Ivara

The woman simply known as 'Ivara' is a high-ranking operative of the Sacred Order of Saint Joriel, the former Guardian of Retherdale, friend of the Eyes of the Archon, and sworn warrior of the Starcrest Rebellion.

### Appearance

A taller than average woman of athletic build, Ivaras coppery skin is now littered with scars. Typically seen wearing a sleeveless yellow coat, and always wearing gloves of some kind, anyone who meets her surely knows from her mannerisms and scars that they are facing an experienced warrior. The greatest and most horrible scar she bears is the one across her left eye, which is no longer present. She wears a simple band of cloth across it, which she frequently tugs at.

### History

Inducted into the Knights of Joriel at the ripe age of six, Ivara has been sworn to the Orders Great Mission for many years. Although little of her past is known, she informed the Eyes of the Archon that she was once the Guardian of Retherdale, and at one point was romantically involved with Cyric. Apparently she chose that location due to the Temple of Kethora at the southern edge of it. Unfortunately, she was unable to protect the burgeoning town during a great Gnoll attack, the largest of its kind, being captured in the process.

A life of slavery in the fighting arena of Lorikos would have been her fate, if she had not met Kasdri Valmorn, also taken captive. The two conspired together to win freedom for both themselves, and the other gladiators in the city. Sneaking out into the night, they scouted the town, but on one such occasion, Ivara sacrificed herself for Kasdri, preventing him from being caught, though in turn being taken once more. Beaten, scarred, and half-blinded, Ivara remained faithful to her beliefs, joining back up with Kasdri and soon after, the Eyes of the Archon, helping slay the vampiric overlord of the city, freeing it from his clutches.

Ivara left their company soon after returning to civilized lands, willingly undergoing penance at the Great Tower for her failings at Retherdale. There she remained until the Hushed, led by Linhardt Kraushelt, began a great siege. It was only thanks to the timely intervention of the Eyes of the Archon that the tower was saved, and, in their debt once again, Ivara swore to fight for them, joining the Starcrest Rebellion as both liaison from the Knights of Joriel, as well as companion to the group.

### Relationships

#### Cyric of Retherdale

Though the two were briefly reunited during the escape from Lorikos, they did not interact, purposefully so. According to Cyric, Ivara told him that he was not the man she thought he was, though the exact circumstances of this are unknown. Julius Von Parvel has, unbeknownst to Ivara, tried to help Cyric mend their relationship, though to little success. The two are capable of working together when its life or death, but are in serious need of counseling when it comes to anything else.

#### Kasdri Valmorn

Ivara was amused by Kasdri at first, but quickly realized how capable he was. His wide array of strange abilities and in some cases, beliefs, were unsettling to her initially, but she came to appreciate them. She believes she owes him a debt, having been the instrument of her freedom from Lorikos, and has insisted to the young Gnome that he should not feel any guilt over the scars the gnolls inflicted upon her in his stead. Nevertheless, Kasdri still feels responsible, putting a strain on their friendship.

#### Julius Von Parvel

Though some might expect Julius' friendship with Cyric to put him and Ivara at odds, the opposite seems to be true. Ivara has a certain level of respect towards the Orc, both of them being people of faith. Although she does not follow his god, she has stated that she respects him, as well.