magical and historical artifacts during her time as an adventurer. While most have remained on her person, she has yet to encounter an artifact she wishes to keep permanently.

#### Ar'man Fragments

These broken fragments of stone tablets detail the early history of Erah from the arrival of the Uransaga to the dawn of human civilization, including the other civilizations and cities that flourished then, and the gods worshiped in these places. It also details a number of elder thing cities, deep one colonies, and an enclave of serpent folk, as well as containing star charts and a detailed description of the lost city of Ar'man and its fall to the chthonians led by Garn'durel.

Thyra encountered these shards within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse them, though she recorded their existence and the history inscribed upon them for her records. She hopes to one day inter them in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

#### Draugsplitter

This longsword was forged by an ancient, forgotten Demon Lord in a forge deep within Nul itself. It is made from a unique, dark-colored metal and features the bones of another archfiend on its hilt. It was created to kill those who escaped from the afterlife and return them to their rightful place. It can be attuned to over the course of a minute instead of an hour.

Thyra came to own Draugsplitter after a cursed tree rampaged through Lindholm and threatened to kill her sister, Liv. The Party stole it from Nicolaus the Red before handing it to Thyra, who sprinted back to Lindholm. She used the blade to kill the tree and save her sister. During her attunement to the blade, it revealed its cursed nature and began to change her appearance. Fortunately, the curse was ended before any dire effects could take hold, and it has remained in her bag ever since. She one day hopes to take the blade back to the forge where it was created and destroy it.

#### Elder-Celestial Scroll

This scroll was written by an unknown person from Saugland in the distant past in an unusual combination of elder thing and celestial. It contains the information present in the Manuscript of Kagoskali that is not present in the Beneri Scrolls, dealing primarily with the yithians.

Thyra encountered this scroll within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse it, though she recorded its existence and the history inscribed upon it for her records. She hopes to one day inter it in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

#### Pa Doden

This tome was written by General Kleightus the Grendel and contains his findings of the nature of death. It can be used as a mask as well as a book. Its powers are fueled by the souls trapped within. It is bound in the skin of an elf, with the skin of their face making up the front cover.

Thyra secured this book from Kleightus after the penultimate battle of the plateau. The Party resolved to destroy the tome and free the souls trapped within, entrusting Thyra to protect the tome until it could be purged. The hero deity Skarlat attempted to take the book from Thyra, but she managed to negotiate with the wyrdmage and keep it. This negotiation cost her the freedom of her brother, Arne, who Skarlat took and tortured as payback for Thyra's negotiations. The Pa Doden was eventually delivered to Depnar, who destroyed it and freed the trapped souls of Taz and Zed held within.

#### Stela of Smen of Ahre

This stela in the Aegiman style marked the burial of Smen of Ahre, a priest of Derwo titled "servant of the winged ones". It is written in a combination of elder thing and early aegiman.

Thyra encountered this stela within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse it, though she recorded its existence and the history inscribed upon it for her records. She hopes to one day inter it in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

#### Tormigallith Tablets

These three clay tablets are inscribed with a great deal of information about the deep ones, the great old ones, and the sinking of the prehistoric city of Tormigallith, as well as ending with an apocalyptic prophecy about the rise of the oceanic realms. It also contains an unusually high amount of information on Kosiyil.

Thyra encountered these tablets within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse them, though she recorded their existence and the history inscribed upon them for her records. She hopes to one day inter them in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

#### Trekrotwerk Shards

These are a set of pottery shards discovered in the elder thing research colony beneath the dwarven stronghold of Trekrotwerk. They contain a description of the yithians and their technology, given from the perspective from the elder things. Some of these fragments show signs of deliberate destruction, and not enough of the pieces remain to reconstruct the complete piece of pottery.

Thyra encountered these shards within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse them, though she recorded their existence and the history inscribed upon them for her records. She hopes to one day inter them in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

#### Xanthic Tablets

These tablets are made of a yellowish clay, hence the name. They contain information on the deity Revdum and his divine court.

Thyra encountered these tablets within the Elder Thing ruins. She has yet to fully peruse them, though she recorded their existence and the history inscribed upon them for her records. She hopes to one day inter them in a museum or library dedicated to the history of Erah and magic.

### Magic Items

Thyra uses an array of magic items both bought and found to augment her combat capabilities. They range from armor and rings to staves and swords. Each one serves a distinct purpose, though some hold more sentimental value than others. The most notable items are listed below.

#### Adamantine Plate

This suit of armor is reinforced with adamantine, one of the hardest substances in existence. It was a gift from the traveling dwarf Orik Ursgal after an extensive odyssey through Dowerah. It has protected her through many adventures throughout Erah and beyond.

#### Boots of the Winterlands

These furred boots are snug and feel quite warm. Thyra acquired these from the Aeternan ruins before she joined the party.

#### Forsaken Blade

This longsword was created by the bounty hunter Veiðikona. It is made of horn with a grip made of some sort of exotic leather. It is warm to the touch, and Celestials dislike this weapon and often treat its wielder as an enemy. Whenever the person wielding this blade contemplates or undertakes a malevolent act, it enhances the pangs of conscience. When used to strike an enemy, it makes the sound of a crack of thunder.

Thyra briefly came into the possession of the Forsaken Blade after Cheese passed it on to her for use in combat. This was in part due to Thyra's newfound use of Steel Wind Strike, and partly due to the need of a reliable backup weapon should magic prove ineffective.

