Arnica

* Adult
* Child

### Age

Appears to be in her late 20s or early 30s (influenced by Feywild Time Dilation)

## Technical Information

### Player

Illoney

Arnica is a hexblood artificer currently residing in Amber Run, as well as the proprietor of Roots' Relish.

## History

Having just turned thirteen, Arnica was targetted by Crooked Dolores Tallowstumble shortly after the death of Grey Marjorie at the hands of the Archfey Selgaer to become her replacement. Abducting her and the remaining residents of her home town, Arnica's mind was assailed into compliancy in the ritual that was facilitate her transformation into a hag, although would ultimately be brought to a truncated ceasation by the efforts of an adventuring party.

Slaying Crooked Dolores and destroying Dirgevale Crypt in the process, Arnica was taken to the healing springs of The Wellspring Mare by Fafnir Lutgehr, Brennus Coileain and Aenarion Quelenneth Velenthir to have her mind expunged of the corrupting presence of the hag, during which she was offered the chance to be reincarnated to completely remove her hexblood lineage. It remains uncertain at this time whether Arnica accepted this offer, but she has resided within the Feywild exclusively since - until finally setting off for herself to explore the lands of the Material Plane.

## Introduction

*Lucky or Unlucky?*

The merchant was looking at his damaged cart. The axle snapped, one wheel severely damaged.

“How am I supposed to make it to Whittengrove like this?” He shook his head and glanced at the two monks accompanying him. They could protect him from bandits, but neither had the skills to aid here. “Why am I so unlucky?”

As the merchant was trying to figure out how to get his goods to the city, he heard a soft humming from down the road. It was an older tune, a soft meandering melody, until it suddenly wasn’t. Rapidly switching from humming to whistling, altering tempo, changing melodies as you still wanted more, never letting a single one overstay its welcome. It was a peculiar sound, but in no way unpleasant.

Looking up, the merchant saw a young woman walking down the road. The pair of monks stepped forward, in case the stranger was hostile.

The young woman simply smiled and put a plucked flower on each of the monks, seemingly as some sort of greeting.

“Hello, you look a bit stuck.” A carefree but friendly tone and, without waiting for a response, a move forward, taking a look at the damaged cart. “Ah, easy.”

With no prompting, the strange woman moved around the cart and began working on the axis, then the wheel. Before long, the cart was once more fully operational, as she brushed some dirt off the golden shield adorned with black feathered serpents.

“What’s the best way to get to Whittengrove from here?” She looked up, revealing a strange mark on her face, like a faded tattoo of leaves or moss.

“Well, I was heading that way, would’ve been there already if I hadn’t gotten unlucky with the road.”

The woman pondered for a moment, head tilted. “Or maybe I was just lucky.”

## Characterisation

### Encompassing description

Young woman, ruffled hair, striking blue eyes with specks of green. She walks with a strange sway in her movements, almost as if something is pulling her on whatever course she takes. Despite this, every step looks deliberate, a delicate mix of controlled grace and erratic whimsy, almost as if enraptured in some strange dance, skipping to her own melody. Constantly in motion in some way, as if unwilling, or unable, to stay still. Her simple clothes are highly decorated, unconventionally covered by a mix of flowers, engraved, painted and living ones, ever changing, ever altering. Up close you might notice faint marks on her face, like a faded scar or perhaps a faint tattoo, a pattern of leaves or moss.

She's nearly constantly humming, often a single recogniceable melancholic tune, occasionally a discordant harmony moving from one melody to the next.

The faint sweet scent of honey and nectar lingers in her presence.

### Basics

* **Height**: 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in)
* **Weight**: 42 kg (92.5 lbs)
* **Current Location**: Amber Run
* **Education**: Mostly in the Feywild, overall quite high, if on more esoteric subjects

### Physical appearance

* **Eye Colour:** Bright blue with specks of green
* **Hair Colour:** Auburn
* **Skin Tone:** Light, but has a noticeable tan at most times.
* **Build:** Light
* **Ears:** Pointed and flaring slightly outwards, not large enough for a full elf, but stands out a bit too much for a typical half-elf. More prominent whilst in the Feywild.
* **Distinguishing features:** Faint mark on the left side of her face, like a faded tattoo or scar pattered like moss and leaves. More prominent whilst in the Feywild.
* **Preferred Outfit:** Her own interpretation of Lachosi fashion, with their characteristic flower motifs and colourful fabrics, made from silk. A slightly silvery-white tunic with slight ruffles at the wrists and neck, worn underneath a deep green bodied petticoat that only seems to reach halfway to the knee, a pile-on-pile velvet garment wrapped on top, slashes on the sides revealing the green of the layer below, red with floral patterns in gold, including a prominent Azalea encircled by Elderflowers over her heart. The edges of the wide elbow-length sleeves flare slightly like flower petals, the hem of the outer garment falling as far as the petticoat underneath it. The upper garment is tied together with a diaphanous silken sash at her waist. She wears a pair of poofy green trousers, reaching to the knee where they are replaced by grey socks and burgundy leather shoes halfway down the ankle, also adorned with floral patterns made by thin golden leather pieces. The tongue of the shoes are made from white silk.
* **Hairstyle:** Usually wears her hair braided in different styles. Either to keep it out the way or in more proper arrangements.
	+ Styled: tied into a trio of braids on one side, tought against her head, the upper two crossing, and a diagonal one from the front on the other side, affixed with a simple hairpin. The crossed braids and her hair as a whole tied back behind her head, a few wispy strands often slips through, hanging loosely.
	+ Chaotic: crossed braids in patterns that have no pattern. Done when Flora just wants to have fun.
	+ Loose: often worn loose when she has no reason to keep it out the way.
* **Accessories:** A small satchel with a fine embriodered flower pattern carried safely secured to her belt. Outfit decorated as a whole by various living flowers, changing from day to day. Typically wears a small necklace fashioned by the green gem given to her by Dusty, wrapped in copper shaped like branches or roots, a simple leather lace looped on top. A wooden brooch with a carved lilypad is typically worn on her collar and a wood whistle made of lightly shimmering red and green wood worn around her neck. She also wears a small citrine pendant left from "Corvyn's" hunt. Her right hand is usually adorned by a silver ring with an empty socket, given by Mitten shortly before he lost control. Finally, she wears a elegant bracelet at her right wrist.
* **Level of Grooming:** ~~Never~~ rarely truly low, but her hair is constantly dishevelled to some degree and usually has traces of earth on different parts of her attire, in addition to her hands. Clear traces of soil on her fingers and under her nails, much as one would expect for someone spending a lot of time in their garden.
* **Other Details:** The sweet scent of honey and nectar lingers in her presence, a few freckles.

