Avish Shandar

Avish Shandar , 14th level male elven, Ninja Shadow-Warrior - S:18, D:19, C:9(13), I:13, W:17(8), Ch:8 - age 117

The Exile

Early Life

Avish was raised at Blackstone after he and his mother escaped abduction from the Kilosarin* elves. The leader of these elves, Avish's father, forced his mother into childbearing and slavery. After Avish and his mother escaped, these elves were all but wiped out by the ranger Lord Imanos. Avish, would later see to the ranger Lord's death, feeling in some manner he had no business killing the elves, that they should be punish according to elven law.

Avish's mother brought him to Blackstone under the protection of Lord Yalthos. He was raised here and trained as a ninja. During the fall of Blackstone Avish fled to Varis with his teacher of the time. They kept safe until the villagers discovered the identity of Avish's master. The master was killed but claiming ignorance Avish found favor in the eyes of the Sadriac family. He was adopted into their home and trained (pointlessly) as a farmer. Avish would eeak out his life as a farmer, waiting for an opportunity.

Original Notes for Avish Shandar

Jeff is a Kilosarin elf, the son of the traitor elfess Simgaina and Daroliss, son of the Kilosarin chief. Simgaina lived in exile from her tribe with her illegitimate son at Veris. She fled to Yalthos when he returned to support him in destroying the Kilosarin, whom he was being troubled with at the time. He was trained very well, but was with Sathis the Ninja, a Taldian, at the siege of Black Stone. Sathis was mobbed at Veris after Blackstone's fall. THe Sadriak family protected Jeff, saying he was of good heart. He remains as a farmer to this day.

Detailed Personal History

Major Life Events

759: born to Darolis Shandar and Simgaina the Saeliian

788: Count Beldicio rides down the Kilosarin elves in 788

856: the Darolisian Kilosarin elves return to the Zolgimer Hills to reclaim it from the ranger lord Imanos

858: Darolis and his family are executed by the ranger lord Imanos

Description

With unusual blond hair and dark eyes, Avish possess average beauty, although uncommon. His frame is small, even by elven standards but he possess a muscular definition that is revealing of his strength. His body was sturdy, at the onset of his adventuring life, but after so many brushes with death the grim elf has become thin around the eyes.

He has fluctuated in his appearance but often is seen adorned with his many armaments, rings and medallions. He has also shaved his head ritually when a friend dies. Most recently his complexion has changed to an ashen grey. This is, not to say, the same color as the drow but oft gives the appearance of such to the unknowing. If seen in practice when he is commonly shirtless, those lucky enough to catch this rare glimpse would see a splendid other worldly tattoo across the whole of his back.

Personality

Despite his potential menacing appearance Avish is friendly in conversation, possessing a keen mind for philosophy and discussion. He is not motivated by greed or hatred but by a personal sense of justice, his own brand, and often speaks his mind of these things, even when he should perhaps not. In his early adventuring days Avish had an "All or Nothing" approach, often leading to his explosive and abrupt willingness to throw away his life for the success of his companions. His friends, however, talked him down from the proverbial ledge quite often. In his latter adventuring years this spirit of reckless abandon has been tempered by his few successes and many failures. While his careless impulse may still lurk at the back of his mind, his experience has taught taught him patience. This is most notably marked in his abandoing of the human practices of his life. He has since dropped his Mandadorian name of Shandar, going now by only Avish or The Exile.

Adventures

To Blackstone

Avish was roused from his dreary life in Veris one grey morning, when the unsuspected but pleasant news came of the death of the 12 Towers hegemone, Grarinos. Avish had no particular fondness for the man but, more importantly, the potential excitement and disruption from his pointless work in farming was welcomed. Avish readied himself, with rope, weapons and armor. He traveled to the great castle and met with Larwain's forces there. Not welcomed among the humans, an expected reception for the elvin outsider, Avish quickly left the battle group and began exploring old secret passages from his memory. After some fighting broke out he joined the group only in time to witness the betrayal of the evil wizard, who's name Avish never cared to learn. Larwain and the new outsiders conspired and it was decided a group would go to Astanow and on to to meet the young Count Alexis.

The Enchanted Forest

After being forcibly partnered with the incredibly arrogant, unskilled "prince of Astanow" and his bodyguards Avish developed a friendship with the dwarf and human outsiders. Mutual was their loathing of the pompous young man, and in this they all agreed and joked of his "skill". After detecting a contingent of troops from 12 towers moving to meet the Count and skew the story of events, the group decided to take the perilous shortcut through an enchanted forest.

Their first encounter was a large spider bodied woman who attempted to lure them into a trap. She underestimated the elf and his resistance to this magic. When her trap was foiled the dwarven outsider Demetrius was quick in relieving her of the burden of life. From this encounter they retrieved the now famed "Mendico wand" which was taken by Lars and later passed to Avish.

After entering further into the forest, however they were overcome by invisible pixies, who rendered the entire party unconscious. Demetrius was the last to fall, his resilience even impressed the pixies.

