Sabbatical (character)

Sabbatical
Relatives	Fierna
Languages	Common, Infernal, Celestial, Abyssal, Primordial
Affiliations	Fierna
Marital Status	Single
Place of Birth	Hell
Date of Death	N/A
Place of Death	Probably Hell
Species	Tiefling
Gender	Female
Height	5'3"
Weight	128 lbs
Eye Color	Gold

Philani a.k.a. "Sabbatical" is a Tiefling of Fierna visiting Quelmar from the plane of Phlegethos. She isn't particularly keen on Quelmar, but had strict instructions to "go out into the world and find an adventure!" At

least the visit is an opportunity to try new things, not spend every waking moment on legal training, and time to explore some esoterica. She has adopted the name of "Sabbatical" for her stay in the mortal realm rather than sharing her full identify and heritage with people. She presents herself as a foreign attorney here to take a break and try new things, which is certainly all true.

Despite her devotion to her role in hell, Philani is a cleric of knowledge rather than order and firmly believes that the system of the hells has room for improvement with just the right injection of outside knowledge. She is rigid in her rules, but not quite as bound to precedent or tradition for its own sake and willing to permit some experimentation.

Physical Appearance

Sabbatical is a red Tiefling with long, nearly black, red hair usually worn up in a bun. Her horns grow in an asymmetrical pattern, the left growing backwards, and the right protruding more horizontally. She has an average frame, with enough muscle to handle most tasks. Her face is striking, with her golden eyes shining out under a sharp brow.

Personality

Sabbatical is not naturally sociable, but is making an effort to put herself out there. She likely comes across as somewhat rigid and opportunistic--happy to exploit any perceived weakness for her own purposes. But she is also collecting new experiences and new ideas for later consideration.

History

Sabbatical only recently arrived in Quelmar, with only some meager possessions and a few gold coins. Philani, on the other hand, was born as one of only a few mortals native to Hell. Her grandmother is the Archdevil Fierna herself, and Philani has been in training to be one of her lawyers since before she can remember. She is a qualified, if junior attorney within Hell's legal system with experience handling cases of cowardice, attempted escape of punishment, and soul embezzlement.

Languages

Sabbatical is fluent in Common, Infernal, Celestial, Abyssal, and Primordial. She hopes to pick up an additional language at some point in the future, perhaps Draconic or Sylvan.

Powers and Abilities

Sabbatical's primary approach to combat involves debuffing targets and controlling a battlefield through suggestions. She is not really a fighter at heart and would rather any fight she is involved in be decided long before weapons are drawn. As hearty as she is, she focuses mostly on fighting defensively, knowing she can outlast most opponents.

The Journal

Sabbatical carries with her a heavy tome bound in strange red leather filled mostly with blank pages. Inside, she keeps the journal she was instructed to make for her time in Quelmar, detailing all the potentially exploitable mortals she encounters, any new ideas she discovers, especially those that could be used as inspiration for new punishments, and a simple record of events. Highlights of entries will appear below.

Entry 1: Arrival in Quelmar

The portal delivered me to a rather inconvenient location: the bedroom of some cultist of Grandmother's. It took far too long to convince this man that no, I was not sent to be his slave or to give him the power of his dreams in exchange for his soul, he was instead to help me integrate with the local society and then forget we ever met. Apparently, I am in a city known as Galik, and my current equipment is illegal without first obtaining the appropriate authorization, which has been another inconvenience. Fortunately, the cultist, Fagin Stonemeadow (to whom I genuinely wish the most exquisite torments once his time comes) was able to provide temporary storage for my armor and weapons until my use can be authorized. The gold coins Mother gave me got an odd look (wrong mint marks for this realm) but were accepted by the innkeeper I eventually found. The city itself is filled with life and lights that remind me a bit of home despite the lack of volcanos and the addition of numerous flying machines. But it is late and I should make an effort to adjust to this realm's day-night cycle quickly and work further in the morning.

Entry 2: Dates and Waits

The local calendar lists the date as [date], which I will use to track the passage of time from this point on. Apparently the bureaucrats of this place have learned their trade well. I only have a few options if I mean to legally operate in this city: join the local militia; obtain a special dispensation; or join an adventuring crew of some kind. While I would prefer a special dispensation, that would draw too much attention and it turns out even the application process (which my experience tells me I would likely be denied) will take months to proceed. That leaves my best option to be joining a crew of adventurers and most likely operating outside the city for the most part. This suits the overall purposes, and several crews appear to be recruiting. I spent a few days (and the remainder of the gold Mother sent with me) researching the companies, and I've decided that the Tempest Brothers Expeditionary Company will best fit my needs. They are about to launch an expedition into Amusa proper, and that sounds interesting enough. I expect my next entry to occur after I have secured membership and I meet with some more noteworthy individuals.