#### Staff of Greatness

This ivory and crystal staff weighs half the weight of a normal staff. It was once used by the great wizard Rognvald of Eysteinschweig, who used it to defend his home against brigands led by his estranged son. After his death, a fragment of Rognvald's consciousness started inhabiting the staff, and it can often be heard grumbling.

Thyra found this staff within the personal treasury of Volibag of Ligurwia after the Party defeated him in his throne room. It has served as her spellcasting focus ever since, providing her with enhanced survivability and utility. She is never without the staff, and often uses it as a lever to navigate rough terrain, as well as a convenient bonking stick should especially tenacious enemies or foolish party members draw her ire.

### Personal Items

The items Thyra holds mostly dearly are weapons and trinkets from her time fighting in the War of Hämnd and the crusades. Each is of utmost value to the princess, and she refuses to part with any of them. Those who damage or attempt to steal these items are met with intense hostility.

#### Battered Nájazd Sword

A trophy taken from the battle of Rødstrand Bay. The battle was Thyra's first expedition beyond the territories of Lindholm, and was a decisive victory for the Linnish. Thyra took the sword to commemorate her first victory in the field, and it has remained on her person ever since.

#### Burnt House Erling Banner

During the raid on Lindholm, Thyra organized a defense of Thedun's Temple with the help of her sisters Liv and Ingrid. during the battle, the banner of House Erling that had adorned the entrance to the temple since her grandfather's time caught fire and began to burn. She managed to salvage the small square of what remained, and has kept it as a reminder of her past ever since.

#### Pebble from Vafehim

It was on the beaches of Vafheim, under the command of High King Skerkun, that Thyra fought her last battle. She had led many of her friends, both from the War of Hämnd and her first crusade, on the endeavor. The landing in Vafheim was brutal, with the landing party being anticipated and met as they crested the breakers. Of the 140 man detachment assigned to her ship, only 23 survived. They rallied and joined the High King at the next beach, where he got the chance to witness Thyra channel the wrath of the Oakcracker. In the end, Thyra saw the crusade to its completion. However, it left her jaded and confused, and compelled her to ultimately leave Lindholm upon her return. She keeps a pebble she took from that beach in her pocket at all times, to act as a reminder of her failings and to treasure those she loves while she has them.

#### Thyra's War Spear

The spear Thyra used during the War of Hämnd and her first crusade with Throki Stormbrow. Its head and haft have both been replaced multiple times, rendering it entirely different from the original, but the weapon has served as her reliable backup when her spells and other weapons fail her. She keeps it as a reminder that she has survived much, and will not die until she sees her plans to fruition.

## History

> "For gods graved Thedun, for elves graved Alvan;
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> Irsman the Dwarfather for dwarfs;
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> Gigana for Jötuns, and I, of myself;
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> graved some for the sons of men."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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### Early Life

Much of Thyra's early life revolved around Lindholm and the throne she was destined to inherit. Her childhood was spent studying warfare and diplomacy, with a heavy emphasis on the reverence of the Stormlord.

#### Childhood

Born to King Åke Erling and Queen Sigrid Erling of Lindholm, Thyra is the first of six children. She was born during an intense storm that battered Lindholm and left the Inner Band underwater. Her inheritance of her mother's storm genasi blood, combined with the intense display of Thedun's fury during her birth, turned her into an omen of fortune and glory to her people. Being the only storm genasi of her siblings, her mother saw her as a miracle child destined to succeed her as shieldmaiden in the honorable host of the Stormsworn under High King Skerkun. These factors influenced her development, for while Åke taught her siblings the intricacies of statecraft, Sigrid taught Thyra the many rites and rituals of honoring Thedun. At the age of fifteen she became a priestess of Thedun, being fully capable in the execution of his ceremonies. She soon took over her mother's role as High Priestess of Lindholm's temple, and would spend most of her time in its sanctum praying to the Stormlord and his family, as well as studying the Tordens Ord and other texts of great religious and cultural significance.

This heavy focus on religion made her exceptionally more devout than her siblings, which created some animosity fostered by innate differences in priorities and understanding. While her sister Liv was very close to Thyra, Ingrid was a woman of logic and reason, who prioritized material objectives over spiritual ones. They would fight often during their teenage years, and never truly got along until the War of Hämnd began in 728.

#### Training

Upon completion of her religious studies, Sigrid handed Thyra off to the dwarven riddhare, Alvíss, who was her father's shield-bearer and close friend. Thyra received her martial training from the dwarf, who was a strict instructor. She gained a basic level of competency in warfare and tactics from Alvíss, though she never quite matched her sister Liv in this respect. However, Alvíss and Thyra grew close over a shared love of poetry.

The two would often spend half of their training time recounting their favorite parts of different skáld songs and sagas, which frustrated her father to no end. This constant discussion of oral history helped develop Thyra's love for chronicling events, and would eventually develop into her drive as a scribe later in adulthood.

She completed her training with Alvíss when she came of age and officially took her place as heir to the throne of Lindholm. It was not long after her graduation into adulthood that the War of Hämnd began.

