Serafina Snow - Background

583: Born at forgotten coastal village
587: Scharde invasion, lost parents (age 4), starting refugee life from village to village
588: 'end' of Scharde invasions, moved to Caspia along some military as refugee
589: orphanage (age 6)
594: flee from orphanage (age 11), witnessing airship, smuggling on a steamboat to Corvis,  life as street urchin  at undercity
599: met a mercenary group and offered work as henchman, and experience small group battle (by seeing)
600: receive gift: revolver to practice shooting, helped the group in nightwatch. practicing shooting
603: return to Corvis. Skorne marches and helped evacuations (source: Witchfire Trilogy)
604: walk to Caspia, avoiding war on north
605: Civil war, helped civilians from both sides
606: went north further from Corvis, to Fellig because of tired being on the south religious conflict
607: Second  Thornwood War, helping Fellig.





---
The Weekly Newes Article
Donard the 3rd, Casteus 587
THE SCHARDE STRIKES AGAIN

The Scharde once again attacked on several coastal villages on Westinmarsh. The navy has managed to drive the raiders away, however the damage done was tremendous. It seems that the Scharde destroyed and pillaged more than five villages this month. Waves of refugees can be seen gathering on Ramarck.

"I aint never seen this many refugees before, I pity to them but I know not what we can do to help," said Yvonne, a local resident of Ramarck. "From what I've hear there some of them who survived many raids already," she continued while looking at the emergency shelters erected by local church.

"It was scary, it was as if they are not human. Well, I saw many non-humans as well, one of them is scarier than the other. I fled from Loch (his village - red) to Greenhorn (another village several leagues north from Loch - red) with several others, but we barely settled for two days and Greenhorn was attacked too. We fled again here, and hope they will not reach here. There were already several refugees coming to Loch, saying that their village was attacked, thus gave some of us preparations to evacuate. That tall guy with scars on his chest, the fat lady who lost an arm, and that little blonde girl over there seems to have fled from village to village," said Jason, a refugee from village of Loch, who was somber enough for interview. The others seemed too sad to talk much.

Their future also bleak and it seems they will need help for now. "I do not know what to do next. I can try to continue living and find some work here, and let my lost family go. Or I might try my luck traveling to Caspia. I hope my skills can help me finding some jobs and living," answered Jason when asked about his plans, "I am a mechanik."




---
The Weekly Newes Article
Vendarl the 3rd, Ashtoven 588
WE WON?

The Cygnaran military has declared the war against the Nightmare Empire has been won, and the great valiant effort of Cygnaran King and Warmaster will be noted in history. Despite the sporadic and random attacks of the Scharde, they were able to coordinate military campaigns to rout Cryxian's movements and assaults.

However, the damage done was already massive, as many of Cygnaran villages plundered and destroyed.

"It is not only about the deaths of our people, but also those who live and left by their families, the tragedy is," said a professor of Corvis university, speaking under condition of anonymous. "Further, the economical burdens to the nation would increase, as many productions halted. The refugees who have their villages destroyed pose another problems, such as how would they live and most importantly, frictions and conflicts with their new locales might occur," the professor continues.

Despite the bleak situations, optimisms are still spreading on many people of Cygnar.

"By Morrow, I will do my best to help the refugees. We can always find some work, or at least some food to spare. Church of Morrow also offers help, and I believe Cygnarans are not that low to dump their brothers in need," said Juanita, an innkeeper at Caspian northern wall.

Meanwhile, the flow of refugees entering Caspian on Doloven 588 was rapid, but well-organized by the army.

"We have to make sure that the refugee is safe and has a chance to continue their life. Some of them have been arranged to work at Caspia, some of the younger unlucky souls will be taken care by Caspian orphanages of the Church. The others are preparing to join Navy or Army it seems, but the point is, Cygnarans will take care of Cygnarans," explained Corporal Silva, when inquired about the flow of refugee.

Unfortunately, no officials from the Church can be reached for short interview, since they are already busy in greeting and helping the refugees by the time they enter the walled city.




---
(Broadsheet from a Morrowan Priest for Local Congregation)
Gorim the 7th, Ashtoven 593
YEARLY REPORT

Greetings everyone, by Morrow's blessings,

It is almost a new year again, and the Longest Night will be celebrated throughout many kingdoms, regardless their sovereignty. The preparations might have take place for several weeks back, and it seems everyone is having a good time. I wish everyone always on Morrow's blessings and guidance, and may your soul expand towards unlocking unlimited potentials.

I would like to thank you for your loyal support on helping the Church, and in participating in creating a better community. There have been several activity reports that I would share, especially about the orphanage that you have helped to flourish.

