Appearance

Physical Description

She is tall and lean muscled from years of ranging. Not physically imposing, but has a fairly developed endurance about her.

Body Features

She has let her dark brown/black hair grow out nearly to her shoulders, held back by a headband adorned with a moonstone cut into Sehanine's symbol. Her high pointed ears are pierced on the ends with a thin silver and bronze earring on each ear.

Facial Features

Bright green eyes with deep gold flecks throughout them, and a light dusting of freckles dot her otherwise plain, pale face.

Identifying Characteristics

Should you catch her with her shirt raised, she has two nasty scars above her right hip, one on the front and a matching one on her back. They line up a little too well and resemble the scarring a sword would leave.
 
She also has a fist sized tattoo on the inside of her right forearm. The crescent and full moon of Sehanine is just visible with the silver white "ink" that was used. In certain circumstances as a warning, it will change color to a solid black. This tattoo identifies her as a member of the Sentinels of the Moonbow, an order dedicated to the protection of elven souls and the eradication of undead and those who interfere with the natural cycle.

Physical quirks

Other than the hidden scar and her unusually bright green eyes, not too much stands out about Anya. Ask her brother, though, and he will insist you check for extra toes or a tail.

Apparel & Accessories

She wears her wooden linked chain shirt most of the time over her comfortable green traveling shirt, with soft, well worn brown leather pants and boots. On her back is the druidic shield made of enchanted wood and a leather armband with Rillifane's oak etched onto it.
 
She never goes anywhere without these key items:

• Winter's Dawn (a magical longbow of woven branches gifted from the Lunar Lady and Relkath at the Feast of the Moon)


• Thundergrace (a Steelestone family handaxe with a four leaf clover etched into the blade given as a promise from Sikander)


• Heca (long trusted shortword she had silvered and enchanted herself)


• A small pouch full of her most precious belongings, including a driftglobe (once belonging to her dear friend Vallic), the wolf-carved flute that once belonged to her father, Pakian, a small hand-made doll, several sending stones, and the last letter her mother wrote.

Specialized Equipment

Her companion Tal the Blink Dog stands nearly three feet tall at his shoulders, with a brindled brown and black coat. His intelligent eyes are a single crystal blue and a deep, pure gold.
He wears a special harness made of leather and covered in white dragon scales that grant him additional protection while allowing him to channel a single spell through the harness once a day.
Tal also has a deep love of treats, even if he cannot understand what is being said to him. Especially from a certain dwarf.

Special abilities

Anya has many gifts, including:

• the ability to become a variety of land and sea animals at will. Her favorites are the direwolf, lioness, and the one time she managed a purple monarch.


• an excellent tracker, especially for dragons, orcs, dwarves, and undead


• has a much easier time traversing and ranging through the mountains, grasslands, and forests


• Always learning more about her magic, including the innate ability to blink like Tal

Mentality

Personal history

Anna spent her first seventy years experiencing village life growing up in New Sharandar, alongside her parents and closest friends, Raellir prominent among them. Her world changed dramatically when she nearly died, while losing Rae and her entire village to a deadly orc attack. After burying her loved ones, she remained with Elelor for fifteen years, until their own death and her "Drawing of the Veil". Choosing her new name, Anya went on her own for the next five years, eventually reaching her lowest point, leaving it up to the forest whether she would continue.
Continue she did, finally ready to seek purpose and healing, and found herself in the small town of Phandalin, assisting with the removal of a young white dragon. While here, she met a variety of characters, including Sikander, Zane, and Zefor, bonded with her closest companion Tal, faced death in Sikander and herself, battled the cults of Talos, Yeeonoghu, "met" a new sister (Katha), encountered Sehanine at the Feast of the Moon, defeated Cryovain the white dragon, and joined the Phandalin Council. Oh yes, and Sikander adopted Anya as his sister, naming her one of the Angelborne.
Heading north, Ora Vitae searched for Zefor's tribe, and when unsuccessful, eventually brought Anya back home and discovered an old teacher and friend, Nambra Valris. During their brief stay with Nambra, the Great Oak's portal to the Feywild was forced open (causing damage) and brought everyone to a new plane. Their time here was exciting, confusing, and painful as they encountered an ever-changing environment, jokes with the goblin Knarf, Sikander fading away (thanks to flowers, butterflies, and the interference of the gods) and Shalmar Mithrilborne taking his place. One encounter was the Fey Bathhouse, a source of discovery, bonding, healing, and questions before a fight has Shalmar take "possession" of it. They also find Old Sharandar, bringing Nambra and Anya back home and learning many of the village had survived the attack on their home so long ago. While rekindling old relationships, some of the group interacted with the Archfey Zybilna and made a few deals, including the restoration of Sikander. To return home, they took on the task of removing the hag, Griselda (also connected to Anya from her time in Neverwinter).
Back in the Material realm, they traveled to Luskan, had several sightings of a black stag that had been dogging them since Shalmar appeared, had several small interactions while hunting the hag, including Nambra inducting Anya into the Sentinels of the Moonbow. After the Hags destruction, they return to the forest and found Zefor's tribe and family, cleared an Eldathyn shrine of undead, returned Nambra to New Sharandar, then left for Phandalin and Axeholm. This trip ended with Sikander nearly crushed in a cave in, Zefor and Anya shooting and killing the black stag (now confirmed as belonging to Beshaba) and setting their course for Leilon.
Leilon held many challenges, among them further fighting with Talos and Myrkul cultists, bargaining with Lizardfolk in the Marsh, saving Aemi (finally allowing Anya to connect with her sister), coming across Saje and Choz (Sikander’s siblings) and finally being forced to leave Sikander with them so he could help his family deal with Veverell and the Cherry Blossom Society. After the separation, Anya and the others went on to investigate the Eldathyn Shrine, defeat a Hydra, seek guidance from the Bronze Dragon, defeat Thalivar's Ghost (Anya's permanently ages), deal with Talos cultists on an undead Dreadnaught, and finally defeat an aspect of Talos in a statue within the Wayside Inn.
Returning to Leilon, a fight with Talos’s sorceress led to the death of their companion Zane. After this, Zefor and Anya deal with a curse from Beshaba (eventually facing her within her own halls and “winning” the game of chance to spare Anya and her claim on Sikander). With the warning of the great bronze dragon in mind, they went to Claugiyiamatar, the ancient green dragon and make a deal to clear her lair in exchange for her leaving Leilon alone. What follows was the possession of Claugiyiamatar by Ebondeath the undead ancient black dragon, and a massive siege on Leilon while several parties came searching for a relic call the Ruinstone.
From here, it is assumed she and the others save Leilon and finally bring Ebodeath to bare. Once the town is secured, Zefor returned with his family to their traveling tribe while Anya and Aemi made the trek south to Waterdeep to repay a debt. Unable to locate Sikander while there, the sisters return to Leilon and further north to Axeholm, where she is finally reunited with her brother, as well as a few others who had answered her call for help. The pair, along with Tal, will spend the next year preparing for their next steps in dealing with the Cherry Blossom Society and locating the other missing members of Sikander’s family. Anya would spend part of that year maintaining her political connections, continuing her training as a Sentinel and a druid, and take time to visit her village in the Feywild.

Education

Growing up, the adults communally taught any of the kids, and encouraged them to seek out mentors for their desired focus. Keaden became Anna's mentor, confidante, and friend as she learned druidcraft from the wise, older elf.
 
Years later, she decided against her planned training in Evereska with Daynore Willowbreath, and remained with Elelor learning the ways of ranging for 15 years.