### The War of Hämnd

> "An eighth I know: which all can sing;
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> for their weal if they learn it well;
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> where hate shall wax 'mid the warrior sons;
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> I can calm it soon with that song."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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The War of Hämnd raged from 728 to 732, beginning with the sacking of Lindholm and ending with the Battle of Krev Bay. Upon the war’s conclusion, Lindholm’s population was decimated. Though many who had been captured by the Nájazd were rescued, much of the town’s youth were slain in the conflict. Few raids have been launched since, as the town has focused on its reconstruction.

Thyra served as an honor guard for her mother, as well as a commander during the latter half of the war. The conflict served to cement her homeland's glorification of war, and while it left her bitter and resentful, the lingering presence of the Nájazd offered her a target for her animosity that pushed her to partake in the crusades to Vafheim as an outlet.

#### The Nájazd

The Nájazd are a group of Ligurwians located to the east of Lindholm. Notorious raiders, even among the already aggressive Liguriwans, the Nájazd and the Linnish had been at odds for centuries before the sacking of Lindholm, with both sides raiding the other during times of hardship. However, in the winter of 728, the Nájazd launched a massive slave raid that destroyed the Inner Band of Lindholm and saw a sizable proportion of its population slain or taken captive.

During the raid, a large group of civilians sought shelter in Thedun's temple. The King was pinned down at the Battle of Hakon's Bridge, leaving the temple's defense to his three eldest children, Thyra, Liv, and Ingrid. Thyra managed to rally the fearful populace with the promise of glory and the protection of Thedun. Together with some riddhare that had been separated from the King, they repelled the raiders that sought to sack the temple, and captured many who surrendered. As the raiders made their way back to sea with a large amount of plunder and Lindholm's people, Åke condemned the captured raiders to death, and bid Thyra subject them to the trial of the Blood Eagle.

#### The Campaign

After recuperating and marshaling his vassals and allies, King Åke set his sights on Liguriwa. Eager to retrieve his people and crush the Nájazd for their actions, the King readied the Linnish fleet and set Lindholm to the bloody task of war. Thyra was assigned to her mother Sigrid, who formed the vanguard of the Linnish fleet. Together they would skirmish with Ligurwian coastal settlements, plundering their food stores and gathering intelligence on Nájazd movements.

The first two years of the war saw Thyra accompany her mother as they meted the judgement of Thedun on the enemies of Lindholm. Over the course of this campaign, Thyra honed her skills as a warrior and tactician, managing to direct her cold and weary soldiers throughout a long and bloody campaign. She prided herself on keeping her host alive, and upon their return to the main war band under her father, more than four-fifths of their starting fleet remained under her control. Because of the resounding success of the early campaign, the King assigned Thyra as the commander of his vanguard, and bid her complete the perilous task of carving a path from their newly captured holdings in western Liguriwa to Krev Bay, where the Nájazd had established their capital. Under her command was her sister, Liv, and a small contingent of longships filled with Lindholm's most seasoned riddhare. With determination and faith Thyra set forth to exact her people's vengeance on the Nájazd.

#### Retribution

Two more years passed, with Thyra slogging her way through a nation's worth of warriors hell bent on preventing her advance. On beach after beach she claimed the heads of the slavers who had stolen her kinsmen, a bloody business that often required a constant rotation of men and longships. By the grace of Thedun Thyra remained relatively unharmed, though a variety of small scars and superficial wounds littered her body by the war's end. It was during this campaign that her people truly came to revere her as a warrior priestess of the Stormlord. Storms would wash away approaching enemy fleets, while rip-currents and unseasonable winds would prevent retreating enemies from fleeing. In battle, the thunder and lightning of Thedun would smite Thyra's foes, while any who struck her would be smote by a strike of divine fury.

By the winter of 732, Thyra had carved a bloody path to Krev Bay, with the Ligurwia's coastal holdings west of the inlet salted and razed. King Åke reunited with his daughters at the helm of a host of nords from various petty kingdoms, all set on the extermination of the Nájazd threat. The chieftain of the Nájazd met Thyra and her father at the mouth of Krev Bay, where they battled for two days until the King struck down the chieftain. Despite the symbolic victory, the Nordic fleet was bloodied and incapable of further advance. Thyra was determined to fully defeat the Nájazd and avenge her people, but the Ligurwians proposed a parley that the tired king swiftly accepted. The Linnish returned home with their people and their gold and artifacts, and Thyra grew to despise the Ligurwians, a burning hatred she holds to this day.

### The Crusades

> "When you see hundreds of the mouthless dead;
>
>
> Across your dreams in pale bands go;
>
>
> Say not soft things as other men have said;
>
>
>
> That you’ll remember. For you need not so..."
>
>

> - Cenotaph in Thedun's Temple, attributed to an unknown skáld
>
>

Thyra took part in two crusades after the War of Hämnd, one under the storm giant Throki Stormbrow, and the other under High King Skerkun. While the first endeavor brought Thyra honor, glory, gold, and companionship, the second traumatized her and made her reconsider her lifestyle as a Shieldmaiden of the Stormsworn.

#### With Throki Stormbrow

In the summer of 733, Throki Stormbrow came to Lindholm. In search of volunteers for a crusade into Vafheim, he promised gold, glory, and the favor of the Mountainshaker. The Linnish people were exhausted from the War of Hämnd, but Thyra was eager to vent her frustrations over the draw at Krev Bay. Presented with an opportunity to show her faith to her god and find honor and glory in battle, Thyra joined with a few of her friends who had served with her throughout her campaign into Liguriwa.

