Ariadney
 | |
| Level | 1 |
| Race | Human |
| Class | Apprentice Witch |
| Armor | ?? |
| Weapon(s) | ?? |
| Hometown | Omatachi |
Ariadney is an only child, daughter of a fisherman and a witch. To honor the family traditions of both parents, she has taken on both of those occupations. Her grandmother, Waipoe, is her mentor for learning witch magic and she learned fishing from her father. She has a deep love for cats. Her familiar is a kitten named 
Sweetie, though she has 4 other cats which also accompany her: 
Boxes, 
DJ, 
Helmey, and 
Serge. She has dark green eyes and long, black hair that she often wears in a braid under a tricorn hat (once her father's). She is 17 years old (birthday: 5-3 Heavenfall if going by the Standard Calendar). She is around 5'6" and weighs approximately 165 lbs.
Campaign: Last of the Omatachi
SPOILER: Ariadney's Character Sheet
Contents
History
Ariadney ni Kapakainahahapan (air-ee-ADD-nee NEE cap-ah-cane-ah-hah-HAH-pan) is the daughter of Warahep (Wara) Nimarai Na and Kalalaw ni Kapakainahahapan. Her mother was a witch, like her mother before her, while her father came from a long line of fishermen. Wara died from illness when Ariadney was 5. Vicious rumors circulated that she had died from her own poison that she was concocting. Her father raised her with help from Waipoe, her maternal grandmother. Her childhood was filled with days of fishing with her father and evenings of instruction from her grandmother. Kalalaw drowned in a freak fishing accident in the summer before Ariadney's 17th birthday. Ariadney wears his iconic tricorn hat to honor him and continues to fish with her uncle and grandfather while leaning on her grandmother for emotional support and magical instruction.
Stories of her Father
The Omatachi's history is a verbal one and elders often relay family history through the retelling of stories. Libangbang (Li), Ariadney's grandfather, would often tell stories of great catches made through the years as well as tales of his two mischievous sons, Kalalaw and Nimiciasazisazingodngod (Nimic).
How Kalalaw Named His Brother
As told to Ariadney by Libangbang
When Kalalaw was barely old enough to hold his fishing pole by himself, your grandmother Ovay shared the exciting news that Kalalaw would soon have a brother. Kalalaw knew this would mean more mouths to feed and so he worked even harder with me to bring in grand catches each night.
Ovay gave birth to another bouncing baby boy though he was more roly-poly and round than his brother was at birth. As is custom, of course, the child would not be named until he was weaned. Ovay and I prayed to our ancestors for guidance and looked for a sign during my daily fishing to help us in naming the baby, just as it did with Kalalaw. Kalalaw was named for the flying fish which soared above my boat the day he was born. The as-yet-named Nimic had not been quite as lucky and no such signs had appeared while fishing.
The days got closer when the baby would be weaned and we still did not have a name! In the hope that perhaps the baby's presence would move the ancestors to send a sign, I brought the baby with Kalalaw and I that day on our fishing. We met with my brothers and began to bait. As the morning went along, the sky grew heavy and dark with clouds. As the wind picked up my spirits fell as I knew we would have to leave early, returning home yet again without a sufficient sign. As I bent down to collect my pack, I heard a great howling! I looked over to see my beloved new son tumbling from the side of the river into the rocky rapids below! I quickly dropped everything to go after him, but your father was quicker. He darted to his brother and scooped him up before the rapids carried him away. I ran to my sons, embraced them both, and we hurried home.
When we got back, Ovay was furious! Our new baby seemed happy but looked worse for the wear as he was covered in scrapes and bruises. I told Ovay of your father's bravery and she then said this must be a sign and it is Kalalaw that must name him. Well Kalalaw took this seriously and thought on it the entire night. The next morning, he told Ovay and I the name. With a serious look and a somber voice, Kalalaw said his brother should be named none other than Nimiciasazisazingodngod! Ovay and I did not know whether to laugh or cry, but we knew that must be our new son's name. So we announced the presence of our new son, Nimiciasazisazingodngod, or Nimic for short. Which of course you know Nimiciasazisazingodngod means covered in scrapes! Of course now he is a fine young man and this story is the only thing that remains of the tie to his name. Though I am not sure if he has ever really forgiven your father for such a name!
