Ruby
05-29-11, 10:42 AM
Name: Lady Ruby Winchester
Alias: Ruby La Roux, Phoenix, Ruby
Age: 33, appears 21.
Race: Human
Nationality: Scara Brae
Occupation: Actress, Matron, Housewife
Allegiances: Her Husband, the Tantalum
Accent: West Country English
Siblings/Family: Lilith (Half-Sister), Mr Liam Winchester (Husband).
Distinguishing Features: Phoenix feathers in her bright red hair, one on her forehead.
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Personality: Unlike her contemporary actors Ruby’s demeanour is somewhat cool and complacent, as if the life she leads was a mere breeze on a cool and sordid shore. Where others are quick to temper, the Crimson Mistress of the Tantalum satisfies the arguments of others with modest assumptions, well placed words, and a calming and empathic grace about her. She possesses a somewhat melancholic sense about her, having resolved herself to the way of the world years ago; she is happy as much in joy as she is in disaster. Juxtaposed with this authoritarian field and sprightly and youthful buoyancy, the likes of which you’d expect from children, or at least those many years younger than she. Succinct notions of spurious wisdom underline her facade, which is kept tight to all those except the most deserving of people; at such a time, only Duffy has truly come to see beyond the namesake, and of course, her husband and long standing victim of negligence and absence, Imago.
On love she is certain, there is no doubt in her speech and physical motions if ever the issue is raised. Ruby is a lover, a romantic, a deep seated fantasist who endures all for those shining moments of intertwined emotions. If ever a question is raised on such matters of the heart, encouragement to the truth is nearly always applied; of course, she is wise enough to know when such love is fleeting, when such a bond is unfrequented, and no more than a fabricated lie. Her matriarchal drive to care for those in needs makes her a compassionate and altruistic individual, with the exception of those few moments a lady of the city is allowed. Constantly singing, constantly calm, constantly quick witted and multi-tasking, her persona in itself springs from her temple to give itself another life.
History: Nobody is sure from whence Ruby La Roux came; her birth and her childhood are as much of an enigma to her as any orphan on the streets of Scara Brae. Glittering remnants of memories have slowly returned to her over the years, allowing her the luxury over the remainder of the troupe in knowing a face from her distant past. He was a tall and handsome man with blonde hair and a calloused life of broken knuckles and sweat. Since the age of eleven she has found herself in the company of the troupe, and learned every aspect of her current life in its vibrant and vivaciously tart company. From the stitches on the hem of her dress to the woven tapestries in her home, no redden pie has been baked without the guiding hands of the troupe’s matrons and loving, caring sisterhood. One is not to under estimate the women of the White Winged Circle, for they are taught to live and also to steal and to fight in equal measure. Putting in her weight not only meant she cooked and cleaned and cared for the younger and older actors, but also, that she pad footed through the markets and squares cutting purses and seducing foolish and ignorant young (if not alluring) men for their wealth.
Around the same that the young and boisterous child named Bracken found his way into the company of dancers and whores, Ruby became a matriarchal image of goddess like responsibility. In the then Tantalum Jacob’s shadow she resided, learning the tantamount rules of being a wise and truthful yet stern leader of men and boys. Sun, sand, dust and sangria spent their dues, cascading Ruby’s mediocre and humble existence into the first performance of her own play. Part of her was transcribed to the page, and like each Tantalum that has ever been, she forged a pact, hastily scribbled onto the back of aprons and nappies, whatever she could find. Just as Jacob had written his first play during his apprenticeship to Narvon, and Duffy would learn the ropes under Ruby; Ruby found her heart’s second greatest desire in Jacob’s ladder.
Lucian’s Call of six years ago began in the same exuberant and enigmatic style as it had always done; with a scream, a clamour, and a burst of fire through the streets. The performances of the troupes many small groups delighted and enticed the wandering children and casual acquaintances on street corners, happiness spread like the plague unheeded. In the secrecy of his under dark hovel, the fiend known once and always as Lucian Lahore turned his eye to the Crimson Mistress, and saw the same jealousy that had destroyed his own heart. Ruby adored Jacob, in all the ways under the stars and the moon, enthralled by his charisma, his determination and his alliance, she learnt with a great fervour what life and love truly meant. She did everything to please him, putting the troupe second to pleasing and idolising an unrealised dream. They performed the reprised roles of Marcus and Princess Cornelia together in the same square they did every year, in front of the Harbour Inn, and under the scrutiny of the ancient clock tower that served as the square’s pinnacle of authority.