### Behaviour

* **Movement:** Walks with a strange sway in her steps, almost as if something is pulling her on whatever course she takes. Despite this, every step looks deliberate, a delicate mix of controlled grace and erratic whimsy, almost as if enraptured in some strange dance, skipping to her own melody.
* **Finer Details:** Is rarely still for long, fingers and feet often tapping and drumming lightly on whatever's available.
* **Quirks:** Will greet people with flowers, often offers sweets and snacks for companions and strangers alike.
	+ Almost constantly humming, often a single melancholic tune. Occasionally in a discordant harmony of moving from one tune to the next.
	+ Tends to move away from the typical paths others take. Excepted when she sticks close to her friends.
	+ Often interacts with things without using her own hands as naturally as if she were using her own hands. Especially when her hands are busy.

### Speech and Communication

* **Talk Speed:** Varies, often fast when excited.
* **Style of Speech:** Soft and melodic, backed by her constant humming. Could be considered to always be singing. After hearing the fate of the Wellspring Mare, she's stopped humming but resumed upon meeting the Sproutling after the battle at the Spire of Beckoning.
* **Accent:** A Sylvan influenced accent (IG) Bloody mess, I don't know (IRL)
* **Posture:** No posture, she can't be still, remember?
* **General Expression:** Usually carries a slightly distracted half-smile on her face.
* **Do they Gesture?:** Yes, vividly.
* **How much eye contact that they like to make?:** Depends on whether something else catches her eyes more. Typically intermittent.
* **Personal Motto:** Nothing obvious to an outside observer.
* **Speech Impediments:** None
* **Distinguishing Speech “tics”:** Will occasionally sprinkle in Sylvan to her common.
* **What's their laugh like?:** Spirited and bright.
* **Describe their Smile:** Rarely breaks into a full smile, mostly just slight smiles and half-smiles. When a full smile does happen, it's strikingly warm.
* **How emotive are they?:** Quite emotive, but almost as if everything is slightly filtered.

## Attire and Items

* **All-Purpose Tool:** Initially a small screwdriver-like object, after having attuned herself to it, Arnica has changed its typical shape to a simple slim dagger, perfectly suited for the finer details of woodcarving. One side of the handle has an carved marking representing Vyra, the other side marked by a pair of lilypads. Both markings seemly done by Arnica herself. It was acquired during the trek to Greenhorn, this magical tool can take different shapes to fit the needs of the wielder.

* **Augustine Rapier:** Silvered rapier adorned with the Augustine crest and Rydoonish heraldry. Since the visit to the Castle of Misplaced Things and the meeting with the Forgotten Prince, its blade is a pale milky-white with streaks of red, silver, and black. It also gained the ability to Bless others once per day.

* **Bag of Holding** appearing as a simple linen satchel carried inside her coat.

* **Bow of Happveiðr:** Ornate bow carved from yew, and decorated with feathers complete with a gilded filigree. A pair of crows shaped from bronze perch either side of the grip. She's already begun to decorate the bow to her own whims, marking it with pattern of lilac and vines.

* **Bracelet:** A bracelet made as part of a set, it can communicate with the wearer of the other pair once per day and points towards them. Arnica's bracelet is green, shaped like vines, it has a small flat brown surface with a golden root-like pattern fitted as a centrepiece. A red piece shaped like a red lightning bolt sitting above it like the needle of a compass. Its pair was given to Anivia.

* **Cape of the Mountebank:** Green and yellow patterned cape gifted from Khurel after the hunt he put on whilst posing as the Sword of Flame. It has a faint scent of ozone and leaves behind light static when used.

* **Citrine Pendant:** During the hunt put on by "Corvyn", these pendants were given out to ensure the participants' safety. Afterwards, the magic on them faded and what's left is a small trinket that Arnica has continued to wear as a piece of jewelry.

* **Dusty gemstone necklace:** Eventually, Arnica decided to make something nice from the gemstone gifted to her by the Soil Spirit Dusty, creating a simple copper fitting for the gemstone, shaped like branches or roots holding the gem in place, hung on a simple leather strap.

* **Fey-Touched Armour:** Whilst out adventuring, she wears mithral armour, a breastplate usually worn under another garment and above an arming doublet. The breastplate itself is engraved with floral patterns. Carries a brace on her left arm and leather finger protections on her right hand. The silvery surface of the mithral and the leather brace have a faint purple sheen to them.