The crusade was a resounding success, with a vast amount of gold amassed by the small Linnish detachment that was funneled into the rebuilding of Lindholm. Thanks to the crusade, Lindholm earned a reputation that attracted many from across Nordmarch looking for a save and powerful place to live. The petty kingdom entered a mini golden age, and Thyra took pride that her capacity for warfare had finally resulted in a positive for her home

#### With High King Skerkun

In the spring of 734, High King Skerkun and his host of storm giants rallied the lieges and called for a new grand crusade against the fey of Vafheim. Unlike the raid executed by Throki Stormbrow, the crusade into Vafheim was a full-scale invasion intended to execute the wrath of Thedun. Thyra immediately signed up, joined by friends old and new, and set off to join the High King's gathering warband.

The journey to Vafheim was rowdy and excited, with Thyra feeling confident in her capacity to bring further wealth and glory to Lindholm. The landing of her crew proved her confidence mistaken.

120 men disembarked from her ship on the rocky shores of Vafheim. An equal number of fey and elves ambushed them, whittling down their number by dozens with volleys of arrows and magic. They had been anticipated, their actions foretold by divinations. Thyra managed to rally her crew and take the initiative, engaging the ambushers in a brutal melee. Over the course of twenty minutes the two sides battered each other into bloody pulps. They fey refused to retreat, determined to rend the intruders until either they or Thyra's band perished. By the time the last fey had been felled, only 23 of her band remained.

Thyra had little time to lament over the fall of her comrades, nor process the brutality of her actions. The High King called for aid, and Thyra answered the call. Her band rejoined with the High King's warband, beset on multiple sides by fey ambushers. Channeling the wrath swelling inside her, Thyra unleashed a furious assault of thunder and lightning, earning the recognition of her king. She was determined to preserve the lives of those few that remained in her care, which she achieved through excessive application of destructive force.

The crusade lasted three months, during which Thyra lost herself in the execution of Thedun's judgement on the fey. By the end of those three months, she was a tired, jaded wreck of a woman, who had become entirely disillusioned with the further slaughter the High King demanded. She was not alone in her fatigue. The crusade lost its momentum, and all returned to their ships and ventured back to Erah.

#### Disillusionment

Ashamed of her failings and haunted by her actions in Vafheim, Thyra returned to Lindholm changed. She brought gold and treasures that further enriched her home, but the loss of a great many friends and the brutality she witnessed pushed her to the edge. She was determined to leave her shameful actions behind her, determined to somehow, in some capacity, atone for her failings. Knowing she could not achieve this in Lindholm, she set about enacting a plan to leave her home, potentially for good.

### The Flight

> "My name is Serra Alghast. It is not mine by birth, nor by choice, but nor are many other things in life. So that is what I shall be called. Serra Alghast.
>
>
> My true name? Thyra Erling, first child of Åke Erling and Sigrid Erling, lauded veteran of the Nájazd War, and lawful heir to the throne of Lindholm. There was a time I clung fervently to that name, but that was long ago. Now I am Serra Alghast, cleric of Thedun, and wanderer from the far north.
>
>
> I have sailed across the astral sea to far Vafheim, under the banners of great giants and warlords. I have greased my palms in gold and blood, wrenched from my enemies dead cold hands. It is that very fact that has driven me so far from home.
>
>
>
> The constant wars and bloodshed of my homeland vex and tire me. No amount of plunder and glory will remove the faces of my friends from my mind. Some might call me weak for this fatigue. Some may call me a coward. Some are green fools, yet untested on the swelling breakers and rocky shores. Some are vain and naive. Some are tiresome. Unfortunately, some are many in Lindholm."
>
>

> - Journal Entry from Thyra Erling
>
>

Stromm blessed Thyra with beloved family. Sensing her fatigue, her beloved sister, Liv, gifted Thyra coin and her favored horse Taranis, and bid her brother, Arne, take her south. Arne did as was asked, without question, and took her across the misty seas to a land far beyond the horizon. Whether for love of Thyra or distaste for their father, she knew not. And so, in the fall of 734, Thyra Erling left Lindholm.

#### The Open Sea

A great storm swept their ship three nights from shore. Some might consider it a sign of misfortune, but Thyra thought otherwise. Despite the battering waves and howling winds, the ship held firm. She trusted Arne with her life. But to Thyra, it was not Arne that bore her passage beyond that grand maelstrom. It was Thedun himself, proud of his wayward daughter. He bore her through that cataclysmic storm, one that would've sunk any lesser vessel. So it was with waterlogged boots and a light conscious that she strode onto the docks of the southlands.

### Lonesome Wanderings

> "These lands are warm and dry. Unused to this climate or the people native here, I have wandered this place aimlessly. I am thankful, at least, for freedom. No oppressing omens of war. No responsibilities or ambitions. Just myself, my horse, and the winds of Thedun to guide me. Where they will take me, I know not. Hopefully somewhere wet. I can't stomach the stagnant air of these lands."
>
>

> - Thyra Erling
>
>

Thyra spent the next few months wandering aimlessly, unsure of where she should go and what she should do. She organized herself in Kena, gathering her bearings and looking for potential work she could partake in. Coming up with nothing but a half-baked rumor about a great library to the east, she left Kena with few prospects and little coin. Recalling her time with Alvíss, she decided to pursue this rumor, as the dwarf’s love of knowledge had rubbed off on her. Relying on omens from the Stormlord and her own intuition, she spent the next few years exploring the breadth and width of the region.