The Copper Dragon Smelternau

The Party awoke in the layer of the devious dragon. Demetrius and Avish attempted to entertain and amuse the dragon with juggling and acrobatics, a sort of dwarven/elven comedy hour. The dragon, of course, was not amused. Then a game of riddles was played and Avish and Lars managed to stump the dragon. So in his satisfaction he demanded they travel below the mountain and eliminate a threat of orcs and such that were plaguing his forest. With no other options they agreed and descended into their first dungeon with this group.

The Dragon of Shao Pae

After his failure in the depths beneath Smelternau's mountain, Avish soon began to realize how unequipped he was for the dangers and rigors of an adventurous life. He gleaned from this failure a single and important truth. Magic is necessary. The wizard St. Morning Glory had demonstrated this in several instances, and after he was raised from the dead, by the Dwarves of Skyland Halls, Avish knew.

Avish knew to preserve his life he would need to regroup. He disguised himself as a simple elvin farming advisor from the north and managed to infiltrate the Mazaros Valley. Once there he spent a month fulfilling his deception and keeping his word. He assisted in the planting of the years crops, helping to increase the efficiency of the planting. Avish had spent many years working in Veris and now possessed the knowledge of agricultural techniques used in this region.

Once he was free to move about, Avish raided the hidden treasures they had stashed away in Blackstone. He then proceeded to inform his human hosts in Veris of his intention to pursue his own endeavors. In his own words:

I am glad you have spared me from the fate of my master. I have an ability to make a difference, and given my long years, I look fondly on my time spent farming. And now I must set out to accomplish all that I would desire.

Avish spoke with his hosts because he knew his first errand may, in fact, prove to be his last. He had gleaned one hope for his future. His master's sword. Called The Dragon Of Shao Pae, it was known by Avish, to be a true eastern sword. This katana had traveled with the invaders from the east who crossed the mountains many years ago. Avish knew the sword had been taken when the agents of The Twelve Towers, killed his master.

So Avish concocted a brilliant scheme and executed it horribly, as was his custom early in his adventures. His stealthy intrusion into the fort at Veris was thwarted by some johnny halfwit who happened to spot him. So Avish fled, but could not succeed in sneaking with the guards on alert. So he did what he thought was his next best choice. He set the building on fire. Avish had the notion that if there was something more pressing than his own presence he might pull of this feat. So with the building on fire, Avish burst into the captain's quarters. The moment of surprise as all Avish needed. He used his incredible dexterity to spring past the man and take the sword from his trophy wall.

With this incredible weapon, Avish slew the man as he stumbled and attempted a useless defence. Having recovered his goal Avish fled, being persued by foot patrolls and by souts on horse. But in the wild Avish holds the advantage and the fools could not catch him that day.

When asked about the experience years later by one of his students, Avish said this:

In the bitter cold, wounded and alone I lay in the bushes watching the flames leap high from the fort. Seeing their power dissolve before my eyes, I lie there in the dirt, fearing for my life and wept tears of joy. For the satisfaction of success was worth ten thousand magic swords.

Items/Possessions

Adornments

Ordinary Copper Ring

Description:

A simple ring of pure copper, dimpled with the small hammer marks of a craftsman. This small token was taken from a bugbear chief as a token of success. The creature stood no chance, however, he did not surrender. Avish admired his spirit.

Plain Copper Ring

Description:

This simple ring bears no markings and carries no preshious gems. It was not crafted with any real skill, and its maker was no person of interest. This ring was worn by an orc. This orc was of no exceptional quality but has only the destinction of being the first humonoid Avish ever killed. To mark this occasion Avish wore the ring every day.

Man Bear Pig Ring

Description:

The ring was taken from the werebear in service to the Ranger Lord. A black sapphire set into a gold ring, presumably dwarven make.

Wizard's magical Rope of Climbing

Description:

Originally owned by Lars, this magical rope can form knots and loops at the command of the user. Lars gifted it to Avish after several clever uses, given the ninjas particular skills.

Wind Fan of the East

Description:

A traditional eastern fan possessing the ability to discharge various strengths of wind when fanned. Painted with a simple depiction of a cherry blossom. The command word was "Sugoi".

Ring of Fire Elemental Control

Shared among the Triumvirate Avish wears this simple golden ring etched with a few runes and a brilliant fire opal set in the center.

Mendico Wand

Description:

A wand of paralyzation taken from a creature in the magical forrest where the dragon Smelternau originally hid. Avish carries the wand out of fondness. It is known the charges are near an end.

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Weapons

Anderis Krusack's Short Bow

A sturdy simple bow made of the wood surrounding Kaapasart. It has been improved to well crafted status (+1 to hit) with the addition of an elven bow string from the elves of Silverhome.

Imanos' Bow of Doubling

This fantastically enchanted item is a powerful bow. It functions as a bow of doubling. It is crafted simply of wood and is adorned with steel and silver.