Currently on our orphanage, we accepted more children than last year, to a total of 53 children. From these children, there are 15 of them who reach majority and decided to take a better path to serve the community. Five of them are joining the army, three of them joining the navy, six of them went to Corvis university (special thanks to the sponsors), and the rest are following the calling of Morrow and join the clergy.

The 38 children, around half of them are survivors of the recent wars against Nightmare Empire, are living a good life because of your help and supports and donations. We tend our own small backyard farm, sufficient to feed us all. The children are spending their time learning the teaching of Morrows on 1st day, the history and language on 2nd day, free day on 3rd day, arithmetics on 4th day, social life on 5th day, and special thanks to Mr. Sigmund who teaches alchemy and life sciences on the 6th day. On 7th day, the children are participating in organizing mass.

Without your help and support, these children would be left on the street, and only Morrow knows what can happen to them. They might be suffering, either because they cannot live well, or because they fell into the wrong path and troubling the society. I still remember one little blonde girl who were brought here to Caspia by the military on the autumn of 589, because she has survived seven raids on seven villages; she had spent early lives as a tortured soul. Back then her eyes were blank, as if unable to cry any longer, nor to feel anything. Yet after several winters, this bright gem showed a good progress in language and rhetoric, and able to organize her younger siblings in preparing this year's theatrical act on Morrow's Day, with sparkling bright eyes. She came here with a forgotten name, but now she lived her given name Serafina; on her path to become a Seraphim angel. And of course, there are other bright children, with a brighter future despite whatever their pasts.

It is because of your continuing supports that helps these souls from becoming a dark agents in our society, and turning them into bastions of lights.

May Morrow bless us all, and guide us on the right path.




---
(Taken from a last page of a diary of a convict caught by Inquisitors, after his execution)

I should be grateful that I still have my book and pen here in this damp cell, and should have been grateful I learnt how to read and write well. There are not many things that I can be grateful of, but there are also nothing to be sad about. It is really, really calming to write things down, despite my days are counting. It would be soon I will say hello to the gallows.

On times like this, it is difficult to resist the fear of going to Urcaen, especially since I am not a good person. All those people that have lost their possessions, all those people who have lost their lives by my blade point, all of those houses burnt down, all of them are haunting me in this end of time. I would be devoured by the wurm, or stomped by Menoth. I don't think I am worthy enough for Thamar to look at me, and I cannot expect Morrow to help me as I never done anything good.

Or maybe I have?

Writing Morrow's name made me remember that day when I was just minding my own business in Caspia. Just as I left the tavern silently to avoid paying, I saw a little girl seemed to be running from somewhere. From her clothes, I assume she is from the church, or something like that with the cheap cotton uniforms with Morrowan symbol. She was just frozen there, seems to be afraid of me. So I left her.

I forgot what went next, but I heard there have been some rufus about a sect of witchcraft being inquisition'd. And it seemed to be the same group with the girl back then. I did not remember why and how, I decided to search the girl, and found her hiding near the tavern. She seemed exhausted, and when I approached her she did not run or scream, as if accepting fate. So I gave her my coat, and drag her towards my ship. It was time to run for me as well.

So I took her away on my ship; and to my surprise she can speak Ordic, a language that I have not heard for like hundred of years. Maybe because of that I took her. Oh wait, I already took her to my ship. My memory is not that good any longer.

Well I remember hiding her and smuggling her around several patrols, despite the risks of spoiling my own goods. Luck was still with me as I reached Corvis, and I sold her to the undercity.

Well, I hope if this small act of saving a soul is enough to attract Morrow, I am glad. Or maybe if it is good to save her as she might be a dangerous cultist, may Thamar help me. Or anyone.

I do not want to be devoured. I do not want to be stomped.

I am tired.




---
(taken from a part of Broadsheet placed at several posts on Corvis around winter 594)
MISSING CHILD

Caspian little girl (age around 10-12) under the name of Serafina, blonde hair, blue-grey eyes. Average height, normal skin, normal weight. Might have delusional problems and do not want to go home. Anyone has information on her, feel free to contact Uncle Xam.




---
The Weekly Newes Article
Malleus the 3rd, Tempen 598
CRIME RATES IN CORVIS
by: Salvatore, a traveling merchant and writer

Corvis of Cygnar, the jewel of the jewel, home of the fabled Corvis University, a metropolis so magnificent with leading commercial and technologikal edges. The melting pot of many cultures, the meeting point of many merchants, just like the intersection of great rivers.