#### A Cult of Radiation

Her first stop on her odyssey was far from intentional. Visiting an isolated village near the city of Kena, she was approached by a local tax collector who requested her help. Spying her as a mercenary, he requested she help rid the village of a cult that had recently declared the village its vassal. They had been collecting tribute intended for nearby Kena and offering it to a god known only as Argent. Curious about who the god may be and eager to actualize her desire to become a hero, she accepted the request.

When the cult emerged the following day brandishing slings loaded with glowing stones, Thyra attempted to reason with the group. They proved themselves bereft of diplomacy by pelting her with these glowing stones and accusing her of heresies. While they did little to damage her thanks to her armor, the radioactive properties poisoned her blood. She managed to exterminate the cult with a liberal application of thunder magic.

Recognizing her ailment, a priest that had been passing by offered Thyra his Periapt of Health. It stalled the progression of the illness, allowing her to continue her adventures and hopefully find a cure. She thanked the man, named Andreas Castor, and vowed to return his kindness when she next encountered him.

#### Morrigan

Leaving Kena and entering the foothills of the Vulcan Mountains, Thyra soon stumbled upon the site of an ambush. A noble's caravan, waylaid by bandits. Thyra offered the fallen divine peace dedicated by Thedun, and set their bodies alight in a funeral pyre. As she watched it burn, a riding horse emerged from surrounding brush. Identifying him as prize stallion attached to the caravan, she offered him food and bid he follow her. She dubbed him Morrigan and resumed her trek to the east.

#### Lost in the Deep

The journey over the Vulcan Mountains proved to treacherous. Heavy snows and dangerous creatures made a challenge Thyra dared not attempt to overcome. Determined to get across the range, she opted instead to try Dowerah.

The route through the Underdark ended up being a mistake. She wandered for days, the winding paths of the mountain caves entirely alien to her. Just when she resigned herself to her fate and lost hope of leaving, a dwarf by the name of Orik Ursgal came to her rescue. He was driving a caravan through the deep roads and happened across the princess as she was setting up camp for the night. He offered Thyra a path through the mountains in exchange for her acting as an escort.

Over the next few weeks she repelled the various monsters of Dowerah from the caravan, earning the respect and friendship of Orik in the process. They eventually emerged from the Underdark at the other side of the Vulcan mountains, within the domain of the Manian Empire. Thyra was ready to part ways with the dwarf, when he offered her a suit of armor beyond the make of any she had seen before. Formed of interlocking adamantine plates and worth a village's annual tithe, she was awestruck by the gift. She thanked Orik, and promised him a barrel of Lindholm's finest mead should they encounter each other again.

#### Ravaged by Time

Venturing through the verdant hinterlands of Mano, Thyra soon stumbled across the site of a furious battle. A troll, clad in armor and wielding divine arms, was battling a host of undead monstrosities pouring from a nearby ruin. Thyra offered assistance with the censuring power of Thedun and the wrath of the storm. The troll, named Gudrun, thanked her for her assistance and asked if she would join him in ensuring the undead threat was truly resolved.

The pair ventured into the ruins, which were unlike any she had seen before. They battled their way through groups of skeletons, the radiant blade of the troll smiting the creatures before they could rise. Thyra was intrigued by the ruins, and with the help of Gudrun and his vast knowledge of the occult, identified them as ruins of Aeterna. Thyra began to study the ruins, and in her studies found a volume of texts detailing the history of magic. It was here that she first learned how to alter the basis of reality to cast arcane magic, and her curiosity for magic intensified. After clearing the ruins, Thyra stumbled across a pair of boots. She identified them as Boots of the Winterlands, and kept them at the behest of Gudrun.

#### Sinister Machinations

Thyra traveled with Gudrun for several weeks, enjoying the company and the break from solace. As they neared the city of Mano, Thyra detected a magical anomaly from a nearby cave. The pair dismounted and entered the cave, finding a group of four elemental myrmidons that had been bound by a vile sorcerer. While Gudrun held of the myrmidons, Thyra dueled the mage. Using a mix of her martial training and an aggressive application of spells, she defeated the mage and broke his connection to the elementals. She killed the mage soon after, and the myrmidons were left confused and bound to Erah. With Gudrun's help, she broke their binding and returned them to their respective homes. As they left, Thyra offered them an imprint of her psyche, promising companionship and safety should they ever seek it.

#### The Pontifical Library

After they left the cave, Gudrun and Thyra parted ways. The paladin was determined to find out more about the evils that had been plaguing the Manian Empire. Thyra, intrigued by her transmutational discoveries, was determined to unearth further secrets of magic and reality. They bid each other well, and offered the protection of each others' gods.

Thyra arrived in Mano in the fall of 736. Finding the library she had heard about in Kena, she trawled her way through centuries worth of scrolls, tomes, and manuscripts. She spent six months in Thedun's Pontifical Library. It is a time she often views as the best in her life, immersed in knowledge she held great interest in. It reminded her of her time with Alvíss, a fact that pained her and made her homesick. Despite this, she remained in Mano, determined to uncover the true workings of the spheres. In the spring of 737, she uncovered her greatest discovery yet: how to transmute spells. Spurred by this discovery, she set out for the Aegiman Empire, hearing much of their scribes and hoping to find out more in relation to these discoveries.

