Kurla

- The Old Spider Bitch (later House of the Moon faculty and staff, semi-affectionately)

### Pronouns

They/Them/Theirs
She/Her/Hers (self
when addressing Vurla)

### Occupation

Healer
Adventurer
Teacher

## Connections

### Deity

Voluna (by choice)
~~That Which Hungers (unwillingly)~~

### Family

Duru (father)
Samaral (mother)
Vurla (younger sister)

### Allies

Ris
Archie
Vera
Lovette
Petravian
Jiro

## Behind the Scenes

### Languages

Vatran
Vilish
Gnome
Draconic
Protean

## *Check Please!*

### Latest

"Finale: A Farewell to the Fortunes" (C1 S2 E65)

**Kurla** is a Half-Orc Player Character portrayed by Foaly in *Check Please!* season two. They made their first appearance in the short episode "Sand and the Charlatan" (C1 S2 E0), in which they met and allied with R'issen. The two later joined forces with Vera, Lovette and Petravian in the full-length episode "It's Electric" (C1 S2 E1), forming the adventuring group that would later come to be known as Fortune's Favor.

## Description

### Appearance

#### Physiology

Aside from the pointed ears and protruding fangs that are often hallmark characteristics of half-orcs, Kurla's physical features drew unusually heavily on the human side of their heritage, and they could potentially pass for a full-blooded human from a distance. Their pale white complexion was particularly abnormal amongst their own kind, and was commented on by Archie when the two met for the first time, with the friendly automaton observing a slight green tint to Kurla's skin, correctly identifying the half-orc's Kothan ancestry.

Kurla's eyes were light blue inside dark-rimmed sockets, and they wore their black hair cropped short on their right side and long on their left in a deliberately androgynous style. They stood at a relatively short 5'4" (162.56cm), and were thin to the point of gauntness, although they otherwise seemed reasonably healthy. Their forearms and neck, usually kept concealed, were covered in an odd arrangement of semi-healed orc and human skin, burn scars, and (along the arms) self-inflicted bite marks.

After R'issen successfully severed Kurla's link to That Which Hungers and the Elder Being took its revenge, Kurla's legs were replaced by twisted and uneven spider legs, and mottled patches of hairy tarantula flesh appeared across random areas of their body.

#### Attire

Kurla had five helix piercings running down their right ear, each containing a small gold ring. The tip of their right fang was capped in gold; their left fang was snapped off at some unknown point in the past. At the time they joined the Party, Kurla wore no other jewelry; over time, their adornments increased, and eventually included:

* Gold "friendship" bracelets magically linked to matching ones gifted by Kurla to other members of the Party, enabling Kurla to heal them at a distance (initially, these had only been given to R'issen, and later to Lovette);
* A gold symbol of the god Voluna, gifted to Kurla by R'issen after Kurla expressed a conflicted desire for it, and worn by Kurla for reasons they themself are not completely clear on (a mix of a need for magical focusing, a nod to their sister's favorite deity, and perhaps a deeper sense of personal connection to the deity);
* A teardrop-shaped locket containing handpainted images of Kurla and Vurla as children, created and gifted to Kurla by their father Duru.

Kurla wears dark, unadorned, almost ecclesiastical-looking garb covering almost all of their skin, with a thin set of silver celestial armor concealed beneath.

### Personality

Kurla initially came across as ill-tempered, antagonistic, and suspicious to the point of near-paranoia. Their early conversations with Party members indicated that some of their abrasive attitude was a preemptive defensive reaction to the hostility they feared encountering on their travels due to their mixed heritage – a fear that not grounded in reality, but was instead a product of Kurla's oppressive cult upbringing.

Despite their surliness, Kurla showed a reluctant but genuine appreciation towards Ris for the Fateweav'ers kindness, along with a concern for Ris's wellbeing – both of which suggested that Kurla's rough exterior might conceal a more complex (though highly damaged) individual underneath.

Over time, this was shown to be true, with Kurla gradually revealing the nature of their curse and explaining (and apologizing for) their toxic methods both for dealing with it and for attempting to ensure the safety of people around them. Although still comparatively grumpy and socially maladroit, Kurla softened considerably towards their companions over the course of the Party's adventures together, and made clear their deep commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their comrades.

Kurla showed a clear soft spot for animals, automata, and children, often displaying towards them a far more patient, caring, and openly supportive side.

## Biography

### Early Life

Kurla was born in Palayana to the half-orc couple Samaral and Duru. From practically the moment of their birth, they were indoctrinated into the rigid polytheistic beliefs and practices of the isolated town and the cult of personality surrounding its charismatic and ruthless Leader. Although privately fascinated by the outside world, Kurla was otherwise an obedient and dutiful child, often praised for their passionate devotion to the gods and their zealous adherence to the strict rules of their daily life. As Kurla grew older, they were careful to keep any acts of nonconformity (including timid exploration of their gender identity and apparent asexuality) hidden behind closed doors, knowing such things to be unacceptable.