Employment

From the time she left home, Anna and Elelor would take jobs guiding caravans traveling all across northern Faerun. Following their death, Anya would continue this until deciding to answer a call for help to deal with a dragon.
This would lead to her eventual partnership with a variety of others who would become Ora Vitae, the adventuring party that truly lived life on the edge.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Anya would scoff at being asked this question, insisting there was nothing of note. Then, with prying, she would reluctantly list:

• Ora Vitae's defeat of the young adult white dragon


• Assisting in the establishment of the township of Phandalin (removing a corrupt leader, saving Sikander, clearing the name of a friend, and her election to the council)


• Assisting in the dismissal of Fraz-Urb'luu and the destruction of his monastery built in Neverwinter


• The defeat of the Hag, Grizzelda after a difficult visit to the Feywild


• Returning to Sehanine and dedicating herself as a Sentinel


• Thanks to a certain dwarf, allowing herself to heal and slowly return to her original goals and sense of self


• The defeat of a green dragon establishing a lair near Neverwinter


• Finally locating her sister, Aeminka Danzeral


• The Black Stag...its death confuses her and is viewed in some ways as a failure and an accomplishment


• Working to clear undead throughout the Sword Coast, especially around Eldathyn shrines


• Finding Nambra Valris and reuniting with the remaining members of her village, especially Bry


• Winning a game of chance with Beshaba (although she is unconvinced it was truly a win)


• Assisting Sikander in securing Axeholm as a base of operations


• Successfully preventing Yeenoghu from gaining a hold on the Sword Coast by destroying his patrols group north of Neverwinter (nearly total loss for Ora Vitae at the time)


• Stopping Talos and his Anchorites from overrunning the region, at a heavy cost

Failures & Embarrassments

Some of these are shared quietly, others she is more comfortable sharing:

• Freezing when Raellir came to save her


• The Neverwinter Shuffle


• Allowing Ebondeath to possess Claugiayamatar


• Dying by will-o-wisps


• Being unable to protect Zane from Talos' sorcerer, leading to their death


• Unable to help the Angelborne and Sikander and leaving him behind


• Unable to stop Sikander from entering the flowers, leading to his loss of memory and self, bringing Shalmar out


• The Black Stag...its death confuses her and is viewed in some ways as a failure and an accomplishment


• Walking away from Sehanine in her youth


• Allowing Gallius to sacrifice the innocents to Fraz-Urb'luu


• Telling Morven and Keyna that Raellir was killed


• Their epic failure at the Fey bathhouse


• The harm caused to the Great Oak when entering the Feywild and the consequences of that choice

Mental Trauma

These may also fall under Failures and Embarrassments:

• Raellir's death


• The destruction of her village, especially the death of her parents


• Her childhood reveries and past lives


• Sikander's death


• Zane's death


• Her own death


• Damaging the Great Oak


• Allowing Gallius to sacrifice the innocents and Sikander being forced to be bait.


• Watching Sikander fade and become Shalmar, having to attack him, and the choices made in order to restore Sikander to his rightful place


• The argument with Keyna

Intellectual Characteristics

She can be emotional in her decision making, especially when innocent lives or those she cares about are involved. This has led to her freezing instead of committing to a decision.
Anya is more openminded, lacking the traditional xenophobic tendencies many elves are known for and will generally attempt diplomacy to avoid outright conflict.
Impulsivity comes and goes with her, leading to a variety of moments that she is both proud and embarrassed of.

Morality & Philosophy

While raised to follow Sehanine and her doctrine, Anya drew her sense of right and wrong from the past lives she saw each night for several decades. She watched as her soul, through various incarnations, choose to live selfish, destructive, and harmfully chaotic lives and brought predominantly more heartache, pain, and even death than anything else to the world.
 
Determined to be better, to heal the brokenness her soul carried, she swore to protect others, be they animal, person, or plant, whenever possible. She would not lie to those around her, nor would she engage in betraying others. Instead, she would be open and honest, opting for trust and welcoming to set the tone for interactions instead of confrontation.
 
Something that was "right" led to the good of most, if not all, affected.

person.sexuality

She is interested in men, but her experience in any relationship situation is extremely limited.
She has loved one and lost him before they could be more than friends. She attempted trusting one other, to her detriment, and has avoided allowing anyone that close romantically since.

