Flamela Blackstone

[Shantis]

Appearance: Female, with an apparent age of 18 years. Redhead, with long hair and brown eyes.

Characteristic details: Tattoo of a blue flame in the palm of the left hand, looking like a flower. In the palm of the right hand, the design of a lamina (foil) in red crimson.

Biographical summary (known so far): She is the daughter of the high priestess of Sune named Pamela Blackstone (orphan) and a wizard, Arthur Blackstone (a lesser noble of waterdeep). Her parents met during her teens, amidst her group adventures as a beginner clergyman, and he, as aide to Arthur's teacher. The couple married a few years later, settling in waterdeep after Flamela was born. Arthur began to venture less, while Pamela turned more to the temple, working more inside of the waterdeep region before becoming a high priestess.

Flamela was raised by her parents with affection and dedication, and the love of art came through the exuberance of beauty and the talented artists who frequented Sune's temple, while literature, history and poetry came through the time she spent with her father at home, following and listening to his stories regarding his time of adventure.

However, at the age of 9, Flamela was informed that her father was really ill and had to travel to distant lands unexpectedly to be an ancient curse received in his time of adventure, without warning or details. because of this, she passed under the overprotective care of her mother, from which she encouraged her to become a priestess like her, keeping Flamela busy all day with lessons and other things inside of the temple. Flamela, much more active and tomboy, ended up trying to escape whenever she could, to wander the streets of waterdeep. on one of these occasions she was abducted and taken to another distant city, found two years later, being forced to work with a thieves' guild, committing robberies.

When she returned to her mother's care at the age of 11 and saw the world can become horrible, she began to respect the teachings ofSsune more, although she herself showed no affinity for clerical service, helping the temple between her studies in other ways. During her teenage days, Flamela had to deal with problems that accompany her to this day. Having to deal with her overprotective mother, wanting to marry her with other nobles and the fact that as she grew up, her apparence and redheaded hair became more and more similar to several pictures and paintings depicting Sune in the temple.

Her appearance was a problem, for she received too much attention from the faithful follower of the temple, trying to get he attention and praises all time, as well as during her walks by waterdeep, people who hated Sune or who wanted to take political advantage (within the people of her temple or in waterdeep) began to cause her a lot of social troubles, putting her discreetly to walk with a hood and purposely to use some common, normal clothes without the "fashion of the Sune", but immediately stopped every time she saw her mother.

At age 17, one of her mother's political rivals inside the temple told Flamela about her father's whereabouts. Influenced by his master, Arthur participated in a forbidden research, and after an accident, he started to gradually began to transform him into a lich, corrupting his sanity and thoughts, as well as his appearance. Her mother Pamela, unable to save him and love him too much to think of any other solution, she used her influence from the temple to ban him somewhere far from Cormyr, sealing him along with his master and keeping secret of her own daughter.

Discreetly, upon learning more details about her father and how her family lost her noble rights, she spent the next year going on short adventures, seeking to save objects of art or history in the name of Sune, while secretly planning to flee to Cormyr. After she was able to collect enough money for the travel and conveniently arrange the permissins orders on behalf of the temple, through one of her mother's political rivals inside of the temple, she traveled to Cormyr.

In Cormyr, she went on to retrieve art objects, literature or history in ruins, dungeons and other places, and started her training to face the undead, knowing that through the details she collected before, her father was already beyond of any salvation, becoming a monster, and maybe any day she need to deal with her own father.

In her time living in the temple, Flamela began to have a more academic and artistic education, focused on the valorization and recovery of art as a whole. For years, she has worked in the restoration of works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, to the point that her ability to copy and reproduce objects of art with almost perfection. Realizing that there is a great demand for the recovery of artistic and historical artifacts, she resumed her training to to specialize her skills in research and exploration of ruins, preparing herself adequately to deal with the removal of traps and dealing with dangerous, risk situations in her adventuring days around Waterdeep.

A note: Flamela = Pamela (Her mother), Flame (Lady Firehair), Flamel (Flamela's father, Arthur blackrock, a great alchmist and arcane, his title is Arthur Flamel). She uses alias or nicknames like Flame, Flam (Flan) or redhood.

[Shantis]

//ooc: Index of letters and other stuff outside of this character tread.

A letter to Priestess Miranda

[Shantis]

// Another OOCly letter of Flamela, this time, send to Flamela's mother, Pamela Blackstone, a high priestess of a Temple of Sune in waterdeep.

"Dear mother.

I'm fine, living in a hotel room with Aquaria and Madeline. We had to rent a larger room, and temporarily we plan on leaving greatgaunt and going to another town. Probably the capital, Suzail. Sounds a good option, because we can find a temple of Lady Firehair here, and other important features, like a lively market and a port to help me to send every week the objects of art and history,

Madeline is excited about the temple in Suzail, despite all we hear mention about another temple in Valkur Road. We have not yet been able to speak directly to the local priestess in Valkur Road, called Kili... But, as many have hinted to us, she apparently deals with many political parts of the region. Because of this, we are careful to avoid unwanted problems with the politics of the Cormyr region.

In relation to Madeline, she has trained in the area, hunting undead and protecting local travelers. She tries to act discreetly, since despite appearing directly for the priestess Miranda in Suzail, she is trying first to have a better political knowledge of the region and the laws in Cormry ... Mainly about the supposed tolerance of aggressive and cruel gods.

As best and most desirable it is to have peace among all, we noted that probably this toleration for worship of evil gods is for political and economic reasons, making clear the dependence of a government for this, leaving morale and values in the background in certain occasions. Preferably, we will have to be extra careful not to turn into pieces of some political game, or even be fooled into taking sides or attitudes that will later cause us more problems.

Madeline is super careful, not revealing that she is a member of the order of ruby rose and being a (new and inexperienced) paladin. Her work is more like a hunter of the living dead and a defender of the weak. For now, she is being careful not to expose herself unnecessarily. And of course, buying cakes and sweets weekly in good quantities, in a nearby hin village.

Aquaria is another case apart. She is distant, avoids getting involved with people. She spends hours and days reading non-stop, until she falls exhausted from sleep and hungry. Madeline and I are watching her, imposing schedules for eating and sleeping, and having her stay out in Greatgaunt square a few times, to sunbathe and learn to socialize with others.

We send her to venture with others, for we may not always be at her side, and she must know how to defend herself... But we were surprised.

After an adventure in a crypt full of undead, she returned with a strange medallion, of the cult of the dragon.

Madeline began to examine the crypts and tombs of the area, noting among the bodies of victims who had died in these places, other people with amulets and medallions of this group.

This raised some suspicions ... And Aquaria, as she is dedicated, began to read several notes and papers written in draconic. She noticed that the victims passed a test to enter the order, to become pale masters.

From what we were able to research, the cult takes mages and even bards interested in necromancy, with a certain level of knowledge... And then locks them without food and water for three days in closed rooms inside of crypts and catacombs, full of undead. At this time, they have to use their powers to create bonds with death, in a gentle or aggressive way. After this bond is awakened, gradually one of his arms begins to decompose, leaving only bones. Those who fail become new undead. And those who pass, are adopted as as recruits inside of the order.

Aquaria researched historical texts in the temples in Suzail and notes we found with the victims. The cult of the dragon steals dragons eggs to make them draco lich. They serve evil dragons, contributing treasures and serving "Faithfully" waiting for a moment to steal their eggs, or kill their "dragon master" and revive it in a dangerous and insane way. They join in groups behind any evil dragons, smartly contributing their plans, serving as spies and manipulators ... Moving naive adventurers to attack dragons of neutral or kind nature ... And even assisting evil dragons without knowing.

I contacted an importante mage, named Arician "Blue" , a Champion of Mystra from the Cormyr region, informing him of the possibility of the cult becoming more active in the region. He carefully listened to my doubts, expounded some explanations, and committed himself to being attentive, informing the possibility to other important contacts. I asked the high priestess Miranda from the temple of Suzail to inform us of any other fact or history that might reach her. Probably this type of problem does not meet our skill level, demanding experienced and well-trained people.

And now, trying to changing the topic, for something better, I hope...

I'm trying to encourage local art, like a good Sunite. I found a half-orc named Tonvg. He is skillful with letters, creating literature and poems. I have offered my help to him, to find someone who publishes his first book, and perhaps to find some patron who sees him as talented, regardless of his appearance or race. I am seeking to encourage him, along with Helina, my friend, to ensure that talent meets the masses, and thus inspires and motivates people in many different ways.

Another thing I noticed, that by aside a private collection in a tavern open to the public, Valkur road and Suzail does not have an art gallery, a museum or workshop. Only an Academy in a distante region and a stage in Arabel. I am seriously thinking of buying a suitable house in Suzai setting up a gallery, open to the public... And perhaps providing the dissemination of new painters and sculptors in the region.

