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NAME Bennu bint Malika
GENDER Female
AGE 17
RACE Human
HOMETOWN Sasanka
OCCUPATION Guild Member/Adventurer...and thief/dancer.

APPEARANCE
Bennu is a strange looking girl. She is a willowy teenage girl with mocha colored skin, dark hazel eyes, and dark red-black hair that is wavy and reaches her waist. Her hair is often kept in a loose ponytail with a black piece of cloth: her form of mourning her dead street companions. She is a bit lacking in the T&A department, but underneath her skin are wiry muscles from years on the street and dancing. She's been likened to a lithe cat, always ready to pounce. She even stands as if she's about to move.

Her life as a street girl shows in the few scars that grace her skin. One goes from her left shoulder to her sternum, a reminder of the first sword she didn't dodge; another set of three go across her belly diagonally right, a gift from a large desert lizard; and then a few other small ones are scattered across her skin, gifts from the Guards of Sasanka and a few merchants who weren't happy about their goods being stolen. And she obviously dresses as a desert girl.

[Skin reference][Face Reference][Wavy-ness of the Hair Reference]

PERSONALITY
Bennu is one of the strangest girls you will ever meet. She's passionate about nearly everything, and she's not one to keep her opinions to herself. She's strong-willed and values her freedom, even to the point of not getting along with most authority figures. Growing up, authority figures did very little, so she's used to taking things into her own hands. Bennu is a bit...stand-offish when it comes to men, since many of the grown men she's encountered in her life weren't what one would call 'respectful' of women. And she's very much her own woman, even if she's still a bit young.
Bennu also has her own views on Aileism.

"Screw the stuffed-shirts! Dance is my prayer to the Goddess, and my offering to her is my passion!" She's not a very modest girl, and though she has her own strict moral code, it is often at odds with what most other practitioners of Aileism follow. Oh, she's certainly cleanly, especially for a girl who grew up on the streets, and she's far from promiscuous, as many have accused her of being. In fact, she's still a virgin and wants to stay that way until she finds her match.

But she's immodest, extremely open-minded, has almost no sense of reserve, and, as said before, is firm in the belief that every time she dances, she prays to the Goddess. And despite her strange views and disagreements with the mainstream followers of Aileism, she is a philanthropist of her own sort. If she sees someone who has too much, and another who has too little...well, expect some of the former's wealth to find its way to the latter.

Bennu grew up stealing for both her own survival and the survival of anyone who looked up to her. She's what you could call...a noble thief. She doesn't steal more than needed, and doesn't steal from those who can't afford it. She'll also steal something if it's going to be trouble later...such as a warrant for her arrest before it's signed or an enemy's rapier. She won't steal from friends or comrades though. If she needs help from them...she'll just ask.

Bennu grew up in a setting where the street kids helped each other, so a sense of 'belonging' and 'family' is all important to her, since that's what helped her to survive. And alcohol...Despite the fact she's underage in almost every place, she's quite fond of her drink. And she's a very happy, festive drunk...And FAR too friendly for her own good. NEVER let her go drinking alone...

HISTORY
Bennu has been on the streets for as long as she can remember. Her mother, Malika, was once a courtesan of great influence...until a rival tore her reputation to pieces. She was thrown onto the streets, and to survive, she became a low-class prostitute. That ended when she got pregnant with her daughter. When her daughter was born, Malika saw a spark of hope in the small girl, and named her after the great Fire Bird of Rebirth...Bennu. Thankfully, the other women of the street helped care for Malika and Bennu, keeping both safe and as well feed as they could.

She grew up learning that to survive, she had to do one of two things: steal, or sell her body in some way. Bennu refused to do the latter, seeing the pain it had brought her mother, and so she learned to do the former. Her mother despaired her choice, but knew there was no other way. But Malika did teach Bennu some things she retained from being a courtesan. One of those things Bennu came to love: Dance. To her, dance was a way to say everything and have all understand. Dance broke the boundaries between man and woman, between races, between classes, between ranks. When one danced, they became nothing more than a person under the Goddess. That was another thing she loved, that her mother taught her: Aileism. Of course...it was a version far from what the churches taught. That was what started Bennu becoming one of the least liked street-rats among the guards...

Bennu saw others suffering, and knew she had a way to help even a single person for a single moment. She was the Sasanka version of 'Robin Hood', essentially...but she had never been noble. And growing up, she often found herself...bound, in some form or another. Bound to her mother, bound to her ideals, bound to her birthplace, bound to never rise above the status of 'street-rat'. Until she saw HER. Fatima. The woman who passed through Sasanka only long enough to leave an impression on the girl. The woman who taught Bennu what it meant to break free, what it meant to be a Dancer.

And since then, Bennu has strived for that ideal, and now...she has a chance to pursue it to the fullest, if only she can prove herself to the recruiters...and she'll try many times over if she has to...many times. What's a few more bindings on the path to freedom?