Taboos

As rule, does not drink except in VERY specific circumstances and avoids overly busy taverns until comfortable.
 
She will not hunt frivolously, holding to her oath to protect an elven souls that are within the surrounding wildlife.

Known Languages

Abyssal, Elvish, Common, Druidic, Dwarvish, Sylvan, Orcish, Draconic

Personality

Motivation

Protecting the innocent in whatever situation she is placed in. When family or children are involved, she becomes especially invested.
She is also especially protective of Aemi, Tal, and Sikander - any threat against them will drive and motivate her.

Quotes & Catchphrases

Not one for quoting, unless it is from the Dwarven Book of Wisdom, those who travel with her as of late are well acquainted with the elvish for "crazy dwarf" - hwinda casar.
They would also hear “Tal, oculum habe." (or "Tal, go keep any eye on him.” if they understand Sylvan), as well as “Sikander, seriously?”, or some variation.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

She is great with a bow, and she knows it. She excels tracking dragons, orcs, undead, and dwarves (ask her about that sometime) and can guide anyone through forests, grasslands, and mountains with relative ease.
Anya struggles greatly understanding how other perceive her and learning how to present herself as the confident elf she is, especially in situations that require the ability to persuade, deceive, intimidate, or perform

Likes & Dislikes

She loves nature. The more time outdoors, including her rests, the better. She also has a deep love of arts (including singing, playing, writing, and carving), and can be convinced to sing or play on occasion.
 
Cities are overwhelming and to be avoided if at all possible.

Virtues & Personality perks

She hates lying, and struggles to trust after being lied to
She has been accused, many times, of being an idealist. She takes it as a compliment now

Vices & Personality flaws

She and Bry have made a promise to each other - "Don't freeze". Both women have seen the painful results of hesitation, but Anya still struggles with it at times.
While her exposure to the wider world is certainly curing her of this, she still have a relatively naïve view of the world, which has led to some very problematic situations.
As with many elves, Anya is ruled by emotion and can be quite proud. The worst thing you could do is to insult and anger a very dangerous elf, especially Anya in high stress situations.
Pride

Personality Quirks

When she is nervous or anxious, Anya will chew her lip, take deep breaths, fidget with items (especially her necklace and axe), and hug herself in more tense situations.
 
 
She is also know to roll her eyes and on rare occasions, skip.

Hygiene

Anya would choose to be clean, bathing everyday if possible. Adventuring and ranging taught her to let some of that go, but if given the opportunity, she appreciates cleanliness and comfortable clothing to relax in.

Social

Birthplace

New Sharandar, Neverwinter Woods

Current Residence

Leilon, Dominion Manorhouse

Contacts & Relations

Members of Ora Vitae (past denote with*/deceased ^):
Count Zefor Dragonsbane, Jayris, Sikander Steelestone, Zane Antilles^, Lord Almerion*, Tamarra Wilxes*, Eikthyr Yagluth*
Nestor*, Vallic Undahill*, Pandora*, Elliot Bale*
 
Members of Zefor's home tribe to Eldath:
Dondali Burrows, Jakabar and Velon (Zefor's parents), Jazzabel, and Elemor
 
Members of Phandalin Council:
Linene Greywind, Elmar Barthen, Toblin Stonehill, Daran Edermath, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance representative)
 
Phandalin and surrounding region:
Adabra Gwynn, Veleen Firecrow, Thistle Danamark, Eidric Salazar, Falcon the Hunter, Pel, Corwin, Big Al Kalazorn, Don John Raskin
 
Anya's Elves (Feywild, Sword Coast, Evereska)
Birel Calashadir, Sister Garaele, Nambra Valris, Fafiel Amakiir, Morven & Keyna Daoinonal, Dynna Siannodel, Zarn Wildreamer, Pyra Evenshard, Erdan Siannodel, Roren Elmseeker, Rolen Siannodel, Thia Amakiir, Lia Amakiir, Daynore Willowbreath (Additional listed under family)
 