The problem would be to minimize the costs to carry out such an undertaking. Perhaps with the help of patrons and nobles, this is possible, but would have to tolerate some kind of regional policy or deal with complex issues, which are not yet defined. One issue, related with my own training to receive the blessing of our beloved Lady Firehair.

The priestess Miranda has already told you, like my sisters, that I am training very hard to become a representative of the values of Sune, being a possible "champion" of her values and goals. Complex situation, in a slow training, where to learn to be more prepared for combat, to understand the nuances of how to fight against the living dead without becoming a cleric or a paladin by the normal means. I know it will take me a few more months to physically prepare myself and become more acceptable to the goddess's eyes. I am looking to encourage the arts by stimulating and assisting local artists and recover lost objects of art, in addition to occasionally giving inside of the temple some dance lessons.

Another care I have is to never expose my face easily, to avoid negative associations or manipulate people with my appearance, looks very similar to the goddess in paintings and sculptures, which may be coincidental, but does not have the radiant beauty of it. I prefer to be more humble, and not let the vanity of others and my own become a trap. This became unbearable in Waterdeep, with sunites wanting to marry me only because of my apparence or have my attention to influence people in political terms. In Cormyr, taking this care from the start avoids bad situations. I expose my face to people really close to me, or to better appreciate the moment I meet an artist and his wonderful work, or inside the temple, at the service of priestess Miranda and the temple in Suzail. Serving as messenger to delivery and take letters and donations... And acting like a jack all trades, I end up dealing with other types of situations, but I avoid preaching the word sune to other sunites. The most I do is listen to people and talk to them.

I hope everything in your temple in Waterdeep is well. I'm fine and happy with my sisters here. We all love you and plan to visit you a few times soon, mother."

[Shantis]

Flamela works in a temple in Suzail, helping to clean and organize some boxes, visibly tired. The priestess Miranda observes for a few moments, noting that the redhead has spent some hours of that day helping in silence, without complaining. Moreover, in the same week that she had just recovered from the wounds of an attack in an orc cave, which nearly killed her. She accepted the help first to watch Flamela, worried about her training, thinking that helping in the temple would be safer and calmer than training hunting undead and wild creatures. But seeing the girl help exhausted made her more worried.

"Stop for today, dear. You done enough for a whole month..." Miranda draws attention, smiling gently as she picks up a bottle of wine to share with Flamela, calling her to sit on the bench in front of the fountain. The redhead obeys, sitting on the bench visibly exhausted and with a distant look. She receives the bottle of wine in silence, drinking a good long sip, receiving a smile of satisfaction from the priestess.

"Thank you. I hope I did not give too much trouble this last week..."

"Having recovered from a deadly orc attack in a cave and escaped with life hardly enters as "problems" but as "miracles". Having stayed in bed for 3 days receiving medical treatment, healing potions and prayers is part of our service, dear, although we are better at peace, romance and love than mending bones and flesh like a butcher..."

"I just failed, sorry, Priestess Miranda..."

"Your training to receive the blessing of the goddess is something commendable, but I doubt if she wants to see you dead and trampled by orcs..."

Flamela spends a few long moments staring at the floor, speechless, listening to a long sermon from the priestess. Tiredness, frustration, a strong sense of defeat and the stress in trying to improve something has made her more depressed

"...And for the thousandth time, do not walk alone by venturing. Go with at least one other person to help you."

Flamela nods again in silence. At least two or three times a day he hears that sermon, once for each of his sisters, and once for Helina or the priestess Miranda. Sometimes by another friend or other stranger, who questions her motives or methods. She finishes hearing another sermon about her safety while she finishes drinking the wine. Miranda is a radiant and loving person, but very direct and incisive in the sermons about the safety of the faithful followers of Lady Firehair.

After the sermon, Miranda tries to lighten the mood by watching a studded leather armor heaped resting on another bench. It was the seventh or eighth that Flamela buy since she began training. Each armor never lasted for much longer than a week or two. Flamela switched equipment with a disturbing frequency, and consumed healing potions and materials to treat injuries that could be used for a whole troop. There were only two things that were not exchanged, but kept very carefully... A strange lion-shaped helmet with a majestic crimson mane, almost like fire and a silvery foil.