The Fate of Blackstone

A short sword made in the traditional style of the early days of Blackstone. Avish found the sword in its final resting place hidden in the great fortress when he and many others responded to the call that Grarinos had been killed. Avish separated for a time to find such things. The naming of the sword was to remind him of the outcome of evil ways.

Ninja-to From Hell

A pair of matching Ninja-to swords found in Gehenna. Both are well crafted (+1 to damage)

Parminio's climbing harness and Mytherial daggers

The daggers were gifted to the six Questin Chiefs prior to the summer games. Avish retains only the harness as a reminder of his failed attempt into the mountains.

Gilovessen's Katana

Forged in secret by the gnome Gilovessen and hidden by Avish until he chose to answer the call to arms, after the death of Grarinos. Avish's first katana.

Hope and Promise

The Second Katana Avish had forged. Made in secret in Astanow from the template of the original katan made by Gilovessen. Avish carried this for some time, wielding two katanas.

Hammerhand's Katana

Forged by Demetrius Hammerhand from the templates of the two swords and assisted by Gilovessen. Marked with the triangle of the Triumvirate and stamped with Demetrius mark.

Katana from Hell

Found in Gehenna, while searching for interesting or unusual weapons as a gift for Demetrius. An old and foreign make, all the marking have been worn off. (on loan to Willacot II)

Imanos' Short Sword

This finely crafted short sword is made of elven steel and mytherial. The sword is imbued with strong magic (+3).

Redleaf's Short Sword

This mighty sword looks plain save for simple engraving on the pommel and blade. Despite its modest appearance the sword is inface heavily enchanted. It functions as a short sword of speed (+2).

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Armor

Redleaf's Elvin Chain

A splendid suit of true elven chain, originally owned by the wizard Redleaf. Taken by Lars St.Morningglory, gifted to Avish because of it is sized for the elven frame.

Cloak of the Sprites

Procured by Attis of Dania and Lars after successfully destroying the tree of evil.

Cloak of Depturn

Procured with Lars and Demetrius venturing far to the north to help the mystical silver dwarves. Earned for assisting in the slaying of the white dragon.

Ninja Sneaking Suit

Seldom used due to its fragile nature this suit of all black fabric in the classic ninja design adds +10% to hide in shadows.

Spells/Abilities

Ninja Abilities

Avish sends his most true arrow towards Imanos of Asparrow

Feint

Concentrated Push

All-Around Sight

Meditation

Instant Reaction

Meditative Trance

Inward Journey

Instant Reaction

Martial Sense

Spirit Sense

Improved Tumbling

Weapon Proficiencies

Long Bow (Expertise)

Hope and Promise

Ninja-to

Katana (Expertise)

Short Sword (Expertise)

Martial arts (Specialized)

Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Running

Tumbling

Blind Fighting

Farming (secondary) - Useless skills provided by the DM

Grooming (secondary) - Useless skills provided by the DM

Languages

Wood elf

Kanosian

Taldian

Encish

Relationships

Avish is a founding member of the Triumvirate.

Avish is the Leader of the Gold Dragons, operating out of Blackstone.

Lives in the mountains awaiting the death of the humans whom disturb his plans.

Henchmen

Kivano Ilian, father of Cirea Ilian

Notes: Avish made Kivano his agent in arranging for the Almaquestin cadets to guard his homestead farms in the first months of 874.

The Exile's Lament

by Avish

The dead were once full of life with joy and hope in their hearts,

With treasures amassed and armies assembled, kings seek to conquer

Every lord knows his time will come, he must return to ash

And all will come to pass

And all will come to pass

The dead watch with weary eyes as the living prepare to die,

Those who remain mourn all who have passed, with prayers and tears in their eyes

The living know there battle with death can never ever be won

Their death is yet to come

There death is yet to come

Their death

Is yet to come

The Snows of Blackstone

And who, are you, the Cold Lord said,

that you dare take my hand,

Only a rogue of a different sort,

an elf and not a man.

A sword so sharp, a sword so bold,

Yet the elf has fled my doors,

But my wrath goes far, my hate is cold bold elf,

More cold and sharp than yours.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke,

The Cold Lord of icen tears,

And now the snows fall upon Blackstone

Without a soul to hear.

And now the snows forever upon Blackstone

Without a soul to hear.

-the Snows of Blackstone, by Parmenion

The Astral

You yourself, King of the Air said there is no good, so do not make an argument which we both know to be inevitably circular. Destroying me accomplishes neither good nor evil. As a king I must hope in your infinite wisdom, and by your own argument, you can understand that letting me live could, and most likely will serve good as much as killing me might serve evil. - Avish the Exile, in his mortal debate with the Lord of the Air

General Notes

Statistics Errata

Ability Score Fractions

Given unique and often heroic circumstances, a character may earn fractions of ability score points.

Ability Score Fraction Points

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
0/10	0/10	0/10	0/10	0/10	0/10

Strength Point Catalogue:

Dexterity Point Catalogue:

Constitution Point Catalogue:

Intelligence Point Catalogue:

Wisdom Point Catalogue:

Charisma Point Catalogue: