text: [Themes: fantasy, RPG, fantasy, serious]
  
  Sebastian spent weeks evading the forces of the Turric invaders. Finally, she was able to rescue Lord Essetria and bring him safely to the City of Celika. There she was rewarded handsomely for her efforts and there was talk of making her a Knight of the Realm. At first she wanted to refuse but realized that her position would be helpful in the future.
  
  Newly knighted, Lady Sebastian was given barding for her mount Arbalest and given five days of rest.
  
  On the fifth day she is polishing her weapons and armor when a loud knock heralds a visitor.
  
  [Author's Note: Sebastian is a wandering Mercenary who finds herself in the middle of conflicts and strange adventures. Help her survive!]
  
  > Lady Sebastian - Statistics
  You are a Mercenary named Sebastian who awakens in a city overrun by the enemy. Your allies have been defeated, the city has cumbled, and the enemy is sacking and looting, raping and pillaging all who they encounter. You must escape the city alive. After a harrowing escape dodging enemies and trekking through the begeiged city, you encountered a group of patriots who entrusted you with the care of Aelius Essitrea, last Lord of Essitrea, now you are fleeing the enemy whilst trying to find those who can care and raise the last of Essitrea's proud noble line.
  
  Using only your wits and your swordhand, can you emerge unscathed?
  
  Sebastian
  
  25
  
  Female
  
  Mercenary
  
  HEIGHT: 5'10"
  
  WEIGHT: 135 Lbs.
  
  HAIR: Silver
  
  EYES: Silver
  
  NATIONALITY: Zanitarian
  
  HANDEDNESS: Right
  
  ABILITIES (Out of 5):
  
  MUSCLE: 4
  
  AGILITY: 5
  
  ENDURANCE: 3
  
  EDUCATION: 4
  
  WITS: 4
  
  PIETY: 0
  
  BEAUTY: 5
  
  Strong:​ Sebastian is strong and can out muscle normal men and most women in games of strength. She can lift heavy objects, swing heavy swords, and wear heavy armor if she prefers.
  
  Dancer's Grace: Sebastian is graceful and is often capable of ducking and dodging attacks. In addition, she is adept at tasks needing sure footing (climbing, balancing, and sneaking) and manual dexterity (picking locks, theft, and throwing).
  
  Stalwart: Sebastian can take a hit and keep moving. She has the heart of a warrior and can absorb damage that would kill a normal man. She is resistant to disease and poison and shrugs off most illnesses.
  
  Fluency: Sebastian is able to speak, read, and write Lazarian, Bandglan, and Zanitarian. She has had prior schooling and can do complex mathematics, quote philosophy, and converse on educated topics without being lost.
  
  Quick Witted: ​Sebastian is quick on her feet, able to multi-task, figure out puzzles, and solver thorny issues with speed and alacrity.
  
  Atheist: Sebastian no longer believes in the gods of her childhood though occasionally she questions her own disbelief.
  
  Dazzling: Sebastian stands apart from the crowd and is well-known for her beauty.
  
  Steel Crucifix: Sebastian likes to attack with her heavy broadsword trying to get a kill or two before switching to lighter, faster weapons, usually daggers or her short swords. Often she throws knives in the middle of combat to create space, stop charges, or fend of missile attacks. Due to her light armor, she prefers stealth and trickery to straight up brawling.
  
  Mobile Scrapper: Sebastian fights best when she has room for mobility, launches the initial attack, and faces opponents at a short distance.
  
  Lockpicking: Sebastian can open normal doors and simple locks with a set of lockpicks she carries hidden on her body.
  
  > open the Door
  Sebastian rises and opens the door, to her surprise it is none other than Lord Essitria himself. He asks, "May I enter Dame Sebastian?"
  
  Sebastian smiles wanly and steps aside. It was bad for business to insult a Lord. He walks in. His boyish looks and demeanor are also infused with the knowledge that he was now expected to lead and act like a man years older than himself. He'd grown somewhat since his city fell. He now felt the burden of rulership.
  
  "I.. I never got to thank you for all that you did, rescuing me from danger, those weeks on the road, the... men that you killed. The sacrifices you made to get me here..."
  
  Sebastian says, "None of that is necessary milord,"
  
  He shakes his head, "No it is. It is. In times of conflict we must remember who our allies are and our enemies. Those we can trust and those who betray our faith. You have earned my trust and gratitude."
  
  "Thank you milord..." Sebastian replies waiting for the lord to get to the point.
  
  "I have something to ask of you. A task I can only trust to you." He says in a rush.
  