"Flamela, explain to me, why do you insist on using this helmet? Her sister wears a beautiful silver helmet with golden wings and details. Already yours, fogue the standard. It's beautiful, but it's not something ordinary adventurers use"

Flamela smiled, and start to giving the explanation as if had memorized.

"Before my father, Arthur Blackstone had been cursed and turned lich, or embraced the idea of having become one, he was a minor noble in waterdeep before losing his title. A free baron, with lands equivalent to a tiny stupid farm and an old house with tons of books and paintings. The symbol of the family was a black lion, and on my old house was a statue of a lion made of obsidian of the size of a book in the main room. My mother carved as a wedding gift for my father..."

Miranda nods, touching the mane. The mane was smooth as silk, well cared for and pleasant to the touch. The red of that mane was as intense as fire. Miranda notices this mane is made of hair, human hair... And Miranda heard rumors of Flamela's mother having gone on wearing a hood all the time, after all daughters traveled to Cormyr. Silently, she takes her hand from the mane, pondering whether if Flamela's mother really went that far, wanting to protect her daughter in that way. The strands seemed to be well combed and cared for, while the metal of the helmet was golden, but instead of gold, it was possible to notice metal threads inside the helmet, manually sewn with small metal wire plaques and formations to give a light shape of a Lion's face seen in the side, but on the front it would look like a normal helmet.

"...and of course, Lion have a profund meaning in the arts. Mean something like "you just have to go forward with full confidence, to attack our dreams and passions". Behind a lion, you can associate elements like Wisdom, Power, Royalty, Dignity, Courage, Justice, Ferocity, Dominion and Authority. Lions is one of the oldest iconic figures in the arts. Theaters and libraries guarantee protection and good fortune to places that values culture and knowledge... And in alchemy, the symbolic meaning of lions is associated with the highly idealistic and prized attributes of gold..."

Priestess Miranda nods, listening the explanation again. This symbol have a lot of hidden, personal meanings to Flamela and her family.

"...And the lion represents the bond that links your true family is not just one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. My two adoped sisters have a lot of importance in my family..."

Miranda smiles, noting Flamela was getting carried away, talking about lions more inspired than a druid or ranger. In some point, she tried to not laught after a random mention about "lions" are the currency in Cormyr

"...and about some symbolic messages the lion offers us: Have courage, have faith, believe in yourself and your abilities...Hold your head high – even in times of conflict – conduct yourself with dignity...It may be time to defend something that is dear to your heart – defend it fiercely if you must...Perhaps it’s also time to step up and honorably lead others with a loving heart..."

"...And be loud, be proud." Miranda interrupts, laughing as she notices the notebook of drafts of the Flamela. She gives some dance classes and drawing in the temple, depending on the amount of interest. Miranda looks at a very well worked and defined drawing, extremely beautiful, able to catch the attention of those who look easily.

"What this?"

"My future shield, priestess. If Lady Firehair permit, and give me her blessing to become her representant..."

"You never say "champion"..."

"My vow to become humble. I'm fighting for Sune, for the sake of love, passion, romance, art, propagating peace. But I want to deserve to be called champion, as the goddess herself receives me after I finish my live with the mortals. Until then, I'm just a stupid mortal, with the arrogance of wanting to save my family and the world, trying to be a better person and more faithful to the values of Lady Firehair of the inner beauty of each being to reach the peace, of passion and romance boosting our lives, and of art inspiring our minds and dreams."

"You talk so much about this, I ask how you still insist on training alone."

"I can not dream of saving the world and my family, if every step I take will depend totally on others, giving to them every choice I have to take as well as the responsibilities and duties. I have to at least be able to fight and defend myself, to become a force and not a burden in a group."

"Still, I think it would be wise to take help from others sometimes. Your own friends have said, that if it is Sune,  it is not to be suicidal..."

"I know. And I'm sorry deeply, priestess Miranda... But as long as I can not change myself and grow as person and become better to represent Sune, I will not be able to change the world for the better. I do not want to be a damsel in distress forever, waiting for others everyday in a town, or depending on them for everything, where I go, with whom I go, and why I go with them... At least, I want to be as strong as my love for my family. I need to feel strong, to have peace of mind and freedom in my soul to act. And going with others, all the time makes me more fragile depending on them to become better."

"I hope at least be careful, Flamela."

"I hope to live one day to see that champions are no longer needed to make people feel secure and happy, at peace with their families. I try to be careful, priestess. I return tomorrow again to help you with the other chores."

Flamela take her armor and helmet and leaves, to train another day in silence.