Yet in this fabled city, for anyone who have entered Corvis, would argue that the City of Ghosts also have their own dangers. If you ever venture to this city, I advise you to avoid the region known as 'undercity', or anything near. It is a den of stinking evil, and it seems even the young bloods are not spared from the wicked way of life.

Recently when I was traveling on Corvis and I took a shortcut through 'undercity', and on an alley I saw a fight between local thugs. One of them managed to knocked the other, and made everyone else scrambled. When the 'winner' face me, I was surprised to find a short-haired blonde girl, barely seen 15 winters maybe. With some bruise and blood still dripping, she approached me with a smile. I cannot never forget her innocent-like eyes and her playful smile while she said "So, I just won this territory. Now please pay me 5 shields since you are passing my territory. Or I can just help myself and take it from you."

Extortion is the least evil that you can find there. Corvis is indeed a jewel, but it might be a cursed one. Proceed with caution.




---
"You new here? Welcome. What? You want to become a mercenary? No way, you're has not see nuff winters. No, I mean it. I seen many aspiring mercenaries who went here, or even gone as far as Llael without proper experience, you'd be dead.

Well, doesn't matter how you good with your sword, hey is that a wooden sword? See, the whole tavern is laughing now. Tell you what, local village champion is not that strong. You, strongest? Yea maybe, out of what, 20 people? 40?

Listen to me, that short-haired girl, yea the blondie; stop your drools and no don't try to flirt her-- no not with stupid pickup line or she-- ouch that gotta be hurt. Haha, spare him, Sera! He's not pay yet!

Come here boy, but you better pay your drinks first. What? She? No, she is just a henchman--woman, for that mercenary charter. Yea, she is strong enough for you, she was one of the local thug who own her own alleys in the 'ndercity here. No, she's not a mercenary yet, she's their henchman---woman. Strong as she is, she's no match for real mercenary, or maybe real seasoned soldier--- well at least at that time, Sera! Haha take no offense please. My how can you punch people while still smiling like that, haha! Here, this drinks on me, just don't get mad, Sera!

Anyways boy, I know you're good and maybe best of the village, but here not be village. Real world is harsh and tough, better learn and watch your step first. Yeah, find some adventurers who can accept your apprenticeship or anything, but first just keep in mind that these adventurers are not the 'best of the village', they have bested several villages for sure. Now, that would make all 3 crowns. What? Not enough money? Well I have dishes, you better work your arse-off now."

(Bartender at one of Corvis' Tavern on Ashtoven 599, discreetly recorded by Corvis University student as a research project on Tavern Life)




---
"Doloven 600. The business between these two rail companies are getting worse; they have bad blood on them. Nicolette is getting awry with the internal conflicts, and about our job who seems to take advantage of the situation. We have to remind ourselves that we should not get dragged by the confrontation, instead we have to find a way to bridge them. However it seems difficult as they never disclose information to another party out of suspicion.
Sera once again helped during nightwatch, but the poor girl once again broke her arm for punching a warjack. I gave her one of my pistol for protection, and looking her eyes rounded was priceless indeed. Lud helped her in shooting practice during some free time, and maybe once she is ready, we'd introduce her into the charter."

"Ashtoven 600. Nicolette got shot in the chest and kind of lucky she survived. I canceled all of our contracts, as long as she recovered quickly. It has been the 3rd day, and she hasn't fully conscious. We thought we've lost her for good, thank Morrow there was a doctor who can help in this town. Lud is out maintaining the canceled contracts, while Serafina is taking care of Nicolette like a loyal daughter.
It never crossed my mind to see them so close like this. They were bitterly hostile, since Serafina tried to rob Nicolette on that day. I have to be glad that Lud also agree to let her go, only to find her begging to us to take her on adventure.
Nevertheless, she feels already like our daughter."

"Tempen 601. Lud lost an eye permanently, and we can do nothing about it. Never expected those trollkins capable of using such sophisticated long rifle, or the good luck they have, or our bad luck. He insisted to press on the mission, and Serafina now always stands near Lud. She seems determined to protect him.
Serafina made no progress in learning Llaelese, but she started to understand some Ordic."

"Katesh 601. Recently I made Serafina cried suddenly, just by saying that Lud with one eye is still good at marksmanship than Serafina's. I was only trying to joke with Lud, but somehow she started to be silent and left somewhere sobbing. Nicolette calmed her and have returned, saying don't worry she's just not in the mood.
Lud and I do not understand what happened. Maybe the heat took her."

"Cinten 602. Finally our long missions on the rail companies end. I do not know how they ended, and I do not know did we contribute on it or not. But enough is enough, Serafina's seen enough blood and death. She is still too young for it maybe. However Lud insisted that she is alright, and she can join the charter later. I'd ask Nicolette's opinion later."