At the time, Kurla would (by conditioning) have described their childhood as joyful and idyllic, but the cracks were beginning to show. After the birth of their sister, the siblings were inseparable, with Kurla doting on the younger Vurla, and Vurla in turn idolizing her older sibling. Much of Kurla's closeness to Vurla can be seen as Kurla doing everything in their power to give their little sister the sense of love, protection, and acceptance they had begun to sense was lacking in their own life. It was only much later – after being cursed by That Which Hungers on the day of their elevation to the status of an adult, subsequently fatally attacking their sister in a fit of ghoulish hunger, facing swift and brutal retaliation from their entire community despite their lack of culpability, and fleeing the town into wider Obeddore – that Kurla began to examine the true facts of their upbringing, and to discern the breadth and depth of the damage it did to them.

Over their time on the run, Kurla began to develop their magical abilities, but remained deeply resentful of the source of their new powers, understanding them to be inextricably linked with the curse that led to the death of their sister. On gradually intuiting that their talents drew them towards manipulating the forces of life and death, Kurla deliberately focused on expanding their healing and defensive abilities, almost exclusively by trial-and-error and instinct rather than formal tutelage. Despite early frenzied efforts, Kurla was never able to conclusively determine (or even much narrow down) the identity of the deity that cursed them, leaving them with a deep-seated animosity towards all deities for (in their mind) abandoning them in their time of greatest need. They also gained a deep distrust of organized religions, after the extent of the brainwashing of their upbringing slowly became clearer.

Bringing their insatiable hunger for flesh under some degree of control proved a constant challenge, and Kurla deliberately cultivated an unpleasant demeanor in order to keep those around them safe – their warped but not inaccurate rationale being that when a person dislikes you, they won't let their guard down around you. They also began exclusively eating spoiled meat, allowing themself only the bare minimum sustenance to satisfy their unnatural cravings without encouraging their growth. They also traveled extensively, never staying in one place too long for fear of discovery or loss of self-control; in that time, they gained a working knowledge of several Aedronic languages, and a patchwork assortment of random knowledge and skills.

### *Check Please!* Campaign One (Season 2)

After haltingly befriending Ris, Kurla remained with the enigmatic fortune-teller when they chose to ally with the Check Please! Party. As a result of that decision and of finding themself amongst other heavily-traumatized individuals, Kurla was slowly able to grow as an individual and to begin to address their issues in a constructive fashion.

Despite their best efforts, Kurla was never able to identify the specific deity that cursed them, until the deity identified itself to them in "Going Downstairs" (C1 S2 E19).

After verifying the circumstances of their sister's divided soul, Kurla finally attempted to make direct contact with That Which Hungers at the end of "Can't Take It With You..." (C1 S2 E49).

### Later Life

Following the tumultuous events of 768 3E, Kurla continued to act in service to their new patron deity Voluna – uncomfortably at first, but with gradual acceptance and understanding of their role, using their powers to right the wrongs they perceived in the world. Eventually, they went on to found the first true hospital in Vil: the House of the Moon, a focal point of healing and care for the sick, dedicated in part to the memory of their beloved sister.

## Relationships

### Family

#### Vurla

By far the most impactful relationship of Kurla's life, at least until joining Fortune's Favor, was their connection with their younger sister Vurla. Their deep love for Vurla, and their overwhelming guilt and self-loathing over the part they played in their sister's death, defined the entire shape of Kurla's life from that point forward.

### Party

#### R'issen

Kurla initially showed remarkable rudeness towards Ris, especially given the latter's intervention on their behalf; the fact that Ris took this in stride threw Kurla off-balance, and piqued their curiosity. Their attitude softened slightly when they belatedly ascertained that Ris does possess genuine powers, rather than simply being a fraud. Although they were extremely skeptical about Ris's claims to have travelled between other worlds, they were touched by Ris's kindness and ability to see value in them beneath their unpleasant facade. The pair were drawn together by their shared interest in each other's mysterious pasts and their experiences as outsiders in unwelcoming environments, providing the basis for the beginnings of an unlikely friendship.

By the time the two first encountered the Check Please! Party, they had clearly grown more accustomed to each other, although they were apparently still prone to good-natured bickering. Kurla is seen to be impressed by Ris's combat skills, and reluctantly deferred to them when the decision was made to join the Party.

Kurla's lingering anger towards Aedron's deities stood in sharp contrast to Ris's devout polytheism, causing a degree of tension between the two despite their closeness. Their relationship suffered a major fracture after Kurla witnessed R'issen calling forth the full power of several Aedronic deities. Kurla later apologized sincerely for their response.