* **Feywild whistle:** A simple wood whistle made from wood that shimmers slightly in green and red.

* **Flower satchel:** Small flower patterned satchel carried securely on her belt, usually contains snacks and flowers/seeds.

* **Lute** with a pair of lilypads engraved on it. The surface of the wood shimmers like water.

* **Pearl of Wisdom Quiver:** A shimmering quiver made from the shall of a large oyster.

* **Pendant of the Gildhearth Throne:** After aiding in clearing out the demons from the Greensong, Arnica was offered a medal from King Gilbert. Despite not putting much stock in such things, she gladly accepted the pendant, seeing it as a gift of thanks from a stranger met.

* **Perquisiting Perennial:** A small plant that rapidly shifts through the seasons, showing the splendour of Greencrown, Highreign, Amberlight, and Whiterose all within the span of an hour.

* **Seafarer's Jacket:** Dark green longcoat, inside coloured purple with a star-like pattern. Typically decorated with live flowers.

* **Self-made bow** made from white wood. Slight recurve shape, limbs decorated with an amaranth pattern. Looks slightly too large for her.

* **Staff of Flowers:** Carries a wooden staff gifted by Anivia that has a few floral touches as decorations. Whether they were always there, or whether they were added by Arnica herself is unclear.

## Powers

Despite her preference for solving disputes peacefully if possible, Arnica shows competence in combat and a fierceness when she deems the foes particularly despicable.

Her favoured combat style is to stay at range and make use of her skills with a bow, often empowering the strikes with the tricks she's picked up, or with her innate magical capabilities. In addition, her telekinetic abilities and magical tricks aid her in controlling the flow of the battle to the benefit of her allies.

* **Archery:** With a different focus from your normal archer, Arnica works within the confines of existing magical weaponry to get full use from them, regardless of the type of weapon. Despite the wide skillset though, she mainly focusses on archery, the ranged combat style of precision and delicate movements being more to her liking, in addition to an attempt to emulate someone whose stories have impressed her.
* **Claws:** Arnica can summon distorted claws formed from electricity cloaking her arms to attack at close range. It's a power she doesn't use much as she doesn't like what it reminds her of. Nevertheless, it is a useful skill against foes that reach her in melee.
* **Innate Magic:** Owing to the partial ritual that she survived, Arnica has a limited set of innate powers. She has the ability to weave an illusion around herself, appearing differently, hinder her enemies with thorny vines and create small personal tokens for espionage or sending messages. When creating a token intended for communication, she's made a habit of weaving a lock of hair into a bracelet placed upon the receiver's arm.
* **Magic:** In addition to her innate magical abilities, Arnica has learned to channel the wonderous force that is magic through seemingly mundane means. Whether seemingly causing shimmering spidersilk to spin itself, pulling magical multicoloured berries from nothing, or reshaping wood with naught but a touch, the changes she brings are wonderful in their understated nature.
* **Telekinesis:** Along with the magical tricks she's picked up, Arnica has taught herself a limited form of telekinesis. This allows her to manipulate objects without use of her hands, something frequently done as a habit, and also allows her to excert force on others, enabling the ability to manoeuvre others when needed, foes and allies alike.
* **Tokens:** She frequently makes use of tokens to grant aid to a wide variety of situations. The latent magic of the Feywild channeled via these wooden totems can aid the one carrying it both by making tasks easier, and by making their strikes more fierce.
* **Whimsical ways:** In addition to her own abilities, innate or learned, her connection to Ahlus' greatest trickster has enhanced her abilities in the same. And her experience with the Aethelwald has gifted her with the knowledge to communicate with beasts, a fascinating display for onlookers, to be sure.

## Relationships

After arriving back at the material plane and interacting with people not of the Feywild, she has managed, despite her quirks, to make several new friends among them.

### Close Friends

These are the individuals whom there's no question on their status as a good friend. Those individuals with whom she's far more likely to be open about her past and struggles.

* Anivia/Nivvy: Despite initial tenseness their first meeting, due to the demons in Greensong, the pair hit it off immediately. Their shared enthusiasm for knowledge and working things out quickly showing a shared method, or madness. Her friendly nature and spirited attitude placing her as someone fun to be around, with her quick thinking, martial skills and magical prowess putting her as a great companion in battle. Her magical knowledge also put her as the one Arnica asked to be present as she pressed the button of the C.U.B.E. After Arnica's falling out with Ashewan and being comforted by Anivia, she now fully considers Anivia her closest friend and confidant. Anivia's further care and support after the incident with the Caterans in Notchbark and the hostile pamphlets spread around town, has only caused their bond to grow further.
* Ashewan/Ashy: Their first meeting might not have gone too well, the withdrawn ratfolk not appreciating Arnica's attempt at interaction. Afterwards, however, as their mutual understanding has grew, the pair developed a friendship akin to a positive sibling dynamic, with Arnica showing worry about Ashewan's patron and the fragment connected to Nuldomul and Ashewan acting as emotional support for Arnica at several key moments. Their relationship was greatly strained by the events involving Brightember at Ulding's Keep, but after Arnica received some greatly appreciated support on the Great Conduit whilst heading home, the pair have begun to mend their frayed friendship. After his help with rebuilding the foundations of her house and his obvious care after more rumours, their friendship seems to have healed. Arnica considers him reliable and caring, if rough at first.
* Dusty: Immediately upon meeting, Arnica offered the small elemental a flower, accepted happily, though taken by their master. Later on, their interactions have remained playful and friendly, offering small gifts between each other, one which Arnica now wears as a necklace. Despite not sharing a language, and thus having communication mostly be from gestures and body language, the pair has managed some sort of understanding and friendship. Dusty's childlike wonder and gentle nature being something Arnica adores to see.
* Elinor/Ellie: After Ellie's disappearance at the climax of the battle with Malancholar, and subsequently meeting again in the Valley of the Winged Throne, Arnica's further discovery of her friend's past gave her a greater sense of empathy and understanding. In combination with her friend's honesty and compassion, Arnica has developed a greater sense of appreciation for her, and now considers her a close friend.
* Flora: Using her knowledge, Arnica has learned to infuse a mundane wooden heart with the magic and wonders of the fey, making herself a small companion that she named Flora. The little construct has Arnica's own curiosity and aids her in her curious whims and her love for fun. Flora has also been shown to help Arnica emotionally, as she did when she went to get Ashewan after the demon hunt in the Greater Greensong.
* Grapes: The small chef's cully she's had since she arrived at Cal Araenora has been a constant companion. The small construct has consistently aided in her efforts to cook and bake, always helping with positivity. The originally bluish purple porcelain figure having been decorated more and more by Arnica herself, it's now covered in a green leaf-like pattern, which the little one seems to adore and appreciate.
* Gwyn: The endless positivity and friendlyness quickly allowed these two to bond. Following experience has shown that the small cats potent magic and Arnica's tricks works wonders as a great duo, not to mention their ability to work together. Her outgoing personality has allowed the pair to become good friends, and her magical skills put her as someone whose aid you'll be happy to have, even if Gwyn herself can be unpredictable.
* Moxzi: Despite surface similarities, Arnica has limited appreciation for Moxzi's wild antics, seeing them as potentially dangerous to her friends and companions. Nevertheless, the young goblin is certainly filled with fun and has a confidence that can impress anyone. The care that Moxzi has displayed for their shared friends has overall made a favourable impression on Arnica.
* Rover: Despite initial impression from Arnica seeing the hound as somewhat pompous, arrogant and full of himself, she quickly grew to appreciate his positivity and care for others. His outgoing nature and unfailing willingness to aid others has cemented him as a friend in Arnica's mind. After the perilous events at Ulding's Keep, Arnica spoke with Rover for information and advice. In the following conversation both of them opened up a bit more, leading to a closer bond.
* Timbermitt/Mitten: Little came from their first meeting, but the strange elf was quickly someone whom Arnica stuck close with during excursions. Noting his sad demeanour, Arnica has tried on multiple occasions to be supportive, especially evident after a trek to Threehorn showed something dangerous lurking inside the, to Arnica, unassuming elf. His aloof attitude aside, Arnica eventually decided that he needed help and, seeing some parallels between their separate experiences, managed to convince him of the same. Arnica greatly appreciates his attempts to help her after hearing of Lilypad's fate, even if she didn't quite believe him it would work.
* Yesora: Meeting as Arnica took a trip to Whittengrove, the pair hit it off immediately. Bonding quickly over shared trauma and empathy, Yesora moved along with Arnica to Amber Run. Her friendly and calm demeanour, in addition to her ability to keep matters sensible makes for a good companion.

### Proper Friends

Those individuals with which Arnica has developed a proper friendship are the following:

* Adrian: Despite hostility during the first meeting, Adrian's drive to save Hiorna's father, his attempt at improving Arnica's mood after her breakdown at the barrow, taking in Hiorna, and general friendly nature has given Arnica some appreciation of him. The feeling seem to be mutual, as Adrian asked Arnica to take care of Hiorna whilst he was looking for clues to her mother. Despite tenseness following this, due to the events at Notchbark Woods, Arnica has shown some trust for Adrian, in part thanks to Anivia's urging and assurance of support if necessary.
* Cassiope: The fey-aligned Cass was an enigma at first meeting and one that piqued Arnica's interest. As their journey in the Feywild continued with the darker revelations of what had happened there, the interactions with Archfey and Arnica's own sorrow prevented any further bond from forming. Despite their differing opinions, Arnica appreciated Cass' drive and perspective. Any attempt at further bonding failed spectacularly, however, as Arnica inadvertently touched on a sore subject. In the ensuing conversation, Arnica ended up revealing something she had no intention to, in order to placate Cassiope. After the hunt put on by Khurel posing as Corvyn, with Arnica's overall good mood and Cass immediately letting her know the Verdantborn was still in Cal Araenora after Arnica's disappointment in finding out she was not speaking with Corvyn, Arnica's caution towards Cass immediately fell away, to be replaced with appreciation.
* Edgar: Unlike Edna, the small spider bonded to Gwyn isn't as immediately visible due to his small size. Still though, small interactions adding up has given Arnica a fondness for the cute critter.
* Edna: The giant owl bonded with Gwyneth hasn't had much interaction with Arnica directly, but what's been there has been universally positive. Friendly preening one way, and a nice lift the other, this has certainly begun to develop into a fully fledged friendship.
* Euora: Though they haven't had much chance to interact, the Euora's impression on Arnica has been uniformly positive. Despite not being very calm herself, Arnica once again appreciates such in others. Euora's calm, kind demeanour as well as her gentle advice toward's Ellie/Lucille when encountered in the Valley of the Winged Throne has cemented her as someone trustworthy and reliable.
* Galinnadan Velenthir: Arnica met the Bringer of the Fall at a visit to the Stalrose Vineyard, the pair had a friendly chat including an exchange of magical disguises and culminating in a small prank of putting Auffroy Alcourt to sleep. He later offered assistance to Arnica in returning to the Feywild, giving her, and some companions, access to a portal there from the Velenthir Estate.
* Roderick: Despite markedly different worldviews and experiences, the joint willingness to understand each other quickly developed into mutual respect and friendship. A shared distrust for the demonic forces that escaped into the Greensong only aided in a joint goal, despite differing perspectives, his calm demeanour and reliable nature makes him someone you're always happy to see on your side.

### A Stranger is but a Friend Unmet

Though Arnica might once have called these individuals friends, that is perhaps not the most accurate description. These are those whom Arnica has gotten to know and is on a friendly basis with.

* Alwin: Initially lacking in common grounds, the joutneys they have shared has shown Alwin to be a generous and kind individual, both things that Arnica appreciates in others. During the visit to the Stalrose Vineyard, he was also shown to have a bit of a fun side, sparking a fun memory that may perhaps encourage Arnica to interact more with him and get closer as a result.
* Casmaran: Their first meeting started well, with a shared appreciation for the wonder of nature. It was soured as the stranger tried to attack and kill an innocent goblin who had aided them mere moments earlier. Upon a visit to Otto's Opulent Obervatorium and seeing the mage's appreciation for the wondrous calm of the Hothouse within, relations have improved.
* Coel: The young chef immediately caught Arnica's attention when she realised them as such. Limited interaction during the tense adventures so far has left little time to bonding, but leave this dish in the over for a bit longer and soon they may very well be properly cooked friends.
* Dane: Despite differing ideals on many subjects, both of these Feywild hailing individuals has a great appreciation for natural beauty and personal freedom. Dane's disappearance puts a slight halt on any further bonding.
* Enor: Whilst they met under tense circumstances, Enor inflicted with Grumebract and Arnica still mouring the Wellspring Mare, Arnica appreciated his efforts and sincerity. Though they haven't know each other long, the shared interest in a briar beast connected to hags might give further opportunities to grow close. His drive to accomplish, his sincerity, and his skill makes him an excellent companion.
* Gilbert: Meeting when Gilbert came to visit Amber Run, the monarch showed an appreciation for the decorations prepared by Arnica. She approached the old man just like she would anyone else, and even offered him a piece of shortbread, all to Anivia's shock. The kind, elderly man made a good impression on Arnica.
* Hassk: Finally meeting Hassk in person after all these years during a visit to the Stalrose Vineyard, Arnica took the opportunity to thank him for his part in freeing her from Dolores. In doing so, Hassk spoke of his own experiences of being influenced by something dark, encouraging Arnica to continue striving forwards, and happy to see her better off than when last they met.
* Lanstrom: Recognising this other visitor to Amber Run as associated with fey, Arnica quickly went to greet him. The sociable and beautiful unicorn had a pleasant chat with Arnica, and seemed to appreciate the lemoncakes she offered. Learning that some of the wisdom of the Feywild is a part of Atralran is something that Arnica highly appreciates.
* Zylvari: In an effort to bond with the elf, Arnica approached her after having heard rumours of her acting strange around campfires. The ensuing conversation was friendly enough and whilst Arnica certainly thought this could be the start of getting to know each other, following events has put that at risk.

### Strangers Met, but Friends Not

Sometimes getting to know someone doesn't help form a friendly bond. Instead, perhaps something is revealed that causes hostility, perhaps there's just nothing to make a connection. These are such individuals.

* Faustus: Having initially met in the Feywild, Arnica appreciated his honesty and his drive to make lives better for others. After the events at Ulding's Keep however, involving a tense meeting with a captive red dragon, they are on bad terms. Arnica took issue with Faustus resorting to violence to stop a conversation with said dragon, whilst Faustus, in turn, took issue with Arnica freeing it in response.
* Lothair, or Lou: Despite being on good terms with most of the workers and residents at Owlets and Spiderlings, Arnica does not get along with Lothair. His show of cruelty during their first meeting did him no favours, and his duplicitous nature along with his petty actions only made this worse.
* Ódóvir: The friendly Aasimar with a unique worldview had a positive impression on their first meeting, bonding over a little flight, courtesy of the angel. His bravery, confidence and willingness to aid others in need has cemented him as a champion of good and a great ally to have when the situation turns dire. Seeing his willingness to go to brutal extremes during the incident with the Caterans and White Coats, as well as mocking her attempts at peace has completely shifted her perspective though. Her impression of the Paladin now plagued with fear.

### Parental-like Figures

As she was cared for in the Timeless Vale, Arnica saw herself growing close to the individual she affectionately refers to as "Lilypad". She clearly has a lot of care, respect and love for the archfey that helped her find herself again after her unfortunate experience in Dirgevale.

### Family

All information is given as it were at the time when Arnica was put through the ritual.

#### Parents

Mother

* **Name**: Fiala
* **Race**: Human
* **Age**: 33
* **Occupation**: Teacher
* **Relationship with Arnica**: Fiala was an outgoing and outspoken woman. In her time teaching and spending time with her children, she always tried to show the values of joy and curiosity with them, tempered with understanding and calm. Attempts at teaching caution and restraint seem to have had less effect than that of curiosity and joy on Arnica. She always wished for her children to explore and find their place in the world.

