Alydiadne

# **Alydiadne Opulenus Novellus Vatus**

> "When I was a little girl I used to read fairy tales. In fairy tales you meet Prince Charming and he's everything you ever wanted. In fairy tales the bad guy is very easy to spot. The bad guy is always wearing a black cape so you always know who he is. Then you grow up and you realize that Prince Charming is not as easy to find as you thought. You realize the bad guy is not wearing a black cape and he's not easy to spot; he's really funny, and he makes you laugh, and he has perfect hair.”
> - Alydiadne
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**Alydiadne Opulenus Novellus Vatus,** first of her name and favoured 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.

## Description

> "The woman we are looking for has long red hair which shimmers like copper, usually tied back in an intricate braid. She has several opulent rings and a delicate circlet which sits on her forehead. Her bright emerald eyes are filled with a mirth and joy, they seem to entice you towards her, to encourage you to speak to her. Do not allow yourself to be seduced."
> - A description of Alydiadne given to the guards of Mano
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Alydiadne is a young half-elf woman of noble birth. She is always dressed as if she is about to grace a court with her presence and takes care to keep herself clean and presentable. Since the defeat of Volibag the Raider Aly has acquired the Lute of Umar, named for the Grruuk who owns her soul. She has also taken to stylish wearing at hat which helps her to transform her appearance when needed.

Aly sometimes goes as Kyl, a male red-headed half-elf to hide her identity from people who might try to find her. She knows the Manian Emperor is looking for her and uses this false persona to avoid detection. Kyl is a few inches taller than Aly, and has a well-kept beard which is trimmed close to his face. He has dark brown eyes and high cheekbones which give his face an otherworldly beauty.

## Personality

> "We're happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way"
> - Alydiadne, on life
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Aly is, above all else, carefree and kind. She endeavours to live life to the fullest and will rarely say no to an opportunity. She is travelling with The Party to explore more of the world and evade her fate should she return to Mano.

Aly considers herself a good person. However, she admits to her flaws and is happy to be told she is wrong. She faces her shortcomings with unanticipated thoughtfulness and introspection and will change her stance if she decides she is in the wrong. She will do everything she can to fight for those who need help and to further the aims of good.

## Relationships

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> "Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday, but I realized some bigger dreams of mine"
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> - Alydiadne, on love
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Aly was always loved and cherished in childhood. She adores her parents who doted on her, and her elder siblings who protected her as she grew, keeping her sheltered and removed from the hardships of the world. Aly's elder sister Marina is set to inherit the family title, along with the rolls of advisor to the emperor that her father currently fills. She has a strong sense of duty and spent much time in lessons and with their father. Aly's elder brother Julius disappeared when Aly was 15, leaving her a note that he would one day return.

In romantic and sexual relationships, Aly does not feel compelled to commit herself to any one person. She does not discriminate based on gender, age (although they must be of consenting age), race, or species. Aly does not practice enough introspection to consider that this might be a delayed retaliation against her strict upbringing where she felt forced to fit into her parent's mould.

## Abilities

> "Don't you dream impossible things?"
> - Alydiadne, on magic
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Always having had a gift with music, Aly has found that her music can create miracles. Originally a small quirk of her signing, her adventuring has honed her skill so she can now do great feats of magic using only her lute and her voice.

### Bard Features

Aly's mastery of the lute and careful choice of songs give her and her allies a great advantage during their adventuring.

* **Bardic Inspiration -** Aly can bardically inspire her allies. With a quick tune, poem, or witty turn of phrase, she bolsters her allies to hit more accurately, bolster their abilities, or help them resist enemies.
* **Silver Tongue -** Aly's voice is permanently laced with the magic flowing through it. All who speak to her cannot help but be charmed by her, and no matter what she says she seems to bespell all who hear.
* **Universal Speech -** Aly can make her speech understood by everyone, including people who do not speak a language in common with her.
* **Magical Secrets -** Aly has charmed other spellcasters to teach her the secrets of the Arcane and the Divine. As such, she can learn spells not normally available to bards.

#### Bard Spells

Aly's bardic studies have taught her how to control the music and magic mingling within her. She can weave magic through her words and through the melodies plucked on her lute to cast spells. Her spells, much like Aly, are focussed on people as opposed to damage, rendering her an invaluable ally and dangerous enemy.

* **Cantrips:** Message, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation, Vicious Mockery
* **First Level:** Disguise Self, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Heroism, Silvery Barbs
* **Second Level:** Blindness/Deafness, Calm Emotions, Lesser Restoration
* **Third Level:** Counterspell, Dispel Magic, Slow
* **Fourth Level:** Banishment, Beguile, Polymorph
* **Fifth Level:** Hold Monster
* **Sixth Level:** Eyebite

### Bel's Devotee

Aly worships the great god Bel, who rules over the domains of Art and Culture. Through prayer and dedicating her poems and songs to Bel, they have granted Aly certain abilities.

* **Comprehend Languages -** Aly can understand anyone who speaks to her, even if she does not share a common language with them.

## Adventuring

> "Long live all the mountains we moved, I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you"
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