Kyros (Skeletal Soldier) & Rizzik Candilar (Tattooist)
Header Art: Monster Manual (2003) by Wizard of the Coast and @@
Kyros - Skeletal Soldier
Kyros was once a soldier in a grand army, though most of their memories from that time have been all but lost. They aren't even sure their name is Kyros or what exactly they are doing back alive in the world. For right now, Kyros is looking for information about what exactly happened and perhaps how they died that first time.
Art Inspiration for Kyros; Monster Manual, 2003 Wizards of the Coast
Physical Description
The skeleton stands at just over 5 feet with rusted armor barely clinging to its form. All flesh has long rotted away and its bones have a dull yellow color to them.
Backstory
Before the common era, Kyros was just a common footsoldier fighting for ancient kings in a war few will ever remember. When they died, that was it for thousands of years until one day, they awoke under the ground with a sword near them. They pulled themselves out of the dirt and mud and found themselves in a large field, with no signs of any battle or conflict taking place there. Glancing down at the mud-caked sword, they could read the name Kyros engraved onto it.
Assuming it was their sword since they were buried next to it, Kyros decided to figure out what was going on, why they were brought back to life, and what they could do with this second chance... Unfortunately, they are a skeleton and they attract a lot of negative attention from farmers and villagers. Even the local cleric wanted nothing to do with Kyros and forced the skeleton to flee for their unlife. But that's not enough to stop Kyros, and they are on the hunt for some adventurers that might be willing to help out in this odd situation.
The Blade of Kyros. The skeleton that awakened to find the blade took the blade's name as its own, but in truth, the blade's name is Kyros, meaning Lord in its ancient tongue. It seeks to destroy the world but was lost thousands of years ago, lying dormant in a field. Only when it sensed a necrotic force overwhelm the world did it stir, sensing someone worthy.
To reach the dark overlord, it created a skeleton to carry it to its new wielder, though things didn't work out as planned and its power was greatly diminished while it slept.
Quick Reference Traits
Personality Traits. Kyros takes problems head-on, sometimes even using their head to smash doors.
Ideals. Kyros believes they must defend others.
Bonds. Any who chooses to fight beside Kyros is worth dying for.
Flaws. Kyros is sure there is a great destiny ahead and is deaf to anyone saying differently.
Adventure Hooks
Kyros is trying to remember when they died but is coming up blank. Perhaps if Kyros brought someone trained in the various histories to their old battlegrounds, they can learn more about what happened to Kyros.
Kyros is beginning to wonder if the weapon is even theirs, as Kyros swears that it seems to be talking and whispering to the skeleton (the shortsword now deals an extra 1d6 necrotic damage). Maybe an adventuring party could help Kyros determine what the sword is and what it might do.
Turns out, their name isn't Kyros, that is the name of the sword. The skeleton is unsure of who they even are, but it seems like the sword wishes to find a dark overlord and pledge its services to the being of ultimate evil. The skeleton is looking for some adventurers to help them defeat the dark overlord, and maybe save their soul from damnation.
Rizzik Candilar - Tattoo Artist
Rizzik has always been more interested in art than the traditional path a gnome from the House Sivis would typically follow on the cusp of adulthood. Apprenticing under one of the foremost tattoo artists on the continent, Rizzik has never been happier. His unique style focuses on the use of vibrant colors and meticulous detail. His reputation is growing, as he can use the powers of the mark to translate his client's words as though they are living creatures and covert them into art.
Art Inspiration for Rizzik; Bard Iconic for Paizo Publishing, Eric Belisle
Physical Description
Rizzik stands 3 feet 6 inches tall with a mop of curly blonde hair on his head. Both arms are covered in colorful tattoos. Amongst those tattoos is the mark of the House Sivis.
Backstory
Rizzik was born to a powerful noble house within House Sivis. His father serves as the overseer of all the message stations on Eberron. His mother is a talented artist whose medium is sculpture. Many of her works included statues of historically important gnomes of the House. A few are even displayed prominently through the Labyrinth, the headquarters of House Sivis.
Inheriting his mother's love of art along with her artistic talent, Rizzik spent most of his time drawing, experimenting with the use of color and shading when he wasn't training an interpreter. Rizzik's other innate ability is comprehending the meaning of unspoken words at a deeper level than most who bear the mark of House Sivis. Rizzik hasn't told anyone that he sees the words as colors and, through these colors, can not only understand them and feel them.
Rizzik abandoned his training with the blessing of his parents. He has traveled the multiverse, absorbing the beauty of the art and cultures of numerous worlds. Finding himself in Talia, he wanted to express his art in a new way, on his body in the form of a tattoo. Searching for the most talented tattoo artist in Talia, his soon-to-be mentor was overwhelmed by Rizzik's eye for beauty and how he translated it into his drawings. The artist offered him an apprenticeship on the spot. Rizzik accepted upon the completion of his tattoo, amazed at how wonderful it felt to have a piece of art permanently displayed on his body.
Quick Reference Traits
Personality Traits. Rizzik is a dreamer and intensely curious person.
Ideals. Beauty is all around us and we should always be on the lookout.
Bonds. Those who appreciate art as he does.
Flaws. Rizzik can get lost in his head sometimes.
Adventure Hooks
Rizzik received a desperate but abbreviated message from a client saying they were in trouble. Rizzik would like the party to find out what has happened.
Rizzik has received word from his mother that his father has been abducted by unknown forces. House Sivis worries that the message houses will be compromised, and his mother fears for his life. Rizzik wants to hire the party to travel to Eberron and locate him.
You and your party all want tattoos to cement for friendship and decide Rizzik is the artist for the job!
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