  "Are there no others? You must have men here at your command. Milord."
  
  "Men yes, those I trust? I'm not so sure. I received a note this morning by raven that says 'trust none, seek the Ring. Send your sword, betray no worry.' I think that the note is saying that I have to act though all is right but that there are spies and assassins about. There is a ring that is proof against poison it is called the Hemlock Band. I'd like you to retrieve it for me. Could you do this?"
  
  Sebastian replies, "Of course my lord, where is it located?"
  
  "Well, it has to be made. There is a smith that makes such items and he is close. You'd need to travel to Helmsworth and get the ring forged. Then return it to me. I will provide the sum and the directions but you must leave and not be followed. When it is made bring it here and I shall reward thee."
  
  "It seems simple enough. What is the catch?"
  
  "Well, if anyone wishes to stop you there is that. You cannot let anyone know why you are leaving and what for..."
  
  "Of course."
  
  "... and the creature that can forge it likes to make such requests difficult. It is said he is an Ogre Mage who challenges those who seek his help and eats those that fail him."
  
  Dame Sebastian gins grimly, "... and of course there is that. It seems pretty typical."
  
  "So you'll do it?"
  
  "For you Lord? Yes, I'll fetch my gear and be off in the morning."
  
  > Sebastian's Gear
  Broadsword (1): This is a wide heavy sword known for it's sturdiness. It is slow to maneuver but does plenty of damage when attacking both armored and unarmored foes. She wears her broadsword on a sheath on her left hip.
  
  Short Swords (2): Her fallback melee weapons, trades damage for speed. She likes to use stabbing attacks to pierce her foes and circular parries to defend against multiple attacks. Effective against light and heavy armor. She carries her short swords in an 'X' across her back.
  
  Daggers (2): Heavier than throwing knives, these fighting blades are for in close work against foes who fight at speeds faster than her broadsword. Not effective against heavy armor but dangerous when used against lightly armored opponents. She has two daggers tucked backwards in her Armguards.
  
  Throwing Knives (10): Sebastian is accurate over short distances with throwing knives usually throwing two or three at one or more opponents. The more opponents she faces the less accurate she is. She carries ten hidden around her body. Ineffective against medium or heavy armor. Sebastian has two throwing knives tucked in her sleeves, two hidden in her boots, and six attached to quick-release holsters on her belt three near her belt buckle, and three in the small of her back.
  
  Warfans (2): Her exotic weapons, she uses metal war fans to deflect attacks, make trick throws (Curving throws, ricochets, and slicing). In addition, she can make gashing cuts against lightly armored opponents that are difficult to heal. She usually uses them if she is smuggling weaponry into places where none are allowed or when she is using her dance skills professionally. Her fans are carried in a sheath on her right hip.
  
  Crossbow: Though she doesn't usually carry a crossbow, she is quite deadly as a sniper.
  
  Stealthmail: Sebastian wears padded chainmail made to be light weight and fit under her clothes. She sacrifices protection for mobility, stealth, and unobtrusiveness.
  
  Arbalest: Arbalest is a sturdy and very intelligent warhorse who has been Dame Sebastian's boon companion for approximately five years. He is well trained for war and has been trained to answer her whistle, kneel, dance, leap, and return to a spot of Sebastian's choice.
  
  Dame of Essetria: Sebastian was knighted by the young Lord of Essetria and serves him as a knight. She carries a Kite Shield with her Lord's emblem (A Blue Dancing Courser on a white field), a White Tabard (dress) with the Blue Courser emblem, and a Silver Helm with a large blue plume. Despite being a knight, Sebastian rarely wears these items for more than ceremony.
  
  Seal of Nobility: Producing this coin-like silver emblem with the blue courser (a horse) attached is proof that she is a servant of the Lord of Essetria and allows her privileges as a Dame. It has her name and description onthe back so that others cannot as easily use it.
  
  > Leaving the Gates
  Sebastian wakes hours before the dawn and goes to the stables to visit Arbalest, her trusty Steed. The warhorse neighs as his Mistress approaches. Sebastian nuzzles Arbalest and gives him and apple for his enjoyment. As the Horse munches on the fruit, Sebastian begins to place the saddle blanket, saddle, reins, and harness, A second apple and she has placed the Chain Barding on him.
  
  She leads the horse out of the stables and swings up before heading to the gates. She is stopped at the gate by the guards who wish to know why she is leaving the city at so early an hour to which she casually replies:
  
  > Lord's Business
  Sebastian brings out the Seal of Essetria and says, "Lord's business, please let me pass." The gate guards bow and open the gate. "I apologize milady. You may pass."
  