2.1 Introductions

As it turns out, the expedition is not scheduled to depart Galik for a couple weeks, but a number of the recruited adventurers have already begun to gather. The company's compound has a staging field where some people have set up and it's adjacent to a tavern that has seen a lot more traffic than I expect it has in a while. The sheer informality of the interactions was a bit jarring, but I'm trying to build some connections and get to know the people I'll be spending time with on this time away from work. I was slightly surprised to meet two other tieflings among the first group of contractors: Reedy and Marion. Both seemed young to put it lightly, although Marion had a hint of sadness to her, while Reedy seemed to carry an undercurrent of anger.

The rest of the gathered individuals included: a pair of seemingly unrelated kobolds were also present: ~~Snooze~~ Sneeze, and a smaller, quiet one whose name I have yet to learn; an avian musician of some kind; a swarm of worms inhabiting a suit of armor calling him/themselves 'Wiggler.' (Chaotic, erratic, and to be avoided if possible); a blonde human woman with an ego the size of an archdemon who likes to insert herself into conversations uninvited and seems to assume everyone knows her; a human man (Jim Stacey?) who watched the others with a calculating eye enamored of smoking some kind of herb (possible danger or ally to be determined); and an automaton calling himself Lambda who asserted an interest in building positive relationships and exploring the wilds for is own sake. Additional notes and details to follow: a dossier of individuals and impressions before the start of the expedition.

2.1.1 Marion (Marianne?)

Physical Appearance: tiefling (she/they), white skin, painted horns, short red hair, tall.
Personality: shy, submissive, dislikes crowds, evidences a degree of passivity in her identity and a desire to ingratiate herself with others. She needs to become more assertive if she wants to survive long-term in the world, let alone anywhere more dangerous. Has discussed an unfamiliar deity: Beshaba apparently linked to ill fortune that is connected to her. This connection bears more scrutiny and could indicate a potential resource or threat.
Risk Assessment: ~~Low.~~ Moderate. ~~While their combat ability is uncertain~~, she appears to pose very little threat to those she perceives as allies, and this is a group she is exceedingly willing to expand. In a direct confrontation, many of her abilities could counter mine, since she seems to be focused on supportive spells. Updated combat capabilities demonstrate sufficiently advanced connection to her magic source to cast more powerful spells than myself. She seems to be marginally ahead of the power level of most other recruits, myself included.
Personal Notes: She's very open and might eventually make a decent companion if certain boundaries can be established. Additionally has been observed using healing magic and is some kind of focused spellcaster.
Known Spell usage: healing, invisibility, spheres of devouring darkness.

2.1.2 Reedy

Physical Appearance: tiefling (she/her), red skin, short horns black hair, above average height. Appears to focus on archery.
Personality: brash, vocal, and broadcasts a commanding air. Seemingly protective of her drake (and others?) and quick to threaten violence.
Risk Assessment: Moderate. Uncertain combat skills, but with the added threat of a companion creature inadvisable to engage directly. Manipulation of others to draw her ire would likely be more effective.
Personal Notes: Despite the above, she presented a balanced and friendly demeanor when shown the same. Likely protective of her inner circle and a potentially useful ally to make.
Magical Abilities: quick summoning and dismissal of her drake, Daq. Never as alone as she may seem.

2.1.3 Wiggler

Physical Appearance: swarming mass of worms (he/him maybe should also include they) encapsulated by a humanoid metal suit. (How he entered the city, given its restrictions, I am uncertain)
Personality: Jubilantly chaotic and full of positive energy for an unknown reason. Prone to sudden bouts of "wiggles" which result in scatters of worms around him.
Risk Assessment: Low/Chaos. Unlikely to intentionally cause direct conflict, yet highly likely to instigate chaos or lead to negative reactions.
Personal Notes: Not a creature of the Abyss, but has some Feywild associations of some kind. Presented himself as some kind of healer and offered special worms to others for consumption. Avoidance strategy seems most viable. Mitigation of chaotic urges if assigned together.