Father

* **Name**: Merlán
* **Race**: Human
* **Age**: 32
* **Occupation**: Woodworker
* **Relationship** **with** **Arnica**: Merlán was a soft-spoken, kind man. He had great passion for creation, building things and shaping things by himself. He tried to instil this same pride and the value in creating anew in all his children, with success. Arnica learned how to shape wood from him, the process of which she greatly enjoyed, as well as the time spent doing so.

#### Siblings

Twin

* **Name**: Elína
* **Age**: 11 when she disappeared, would've been 13 by the massacre of Hazelglen
* **Occupation**: Aspiring adventurer
* **Relationship with Arnica**: The twins were inseparable from a young age, doing everything together. They would regularly explore and play, getting in and out of trouble as a pair. She vanished during the harvest in Glede 7, WD, two months after the twins’ eleventh birthday.

Other siblings

* **Name**: Keric
* **Age**:  11
* **Occupation**: Aspiring woodcarver
* **Relationship with Arnica**: Keric was always quiet, which was highly contrasted with his older sisters. The twins would regularly attempt to get him to play with them, though he preferred the calm they consistently failed to give. He was at his best when spending time all together with their father, learning to shape wood, which he had talent and drive for. The twins were known for teasing and playing pranks on him, to an outsider it might’ve looked like bullying, but the punchline was consistently something that Keric would enjoy.

* **Name**: Mira
* **Age**: 7
* **Occupation**: Aspiring adventurer
* **Relationship with Arnica**: The oldest of a set of triplets, Mira always wanted to tag along with the twins when younger, and Arnica spent a lot of time with her after Elína’s disappearance. Much like her older sisters, she loved to explore and play pranks, often asking Arnica to tag along, which became more and more frequent the older they got.

* **Name**: Frida
* **Age**: 7
* **Occupation**: Aspiring writer
* **Relationship with Arnica**: The middle triplet, Frida, had little interest in the pranks and exploration of the twins and Mira, preferring to sate her curiosity by reading or listening to stories. She always enjoyed when her older siblings spent time with her at the house, and always appreciated the twins bringing back flowers, especially those with strong pleasant scents.

* **Name**: Aranka
* **Age**: 7
* **Occupation**: Aspiring bard
* **Relationship with Arnica**: The youngest triplet also loved to move around, but in a different way than Mira. Very outgoing, she loved to talk to people and sing to them, as she got older she also started learning how to play the violin and the art of storytelling. Arnica always loved to sing along, listen and dance to her music.

* **Name**: Leorast
* **Age**: 3
* **Occupation**: Child
* **Relationship with Arnica**: Still very young, Leo mostly tried to spend time with his older siblings. Playing and doing whatever they do. Arnica had a tendency to be somewhat protective of him from a young age, and would regularly look after him along with Keric.

## Backstory - as told to her friends

"*Well, I think I should actually start from the beginning. So, you already know I grew up in the feywild, and have a strong connection to it, but I haven't told you why. I didn't originally come from the fey, I was born to a small village named Hazelglen. Have you heard of it? It lay on the boundaries of Covengrove.*"

"*Covengrove was controlled by a coven of hags, called the Hallowed Circle. I had just turned 13, I think, when one of them grabbed me. They had lost one of their coven, and wanted to turn me into...a replacement.*"

"*The ritual was...horrific, but I was saved by a group of adventurers, who came there to fight the hags, and killed...the one there.*" Arnica visibly shuddered at the mention of the hag. "*Three of them took me to Lilypad, who healed my mind and took care of me, until I was well enough to manage on my own. Almost like a rebirth of sorts.*"

"*So, after having been healed and recovered, I eventually left the Timeless Vale and soon, I think, I started travelling the Feywild. I saw many of its wonders and met its people.*" Her unfocussed gaze revealed the reverie her mind was currently in.

"*Well, I found my way to Cal Araenora, and when the city touched the material plane again, near Weald's Wake, I...came back. Didn't do too much exploring, it's...not at all like I remember, nothing is the same.*"

## Recent Events

### Tea Party Gone Wrong

The friendly tea party with her friend Ashy turned bad as her favourite tune triggered a traumatic episode for the ratfolk. After some help from Gwyn with regards to how to get him out of his trigger, the pair shared stories and worries, growing closer.

Arnica still shows worry about the melody having the same effect again on Ashewan, her oft-present melody having been a tad more quiet ever since.

### A Tilting Tower and a Curious C.U.B.E.

Having spotted a strange inviting tower during a visit to Viridell, Arnica investigated and found a strange object within. Further examination of it revealing it as a puzzlebox which contained a large button within.

Despite the clear warning of "do not press" written upon it, Arnica's curiosity eventually brought her to the point where she tried the button. Anivia, having been asked to come with in case something would happen, was clearly worried as the curious soul disappeared upon pressing the button. A Sending following this led to the discovery that Arnica had been transported to a wondrous structure in the Astral Sea, only showing further curiosity about her new surroundings.

Anivia, Gwyn, Mitten, Faustus, Casmaran and Rinn followed on Anivia's lead to come to her aid, the experience of which was enjoyed by Anivia and Gwyn and especially disliked by Faustus. Despite not perhaps showing it clearly, Arnica greatly appreciated her friends coming to aid her, even if she herself did not deem it an extreme necessity. After some tense and whimsical exploration, the group found their way to "the Tollman's Gate", meeting a sphinx created by the original creator of the tower. The sphinx spoke of a toll, one paid by knowledge and mind and despite fully abhoring what was described, upon seeing Mitten's unwillingness to risk it, offered to pay for the both.