  > The West End Road
  The West End Road was a well-traveled road but at this early hour most folks were either asleep in the town, inns that dotted the road, or if unfortunate, sleeping on the roadside. Sebastian rode past them her eyes alert, her swords sheathed and her charger moving at an even clip.
  
  Several hours later, she pulled over at an inn called the 'Dreaming Dog' and tossed the stableboy a three coppers to put up Arbalest, get him feed and wash the dust off.
  
  She then entered the inn. It was breakfast now and several groups of travelers were huddled over their meals at one of the few tables in the small establishment. Looking around, Sebastian chose between two places to sit:
  
  > sit at the Bar
  Noticing that those at the tables were receiving slower service, Sebastian sat at the bar and ordered her plate, "Please master, may I have two eggs, boiled. I'd also like three strips of the bacon, and the sweetbread with some of the freshly made apple juice."
  
  "Aye Missus," the barkeep replied.
  
  As she was sitting she decided to ask for some of the local gossip, "Sirrah, what is the latest news on the West End road?"
  
  The Barkeep sighs, "Naught of good new can I tell. There've been bandit raids east of the Shale Bridge, a small horde of undead were spotted north of Handle's Mill, and several mysterious fires killed pilgrims near Aitol less than a fornight ago."
  
  Sebastian twirls a silver coin, "Perhaps there is more that I can hear?"
  
  The Barkeep smiles as the coin vanishes into his apron, "Yes milady, there is. The bandits only work at night and use crossbows. The leader fancies himself as some sort of gentleman and lets the ladies pass courteously after a small payment has been made though a pretty lass like yer'self may have trouble evading his amorous attentions if yer hearin' me squarely."
  
  "The undead were the local zombie sort, appear to be stragglers from that trouble to the south, with them invaders attackin' an all. A small militia force has gone to dal with them."
  
  "Rumors say the fires were called by wee ones, Fae Folk who like to cause mischief. Salt Circles and Cold Iron are proof against Faerie Kind though some may attempt to cheat them with riddles and charms."
  
  As the Barkeep heads to the back of the kitchen to check on the food, two men enter the inn and look around easily spotting Sebastian's silver hair and beautiful countenance. "Lady Sebastian of Essetria I'm guessin'. I've come to send you my master's regards!"
  
  Without any further word, the two men draw blades.
  
  > attack the Men
  Seeing that the men are dressed in Leather armor, carry Long blades in one hand, and outnumber her two to one she knew that this was not going to be easy, these men were built for speed. They however moved not like professional soldiers, more like tough and untrained mercenaries. What they lose in actual combat training they have gained by fighting dirty brawls and back alley muggings.
  
  > use the Heavy Broad - Slow but Damaging
  The heavy Broad is an intimidating weapon and the largest in her arsenal. Built for momentum, using it is akin to swinging a heavy iron bar at a post. It gets more complicated if the post moves but any hit is going to be a cleaving one capable of punching through heavy armor. However, just like an iron bar, the broad is slow and Sebastian likes to use it against slower, heavier opponents.
  
  These men were lightly armorer and wielding long swords. They were lighter on their feet and quicker. However, if she smashed one of them, it'd be a blow he'd not recover from.
  
  The first swordsman pulled forward and gave a light jab. She deflected the blade with her own. The second offered a quick slash to her midsection. This was also blocked but clumsily. She spun using the broad blade for momentum however, one of the swordsmen suceeded in slicing a gash in her side as she completed the sword's arc. The heavy blade cruised above the bar slicing all of the glassware with it and the first swordsman ducked but the second, not quick enough took the blow directly into his skull and it cleaved clean through the top of his head exposing brain and causing blood to course down his head.
  
  Half-headed, he staggered once, twice, and fell to the floor. His eyes opening and closing even as his arms convulsed. Sebastian felt hot blood run down her side and staggered a bit before the second swordsman pressed his attack. Sebastian blocked a thrust but her punched her across the jaw. She fell back over a table and dropped her broadblad, stars illuminating her vision as she tried to focus.
  
  The swordsman was unrelenting seeing that she was rocked. He leaped to the side and chopped at the lass as she tried to get to her knees. The blow caught her in the shoulder and she felt her bones give way. The metal burst into her upper ribs and she screamed.
  
  The second man kicked her wounded side and she screamed again as he raised his sword. The last thing She saw before the end was a look of triumph on his leering face...