Character Introductions

The little gnome that would be named Lotus Jewel Adilbat was adopted into a remote monastery near Stillmeadow, like many orphans before her. She knew nothing of her parents, and the monks held to philosophies of abandoning the past to focus on the present. She was only given the name "Lotus." Life was structured, and Lotus followed along since there was nothing else to do. Yet she abhorred the rigid system as much as her chores, and she snuck off whenever she could to play in the gardens or hide from her elders.

Perhaps the only time when Lotus felt comfortable was during her daily exercise and training. She loved practice, controlling her body to capture movement and channel her energy. She would absorb the meditations specific to the fluid momentum of form, and longed to progress further into advanced techniques despite her age, so much that she would sneak off from her chores to observe the older students to glean insights.

Her capricious nature was not lost on the elders, who observed her from afar. They waited until she was 16 to see if Lotus would come to an understanding, and realized that she would not (or could not). They bade her to enter into the material world and see existence outside the monastery walls, with the intention that she might fully appreciate what the monks had to offer. If, after experiencing life away from their teachings, Lotus felt the need for further enlightenment, she could return.

Gifted with a few amenities and a wooden scroll containing the written philosophies and insights from her master, Lotus struck out to live her own life. She struggled at first, unaware of societal customs and unfamiliar with the world at large. She became a street performer to earn coin for food and a bed, relying on her dexterity and martial training to dance, balance, and tumble for an audience. Lotus adopted the stage name of "Jewel Adilbat" because it sounded nice, though she really didn't apply any meaning to the moniker.

Eventually Lotus attracted the attention of a traveling troupe and signed on for a larger stage. She was thankful for the experience and, despite having to once again do chores and live a rigid life, Lotus came to appreciate the ever-changing scenery, the new faces in the crowd, and the chance to hone her skills even further with lessons from her troupe.

Despite her enjoyment of being with her troupe and traveling the realm, Lotus grew restless and longed for other experiences. It didn't help that her relationship with the leader of the troupe grew a bit cold when she was caught in the same bed as his girlfriend. When Lotus spied a notice calling for monster hunters, she eagerly jumped at the chance and departed the troupe with a fond farewell and promises to return.