The resulting experience on her mind left her panicked and horrified until Mitten paid to fix it a few days later. The lingering trauma of this event is still unknown.

### Demonic Disharmony

Upon hearing of the demons that escaped into the Greater Greensong, Arnica showed distress and anger. The demonic host of Acherontia pretending to be fey in order to lure people, and placing deadly toxins behind a false beauty is something that greatly insults her. Especially clear when that beauty takes the form of plants and creatures that are a mockery of the Feywild's splendour.

As a group went to clear out the demons from the Greensong, assisted by forces from Atralran, Arnica's mood soured the further in they got. This culminated in her fully releasing control of her anger and using skills she never wanted to use. The mission was successful, but the anger she felt left lingering questions, something to think about for the future.

A short talk with Ashy aboard the Galerider lifted her spirits somewhat, but the thoughts of that day still linger in her mind.

### Frozen Friends

Rover's return after an expedition into the Tremorthresh Crevasse was certainly a worrying one, with everyone else having been trapped inside the frozen wasteland. Ashewan, Gwyn, Ódóvir, Timbermitt and Rinn. When Rover prepared for a second expedition to save their trapped friends, Arnica did all she could to join and aid. Travelling north once more, this time with Anivia, Moxzi, Faustus and Matthias, the group would end up travelling through the same perilous wastes that Rover did prior.

The lands, both frozen physically and frozen in time, were not an easy journey, but owing to the group's preparations and Rovers previous experience, they safely traversed it until they got to where their friends had been frozen. Scavengers were found and fought and during the struggle, Arnica was frozen as well, though quickly freed by Anivia before the group proceeded to free everyone else.

On the journey home, during a conversation with Moxzi and Nivvy, Arnica seemed in a much better state of mind than on the journey there, though clearly a bit shaken from being frozen, even if only for a moment. Despite the curiosities of the lands within, and all that might be explored and found, it was clear that Arnica was not looking forward to another trek down below.

### Harmful Rumours

After a meeting with the twins, Kiana and Shani, and a strange visit from a pair of guards, Arnica noticed how some kids at the orphanage seemed skittish, thus prompting her to ask Ashewan whether he knew whether something was wrong. Ashewan quickly found out the twins had spread an unpleasant rumour about Arnica, and immediately did whatever he could for damage control, including explaining to the twins how harmful such things can be. At his subsequent meeting with Arnica, he refused to share the details of the rumour, thinking it wouldn't help the situation. Arnica disagreed, though she had no way to find the details.

A few days later, Yesora came to Ashewan to see whether he had any ideas to improve Arnica's mood, to which he brought gifts and letters prepared by the kids, asking Arnica to visit the orphanage again. These had the desired effect, reassuring Arnica that the kids did want her there. The twins themselves visiting to apologise also helped, and Arnica has since tried to have positive interactions with them. Though she still is uncomfortable around them, owing to broken trust. The following meetings with Anivia and Rover shows she is recovering, though perhaps not quite as she was before.

What other consequences to follow from this is not yet obvious, whether internal or external.

### Sky after the Storm

After witnessing the destruction of the Isle of Midalios, Arnica, like many others, partook in the recovery efforts at the heart of the Hollow Concord. The time of year as it were, with Arnica's birthday approaching, she left the recovery efforts towards the end of the month, electing instead to spend those days in contemplation at the Weald's Wake.

After receiving a Sending from Anivia, who had prepared a gift for Arnica's birthday and was worried about her missing friend, Arnica returned to Amber Run. Upon returning, Arnica appeared reasserted, but whatever conclusions she reached during her contemplation has not yet been shown.

### Broken Chains, Broken Trust

During a trek to Ulding's Keep to stop Histrove and her operation from their attacks, the group encountered a captive red dragon. A tense conversation followed, where Rover, Ellie and Arnica wanted to hear the dragon out before making a decision, whilst Faustus, Lazarus and Ashewan did not want it freed for any reason. The tensions escalated until Arnica and Rover, in the moment, freed the dragon. Rover by removing the restraints on its wings, and Arnica by teleporting it outside via a Vortex Warp, after believing the dragon's promise to harm no innocents if released.

Still, knowing how reckless it was to release a potential threat of such power, Arnica was quite shaken after the fact. The failure to assure her course of action, the knowledge that any deaths by the dragon would not have happened if not for her, and the damage done to her relationships all weigh heavily on her.

### Journey of Change

#### Shifting Nightmares

In 134 WD, Vluk, Anivia, Cassiope, Rover and Timbermitt went to the Feywild to get Mitten help from Lilypad, and assist Rover in getting help for Rydoon, as well as his search for answers. Their plans were derailed when the group arrived at Aldagrelithane just in time for Morgaelei, along with Ilena and Mycorrhizarael to announce the death and corruption of the Wellspring Mare into Myslovetsi, the Agony's Feast. Her immediate grief was met with Anivia attempting to comfort her, later on aided by both Rover and Timbermitt, in their own ways. Shortly afterwards, she was also greeted by a nightmare, a vision both new and familiar to what she's experienced in the past. The details of the nightmare was shared with Anivia alone, and its full implications are not yet known.