She could not perceive the moment that the dagger struck Jacob’s shoulder, or the blonde man in the mask behind him, snarling over the lifeless corpse at her; ravaging her mind and all sense of belonging she had held. Amidst the screams and the dispersing crowd, Ruby began to sing. She sang a song she’d never thought herself capable of singing, and in an ultimate sense of irony, the man who took everything away from her, gave her instead a gift of divine magnitude; the gift of the Spell Singer. The vocals gave life to great swathes of fire, green roses sprung from nothing, and each turn of the chorus shattered portions of the stage and the cobbles on the streets. As the song grew in volume and emotion, the tears on Ruby’s cheeks seemed to embed in her skin, and as she sung of the birds of spring and of bloody dominion, feathers grew in her hair, and a single plume curled out from her brow. Such a mark still remains, accenting her bright red features further still; an effigy to her rebirth, the trials of Lucian giving her a new outlook on life, like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
The blonde man ran from the scene, but seeing Ruby gain a portion of his own power instead of suffering at his hands only drove Lucian into a deeper and darker sense of self loathing, his personality and body shattering into six equal halves, six ghouls of pure sorrow, and into the night once more, his own little word, the once great Tantalum fled from the truth.
Not wanting to lose anyone else close to her, Duffy soon became Ruby’s apprentice in the great fashion of the troupe. Time passes, and finally after two years had come to pass she found true Love once more. Although she has attempted to settle down and leave the troupe behind she finds herself drawn back inexplicably. This came as no surprise in secret to Duffy, for it was Lucian’s final insult, a bond to the troupe so great nothing could ever come before it. Her husband, on the verge of joining the troupe himself is a long suffering but understanding man, who waits for Ruby to come home from whatever wild performance or party she’s been dragged to this time. Ruby herself doesn’t know why she keeps going back, but Duffy, after two years in the reigns, is slowly gaining the courage to tell her the truth; tell her who killed Jacob, and who the blonde man truly is…
History Level One:
Ruby’s last year has been fruitful indeed, taking her to the depths of another world in conflict with a devil who took everything from her, to the deserts of Salvar and the wondrous ruins of the Coliseum. She has chosen to live a life that fits her, returning to her roots through discovering her past life in her reflections, and paying more attention to the husband she loves, and getting shot of the stuffy noble life she abhors. Whilst the Troupe moves to fight Lucian one last time, the woman named Ruby has slowly stepped into the red zippered shoes of a true Lady; not ready to let go of her mantle just yet, she has after all, one last song to sing to right the wrongs of her past, to put her foot down on the world and make certain she is heard, make certain she does not let her name be covered in the credits of the coming Act.
History Level Two:
Ruby's climb to the top and fall to the bottom is a tale of irony. Since coming to realise their woes, she and Duffy have both struggled to regain control of their group, and struggled to learn new techniques and ways to defeat Lucian. Ruby herself has been to the Citadel and fought, hoping to use her spell singing for more than mere entertainment. There she summoned the strength to conjure Duffy to her side, and she was torn apart by the incubus Avery.
She stood up to Lucian with her new found strength and claimed Wainwright's Heart for herself, and is back strong as ever commanding the troupe to prepare for the forthcoming marriage of her sister, Lillian, to a gentleman with a kind heart. If Wainwright's Delusion is to continue, Ruby will need to find a way to her heart and home in time for the trials ahead. No amount of trinkets and treasures can prevent Lucian's rise if Ruby does not come to terms with her mother's rebirth, and does not come to terms with the simple fact that life goes on with or without her.
History Level Three:
Ruby too has undergone rapid transformation since Lucian's death. She lost her sister, and in losing her, she found a new lease of life and another reason to live through remembering her ancestral home...the village of Albion. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20393-The-Flowers-They-Wither-(Solo)) On the other hand, she has reconnected with her sister, the Ushinatta Josei (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21403-Ushinatta-Josei-(Solo)), and learnt to drink tea with friends (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21284-On-Drinking-Tea-With-Friends-(Solo)/page2)as they once did before the war. They have both begun to rebuild their Tenpuru (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21406-Tenpuru-(Solo)&highlight=on+drinking+tea) with their memories of a better life, and a better future.
From those memories, she conjured Lillith back to life, reforming her as Little Miss Monocle (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21779-Little-Miss-Monocle-(Closed)), and with her, she ressurected Delilah Burton, and Celia Burton, her past self and mother respectively. Scattered memories have a habit of converging in on themselves, however, and though Ruby has found piece and returned to her husband's side now the troupe does not need her as much, she cannot help but repeat the phrase Dancing With Ourselves (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22189-Dancing-With-Ourselves-(Closed))as a new conflict brinks over the horizon.