"Solesh 602. Since everyone agrees, we are heading to Corvis after the Summerfaire. We need to renew the charter, as our current charter does not support appendages of new members. Also everyone is eager for the Longest Night festival. We are looking forward for the fun and celebrations. Lud has prepared some mad tools for pranks on the Longest Night.  Nicolette made an earring for Serafina, as a token for welcoming her to our small charter. She took it as lucky charm."

"Longest Night 603. What a festival. We got real monsters pouring into the city, and the chaos caused by thralls was more than enough to wreak havoc. And during the chaos, it is difficult for not shooting bystanders. I shot 3 or 4 bystanders by accident, Lud might got the same. Nicolette did not want to attack, Serafina misfired once and it shocked her so much that she got knocked down by the thrall. Luckily she regained consciousness soon, and find new ideas to time our attacks to reduce collateral casualties. It helped a lot, well Lud still misfire once or twice, but no longer lethal.
Serafina also shown us the winding layers of undercity, and we found that the thralls might came from there. We reported to the authorities, and it seemed several others adventurers realized about it.
And the chaos was also abruptly ended; some say there have been a great wizard battle near the Cathedral of Morrow."

"Corvis has fallen to the despotic king Vinter, it seems. Word has it. Now Vinter's Inquisitors are patrolling the city, after the brutal murders of the ones in charge; I know not of the details. And it might be that there are reinforcements for Vinter outside the city. Lud and Nicolette agreed to slip outside and do something about this reinforcements, or delivering any info we have to Cygnaran authority.
Serafina seems to be scared; I've never seen her like that. She seemed to fear the Inquisitors somehow. Lud and Nicolette is consoling her now, saying that we'd all be okay and we'd have some fun after this mission. Nothing can go wrong if we stay focused and work like before."

(Readable and not torn excerpts from Diary of Jon Snow, a mercenary charter leader stationed in Corvis. Found on several leagues out of Corvis, along three dead bodies identified as himself, Ludwig the Mad, and Nicolette, each separated several hundreds feet. Ludwig the Mad found dead with a hand gripping a pistol, but no pistol found around. Cause of death were slashing wounds, might be the Skorne's sword. Rangers reported that there is a track of another person, but failed to determine the whereabouts in a short time. Team decided not to push matters due time constraint, and reported the valiant actions of three patriots loyal to Cygnar to HQ, as they might be one of the scout teams who gave the information about the details of Vinter's army.)



---
The Weekly Newes
Vendarl the 3rd, Trineus 604
PREVIOUS LONGEST NIGHT AND CORVIS TROUBLE

It is already more than one year ago, but the Longest Night is still being talked especially in Caspia, as it is quite far away from Corvis. I was receiving some information that there is someone who can be asked about the events, and managed to contacted the person. The person agreed to tell about what they know under two conditions: anonymity and that the stories might be a made-up story (I use the word they, as to protect the identity).

So this person worked on a mercenary charter, starting as a henchman during early period (active during the so-called rail-wars), and joined the charter on the longest night. They explained how the many number of thralls attacked from a part of the city called 'undercity', and how the killed carnival attenders would be risen as another thrall.

"It was a very chaotic situations. You cannot identify friend or foe, since some people attended the carnaval disguising as thralls. Further, the number of thralls are overwhelming, just like the numbers of the people outside this tavern now," they explained, "And then amidst the chaos, it is also difficult to report to anyone about anything, if we find any. Even where to run or escape, no one knows. I learnt from that day to always prepare an evacuation route, in case of anything happen. Call me paranoid or coward, but I've seen many people die because they know not how to flee."

Not only the thrall troubles, this person also knows about the attack and fall of Corvis.

"It was Vinter and his loyal Inquisitors who took the city 'from inside', I remembered there are talking about their murders to top officials, and suddenly Inquisitors are everywhere on the street. Watchmen who are not cooperative with them are immediately silenced. Seeing the inner city condition, our group decided to scout outside, as there are also rumors about Vinter's reinforcements might be outside the city. We brought news and give it to the King loyalists."

So what was important lesson from the events?

"Always be ready, I think. Dangers can come from anywhere, and it is alright to flee if you do not have the strength to fight. Futile fights will only bring sad news and might break ally's morale. Being heroic is fine, but please remember your loved ones if you die, how will they feel?"

And what is your current plan?

"I am tired seeing war actually, and went to Caspia as this city is peaceful and nice. I am planning to just enjoying my time around here, and help the taverns for free drinks and lodgings. I guess simple life fits me, and Caspia is the place for simple happy life."