Axeholm
Shera Lharil, Tamia "Red" Redbow
 
Wayside Inn
Cooragh Struckt, Tarbin Tul, Martisha Vinetalker
 
Members of Leilon Council
Valdi Estapar, Grizzelda "The Growler" Copperwraught, Jack Torver, Merrygold Brightshine
 
Leilon:
Silla Scalesweep, Seth, Sgt. Hazz Yorrum, Wayne, Garrett, Zana Taylish
 
Neverwinter
Syndra Naerdre, Moradiv Solaron, Franklin Wilton, Saul Maerdym, Nelasser, Kelsten and Krystal Seddleniddle,
 
Angelborne/Sikander's Family:
Jendora el Jabour, Talara and Bomalath Blazekeeper (Sikander's parents)
 
Dragons of the Sword Coast:
Lhammaruntosz, the bronze dragon, Claugiyiamatar, the green dragon

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Councilwoman, Phandalin Township
Member of Ora Vitae
Adopted into the Angelborne
Sentinel of the Moonbow initiate

Wealth & Financial state

She doesn't have much gold to her name, but holds the deed to the manor outside Leilon.

Family Ties

Birth Parents: Eldith and Pakian Galanodel (Deceased)
Close friend: Raellir Daoinonal (Deceased)
"Adoptive" Mother: Bry Elmseeker, also called "Yantare"
Half-Sister by her mother: Aeminka Danzeral
Adopted Brother: Sikander Steelestone
Adopted Siblings, by extension of Sikander: Saje Flamedagger, Choz and Chinderon Terrarock, A'flora Merrycrest, Thomas bin Soltani, and Kathra Zhou Wei

Religious Views

While born into worship and reverence of Sehanine, the Lady of Dreams and patron of Moon elves, Anya did not truly dedicate herself until a series of events (including vision, a call to action, and her resurrection) culminating in Nambra Valris initiating her into the order of the Sentinel of the Moonbow.
 
She has also spent nearly a decade attempting to connect with Rillifane, and has felt his presence at various points during that time. Her most recent effort has been in planting and tending a Fey Oak just outside Leilon, creating a quiet space perfect for meditation to The Wild One.

Social Aptitude

While still rather awkward and unsure of herself, Anya is usually a decent judge of another's character and intentions. She may not understand their motivations, but is generally aware of when others are less than forthright or have more to say on various matters.
 
Her short coming here is how other perceive her and learning how to present herself as the confident elf she is, especially in situations that require the ability to persuade, deceive, intimidate, or perform.

Mannerisms

Spend half a day with her and you will quickly notice few things, including her eyeroll at anything she finds ridiculous or overstated. If she is unsure or nervous, she will bite her lip or chew on the inside slightly. The more stressed or overwhelmed she is, she will start with fidgeting - either with her necklace or the clover engraved on her axe - and escalate to rubbing her arms or hugging herself.
On the flip side, the more excited she is, the more she bounces in place while she speaks. In rare moments of pure joy, you may even see her skip as she leads you somewhere.

Hobbies & Pets

Tal, her bonded companion, is a Blink Dog. He is far more than a pet, but her closest friend and confidant. Anyone can speak to him in Sylvan, but Tal is only able to respond in Blink Dog. With Anya, through their connection, he is able to send her images, feelings, and occasional thought or word. Their quiet times together are frequently spent with Anya catching him up on conversations he missed or other items of note. He is also acutely aware of her moments of stress or anxiety, and will force her to focus on him, helping to remain calm and work through the episode.
 
She has several hobbies, including wood carving, pestering her big brother, leatherworking, playing her dulcimer or flute, and singing. While not a bard, she has a deep appreciation for music and will, on occasion, sing or play.

Speech

As with many elves, Anya's voice has the traditional lilt that many are familiar with, but it is much lower than others. This allows her to sing in lower octaves, including those more traditionally sung by dwarves. She also has an easier time with more guttural languages that are typically spoken in a lower register.