2.1.4 Lambda

Physical Appearance: warforged (he/him), combat automaton
Personality: Naïve, curious about everything, and interested in collecting knowledge, attempts to be diplomatic to all others.
Risk Assessment: Moderate. Low expected direct risk, but significant risk of obtaining knowledge that is not beneficial. Open to requests to obscure information if made ahead of time, yet seems susceptible to any number of outside influences. Combat skills and very nature make many of my abilities inapplicable should the need arise. It would be best to not ever engage Lambda in combat, and to direct overwhelming physical force toward him should the need to eliminate the being arise.
Personal Notes: Despite no interest in magic, Lambda's quest for knowledge and understanding seems genuine, yet he clearly allows others to direct and limit him (or at least makes the claim that he honors such requests). I suggested he discontinue following such requests, and informed him that he can retain whatever information he learns about me.

2.1.5 Arcane "Arc"

Physical Appearance: tiefling (they), purple skin, white horns, short white hair, average height.
Personality: Somewhat distant (expected professionalism from their role or more?), free with knowledge, research specialist, studious, does not appear to be be socially adept.
Risk Assessment: Moderate. Largest risk is that any information obtained by Arc will become known to an unknown number of others. While not a self-professed combatant, has a position of authority in this company for a reason and may have surprising strengths.
Personal Notes: Most likely direct superior in the role I expect to take on during this sabbatical, so a good individual to stay aware of. Potential a valuable source of information about other members of the expedition if I am ever in need of intelligence on them. Keeps records, so even if she cannot be directly persuaded, notes may be borrowed if necessary.

2.1.6 Sneeze

Physical Appearance: kobold (he/him), red scales, average size.
Personality: [uncertain due to limited interaction], appears to act in remarkably stereotypical kobold fashion, emphasizes physical interaction with others.
Risk Assessment: Low. Appears easily distracted by any new thing.
Personal Notes: Is surprisingly knowledgeable about the workings of the company.

2.1.7 Kompi

Physical Appearance: kobold (she/her), white scales, very small.
Personality: Skittish. Surprisingly well-spoken for a kobold, but cautious and wary of loud and large creatures.
Risk Assessment: Low. Unknown combat skills, but appears likely to be relatively easy to frighten or redirect toward an alternative threat or target.
Personal Notes: Friends with Marion, and willing to offer "gifts" to those he considers friends. Gave me a piece of petrified wood after I mentioned my ability to create silence.

2.1.8 Obsidian ("Idi")

Physical Appearance: earth genasi (he/him), brown hair, average height.
Personality: minor physical obsession with his axe, easy-going, somewhat timid, and attempts to be a little mysterious. Interested in artifacts, books and research, and seems a
Risk Assessment: Low. Observed basic combat skills, but an uncertain demeanor. Mixes magic and martial ability, so is likely short-range combatant with limited ranged capabilities, also seemed physically vulnerable.
Personal Notes: Has acted a little awkward. Perhaps burgeoning signs of an infatuation for Marion. Requires further observation.

2.1.9 "Jim Stacy"

Physical Appearance: human (he/him), older, average height
Personality: observant, patient, and has a tendancy towards violence. Thinks of himself as above most of the others and likely selfish nature, but has evidenced a paternalistic instinct towards Marion. Draws conclusions quickly, but may be more flexible regarding their results. Smoker--addiction is a potential weakness to leverage. Has a highly suspicious view of situations and people and likewise suspects poison or threat from anywhere.
Risk Assessment: High. Highly focused combat style on throwing daggers. This may be relatively easily dealt with, but more worrying is his tendency to watch others and consider threatening circumstances. Even more worrying are the unknown forces at play surrounding him. While some details have been found, his mere presence poses a significant risk to all those around him.
Personal Notes: When asked about his conclusions about me, described me as "athletic, gruff, uses physical fitness as a means to combat their social anxieties." I am unsure if he's just not as good at reading into our limited interactions or whether he was simply lying about his thoughts. More likely the latter.

Mr. Stacy apparently ominously disappeared the other day. He returned after close to a full day, wrapped in magical chains and unconsious. He was also noticeably being observed by some kind of dimensional being. Upon further medical examination, he appeared to be in a coma, but not in any immediate danger. However, his presence itself was an imminent threat as this dimensional being, appearing human and apparently called "Dr. Moss" stepped from some kind of dimensional doorway and freely passed in and out of it. He gave some cryptic statement of being Mr. Stacy's family before disappearing again, although I expect that is far from the last time this person will make their presence known. Marion has seemingly grown entirely attached to a fanciful image of him as some sort of father figure. He seems to play along with this fantasy readily, and even outside of their presence, but there's an obvious tension to matters involving him despite the obviously greater threat he himself poses to her than anything he has done to protect Marion. Upon waking he also exhibited new ability with throwing daggers, being able to conjure and throw them at will. He may also have additional abilities including some level of telepathy now. Further interrogation is required.