Though she fights the enemies of her ancestors, and those of her sister, who she nearly lost in the hands of the jurugumo (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22018-In-Her-Web-She-s-Caught-(Solo)&p=184497#post184497), Ruby has begun to take a firm grip of her future, and has set out to master her spellsinging with the Books of the Winterfell singers and the newly acquired Trappings of Madrigals, which she hopes will encourage Celia and Delilah to teach her the ways of the Blade Singer, before they fade back into dust, and the Crimson Mistress finds herself alone and haggard once more.
Skills:
The Domesticity Array: As a matron, a housewife and learned scholar of the scullery, Ruby is acquainted with most domestic chores and tasks associated with bringing up children and keeping a household in order.
Cooking: Above Average
Cleaning: Above Average
Ettiquette: Above Average
Child Minding: Adept
Sewing: Average
Logistics: Above Average
Knowledge: Scara Brae Noble Houses
Perform: A life on the stage and in the lady's favour has given rise to the need for Ruby to learn many performance based skills. Though not as virtuoso as Duffy, and somewhat slow to learn, the skills below are solidly rehearsed with the beneficial addition of much more experience over Duffy's youth.
Singing: Adept
Dancing: Adept (Scara Brae Style)
Acting: Adept
Abilities:
Infamy & Nobility: The Tantalum's name in the city of Scara Brae is now one of hot gossip and discussion, both because of its skill and excitement, and because of its tendency to go missing, just like the purses of its audience. This Infamy has a reciprocal effect, in that most will know Duffy and Ruby's face, and some will respect them greatly; but others will be nervous at their sight or outright aggressive to them. The price of fame, 'ey?
Charisma On Stage: X1.5%
Infamy With City Guard: X2%
Standing In Noble Houses: X2%
Charisma With Commoners: X3%
Charisma Outside Of Scara Brae: X0.8%
Spell Singer: (Dissonance Type).
Few spell singers walk the earth, few still know of it. The power to summon the ether with one’s voice, or one’s acting, or one’s motions in perfect harmony with oneself is a boon few receive, and certainly, one few receive willingly. Ruby’s abilities stem from her connection to The Aria, the metaphysical consciousness that all Tantalum’s and those who believe in him slowly begin to feel. Dissonance Type Spell Singing is purely vocal, with the exception of some heightening of control if physical, appropriate dance is performed alongside the singing. At present, Ruby is an adept level spell singer, and has manifested several principle ways of harnessing this ability. Trial and error is needed, and it is important to highlight a small fact, you do not always get what you sing for, as the ether takes lyrics literally and does not always produce effects as required. Even though she starts with the following ‘coded methods’ they will not always be precise. I intend to keep this as a utility, more a descriptive method or way of adding spice; she is, as you can see, far from being remotely combat orientated. Good references are evidently Dungeons and Dragon Bards, as well as the Spell Singer novels by Alan Dean Foster.
The Twilight Sonata: When singing a song of duality and of the seasons, Ruby can drain or increase natural or unnatural sources of light in the immediate vicinity. Candles and fireplaces snuff out or grow in ferocity, darkness grows ever darker, and the sunlight shines like the spring equinox’s heart. It is important to note that these effects are temporary, and the light sources affected by the sonata will return slowly to normal from the moment the song is stopped. Songs to sing to gain these affects typically are operatic arrangements or songs of dwindling love or periods of low activity, or bright, staccato melodies and spring lullabies. Does not require physical movement to instigate or maintain.
The Orison of the Hearth Stone: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20393-The-Flowers-They-Wither-(Solo)) Through a sheer need to defend oneself and to live, Ruby can sing a sudden medley of verses to create a scintillating sphere about her own body that is hard as granite and transparent. Its swirling vortexes conceal most of the outside world, leaving only shadows cast on its inside and out to give clues as to wherever or not safety has returned. This song was learnt through the anointment process, whereby trial and error formed the components required to further allow its permanent use, also called ‘First Note, Second Note and Cantor’, acquired as spoils. The shield protects Ruby from any harm so long as she remains singing and conscious for the period of two posts (including the casting one). Dispel attempts or those of a sufficiently high level may be able to break it, though what could do such a thing remains to be seen.