### A Flirty Friend

> "With raiment and arms shall friends gladden each other;
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> so has one proved oneself;
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> for friends last longest, if fate be fair;
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> who give and give again."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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>

What Thyra failed to account for when she left Thedun's Library, was a chance encounter with a fugitive. Determined to help those in need, she accepted the plight of the young woman. Little did she know the impact it would have on her life.

#### Alydiadne, Consort to the Emperor

Alydiadne Opulenus Novellus Vatus, first of her name and favored bard of Emperor Manus XIV, is one of the most beloved women in the empire. Her voice could soothe even the most raucous of men or the loudest cry of a babe. All who hear her perform know the sound of angels and those who haven't would die to do so.

That's how she describes herself. And despite her propensity for hyperbole, Thyra would have to agree with her.

Alydiadne, known as Aly to her friends, definitely threw a wrench in Thyra's plans. What was intended to be a life of academic pursuits and adventure has turned into a babysitting operation while the bard makes merry and acts pretty. Not that Thyra especially blames her friend for that, though she can't help but think what would've happened had they never met.

Thyra first encountered Alydiadne when the bard was attempting to flee Mano. Seeing her beset by guards, Thyra thought her the victim of an attack and came to her defense. She nearly killed the guards before Aly stopped her. Insisting that the priestess should flee with her, Thyra felt oddly compelled to listen. The two made their escape, narrowly avoiding pursuing guards and breaking for the border of Mano.

#### Fugitives

In the days and weeks after their escape, Thyra got to know the side of Aly she never showed the public. A genuine, intelligent, and brave woman, Thyra found respect for the imperial princess through their trek in the wilderness. Thyra half expected the city dweller to be a wet rag and incapable of fending for herself. She was immensely surprised to find that she was not only an enchantress and mage of impressive caliber, but also a capable duelist.

They spent three months on the run from the Manians. During this time, Aly provided company that the princess had grown to sorely miss since she had parted ways with Gudrun. They regaled each other with tales of their adventures, Thyra's bringing a mix of sarcasm and wide-eyed awe from the bard, while Aly's typically provoked a sense of morbid curiosity, most especially at her...flexibility.

Alydiadne proved herself a capable flirt. Coin suddenly mattered very little after the bard graced Thyra with her company. When a year prior she had been forced to nestle against Taranis to keep warm, she now slept for free in quality feathered beds, thanks to a wink of the eye, a bat of the eyelashes, and some impressive singing on the part of the bard. In exchange for her impressive social skills, Thyra offered protection, both from handsy admirers as well as guards dispatched by the Emperor.

The two ended up becoming quite close as they inched their way to the Aegiman border. Thyra especially regarded Aly as something akin to a sister, the woman reminding her of Astrid. Once again plagued with homesickness, she threw herself into the single-minded focus of amassing more knowledge relating to the nature of magic. And as with the Pontifical Library, this plan was short-lived.

## Relationships

> "An eleventh I know: if haply I lead;
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> my old comrades out to war;
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> I sing 'neath the shields, and they fare forth mightily;
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> safe into battle;
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> safe out of battle;
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> and safe return from the strife."
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> - The *Tordens Ord*
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>

Thyra believes that manners cost you nothing, and gift you the world. This philosophy shapes her everyday interactions with those she is interested in forming amicable relationships with. She will tend to prefer making friends over enemies, and when her friends are pressed she will readily come to their defense. Loyalty, integrity, and determination define her approach to those she cares about most.

Her passionate nature has made for some interesting dynamics with those she cares for, however, and despite her best efforts her intentions can come across as heavy handed. She never intends to inconvenience those she cares about or make them uncomfortable, but when she feels something must be said she will say it. This has left her with many strained or broken friendships, and has put her at odds with her family on multiple occasions. Despite this, she still cares for all of her loved ones greatly, and will cross the world to fight on their behalf.

### Family

Despite whatever conflicts she has with her family, Thyra would die for each and every one of them. Her wrath is easily manifested when her family is threatened, and

### The Party - Current

#### Alydiadne

Alydiadne is Thyra's closest friend. The first member of the Party she met, the two have been through many trials and tribulations together. Ever since their chance encounter in the streets of Mano, Thyra has done her best to look after Aly's well being, something that the bard occasionally resents her for. This does not come from a place of belittlement or underestimation on Thyra's part. Rather, having lost most of her closest friends and mentors during the War of Hämnd and the crusades, the priestess finds it difficult to leave those she cares about to their own devices. She lives under the constant fear of not being there when something terrible happens, a fear reinforced after Aly accidentally handed over her soul to Umar. So while she holds a deep respect for the bard, her tendency to find trouble coupled with her lack of direct combat potential leaves Thyra overly concerned for her safety.

Alydiadne takes this in stride, however, and accepts Thyra's doting well. She often teases the priestess over her constant concern for the bard, and gently reinforces her independence with humor and grace. The pair's bond has grown closer during their adventures, with Aly occasionally expressing the resolution to find Thyra a partner, despite her protestations. Ultimately, while Aly and Thyra have wildly different priorities and preferences, they both share a common love of adventure and intrigue, as well as an innate drive to help others. Thyra trusts Aly more than her family at times, and would gladly lay down her life for her friend.