#### Withering Corruption

As the group continued onwards, they met others along the same path. A Shiere Knight from Cal Araenora and an acqaintance of Cass named Enor, who was looking for another individual, Gwynrir. In meeting Enor, hearing and seeing of the corruption the Onyx Shroud had put him through, memories locked away returned to Arnica about grumebract, a potent herb used in rituals of transformation and corruption. Recognising that the Enor's use as soil for the herb would soon lead to his demise, the group sought what aid they could find for it, finding themselves along the path to a grove guarded by the dryad Nerassi. The dryad had been pushed down the path of corruption by Kristoph, but with the aid of Rover, she managed to cure Enor of his affliction, shortly before succumbing to his own. Afterwards, the group ensued fraught conversations on what to do with the now corrupted dryad, whether to give her a merciful end or hope for a later cleansing, at the risk of her reaching a greater power by then. Uncertain and disquiet, Arnica was not willing to cast her vote on the matter and the decision was eventually made on hope.

Arnica was disconcerned as they finally reached the Timeless Vale, finding the darkened, ruined, and shriveled husk the scene from a nightmare. A place of safety and quietude withered to darkness and disquiet. Pressing onwards, they eventually crossed paths with Gwynrir, who was accompanied by another individual, named Isra. They were working to break the link that had been established between the Vale and the Shadowfell. After deciding to work with one another, the two groups shared their respective information and prepared for the next step towards the Spire of Beckoning.

#### Returning Bloom

The battle at the Spire was fraught, battling various forces of the Shroud, including the vampire ringleaders, Kristoph and Narcisa, and eventually the corrupted Archfey Myslovetsi. During the battle, Isra and Gwynrir engaged with the vampires, eventually slaying Kristoph. The group was aided by Erastus, who had come to cleanse the corruption of the Vale and became the target of the Agony's Feast for it. Arnica and Rover eventually made it up to Erastus, to protect them so they could complete their ritual of purification. In the last moments, Arnica stepped forwards to face the now unrecognisable figure that could only remind her of Lilypad, goading the figure into latching on to her pain and trauma as a distraction from Erastus. As Myslovetsi turned towards Arnica, Erastus' spell was finished and the entirety of the Vale was blanketed in a flash of light.

As the group's vision returned, they found themselves in quiet surrounds, nothing like a mere moment earlier. The remaining forces of the Onyx Shroud and the second vampire were gone, likely shifted to the Shadowfell, separated once more. Recognising the calm nature of the Vale, brought a great mix of emotions for Arnica, for they had both failed and succeeded. The quiet place of peace was back, but Lilypad was not. Her sadness was abated as Timbermitt drew her attention to something strange, a small sprout radiating the power and wonder of the Fey. Being the last remnant of the Mare and seeing the future potential within, the sproutling brought Arnica no small amount of comfort in melodic moment shared, whether that moment was a blink or an eon. It was however cut short as Gwynrir took advantage of a momentary distraction to take the sproutling and leave via Plane Shift, with Arnica fervently deciding to find the sproutling once more, to ensure their safety and future, whatever either of those means for one belonging to the Realm of Change.

### Cold Comfort

After events up in the north, where she ended up in a group that sided with Caterans against White Coats, lead by Ódóvir, Arnica has been obviously stressed. Her inability to stop the conflict and the ensuing deaths of, to her, innocent soldiers to save admitted murderers weighing heavily on her conscience. The following disappearece of Timbermitt has also obviously worried her. Beyond that, it has seriously damaged her relationship with Ódóvir, someone she previously respected and liked but now views with fear.

## Trauma

Early on, it has been shown that Arnica possesses a fear of hags, as shown by her fear when finding out there was a hag in the underwater temple, the shadow of Dolores still weighs heavily on her.

Later, during a tea party gone wrong, Arnica shared, both inadvertedly and then when asked, her trauma with Ashy and partially with Gwyn, until the cat fell asleep. Her experience from Hazelglen and Dirgevale obviously had a large impact in her development, and she clearly has a mixed view on her influence on plantlife, placing both the positives and negatives with heavy weight.

Whether something else was revealed to Ashewan and Gwyn during this meeting is between them and them alone.

## Trivia

* **Favourite Colour:** Lacking in a true favourite colour, Arnica has a great appreciation for vibrancy in general, whatever form that takes. That said, she still appreciates more subdued and muted colours, especially seeing the beauty in all thing of nature.
* **Favourite Flower:** Much like with colours, stating any singular favourite flower would be way too much to decide for Arnica. As anyone who's seen her garden can attest to, she has great appreciation for a wide variety of plants, flowers and herbs. Both functional and decorative.
* **Favourite Food:** Again, making "favourite" decisions is not her strong suit. She generally doesn't eat meat and clearly has a preference for sweet things. However, she has been known to enjoy a wide variety of flavourful pastries and dishes that are savoury rather than sweet as well.
* **Favourite Tune:** A specific, oft repeated, melancholic melody that she picked up from her time in the Vale. Commonly heard quietly (and sometimes loudly) singing or humming it to herself.
* **Pastimes:** A wide variety of different things take up her free time. A polymath of sorts, she regularly practices her skills in woodcarving, shows a keen mind to expand her deep, but limited, knowledge. She also regularly plays the lute, enjoys baking and obviously, cares for her garden.
* **Idols:** She's heard stories of the adventurers who saved her from Dirgevale and has a great appreciation for all of them, especially the three she's met personally, Fafnir, Bren, Aenarion. She's also heard of the archfey Selgaer, and his aid in the fight against the Weald Witch, and thus is someone she looks up to as well.
* **Age:** In conversation, her references to her own age are quite confusing. Needs further investigation to be fully understood.
* **Mind and knowledge:** She greatly values her own mind and knowledge, as well as that of others.