Neritica Halshin

**Lady Neritica Halshin** was one of the founding members of the Alasendian Republic. Famed as the Blade of the Deep, she was a veteran of the Ringed War and one of the five First Councillors. Neritica Halshin was a close friend of Lord Denylos Vathir, and together their actions inspired the Alasendian Crest.

## History

Neritica Halshin was part of the first generation of triton who were born on the Material Plane. Her family was one of many who were brought to fight in the Ringed War, and they were low-ranking soldiers under the command of a noble family lost to time (or, some will claim, deliberately erased). Lady Halshin quickly distinguished herself as a ruthless warrior with a penchant for risky gambles that often paid off. Her main weapon of choice was a scimitar, which she paired with a masterful use of oceanic magics.

She rose to command a ship known as the Dull Knife. There, she met her husband, Tiro Halshin, who worked as her first mate and would be her right-hand man for the rest of her life. Neritica would credit Tiro to keeping her more precarious strategies in check. They reportedly married during a stormy battle caused by an infernal creature of the Abyss.

Towards the end of the Ringed War, she and Lord Denylos Vathir undertook a risky mission into the Smoking Sea to convince the Dragon Turtles to assist their cause. After extensive negotiation, the terms of which are still kept quiet, the Dragon Turtles agreed to join the fight. With this victory and others, Neritica catapulted her way towards the top of the combined forces of the Material Plane.

The end of the Ringed War was cause for celebration, but it coincided with Lord Vathir's mysterious disappearance and presumed death. Neritica reportedly grieved for a full day, refusing all visitors. She was equally incensed at Queen Celestina's abandonment of Kysharr, a grudge she held until her death. After the Material Plane's victory over the extraplanar forces, Neritica Halshin began styling herself as Lady Neritica Halshin.

Lady Halshin was instrumental in pushing for the creation of a unified Alasendian nation. Upon the formation of the Council, which would handle affairs of a unified realm, she threw herself into both maintaining this fledgling nation and ensuring her family would stay prominent.

## Personality

Uncompromising, ruthless, and with an explosive, hair-trigger temper, Neritica was reportedly unpleasant to work with. She was open about her willingness to sacrifice her people for the cause, but she also had a strong sense of obligation, and rewarded those loyal to her (if they survived). A rising tide lifts all ships, after all. Her sailors and underlings described her as normally reasonable, but her moods could change in an instant. Once in a rage, she would scream and throw things and threaten physical harm: only her husband, Denylos, and later her children could talk her down.

## Controversies

Neritica has an endless series of controversies regarding her willingness to accomplish her goals at any cost. However, one of the longest lingering rumors is of a different nature. Neritica had two children. Her eldest son was born shortly after the end of the Ringed War, and rumors say that his father was actually Denylos Vathir and not Neritica's triton husband (and first mate). A famous play portrays this forbidden romance. The Noble House of Halshin strongly denies this claim.

Other versions of the story go further, claiming that Neritica had Denylos killed to keep her secrets or to consolidate power. However, most historians and people of Alasendia dismiss this claim as slander.

## Legacy

The formation of the Republic of Alasendia remains as Lady Halshin's greatest legacy. Though she would not live to see the creation of the Kysharran Alliance, her son would go on to ensure that Alasendia rose to prominence as one of the leading powers behind its creation. To this day, her exploits on the battlefield and in the realm of politics are spoken of with awe.

Despite her own attempts and the House of Halshin's efforts to whitewash her image as a noble warrior, particularly ruthless and successful maneuvers are still referred to as "Neritican" in Alasendia. The House of Halshin maintains a seat on the Council of Alasendia, and members of their family are highly placed in the Alasendian Navy.