#### Cheese

Cheese is a unique character. The buff, impressively strong barbarian's infatuation with dairy products initially gave Thyra pause,

### The Party - Former

#### Devon

Devon was a dwarven warrior of some respectable skill that had been cursed with abysmal luck. During their cleansing of the goblin raiders in the Party's early days, Devon formed a wavering rear guard that ultimately collapsed at the rise of Bigo. The experience drove him insane, forcing Thyra to subdue him, the force she applied having the unintended consequence of destroying his nose. Afterwards, his experiences continued to worsen, until one day he vanished while Thyra and Alydiadne were exploring the surrounding regions of Mount Vulcan. The Party explained that he had succumb to an eldritch curse and been transformed, though to what Thyra decided was a question best left unanswered.

#### Keeper

Thyra holds conflicting feelings for the firbolg druid known as Keeper. On one hand, she appreciates his steady nature and the consistently reliable magic he can produce. On the other hand, she struggles with his philosophies regarding nature and the fey, as well as his stubbornness and refusal to admit to some of his mistakes. This is in part a reflection of her own regrets, as her pride cost her the lives of many she held dear, and while her mistakes were not of the same magnitude, she sees a little bit of herself in the missteps he has taken.

The most tenuous part of their relationship revolves around two major points. The first, and most glaring, is Keeper's alignment with the fey, contrasted by Thyra's loyalty to Thedun and his son Stromm. Thyra holds a significant amount of shame in regards to the crusade under High King Skerkun, and while recent events involving the fey have dampened those regrets, she still believes that what she did was wrong and requires atonement. This issue is compounded by Keeper's insistence on racial tensions in Lindholm that are blown out of proportion, something that frustrates her to no end.

Beyond that scope, Keeper's refusal to accept responsibility for the genocide of Kena and his hasty actions regarding the Firbolg Civil War have left Thyra appalled. She believes the druid's use of magic to forget the trauma of these tragedies to be a disservice to the memories of those who lost their lives, especially considering Keeper's hand in both of these events. While she understands that grief is something everyone handles differently, her sense of honor and duty conflicts with Keeper's differing priorities, which has led to a growing animosity mainly directed at his general lack of acknowledgement surrounding his mistakes. She does not hold the contempt for him that Cheese or Rúnfinn does, because she genuinely regards Keeper as a friend, and wants nothing more from him than acceptance and repentance. In her eyes, it's the least he could do.

#### Master Oolong

Master Oolong is largely an enigma to Thyra. An even presence in even the most dire circumstances, the priestess enjoyed his presence while he journeyed with the group, though she did not get much a chance to know him. While she could not bring herself to agree with his pacifist tendencies, she could appreciate his intense desire to help others, and was always relieved to have him protecting the group in a fight. Something she struggled with, however, was his persistent use of Divine Intervention. It was a practice Thyra viewed skeptically, as the constant interference of divine powers was destined to end poorly. Her fears were proven correct with the unfortunate aftermath of the Firbolg Civil War, and have acted as a reminder to Thyra that some problems cannot simply be wished away.

#### Rúnfinn Anvilsplitter

The second of the Party's cursed dwarves, Rúnfinn is a formidable warrior and rune artisan without peer in Thyra's eyes. Though he is heavily hampered by the same baleful luck that cursed Devon, Rúnfinn has managed to survive his many difficulties, and even thrive afterwards. The priestess finds the dwarf incredibly reliable, trustworthy, and honorable, and feels confident in her ability to handle situations while he is present. This, combined with their shared love of runes and runic magic, has fostered a close friendship that Thyra attempts to maintain despite the distance between them.

Thyra especially views Rúnfinn as a little brother, given his occasional reliance on her for help in social situations and with the arcane. Whether he reciprocates this perspective is unknown to her, but she doesn't care too much. She regards Rúnfinn as a close friend in need of a constant stream of positive attention, due to the fact life tends to deprive him of it. And she is determined to ensure he receives it in spades.

#### Sagadina

To consider Sagadina, also known as the Sagster, as a friend would be difficult. Thyra loathes the corruption that has overtaken the former humanoid's body, and regards their willingness to embrace the vile forces of the Brass Man, Ruptnoc, and Chuchchikopawaj as blatantly evil. Despite this, Sagadina proved a capable adventuring companion, and helped her more times than they hindered her. Regardless, she is thankful that they have left the group, as their corruption was a worrying presence Thyra was finding more and more difficult to stomach.

### Friends

#### Gor the All-Seeing

A cyclopean seer from the cursed city of Mentapolis, Gor proved to be an invaluable teacher to Thyra during her visit to Ur Tirsgaile. He aided her in understanding the inner machinations of magic and how her abilities to alter the components of spells truly works. He proved to be a patient and wise tutor, and Thyra regards him as a friend for his concise explanations and help.

### Pets and Summons

Being an adept survivalist, as well as a potent magic user, Thyra has amassed a sizable menagerie of pets and summons over her many adventures. She cares for each one deeply, and is loathe to put them in situations that could mean their demise.