Upon further interrogation: Jim Stacy stole his mechanical limbs from a friar of the Imperfect Cog. He lost his limbs as a child when some kind of "anti-foundation" group killed his adoptive family. He is a clone of Dr. Moss of some kind. He has been subject to an unknown and extensive amount of experiments and possibly tortures. Despite all of this, he doesn't believe any of those watching him pose a risk to the company recruits because we are not "anomalous." These bits of information are reliable insofar as Jim Stacy believes them to be authentic, but his mental faculties may have been compromised as well, so this information may also be merely what the watchers want him to think. The entire situation reeks of the kind of trouble I absolutely do not want to get tangled up in, vacation or not. It will be best if others can be convinced to distance themselves from him, but he seems to keep himself ever-present in company public spaces. Perhaps once the expedition actually launches this will be easier to accomplish.

2.1.10 Therrin Flare

Physical Appearance: humanoid (he/him) (possibly Aasimar),
Personality: Appears to be typical devout Pelor worshipper. Appears unlikely to have buried evil tendencies at this time.
Risk Assessment: Moderate. Followers of Pelor are likely directly antagonistic to long-term plans, but because I'm not engaged in anything specifically adverse to Pelor's purposes on this visit to the mortal plane, I likely have little to fear. It is possible that inconvenient revelations could come from this one though.
Personal Notes: Illusionist. Very free with minor magics and a little bit of a show-off, although that's already obvious from the personality note.

2.1.11 Paris Hilton

Physical Appearance: human, (she/her), blonde hair and gaudy wardrobe
Personality: Self-centered, shallow view of the world and situations surrounding her, likely to inject herself into any and every conversation without care or notice whether she is welcome
Risk Assessment: Low. While her combat abilities have yet to be ascertained, she has demonstrated no dangerous capabilities or attitudes, and I find it highly unlikely that her personality has been a front in order to hide deeper plans; that would be far too exhausting for anyone human to maintain.
Personal Notes: An annoyance, more than anything else, and one that I let get under my skin too easily in our first interaction. Still, I would prefer to avoid her if possible simply because I find her presence grating. She exudes wealth and privilege, which would be useful to take advantage of, but even the thought of being in her presence long enough to do so makes me feel slightly nauseous. Grandmother's approach is likely not viable for me in this instance.

Follow-up notations: Upon further interactions, manipulation of this woman seems eminently possible through the use of large words with vaguely positive connotations.

2.1.12 The Court of Seasons

It's hard to isolate any one individual of this group of four Eladrin elves. I know that they have set themselves up in the yard outside the Tempest Brother's Company, and that they are fay, one of each season, but little more beyond that. Thus far they have seemed oddly reclusive, yet forward, so I will attempt a direct conversation to assess them soon. The power dynamic and relationships may not be easily exploitable, but perhaps their inherently controlled chaotic nature can be channeled in useful directions. They have kept mostly to themselves, and aside from their first setup I have only seen pairs going out and doing things.

From my limited knowledge, these four are rather unusual for their kind. They each seem quite stable in their seasonal affiliation and form a tight-knit group.

Sir Yewvane Eedryll - 7th Knight of the Court of Seasons (of 8 extant houses), and the leader of the group. The others clearly defer to him, and are all "heartsworn" to him (and possibly each other).

Autumnal affiliation eladrin elf (he/him), Knight and leader of this house. He appears to be the primary adventurer, although his Winter companion also appears comfortable around a fight.

2.2 Information Gathering

In addition to assessing the people with whom I will likely be working, I have been attempting to assess the city of Galik as a whole. During my daily exercise, I've taken up running the streets to develop an accurate map of the area and develop a feel for the varying districts. This is slow work, as the scale of the city is significant, but has yielded considerable results, not least of which is discovering the location of The Flame's Respite, an underground lounge with sauna rooms and the capacity for aromatherapy. The proprietor, a fire genasi man named Torrick Ignus has agreed to host an evening of relaxation for myself and the other tieflings I have met around the Tempest Brother's compound.

Entry 3: The Wicked Wilds

[tbw]