Kalalaw's Tricorn Hat
As told to Ariadney by Kalalaw
It was an early spring and I had rushed out the door to be among the first to catch some of the finest fish as they were still fat from the winter. I rushed ahead of Nimic and my father only to find some of my uncles already pulling in fine catches! Thinking I could outsmart these seasoned fishermen, I had the idea to venture further upstream to catch before they swam down to my uncles. I ran past and up the stream far, far- way too far! I was not lost because I could always use the stream to find my way but I knew I was further than I had ever been. Excited, I baited my rod and waited. One, two, three! The fat, succulent fish were practically jumping into my basket! Surely my uncles would be jealous and my father proud. Then I saw something toward the other side of the bank that caught my eye. It was bobbing, large and brown, carried by the stream. I cast my line several times and ran down the river after it. I finally caught it and marveled at it- it was a well-made hat! Surely its owner must miss it but I did not see or hear anyone around. I excitedly brought my catches- fish and hat- back to the group.
What a scolding I got from your grandfather! I did not receive a hero's welcome I sought but instead the worried admonishment from my family. My father sent me home early as punishment. When I returned, my mother saw my disappointment. She knew my father must have lectured me so instead she asked about my fishing. I told her excitedly about the fish- which she said were quite fine!- and finally the hat. My father hadn't even asked about it! Ovay marveled at it as it was a fine hat of the design that was rarely seen in our village. She told me to wear it proud and pinned one of her goose feathers in it. It would be my reminder of not only my grand catch but that family comes first.
Though the feather fell out long ago, I have worn this hat since. It was this hat which caught the eye of your mother and this hat which protected me from sun and storm. A fisherman could not ask for a better hat!
Stories of Her Mother
As Wara died when Ariadney was very young, she cherished the stories of her mother the most. While her father could not relay them as well, due to his sadness at the loss of his wife, her grandmother Waipoe would often tell her stories. These are two of Ariadney's favorites.
The Courtship of Wara & Kalalaw
As told to Ariadney by Waipoe
Wara was the only daughter in our family of boys. The youngest, her brothers, your uncles, would often protect her. Oh her father would as well but he would be gone on the hunt long days and nights. So as it came toward Wara's maidenhood her father fell ill and we all mourned for him as he passed soon after. She was an apprentice witch, much like you, and I worried she would turn to the shadows in her grief.
I worried of her often and wished to make her some Flying Fish Bubble Tea. This was not made with the tapioca like you like but of tea and roe. My mother instructed me that it would help end her grief. The roe was hard to get and only one of the best fishermen could get it so I visited your grandparents. Kalalaw jumped right up at my request and said he was up for the challenge. As Ovay and I had become dear friends I promised him an extra special treat in addition to my payment.
How quickly and expertly your father worked! He had a pouch of fresh roe to me that afternoon. I thanked him and told him the sweetbread I was making for him was still on the hearth. He said he would wait and we chatted as I worked grinding leaves for the tea.
Your mother walked in and oh how her eyes brightened at the sight of Kalalaw's hat! She marveled at it and asked to see it. Your mother, she was surely the most beautiful girl in the village, and so I knew that Kalalaw must fancy her from the second he saw her. I made them both the tea and we sat by the hearth to enjoy it and the wonderful smell of the sweetbread. The sweetbread was cold by the time Kalalaw was ready to go home because of all their talking!
Kalalaw returned early the next day and I sent him on another errand, this time to catch frogs for my potions. When Wara's brother asked why, I told him of the budding romance between your parents. From then on I would send Wara out every afternoon to retrieve the catch from Kalalaw and soon she went without my request!
Now not everyone in the village was as pleased about this match. Tuvalue, you know her as the mother of Cingal, had fancied your father for some time though he did not return her affections. You know Tuvalue's mother and sister are witches but Tuvalue never had the knack for the craft so that is why she is a weaver. She weaves lies as well and has told some of the most awful things of your mother out of jealousy! She wove lies then of your mother, how she danced with shadows, and even followed some cult of the Summerlands! She told the town that Wara had enchanted Kalalaw.
It was not long before Kalalaw announced his betrothal to Wara. At the announcement, Tuvalue stood up and shrieked that it Kalalaw was enchanted by the foul witch Wara and the wickedness must be stopped! Ovay and Li looked embarrassed but your uncles and I were furious. How dare she sully such a pleasant event with her lies! Profanity spewed from my mouth at the wicked girl. Her mother's spirit surely was disgraced by her actions!
Tuvalue's sister, Matallee, looked at Wara straight in the eye and said she hoped her child would have a mouth as foul as mine! I hexed her then and there and they took us both away to calm down. Kalalaw declared there was no enchantment and sent Tuvalue and her false claims on her way.
Your mother had a soft soul, though, and Tuvalue's words cut her deeply. She twice broke off the betrothal, fearing that she had somehow enchanted Kalalaw. Finally it took Ovay to convince her that their love was truer than the rising and setting of the sun. Knowing Ovay to be a pure soul, Wara took it to heart and your parents married.
Though, I always wonder if Matallee did hex your mother because you have seem to have inherited my foul mouth!
