Verika

Verika Kennelworth
Status:	Alive
Guild:	Paladin
Race:	Rakash
Gender:	Female
Location:	The Crossing (Ranik Map 1e)
Tasks:	delivery

Verika is the Guild Leader of the Crossing Paladin's Guild. She was the Guild Representative in Riverhaven, but Remen replaced her after she was promoted to full Guild Leader.

Appearance

The Paladin Verika's thick black hair hangs down her back in a simple braid. Laugh-lines beside her mouth bespeak her good-nature, and there is kindness in her soft, dark eyes. A jagged scar along the left side of her jaw suggests that her life has not been all fun and games, however. She wears a pale grey tunic and white trousers with turned up cuffs at the bottom. Her dark grey doeskin boots are buckled with polished silver wolf heads. At her side is strapped a long, slender sheath with the hilt of a fine longsword protruding from the top.

Moonskin

The Paladin Verika has a sleek black coat and a pale grey tail. Soft, dark eyes are shine kindly from her playfully grinning lupine face. A jagged scar mars the left side of her muzzle, suggesting that her life has not been all fun and games. She wears a pale grey tunic and white trousers with turned up cuffs at the bottom. Her dark grey doeskin boots are buckled with polished silver wolf heads. At her side is strapped a long, slender sheath with the hilt of a fine longsword protruding from the top.

Trading Card Description

Seated atop a rearing steel grey horse, a young Rakash woman holds tight to leather reins in one hand and a billowing standard of black and silver in the other. Verika's thick black braid and scarred face are a sharp contrast to her pale grey tunic and white trousers.

GMNPC Appearance

You see Paladin Representative Verika Kennelworth, a Rakash.
She has laugh-lines beside her mouth that bespeak her good-nature, and there is kindness in her soft, dark eyes. A jagged scar along the left side of her jaw suggests that her life has not been all fun and games, however.
She is fairly young for a Rakash.
She is in good shape.

She is holding a glass of red currant cordial in her right hand.
She is wearing a kyanite gwethdesuan, a jadeite gwethdesuan, a sterling silver shield engraved in gilt with a roaring lion's face, a fitted knee-length grey silk tunic with a high white suede collar, some soft white linen trousers with turned up cuffs at the bottom, some dark grey doeskin boots which are buckled with polished silver wolf heads, a slender sheath, some brass-riveted jousting plate and a thick leather rucksack with bronze clasps.

Paladin Introduction Speech

Lady Verika bellows, "The way of our guild is not for the frivolous or weak of heart. Our path lies under scrutiny of the Gods, who are quick to reward those who bring honor to our Order, and equally quick to punish those who bring dishonor." she looks you over carefully and continues, "The Paladin's greatest gift is that of leadership. When a Knight's heart is true and courage sound, the Gods shall grant him the ability to strengthen others so they shall fight all the better under his guidance."

The young yet imposing figure looks deeply into your eyes. "Only the most valiant and earnest shall endure in our Order. The weakling, the coward, the liar and cheat shall fail in the testing and be lost. Those who endure and triumph shall win great skill, both at arms and of the mind."

Lady Verika advises, "The path lies open if your desire be strong. Join us if you are ready." she pauses then continues more ominously, "But beware, do not take this path if your calling be not true, for once committed, there be no recant." With that, she falls silent, leaving you with your thoughts.

Verika lifts her chin high and proclaims, "The Calling of the Paladin is of the most high and ancient origin. Long ago, when people of all races strove against Chaos and Darkness, the Gods sent down grace and leadership unto those among us who were pure of heart and purpose. Those so chosen became shining beacons of leadership and courage to all around them."

In measured tones, the Knight continues, "Thus, each Paladin must ever seek within for the dedication and purity of spirit required to lead and inspire. We lead, not by shouting orders or commanding from afar, but rather by our example. A Paladin shall ever be the first into battle and the last to retreat, never quavering no matter the odds lest others fail in their own courage as well. A Paladin must ever be a shining example of courtesy and honor -- tis better never to have been born than to foreswear your oath once you give it as a Paladin."

She continues, "Yet all is not grim, for a Paladin is not some hermit locked in a tower and forbidden the taste of life. No, far from it! For each Paladin may choose to wed in good time and raise a family, such that honor and courage may be taught even to the babe on his mother's knee. The one abiding purpose of a Paladin be to live as an example to others of courage, virtue, and leadership. A wise Paladin never seeks to judge over others, but shall never refuse to aid in settling a dispute if aid may be given." The Knight looks deep into your eyes and far beyond, seeing things you cannot perceive. For a moment, she looks almost sad, and her words take on a softer, deeper tone. "If ever the Darkness should conquer the Light, the last gleam shall come from the uplifted blade of a righteous Paladin."

"Thus was it written long ago, and that is the heritage Paladins assume in our ranks -- to act each moment as if they are the final shard of Light as Darkness closes in." The Knight falls silent.

Lady Verika places a hand on your head and intones a prayer in a voice of deep solemnity, beseeching the Gods to find you worthy of further guidance.

Your soul trembles momentarily as unseen energies writhe around and through you, but the feeling fades, leaving you curiously drained and empty.

Lady Verika takes you aside and exclaims, "Welcome young Paladin! Tis' a pleasure to see more valiant souls drawn to our Holy Order. Please bear with me, Paladin, for I have some important blessings for you."

She continues, "First, a hearty congratulations on choosing our Guild! Truly the Light within your heart guided you here. Remember this place, Paladin, for this bastion of hope and leadership is where your training shall occur. The Paladin's strength is knowledge, his sword and armor mere tools to hone a virtuous heart. Thus, you must return here to share your wisdom and open your mind to the Elders' teachings."

Lady Verika smiles benevolently and continues...

Lady Verika explains, "Paladins have a difficult road to travel. We shall train you in the ways of combat, but you must meet the mental challenge as well, aside from sword and shield. The most dedicated students also learn the magical arts, which aid them in their pursuit of knowledge and the defense of the Holy."

The Knight advises, "Equip yourself with the best armor you can afford. A Paladin must provide a shining example for all -- in spirit, action and attire. Share the knowledge you gain, for tis' our duty to banish the Darkness with the Light of knowledge."

Lady Verika continues, "You have taken the first step along the road that shall lead to greater rewards than you can imagine. But not in coin, Paladin, though wealth be no sin if greed does not dominate you. Instead, your gift shall be richness of spirit -- far more to be desired."

The Paladin concludes, "The gods look favorably upon your quest with us. They have blessed you already with an increased awareness of your latent abilities. Go now and seek understanding of these new skills. Remember though, never abuse your skills or take them for granted. What the Gods give, they also can remove."