---
"Heh, you wanna hear about the recent civil war? You see, it all begins on somewhere right after Llael's fall to Khador. As our soldier is engaged somewhere else, the Menites stroke hard. I do not know what actually happened, I just remembered the bloody street fights, as the zealots started killings. Morrow protects the departed souls, but I was lucky there was a young girl who yelled out and pointed to hiding places, while distracting the zealots away. It seems she and some other blessed souls helped to protect the civilians, and guide us to safe place. Later an officer came to help us and escort us to safety; but I cannot find the girl. I hope she is fine somewhere, but I thought I remember someone resembles her being dragged by menites; I hope I am wrong."

(tavern talks on the eve of Ashtoven 605)



---
"We made some breakthrough on retaliations against Menites. These zealots did not see us coming, well maybe those biggots just too proud to see the facts. Hard facts, smashin' their heads. Was having fun removing these parasites and traitors, but when I went on a group of menite cowards, suddenly a Morrowan traitor came between me and the menites. She spouted some nonsense about civilian's life and not worthy of killing, while brandishing Morrow symbol. Stupid girl, like these traitors will know gratitude. Letting these terrorists to live will prove trouble later. Was almost arguing with her or just smash her head, but her... 'feature' distracted me a bit. Heheh. And by the time I want to do something, Sarge gestured me upfront there were trouble to be dealt soon. So I left her to rot with the traitors."

(Caspian soldier bragging on a tavern, somewhere around 606)



---
(Journal Entry on Mission Report from a Mercenary Charter, late 606 AR. Caught with the charges of smuggling people, but the smuggled people are already inside Corvis and beyond tracking)

We were hired to escort Menite refugees from the Caspia-Sul war, as these people do not want to join Protectorate and cannot stay longer in Caspia due to the obvious problems. We have to run low since the military might want to capture any Menites and send them to prison, but these people are basically just civilians and merchants. They paid quite a large sum, as long as we are able to protect them and escort them to Corvis.

We also recruited several person into our rank, and one notable new recruit is a blonde girl named Sera. She has shown focus in protecting our escort, and often pointing them to a safe spot. She also often help at coordinating our attacks and good at rhythmic shooting. Unfortunately, she parted ways near Corvis, claiming she cannot enter Corvis due personal reasons.


---
"So, will you join our group? We are in need of manpower to escort these stuffs to Fellig. Come on, you seemed to be quite experienced. And my boys insisted a girl would sure help --- wait easy we promise we will not do anything bad; there are also girls in the big group, but we also want one eye-candy in our group. Oh we know you're good with pistols too, don't worry-- oh and fists, well that will be a bonus, heh heh. So, are you in? The pay is good, the job is easy. Come on, there is no way Khador will attack that soon, with their tremendous lost and all. Yeah, Fellig. That place is well defended, and no war over there. I've told you, Khador just got their arse kicked, they won't try again soon. A jinx? You? Hahaha we do not believe in superstitions. Well they all dead maybe because it is their time, right? Cmon, join us to Fellig. So deal? Great, thanks girl! What be your name? Oh, welcome to the group Sera! I am hoping you are really good with the guns."

(A recorded mercenary recruiter in action, by a Corvis University student, on his research project. Taken on somewhere around early 607 AR. The lack of accurate date and place is an example of bad research skill, and no student may follow this failed example of 'lacking authenticity'. Another point is, if possible, recording should include both side of the conversations.)



---





Race: Human Cygnaran
Upgrades: Spd, Per, Per, AGL (Human)
Archetype: Intellectual
Benefit: Battlefield Coordination
Language: Cygnaran
Language: Ordic

Career1: Duelist
Military: Pistol
Military: Unarmed (swap from Hand Weapon)
Occupational: Intimidation
Occupational: Jumping
Occupational: Streetwise (swap from Gambling)
Ability: Riposte
Ability: Two-Weapon Fighting (swap from Parry)

Career2: Pistoleer
Military: Pistol
Occupational: Detection
Occupational: Intimidation
Occupational: Sneak
Ability: Fast Draw
Ability: Gunfighter
Ability: Return Fire

Equipment: 75gc [Duelist]
Equipment: 50gc [Pistoleer]
Equipment: Ammo Bandolier x1 [Pistoleer]
Equipment: Repeating Pistol x2 [Pistoleer]
Equipment: Light Rounds x20 [Pistoleer]
Equipment: Armored Great Coat [Purchase]
Equipment: -50gc [AGC purchase] (I think)