The Song of the Deep Winter: Ruby’s emotional lament has given rise to a chill and shrill song of pure sorrow. Through fighting Lucian, and finding herself in the depths of her memories, she has started to manifest the elements in her spell singing, and can, at a below average level conjure temperature changes in the atmosphere around her. Such a song, regardless of its effectiveness can only reduce the temperature to 0 degrees Celsius at best, in a sphere of 15 feet, with the appropriate impact on water, fire and humans after lengthened exposure. At best, sparkling frost will appear in the air, at worst, a shiver down the spine, depending on the input into the song. Such a spell cannot affect desert temperatures, or other extreme climates.
The Paean of Phoenix Fire: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22018-In-Her-Web-She-s-Caught-(Solo)) Ruby personifies the Phoenix, the mythical bird of rebirth and second chances. As with the Song of the Deep Winter, the Paean of Phoenix Fire arose during the Tantalum’s conflict with Lucian, and was born of desperation. Once per thread, in a moment of trouble, physical duress or emotional turmoil, Ruby can sing a song of fire and rebirth and last chances; it will conjure fire around her, and her target, should it be someone other than herself. The recipient will be stripped of all non-magical possessions that are not metallic in the conflagration, but will be healed of all light and medium wounds and be revitalised of fatigue equal to three hour’s heavy exercise. It blanches heavier wounds, perhaps, if she sings true enough, staunching them long enough to prevent death through blood loss. During the song, Ruby’s feathers lengthen, and she takes on a fiery aura (no effect other than visual) for roughly fifteen minutes following conjuration. Using this spell on someone other than a member of the Tantalum Troupe requires the player’s permissions.
Conjuring Cantor: Somewhat random in nature, the Conjuring Cantor allows Ruby to potentially call to her through song small inanimate objects. Examples of items possible are small foodstuffs, household items, cheap wine or personal items not visible to simple garments or items from the Tantalum’s Menagerie. No magical items can be summoned, as their enchantments prohibit interference from The Aria, and items that are visible to Ruby cannot be called. It is important to note that whilst small coins can be summoned at a push, items of selfish possession will be returned to their owner in time; with appropriate consequences should people start to talk. Can be used three times per thread, with careful monitoring and opponent’s permission for use in battles, otherwise it is more a flavoursome touch.
The Scintillating Song: In place of extensive fireworks or props, Ruby often sings a scintillating song of colour and change, which conjures moving lights, floating, glowing orbs and occasionally, if her voice is strong and charismatic and she sings of great trials and journeys, she can conjure fireworks from the air like a mage calling on the ether for guidance and aid. These are mere illusions, and although they create sound in their wake, they have no physical effect on matter, something many will perceive, so it can be used trustingly if called for, but causes no physical harm. This song requires physical movements, slight dancing, spiralling motions and the fireworks and lights require puppet like movement of arms to gain any degree of control. If left untended, the lights will move and respond to the emotions of the singer and the lyrics and strength of the song sung. Light hearted lyrics are used; folk tales and merry little ditties and hero filled verses that even the crowd will know keep these lights in the sky.
The Requiem Rampant: Offensive, concussive blows, ghostly limbs and vacuums. Incredibly draining and demands a certain level of anger or grievance. This is Ruby’s current method of defensive, singing of warriors and wars and of lashing out she can conjure small impacts, and energy based fists and simulacrum attackers. Such instruments of the bard’s sharp tongue never inflict more than moderate damage, but it is a conductive ability - the great the peril and anger and the better the song, the more violent, and uncontrollable it becomes. It can injure her as well as others.
Equipment:
The Winchester Residence: She has a house of her own in a modest avenue in the Docklands, in which can be found an assortment of domestic items, pictures, books, of course, her own plays and so forth. She has modest food supplies and trappings for light and moderate travel, and other things you might find in a modest abode. This house consumes 10% of all gold that is earned from threads, battles or other sources.
The Tantalus Menagerie: A thousand and one costumes and theatre props of all descriptions, musical instruments and writing implements, books on playwrights and records of plays. 10% gold reduction from all threads required.
Books of the Winterfell Singers: Ruby has acquired three magical texts on opera singing, blade singing and performance techniques. They can be drawn upon in the future to increase her talent with study, practice and perhaps further purchase from the book shop.
Trappings Of Madrigals: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21858-The-Flames-Renewed) Ruby has acquired a mithril hauberk, with a floral, archaic design from the habidashery battale in Scara Brae. It fits over most of her dresses, and affords her upper body a level of protection her normal clothing could never afford, without interfering with her singing or her magic. It features frontal leg plates to the knee, and a sword scabbard, though as of yet, she has no sword to put in it.
Alias: Ruby La Roux, Phoenix, Ruby
Age: 33, appears 21.
Race: Human
Nationality: Scara Brae
Occupation: Actress, Matron, Housewife
Allegiances: Her Husband, the Tantalum
Accent: West Country English
Siblings/Family: Lilith (Half-Sister), Mr Liam Winchester (Husband).
Distinguishing Features: Phoenix feathers in her bright red hair, one on her forehead.
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Personality: Unlike her contemporary actors Ruby’s demeanour is somewhat cool and complacent, as if the life she leads was a mere breeze on a cool and sordid shore. Where others are quick to temper, the Crimson Mistress of the Tantalum satisfies the arguments of others with modest assumptions, well placed words, and a calming and empathic grace about her. She possesses a somewhat melancholic sense about her, having resolved herself to the way of the world years ago; she is happy as much in joy as she is in disaster. Juxtaposed with this authoritarian field and sprightly and youthful buoyancy, the likes of which you’d expect from children, or at least those many years younger than she. Succinct notions of spurious wisdom underline her facade, which is kept tight to all those except the most deserving of people; at such a time, only Duffy has truly come to see beyond the namesake, and of course, her husband and long standing victim of negligence and absence, Imago.
On love she is certain, there is no doubt in her speech and physical motions if ever the issue is raised. Ruby is a lover, a romantic, a deep seated fantasist who endures all for those shining moments of intertwined emotions. If ever a question is raised on such matters of the heart, encouragement to the truth is nearly always applied; of course, she is wise enough to know when such love is fleeting, when such a bond is unfrequented, and no more than a fabricated lie. Her matriarchal drive to care for those in needs makes her a compassionate and altruistic individual, with the exception of those few moments a lady of the city is allowed. Constantly singing, constantly calm, constantly quick witted and multi-tasking, her persona in itself springs from her temple to give itself another life.
History: Nobody is sure from whence Ruby La Roux came; her birth and her childhood are as much of an enigma to her as any orphan on the streets of Scara Brae. Glittering remnants of memories have slowly returned to her over the years, allowing her the luxury over the remainder of the troupe in knowing a face from her distant past. He was a tall and handsome man with blonde hair and a calloused life of broken knuckles and sweat. Since the age of eleven she has found herself in the company of the troupe, and learned every aspect of her current life in its vibrant and vivaciously tart company. From the stitches on the hem of her dress to the woven tapestries in her home, no redden pie has been baked without the guiding hands of the troupe’s matrons and loving, caring sisterhood. One is not to under estimate the women of the White Winged Circle, for they are taught to live and also to steal and to fight in equal measure. Putting in her weight not only meant she cooked and cleaned and cared for the younger and older actors, but also, that she pad footed through the markets and squares cutting purses and seducing foolish and ignorant young (if not alluring) men for their wealth.
Around the same that the young and boisterous child named Bracken found his way into the company of dancers and whores, Ruby became a matriarchal image of goddess like responsibility. In the then Tantalum Jacob’s shadow she resided, learning the tantamount rules of being a wise and truthful yet stern leader of men and boys. Sun, sand, dust and sangria spent their dues, cascading Ruby’s mediocre and humble existence into the first performance of her own play. Part of her was transcribed to the page, and like each Tantalum that has ever been, she forged a pact, hastily scribbled onto the back of aprons and nappies, whatever she could find. Just as Jacob had written his first play during his apprenticeship to Narvon, and Duffy would learn the ropes under Ruby; Ruby found her heart’s second greatest desire in Jacob’s ladder.
Lucian’s Call of six years ago began in the same exuberant and enigmatic style as it had always done; with a scream, a clamour, and a burst of fire through the streets. The performances of the troupes many small groups delighted and enticed the wandering children and casual acquaintances on street corners, happiness spread like the plague unheeded. In the secrecy of his under dark hovel, the fiend known once and always as Lucian Lahore turned his eye to the Crimson Mistress, and saw the same jealousy that had destroyed his own heart. Ruby adored Jacob, in all the ways under the stars and the moon, enthralled by his charisma, his determination and his alliance, she learnt with a great fervour what life and love truly meant. She did everything to please him, putting the troupe second to pleasing and idolising an unrealised dream. They performed the reprised roles of Marcus and Princess Cornelia together in the same square they did every year, in front of the Harbour Inn, and under the scrutiny of the ancient clock tower that served as the square’s pinnacle of authority.
She could not perceive the moment that the dagger struck Jacob’s shoulder, or the blonde man in the mask behind him, snarling over the lifeless corpse at her; ravaging her mind and all sense of belonging she had held. Amidst the screams and the dispersing crowd, Ruby began to sing. She sang a song she’d never thought herself capable of singing, and in an ultimate sense of irony, the man who took everything away from her, gave her instead a gift of divine magnitude; the gift of the Spell Singer. The vocals gave life to great swathes of fire, green roses sprung from nothing, and each turn of the chorus shattered portions of the stage and the cobbles on the streets. As the song grew in volume and emotion, the tears on Ruby’s cheeks seemed to embed in her skin, and as she sung of the birds of spring and of bloody dominion, feathers grew in her hair, and a single plume curled out from her brow. Such a mark still remains, accenting her bright red features further still; an effigy to her rebirth, the trials of Lucian giving her a new outlook on life, like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
The blonde man ran from the scene, but seeing Ruby gain a portion of his own power instead of suffering at his hands only drove Lucian into a deeper and darker sense of self loathing, his personality and body shattering into six equal halves, six ghouls of pure sorrow, and into the night once more, his own little word, the once great Tantalum fled from the truth.
Not wanting to lose anyone else close to her, Duffy soon became Ruby’s apprentice in the great fashion of the troupe. Time passes, and finally after two years had come to pass she found true Love once more. Although she has attempted to settle down and leave the troupe behind she finds herself drawn back inexplicably. This came as no surprise in secret to Duffy, for it was Lucian’s final insult, a bond to the troupe so great nothing could ever come before it. Her husband, on the verge of joining the troupe himself is a long suffering but understanding man, who waits for Ruby to come home from whatever wild performance or party she’s been dragged to this time. Ruby herself doesn’t know why she keeps going back, but Duffy, after two years in the reigns, is slowly gaining the courage to tell her the truth; tell her who killed Jacob, and who the blonde man truly is…
History Level One:
Ruby’s last year has been fruitful indeed, taking her to the depths of another world in conflict with a devil who took everything from her, to the deserts of Salvar and the wondrous ruins of the Coliseum. She has chosen to live a life that fits her, returning to her roots through discovering her past life in her reflections, and paying more attention to the husband she loves, and getting shot of the stuffy noble life she abhors. Whilst the Troupe moves to fight Lucian one last time, the woman named Ruby has slowly stepped into the red zippered shoes of a true Lady; not ready to let go of her mantle just yet, she has after all, one last song to sing to right the wrongs of her past, to put her foot down on the world and make certain she is heard, make certain she does not let her name be covered in the credits of the coming Act.
History Level Two:
Ruby's climb to the top and fall to the bottom is a tale of irony. Since coming to realise their woes, she and Duffy have both struggled to regain control of their group, and struggled to learn new techniques and ways to defeat Lucian. Ruby herself has been to the Citadel and fought, hoping to use her spell singing for more than mere entertainment. There she summoned the strength to conjure Duffy to her side, and she was torn apart by the incubus Avery.
She stood up to Lucian with her new found strength and claimed Wainwright's Heart for herself, and is back strong as ever commanding the troupe to prepare for the forthcoming marriage of her sister, Lillian, to a gentleman with a kind heart. If Wainwright's Delusion is to continue, Ruby will need to find a way to her heart and home in time for the trials ahead. No amount of trinkets and treasures can prevent Lucian's rise if Ruby does not come to terms with her mother's rebirth, and does not come to terms with the simple fact that life goes on with or without her.
History Level Three:
Ruby too has undergone rapid transformation since Lucian's death. She lost her sister, and in losing her, she found a new lease of life and another reason to live through remembering her ancestral home...the village of Albion. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20393-The-Flowers-They-Wither-(Solo)) On the other hand, she has reconnected with her sister, the Ushinatta Josei (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21403-Ushinatta-Josei-(Solo)), and learnt to drink tea with friends (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21284-On-Drinking-Tea-With-Friends-(Solo)/page2)as they once did before the war. They have both begun to rebuild their Tenpuru (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21406-Tenpuru-(Solo)&highlight=on+drinking+tea) with their memories of a better life, and a better future.
From those memories, she conjured Lillith back to life, reforming her as Little Miss Monocle (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21779-Little-Miss-Monocle-(Closed)), and with her, she ressurected Delilah Burton, and Celia Burton, her past self and mother respectively. Scattered memories have a habit of converging in on themselves, however, and though Ruby has found piece and returned to her husband's side now the troupe does not need her as much, she cannot help but repeat the phrase Dancing With Ourselves (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22189-Dancing-With-Ourselves-(Closed))as a new conflict brinks over the horizon.