Wara's First Cat
As told to Ariadney by Waipoe
Your mother was always a slight and frail but beautiful child. Her older brother affectionately called her the runt because she was so small but that just made her all the more sensitive to smaller things. Like you, she loved animals and always helped me in my work. I think she loved the smaller ones best of all.
My friend Sungny called me by to see after her cat who had just given birth. I saw to her pet and the litter though one of them looked frail. I spoke with the mama cat who was worried that the littlest one would not survive. I promised I would take special care of it if she would allow me to take it home. Both the mama cat and Sungny agreed so I brought the runt home. Oh how your mother's eyes sparkled at the sick newborn cat! I had her cradle it close to her bosom to keep it warm. The poor thing kept wanting to suckle her! I prepared some warm catmilk for it along with extra protein. Your mother would dip her finger in the cup and the newborn kitty would drink it. How patient your mother was with the little runt! It survived and was looking healthier. By the third day, I wished to return the runt with its mother but your mother, naught but a child, would have none of it! I hated to break your mother's heart but I had promised my friend and her cat that I would return with the kitten. Your mother came with me and oh how the kitten yelped at first when we took it from Wara. It found comfort in its cat mother though continued to yelp for Wara.
Sungny agreed that perhaps it would be best if Wara stayed with the kitten and the litter so she stayed at Sungny's to watch over them. The mama cat appreciated the help and how the kittens loved Wara! Their eyes opened and the mama cat began training them how to be good cats. The runt, though, never did as well as her brothers and sisters. Sungny knew that this kitten had bonded with Wara and was meant to be with her so after the kittens had opened their eyes and began to be on their own, Sungny sent Wara home with the little kitten. Wara named her Bean, as she looked like a little bean when she was born, and Bean stayed by your mother's side until the day she died. Bean was her familiar, you know, and died not long after your mother. Your father believes Bean's spirit was tied to Wara's and while he had to carry on to care for you, Bean had only Wara. Such is the danger to the animal when it becomes a familiar!
But do not let that prevent you from taking your own familiar, Ariadney. A witch gains strength from her familiar and you must choose yours soon.
The Makings of a 'Crazy Cat Lady'
Ariadney has always loved cats. Both of her parents owned cats before they met so she has always been around them. Bean was her mother's cat and familiar while her father owned Persimmon and Cumin (all cats have since passed). When she first began training as a witch, her grandmother taught her how to heal animals (as that was her own profession). Ariadney went around healing animals as practice, in particular any cat which needed her aid. The cats began following her around so she accepted them as her pets. Before his death, her father always joked that he didn't let Ariadney out of his sight for fear she would bring home another cat.
DJ was the first cat to follow her. DJ is short for Dengdengen Jiaken which means "cook for me" because DJ would only eat cooked or smoked fish and not raw fish like the other cats. Boxes was the next cat Ariadney found. She was trapped in a box meant for catching rabbits and other small game. Serge joined the group soon after. She found him soaked and sick on the edge of a flooded stream bank. Helmey and Sweetie may have been in the same litter. Though she found them separately, she found them in roughly the same area soon after each other. As Sweetie was smaller and sicker, and had to be nursed back to health, she bonded the most with Ariadney and thus Ariadney took the little runt as her familiar (much as her mother had done with the runt of another litter).
Present
Ariadney is an apprentice witch and a fisherwoman by profession. She sells her fish at her grandfather's fish market. She lives with her grandmother but sees the rest of her family often.
Trivia
- Ariadney's name means "eliminate thunder". It had been storming several days prior to her birth which made fishing impossible. She was born in the early morning hours and the storm passed not long after, allowing sunny skies for good fishing. Her parents joked that her birth chased away the storms for good fishing and thus named her appropriately. OOC it is a cognate of Ariadne, the Greek goddess who was wife of Dionysus and lead Theseus out of the labyrinth).
- While she received her mother's magical talent, her appearance favors more that of her father. Before her paternal grandmother died, she remarked that as a child she looked much like Ariadney.
- Due to the length of their surname, it is often shortened to ni Kapa.
- Ariadney uses her cure light wounds to heal animals. Cats particularly like her because she often has the lingering scent of fish on her and follow her around after she heals them, which is why she has acquired so many.
- Her grandmother is a healer of both humans and animals, though is often called upon professionally to heal animals (similar to a veterinarian).
- Ariadney is overweight. As a child, she grew sick of eating fish and would instead eat sweet cakes and breads from her grandmother which attributed to her childhood weight gain. Though she gets a good bit of exercise and enjoys fish again, her build is more stocky like her father. She does not consider her plumper figure to be an issue and while a bit of a tomboy, she does take feminine pride in her developing curves.
- Ariadney's cats are OOCly named after some of HelenAngel's very cool friends with whom she plays TF2.