COMMON KNOWLEDGE
Not much is really known about Bennu when she arrives: only that she's from Sasanka, is a street-rat, and is damn good at stealing and dancing.

DIVISION Melee
CLASS PROGRESSION Urchin > Gixie > Dancer

Urchin
You know that little waif that just bumped into you? The one that disappeared into the crowd? Look at you hip. The mot just stole your pouch. Don't look at me like that! You're the one flauntin' your wealth with no bite to ya! An Urchin don't steal from any who can't afford it. You're lucky she didn't snag that trinket around your neck. Urchins are the ones you have to watch out for out of all those who walk the Crooked Road...well, except for the King of Rogues himself. They have an honor code most don't understand, and they're good at what they do. Why? They learned to do it to SURVIVE. And don't be worried when you see her on a street corner, dancing or singing or some other form of entertainment or working in a stall...She won't steal from a customer.

At this point, Bennu's clothing simple, but it's not too fancy either, but is decent looking, thanks to her dancing. The color scheme is dark blues, fiery reds, and pale yellows, with some white embroidery thrown in there. Despite what she seems, she's pretty good with a needle and thread. Belled anklets and copper and silver bangles are her favored jewelry, with a leather collar around her neck, a single bell attached to it.
[Reference]

Bennu is a tricky little Urchin. Before she pulls any thefts, she makes sure she knows every exit and pathway in the area, and makes sure to befriend the local street folk and many of the merchants and vendors. She also makes sure to check in with the local Court of the Rogue. Bennu has an eye for what's valuable, and she can actually be of help to the Law, since she's brought in more than a few counterfeiters. She's an agile little thing who has been known to duck into thin alleys and has perfected the sport of 'Mass People Dodging'.
Melee (3), Ranged (0), Magic/Other (2), HP (35), Evade (14)

Gixie
You idiot! That's why you never put a mage on the front lines! Bedazzled by the first pretty thing you see up close! I'll tell ya...that mot is NOT someone to tango with. She's a Gixie. See the collar with the broken leash? Shows she ain't nobody's property. She's her own gal and a deadly one at that. Ever notice she's wearin' not a lick of armor? She don't need it. Gixies are masters of ducking and dodging, and what they can't avoid, the mages protect them from. And that little dance-like move she just did...she was gettin' ready to nap-tap your sarden arse. Despite her pretty looks, a Gixie is dangerous. They've all been hardened on the streets.

Bennu's clothing has gotten a bit fancier with her experience and decent income. The color scheme is similar to what she wore before, with fiery reds, dark blues, and pale yellows, but now there are a few veils and sashes of silk with colorful patterns and designs on them added on. And of course, there's what marks her as a Gixie: the dark leather collar with a leash made from braided silk rope...that has been broken to a length where it is useless as a leash. Also, on her forehead is what many would call a 'bindi', and there is a single line of red going vertically on the middle of her bottom lip.
[Veil/Makeup Reference 1] [A good reference for the outfit under the veils...minus the face veil, shoes, and veils attached to the hands.]

As a Gixie, Bennu has taken her street smarts, agility, and familiarity with her body to a new level. She's faster, stronger, and quite easily more ruthless in battle. Her control of her body is greater now, though she is FAR from pulling off any 'Matrix' moves. She's still a thief, but now she focuses more on the dance aspect of her abilities, rather than the thieving. After all, she doesn't need to to survive anymore...Except when said survival depends on snagging the sword from the drunken mumper's hand...
Melee (6), Ranged (1), Magic/Other (3), HP (40), Evade (18 )

Dancer
See the doxie on stage, lad? Good. She ain't no doxie. She's a Dancer, one of the most dangerous people you'll ever meet. Quicker than a rattlesnake's strike, and just as deadly if you can't dodge. She uses her bare hands and feet as weapons, channeling the desert heat through them. Rumor has it that Dancers are the spirit of the deserts. No man's property and just as deadly to those who think otherwise. The broken collar and vial of desert sand at her waist represent that. And don't get it in you head that all those veils, silks, and bits o' jewelry will slow her down any! A Dancer has so much control over her body, she could probably play dead for a few hours with no one the wiser! Uh-oh...I think you ticked her off...she's comin' over here...You're on yer own, ya bugnob!

Bennu has become a sight to behold. Still dressed in fiery reds, dark blues, and pale yellows, she now dons many veils and silk sashes of myriad colors and designs, looking like a whirlwind rainbow when she dances and fights. Jewelry abounds on her person in the form of a single lip piercing, multiple ear piercings, a couple necklaces, many bangles and anklets and armlets...When she's not showing off, she makes a LOT of noise. When she is showing off, she makes not a sound. Her hands and feet are covered in henna tattoos, her eyes are lined in black kohl, she still has the red on her lip from earlier, and the 'bindi' on her forehead. And then there is what marks her as a Dancer: at her waist are the broken collar she once wore on her neck and a simple glass vial of desert sand.
[Veil/Makeup Reference 1] [Bangles reference][Misc. Henna 1][Misc. Henna 2] [Good reference for her clothes under the veils.]