Though she fights the enemies of her ancestors, and those of her sister, who she nearly lost in the hands of the jurugumo (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22018-In-Her-Web-She-s-Caught-(Solo)&p=184497#post184497), Ruby has begun to take a firm grip of her future, and has set out to master her spellsinging with the Books of the Winterfell singers and the newly acquired Trappings of Madrigals, which she hopes will encourage Celia and Delilah to teach her the ways of the Blade Singer, before they fade back into dust, and the Crimson Mistress finds herself alone and haggard once more.
Skills:
The Domesticity Array: As a matron, a housewife and learned scholar of the scullery, Ruby is acquainted with most domestic chores and tasks associated with bringing up children and keeping a household in order.
Cooking: Above Average
Cleaning: Above Average
Ettiquette: Above Average
Child Minding: Adept
Sewing: Average
Logistics: Above Average
Knowledge: Scara Brae Noble Houses
Perform: A life on the stage and in the lady's favour has given rise to the need for Ruby to learn many performance based skills. Though not as virtuoso as Duffy, and somewhat slow to learn, the skills below are solidly rehearsed with the beneficial addition of much more experience over Duffy's youth.
Singing: Adept
Dancing: Adept (Scara Brae Style)
Acting: Adept
Abilities:
Infamy & Nobility: The Tantalum's name in the city of Scara Brae is now one of hot gossip and discussion, both because of its skill and excitement, and because of its tendency to go missing, just like the purses of its audience. This Infamy has a reciprocal effect, in that most will know Duffy and Ruby's face, and some will respect them greatly; but others will be nervous at their sight or outright aggressive to them. The price of fame, 'ey?
Charisma On Stage: X1.5%
Infamy With City Guard: X2%
Standing In Noble Houses: X2%
Charisma With Commoners: X3%
Charisma Outside Of Scara Brae: X0.8%
Spell Singer: (Dissonance Type).
Few spell singers walk the earth, few still know of it. The power to summon the ether with one’s voice, or one’s acting, or one’s motions in perfect harmony with oneself is a boon few receive, and certainly, one few receive willingly. Ruby’s abilities stem from her connection to The Aria, the metaphysical consciousness that all Tantalum’s and those who believe in him slowly begin to feel. Dissonance Type Spell Singing is purely vocal, with the exception of some heightening of control if physical, appropriate dance is performed alongside the singing. At present, Ruby is an adept level spell singer, and has manifested several principle ways of harnessing this ability. Trial and error is needed, and it is important to highlight a small fact, you do not always get what you sing for, as the ether takes lyrics literally and does not always produce effects as required. Even though she starts with the following ‘coded methods’ they will not always be precise. I intend to keep this as a utility, more a descriptive method or way of adding spice; she is, as you can see, far from being remotely combat orientated. Good references are evidently Dungeons and Dragon Bards, as well as the Spell Singer novels by Alan Dean Foster.
The Twilight Sonata: When singing a song of duality and of the seasons, Ruby can drain or increase natural or unnatural sources of light in the immediate vicinity. Candles and fireplaces snuff out or grow in ferocity, darkness grows ever darker, and the sunlight shines like the spring equinox’s heart. It is important to note that these effects are temporary, and the light sources affected by the sonata will return slowly to normal from the moment the song is stopped. Songs to sing to gain these affects typically are operatic arrangements or songs of dwindling love or periods of low activity, or bright, staccato melodies and spring lullabies. Does not require physical movement to instigate or maintain.
The Orison of the Hearth Stone: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20393-The-Flowers-They-Wither-(Solo)) Through a sheer need to defend oneself and to live, Ruby can sing a sudden medley of verses to create a scintillating sphere about her own body that is hard as granite and transparent. Its swirling vortexes conceal most of the outside world, leaving only shadows cast on its inside and out to give clues as to wherever or not safety has returned. This song was learnt through the anointment process, whereby trial and error formed the components required to further allow its permanent use, also called ‘First Note, Second Note and Cantor’, acquired as spoils. The shield protects Ruby from any harm so long as she remains singing and conscious for the period of two posts (including the casting one). Dispel attempts or those of a sufficiently high level may be able to break it, though what could do such a thing remains to be seen.