After noticing the absence of a Thess symbol on Ris's vardo, Kurla sought to assist Ris with uncovering the nature of their unknown debt and punishment; they also received a glimpse of both R'issen and their horse's true appearances. They reiterated several times their sincere desire to help Ris in reclaiming the memories taken from them.

Kurla's relationship with Ris once again suffered after an incident in Prota involving Kurla's estranged father. After an impassioned exchange of views, the two eventually appeared to arrive at a better understanding of each other, but lingering rifts remained. These rifts were further exacerbated by later conversations that were rife with miscommunication.

The two finally began to reconcile after Fortune's Favor started its journey to the Kin-Tau Empire, with Kurla expressing regret over the distance that had grown between them, noting how much they missed Ris, and affirming their faith in the Fateweaver's decent and worthy nature, despite Ris's admission of the recent murder of fifteen people. Kurla restated their desire to help Ris and to safeguard their life; R'issen (surprising Kurla) in turn reiterated their wish to help Kurla when they became powerful enough, either with shedding their connection to That Which Hungers or with recovering the soul of their sister. After Kurla ultimately released their sister's soul to rest in peace with Voluna, R'issen successfully severed Kurla's link to That Which Hungers.

By the end of the Campaign, their relationship was cordial to friendly, but never returned to the level of closeness of its easier and simpler beginnings.

#### Archie

Although initially surprised by Archie and dubious of his nature, Kurla quickly comes to act far more warmly towards Archivald than towards any of the flesh-and-bone members of the Party. They appear genuinely interested in and impressed by the automaton's artistic endeavors, and far more comfortable conversing with him.

Early in the season two campaign, Foaly stated that Kurla's comfort with Archie and other automatons rested in the fact that Kurla "feels more safe around them". When the nature of Kurla's curse was later revealed, the meaning of this statement shifted: rather than implying that Kurla felt less threatened by Archie and automatons, it in fact conveys that Kurla believes that they themself are less of a threat to Archie and automata than they are to sapient flesh-and-blood beings, whom Kurla would be drawn to consume.

Kurla would later note their belief that Archie is alive in the truest sense, and in fact has more soul than any other member of the Party.[*citation needed*]

#### Vera

Kurla and Vera's relationship began poorly, and was marked by bitterness and antagonism to an even greater extent than the friction between Vera and Sol in the early days of the Season One Party; at times it nearly resulted in outright violence. Kurla was openly distrustful of the druid's motives and disdainful of their religious fervor; Vera in return considered Kurla a potential "parasite". Nevertheless, Kurla was no less attentive in keeping Vera alive and healthy than they were with the rest of the Party.

After Kurla apologized to Hummel for their disrespectful actions in the Temple of Melifera, Hummel interceded with Vera, requesting that the druid refrain from killing Kurla.

By the time of the Party's unplanned trip to Palayana, Kurla had developed a greater level of respect for Vera (which Vera seemed to reciprocate), with Kurla going so far as to call Vera a friend, and attempting to comfort her after her tumultuous reunion with her former hivekin comrade Bahren. Vera in turn revealed more details of their personal history to Kurla than she ever had to others, with such revelations only possible because of the distance that still existed between the two. Vera would again entrust additional details to Kurla during a conversation in Prota.

#### Petravian

Kurla appeared deeply appalled by Petravian's suggestion of "finding use" for themself and R'issen during their first encounter, but gradually came to understand, tolerate, and eventually appreciate the well-meaning paladin, despite his tendency to run head-first into trouble. Kurla aided Petravian in contacting the souls of his deceased parents in Prota – their first use of this ability, the success of which emboldened them to later use it to contact the spirit of Vurla.[*citation needed*]

At Kurla's insistence, Petravian joined them in attempting to heal the ill citizens of the Pentrus Estates when Fortune's Favor ventured to the city. After the departure of the Swarm, the two repeated their healing, with Kurla reminding Petravian that there was more to him than his hammer, and encouraging him to use his healing abilities more. They bonded further at a local tavern, where Petravian tried (and failed) to instruct Kurla in the fine art of flirting.

After a deeply disturbing nightmare of That Which Hungers and in a state of panic and shock, Kurla hugged Petravian without asking. It was mildly awkward.

#### Lovette

Until the details of their early life were revealed in Dis, Kurla repeatedly rebuffed Lovette's attempts to discuss their past; afterwards, when Lovette (at great personal cost) refused to report on Kurla's secrets, Kurla's attitude towards her softened considerably, although they were still highly critical of Lovette's creation of clockwork simulacra of Moira and Markus. Lovette would become the second member of the Party to whom Kurla gifted a magical "friendship" bracelet allowing for remote healing in battle; both matching bracelets were emblazoned with the phrase "best bitches". Whether Kurla actually believed this statement, or was simply in a rush and purchased the first available bangles that would suit the spell, is unclear.