As a Dancer, Bennu has reached the peak of her power. Her memories of the desert she grew up near, her love of the heat and open sky, and her free and wild spirit have channeled themselves to shape what she is. A living representation of the deadly beauty that is the desert. She is fast, accurate, and extremely agile and flexible. She's also a tough girl who will wear her enemies down before striking at their weakest point. To think her silks and veils will slow her down, or to think her weak is the last mistake an opponent ever makes.
Melee (9), Ranged (1), Magic/Other (5), HP (50), Evade (23)

SPECIAL SKILLS
Bonus Human Skill - Charge: If Bennu spends one round doing nothing but studying her proposed target, she can give herself a one-time bonus on her next attack against that person with her chosen skill. At level 1, she gives herself a +3, at level 2 it's a +6, and at level 3 it's a +9. This bonus only lasts for the round directly after Bennu has studied her target and then disappears. Bennu has gained the knowledge to pull off this skill over her years of ducking and dodging Sasanka guards and those who would otherwise wish her harm.

Level 1 - Attack Multiple Targets: Bennu is able to manipulate her weapon to hit more than one target in a single round. Because of the difficulty of this skill, Bennu takes a -2 penalty to her total per additional enemy targeted.

Level 2 - Positive Stat Effect (Evade) (Self Only): Bennu is able to positively affect her own Evade. The associated bonus is +4 at second level and +6 at third level. The effect lasts 2 rounds at second level and 3 rounds at third.

Level 3 - Disarm: Bennu is able to disarm a foe within 5 feet of her. Upon successful action (d20+melee - opponent's evade), roll a second d20 to determine if foe is properly disarmed. On a roll of 1-10, she fails. On a roll of 11-20, she succeeds. If disarmed, the target must take one round retrieving their weapon and may not use their bonus until then. This skill does not perform damage.

Narrative Skill - Lock Picking: A street-rat can't always evade the Guards. Sometimes they end up in a cell, and need to get out. A character's ability to undo locks with a tool of some sort. This requires finesse and at least a little experience, so you need a background that makes sense if you want to pick complicated locks. You must also have moderator permission to unlock any doors of importance (such as breaking into one of the guild buildings) or the permission of a player if you want to break into their room.

WEAPON Her bare hands and feet.
LEVEL One
POINT ASSIGNMENT Melee (3), Ranged (0), Magic/Other (2)
HIT POINTS 35
EVADE 14
OTHER NOTES Why is Bennu's Evade based on the Ranged Evade, rather than Melee or Magic? Simple...her class progression specializes in ducking and dodging rather than using armor to protect herself. However...she will only ever have enough ranged points to ensure she doesn't poke an eye out with a throwing dagger or arrow or some such...

The meaning behind the collar in the various stages is simple, really. The collar represents being bound. And when she becomes a Dancer, those bindings are gone, only reminders of the past keeping them in view.

TERMS TO KNOW Mot - Woman/female, esp. of the lower class.
Doxie - Female prostitute.
Gixie - Girl.
Bugnob - Someone of little brain.
Sarden - Despicable.
Nap-tap - A strike to the chin that often results in extreme disorientation, if not a knock-out.

Thank you for your input!
Yeah...the collar and leash will make sense after history is written. I'll change the eyes to a light blue, and I'll change the HP around...
And Doxie and Gixie...I've heard them used in many Medieval re-creation and re-enactment groups, and I also found them used in Tamora Pierce's novels...
In both instances, by the lower class.

Ah. Yeah...I'm an SCA gal, so I'm a bit of a historical culture buff...<.<; And sometimes the language makes it into everyday speech...

Almost....done...

Sorry this is taking awhile to get approved. The problem is on our end that only one of our mods isn't heavily caught up in other game related matters. We'll try to get things read and commented on ASAP.

Bennu is looking okay. At the moment, though, I'm getting kind of confused in areas because there is a definitely lack of paragraph formatting. sweatdrop In the personality and history, especially, there's plenty of areas where you could split off and start a new paragraph. This would make it read a lot more smoothly, so could you go through your application and add in the paragraphs? Thanks.

I'm a little uncomfortable with a red haired, dark skinned desert character and I'm going to have to give a definitive no to a dark skinned, blue-eyed desert character. Humans need to have realistic coloring and blue eyes and red hair on a dark skinned character is not all that natural. Try out a darker shade of red or something more brown, black or even blonde I could agree on.
As far as eyes are concerned, I'd prefer if they were brown, hazel or green, not blue.

Other than that, what you have looks okay. I haven't had a chance to really go over the job stuff, yet, though.

Fixed the appearance issues, hope I fixed the readability issues. If not, let me know!

Thanks very much!
I actually look forward to seeing what adventures she might get into if she comes to life.