The Song of the Deep Winter: Ruby’s emotional lament has given rise to a chill and shrill song of pure sorrow. Through fighting Lucian, and finding herself in the depths of her memories, she has started to manifest the elements in her spell singing, and can, at a below average level conjure temperature changes in the atmosphere around her. Such a song, regardless of its effectiveness can only reduce the temperature to 0 degrees Celsius at best, in a sphere of 15 feet, with the appropriate impact on water, fire and humans after lengthened exposure. At best, sparkling frost will appear in the air, at worst, a shiver down the spine, depending on the input into the song. Such a spell cannot affect desert temperatures, or other extreme climates.
The Paean of Phoenix Fire: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?22018-In-Her-Web-She-s-Caught-(Solo)) Ruby personifies the Phoenix, the mythical bird of rebirth and second chances. As with the Song of the Deep Winter, the Paean of Phoenix Fire arose during the Tantalum’s conflict with Lucian, and was born of desperation. Once per thread, in a moment of trouble, physical duress or emotional turmoil, Ruby can sing a song of fire and rebirth and last chances; it will conjure fire around her, and her target, should it be someone other than herself. The recipient will be stripped of all non-magical possessions that are not metallic in the conflagration, but will be healed of all light and medium wounds and be revitalised of fatigue equal to three hour’s heavy exercise. It blanches heavier wounds, perhaps, if she sings true enough, staunching them long enough to prevent death through blood loss. During the song, Ruby’s feathers lengthen, and she takes on a fiery aura (no effect other than visual) for roughly fifteen minutes following conjuration. Using this spell on someone other than a member of the Tantalum Troupe requires the player’s permissions.
Conjuring Cantor: Somewhat random in nature, the Conjuring Cantor allows Ruby to potentially call to her through song small inanimate objects. Examples of items possible are small foodstuffs, household items, cheap wine or personal items not visible to simple garments or items from the Tantalum’s Menagerie. No magical items can be summoned, as their enchantments prohibit interference from The Aria, and items that are visible to Ruby cannot be called. It is important to note that whilst small coins can be summoned at a push, items of selfish possession will be returned to their owner in time; with appropriate consequences should people start to talk. Can be used three times per thread, with careful monitoring and opponent’s permission for use in battles, otherwise it is more a flavoursome touch.
The Scintillating Song: In place of extensive fireworks or props, Ruby often sings a scintillating song of colour and change, which conjures moving lights, floating, glowing orbs and occasionally, if her voice is strong and charismatic and she sings of great trials and journeys, she can conjure fireworks from the air like a mage calling on the ether for guidance and aid. These are mere illusions, and although they create sound in their wake, they have no physical effect on matter, something many will perceive, so it can be used trustingly if called for, but causes no physical harm. This song requires physical movements, slight dancing, spiralling motions and the fireworks and lights require puppet like movement of arms to gain any degree of control. If left untended, the lights will move and respond to the emotions of the singer and the lyrics and strength of the song sung. Light hearted lyrics are used; folk tales and merry little ditties and hero filled verses that even the crowd will know keep these lights in the sky.
The Requiem Rampant: Offensive, concussive blows, ghostly limbs and vacuums. Incredibly draining and demands a certain level of anger or grievance. This is Ruby’s current method of defensive, singing of warriors and wars and of lashing out she can conjure small impacts, and energy based fists and simulacrum attackers. Such instruments of the bard’s sharp tongue never inflict more than moderate damage, but it is a conductive ability - the great the peril and anger and the better the song, the more violent, and uncontrollable it becomes. It can injure her as well as others.
Equipment:
The Winchester Residence: She has a house of her own in a modest avenue in the Docklands, in which can be found an assortment of domestic items, pictures, books, of course, her own plays and so forth. She has modest food supplies and trappings for light and moderate travel, and other things you might find in a modest abode. This house consumes 10% of all gold that is earned from threads, battles or other sources.
The Tantalus Menagerie: A thousand and one costumes and theatre props of all descriptions, musical instruments and writing implements, books on playwrights and records of plays. 10% gold reduction from all threads required.
Books of the Winterfell Singers: Ruby has acquired three magical texts on opera singing, blade singing and performance techniques. They can be drawn upon in the future to increase her talent with study, practice and perhaps further purchase from the book shop.
Trappings Of Madrigals: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?21858-The-Flames-Renewed) Ruby has acquired a mithril hauberk, with a floral, archaic design from the habidashery battale in Scara Brae. It fits over most of her dresses, and affords her upper body a level of protection her normal clothing could never afford, without interfering with her singing or her magic. It features frontal leg plates to the knee, and a sword scabbard, though as of yet, she has no sword to put in it.