#### Chisel

Bizarrely, Kurla appeared to be the only member of the Party whom Chisel liked, despite the half-orc's initial coldness and later remarks about their need to refrain from eating him. The elk consented to receive headpats from Kurla while Fortune's Favor was in Prota, although this may have been simply to spite Petravian, who was present.[*citation needed*] After Chisel was the only member of Fortune's Favor to perish in the climactic battle with Marcus the Betrayer, Kurla was able to resurrect the elk with the assistance of Petravian and Cassius.

### Others

#### Reduvii

Despite barely knowing the child, Kurla was deeply disturbed by Reduvii's abduction, making it clear to the Party that they viewed recovering her as their top priority. Kurla looked in on Reduvii after the child's safe return to the Holy City, and was deeply moved by the experience for reasons left unexplained at the time. Kurla later earned Vera's ire by asking what would happen to Reduvii if she were ever to renounce Melifera or be cast out by the deity. At the second ceremony to restore Melifera, Kurla declined Vera's request to take responsibility for Reduvii's safety, noting that they themself were a danger to the girl.

Although initially never directly stated, it could be assumed that Reduvii reminded Kurla of Vurla; this was made canonical during a conversation between Kurla and Vera in Prota midway through the season two campaign.[*citation needed*]

## Known Abilities & Skills

Kurla initially identified themself to the rest of the Party as a healer, and showed very little aptitude for combat. As their skill grew, their usefulness in battle situations increased, although they were still primarily a support to the Party's heavier hitters. Throughout the Campaign, they remained far more hesitant to injure or harm living sapient creatures than dangerous animals or undead.

At various points, Kurla showed a natural aptitude for languages, addressing Lovette and Petravian in their native tongues early in their questing together, and later picking up the rudiments of Kin-Tau and of Jiro's sign language with great speed.[*citation needed*]

### Magic

* True Resurrection
* Breath of Life[*citation needed*]
* Mass Heal
* Blade Barrier[*citation needed*]
* Speak With Soul
* Discern Location
* Sending[*citation needed*]
* Blessing of Fervor
* Channel Energy[*citation needed*]

## Trivia & Notes

### Trivia

* Kurla's name was derived from "Karla", a recurring antagonist in several of the late author John le Carré's espionage novels; Foaly was rereading the Smiley trilogy when they joined the Campaign. Beyond the name, there are no similarities between the two characters.
	+ Oddly enough, Foaly was once again revisiting *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy* during the conclusion of Campaign One.
* In designing Kurla's appearance with Keni, Foaly partly based the character's look on Carmina Drummer of *The Expanse* and Laris of *Star Trek: Picard*. The abrasive personalities of those two characters (and the Irish accent of Laris's performer Orla Brady) also inspired several aspects of Kurla.
* Kurla was only the second TTRPG character ever played by Foaly (their first having been created and used specifically for two audition sessions for the show), and their introduction in "Sand and the Charlatan" (C1 S2 E0) was only Foaly's third-ever time playing a tabletop-style RPG.

### Notes

1. ↑ This conversation may have been truncated in the episode release.

## Source Citations

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *Check Please!* – "Sand and the Charlatan" (C1 S2 E0)
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 *Check Please!* – "It's Electric" (C1 S2 E1)
3. ↑ *Check Please!* – "The Siege of Fort Hawke" (C1 S2 E22)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 *Check Please!* – "Freedom and Failures" (C1 S2 E60)
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 *Check Please!* – "Going Downstairs" (C1 S2 E19)
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 *Check Please!* – "Can't Take It With You..." (C1 S2 E49)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 *Check Please!* – "Finale: A Farewell to the Fortunes" (C1 S2 E65)
8. ↑ *Check Please!* – "What's in the Box?" (C1 S2 E9)
9. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Discovering Deceit" (C1 S2 E12)
10. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Tilting at Windmills" (C1 S2 E25)
11. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Capital Murder in The Height" (C1 S2 E26)
12. ↑ *Check Please!* – "A Spider's Web" (C1 S2 E44)
13. ↑ *Check Point!* – Discussing "Sticky Sweet Blasphemy" (C1 S2 E6)
14. ↑ *Check Please!* – "The Eventual Evening..." (C1 S2 E11)
15. ↑ *Check Please!* – "You Can't Go Home Again" (C1 S2 E24)
16. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Black Lotus Betrayal" (C1 S2 E35)
17. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Sailing to the Graves" (C1 S2 E42)
18. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Healing and Hurting" (C1 S2 E46)
19. ↑ *Check Please!* – "Now He's Watching..." (C1 S2 E48)
20. ↑ *Check Please!* – "The Necrotic Siphon (Sucky) Device" (C1 S2 E64)
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Player/Performer - Foaly