#### Taranis

A warhorse bred from sturdy and durable island stock, Taranis was a parting gift to Thyra from her sister, Liv. Initially given to Liv as a gift for her coming-of-age festival, Taranis carried her through the War of Hämnd, especially the Battle of Kafelt, where the horse managed to deliver a wounded Liv and Thyra from a failed engagement to their father. Ever since, Taranis has been revered partially as a stout companion, and partially as a protective entity sent to ensure the safety of Clan Erling's progeny.

It was this reputation that compelled Liv to gift Taranis to her sister, hoping the luck tied to the horse would help keep Thyra safe during her journeys. This hope has proven to be well placed, as Taranis has saved Thyra's life on multiple occasions, transporting her to safety and care when her legs would fail her and her consciousness had faded. Now, Thyra possesses other means of transport, and thus Taranis has been left in a stable safely back in Lindholm. However, should Thyra require a mount again, Taranis would be her first and only choice.

#### Morrigan

A prize racing horse rescued from the roadside in her early travels, Morrigan has often remained more as backup mount and occasional means of escape over a true companion. Regardless, Thyra holds much affection for the beast, having seen it across an entire continent. He was gifted to Thyra's dear friend, Alydiadne, after their meeting, and has remained in her care ever since.

#### Nuada

Eagles bear much symbology in Linnish culture. Associated with both wisdom and poetry, as well as war and death, the bird is held in high esteem in Nordmarch. As such, to honor the coming-of-age of Thyra and her assumption of the title of Heir to the Linnish Throne, the young princess was gifted an eagle from the nearby mountains. Named Nuada, after a folk-hero Thyra had heard from the ballads of wandering bards, the eagle has remained as a fickle pet that has seen little practical use. Originally intended to act as a scout and companion, Nuada has spent most of his time in Lindholm under the care of Liv, an act both genuine in concern for the animal, as well as symbolic in Thyra's abdication from the throne.

#### Arawn

The first of Thyra's summons, Arawn entered the princess' service during the party's first visit to Mount Vulcan. A celestial spirit assuming the form of an owl, Arawn has become a close friend and accompanying spirit offering a second set of eyes and ears, as well as providing Thyra with unparalleled situational awareness during battle. When needed, Arawn dives into combat, unleashing his master's spells from close range before disengaging and evaluating the damage dealt. Altogether, he is one of Thyra's most trusted companions, and she always keeps him close due to his reliability and the calm his presence offers her.

#### Brann

One of four elemental myrmidons rescued by Thyra from the unknown cult, Brann is a bound fire elemental that has lost his memories and personality. Disgusted by the ritual that bound him, Thyra freed Brann and returned him to Urnalan with the help of Gudrun Gestur. Before he departed, Thyra offered an encoded imprint of her psyche, allowing him to recognize her consciousness should she attempt to summon him. She has called him back to Erah on a few occasions, relying on his fiery presence to bring warmth on cold nights and using him as a means to practice her Primordial. Thyra views Brann as a reliable, if dangerous, friend that can accomplish tasks she needs performed quickly, if not especially precisely.

#### Jord

One of four elemental myrmidons rescued by Thyra from an unknown cult, Jord is a bound earth elemental that has lost his memories and personality. Disgusted by the ritual that bound him, Thyra freed Jord and returned him to Dowerah with the help of Gudrun Gestur. Before he departed, Thyra offered an encoded imprint of her psyche, allowing him to recognize her consciousness should she attempt to summon him. She has called him back to Erah the most out of all of her myrmidons, relying on him as a stout sentry and reliable porter for when things prove too demanding for her. Him and Arawn get along exceptionally well, the former enjoying the latter's stout presence as a comfortable walking nest on long journeys. Thyra views Jord as an almost infantile younger brother, attempting to educate him on matters of magic, though this is more of a means for her to vocalize her thoughts rather than any genuine attempt to teach him. He is the only one of her myrmidons that has been summoned to direct combat, when Thyra fought the Star Spawn in the eldritch ruins of (insert name). Jord achieved the killing blow against the monster, earning Thyra's eternal praise.

#### Lynn

One of four elemental myrmidons rescued by Thyra from an unknown cult, Lynn is a bound air elemental that has lost her memories and personality. Disgusted by the ritual that bound her, Thyra freed Lynn and returned her to the sky with the help of Gudrun Gestur. Before she departed, Thyra offered an encoded imprint of her psyche, allowing her to recognize the princess' consciousness should she attempt to summon her. Thyra has called Lynn back to Erah regularly, most often in areas of intense heat where her naturally blustery presence helps to cool her down. The two enjoy racing each other, with Thyra employing fly spells in an attempt to better master her grasp of magic while airborne. Lynn always wins these races, and reacts with glee by creating a vortex of wind at the finishing line, offering Thyra another chance to practice her Primordial by begging the elemental to stop.

#### Vann

One of four elemental myrmidons rescued by Thyra from an unknown cult, Vann is a bound water elemental that has lost her memories and personality. Disgusted by the ritual that bound her, Thyra freed Lynn and returned her to the Sea of Kenos with the help of Gudrun Gestur. Before she departed, Thyra offered an encoded imprint of her psyche, allowing her to recognize the princess' consciousness should she attempt to summon her. Thyra has called Vann back to Erah sporadically, relying on her connection with water to aid in navigating the hazards of seas both shallow and deep. Vann also acts as a useful judge of Thyra's runecarving efficacy, being able to gauge the watery attunement of the vessels she adorns and spitting water in the princess' face should something be amiss.