adventurous spirit

In a quaint rural village nestled in a picturesque corner of the world, a noble family awaited the arrival of their newest member. For generations, the family had endured the trials and tribulations of childbirth, with each pregnancy bringing not only joy but also hardship and ridicule from the community.This time, however, there was an air of anticipation and hope. The noblewoman, burdened by her previous struggles, believed that this child's birth would be the family's salvation. Little did they know that this child, Iris, would be destined for a life filled with extraordinary experiences. From the moment Iris entered the world, her presence seemed to herald a newfound era of happiness. Her infancy was marked by her mother's tender embrace and loving care. Iris, with her bright eyes and a radiant smile, never left her mother's side. She would shyly peer from behind her mother's leg, like a bashful sunbeam, filling their home with warmth and laughter.As she grew, Iris discovered an exceptional gift within herself—a power passed down through her family's lineage. She could shape-shift into the form of a beautiful white fox. This magical transformation granted her a sense of freedom and wonder that she cherished. With each shift into her fox form, she explored the natural world with boundless curiosity and joy.

self-discovery

Yet, as Iris grew older, she began to unravel the dark secrets of her noble family. She uncovered a legacy of deceit, exploitation, and cruelty that had spanned generations. Her family had harmed innocent people, and her mother had suffered the most, ridiculed and mistreated due to her struggles with pregnancy. The weight of this revelation hung heavy on Iris's shoulders. The once-idyllic image of her noble lineage crumbled before her eyes. And when her beloved mother fell gravely ill and passed away, Iris felt the shackles of her family's oppressive culture tighten. With a heavy heart and disillusioned spirit, Iris made a courageous decision—to leave behind the estate and change her name, "Sterling". It had been both her sanctuary and her prison. She set out on a journey of self-discovery, armed with her fox shapeshifting ability, a journal, and a burning desire to uncover the world's mysteries.

Iris roamed the lush forests, scaled the rugged mountains, and explored serene lakeshores. Her journal became a repository of her experiences, observations, and the natural beauty that surrounded her. Each entry reflected her growing connection to the world. During her travels, she encountered diverse landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and people from different walks of life. These encounters broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of the world. She also honed her skills, both as a martial artist and as an artist practicing silk painting. Her path was no longer defined by her family's legacy but by her own choices and the values she held dear. With each step, Sterling embraced her newfound independence and the beauty of the world around her. Her journey was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential for transformation and self-discovery.

values and principles

Sterling possesses an insatiable appetite for adventure ever since leaving her family home. Her zest for exploring the unknown drives her to seek out new places, cultures, and experiences. She thrives in situations where she can push her boundaries and discover the beauty and mysteries of the world. Sterling values her independence and autonomy. She is not swayed by societal norms or peer pressure and prefers to make decisions based on her own principles and convictions. Her independent thinking often leads her to unique and unconventional paths. Her demeanor carries an air of elegance and grace. Sterling's movements and actions are often marked by a refined and poised quality, reflecting her appreciation for aesthetics and beauty.

Sterling deeply dislikes injustice and oppression in any form. She is quick to speak out against those who exploit others or abuse their power, and she actively works to right these wrongs. She has little patience for individuals who display arrogance and hubris, believing that humility and respect for others are far more admirable qualities. Sterling believes that mutual respect and collaboration are essential in any interaction, and arrogance often hinders such dynamics. Sterling sees personal growth and self-improvement as essential aspects of life. It can stop personal growth by creating a false sense of superiority that prevents individuals from acknowledging their flaws and weaknesses. Sterling has little tolerance for dishonesty and deception. She dislikes when people engage in deceitful practices that undermine trust. She quickly distances herself from individuals as soon as she detects any dishonesty, choosing not to invest her time and energy in those who cannot maintain transparency. Sterling strongly dislikes discrimination and prejudice based on factors such as race, gender, or social status. She believes in the importance of treating all individuals with fairness and respect.

• Sterling always carries a small, intricately carved wooden fox amulet with her. It's a heirloom that has been passed down from her mother and is said to bring protection and luck to its bearer.
• Sterling owns a katana, the katana itself is a work of art, crafted with precision and care. Its blade is distinctive for being white, a rare and unusual choice. The white blade symbolizes purity, honor, and a departure from traditional black or silver blades. This choice reflects Sterling's desire to forge her own path and embrace her individuality. The katana also possesses a magical enchantment that allows it to channel and project fire magic. When Sterling wields the sword and focuses her energy, the blade can burst into flames, turning it into a formidable weapon in combat. Due to her extreme discomfort of the heat that is produced, she uses this ability rarely. Often flares it as a deterrent. The colour of the sword may also intensify the more magic and feeling she put into it.
• Sterling's ability to whistle with uncanny accuracy is not just a casual talent; it's a finely honed skill that she has cultivated over the years. She can mimic the calls of various birds, from the haunting melodies of owls to the cheerful chirping of sparrows, with remarkable precision. Sterling's proficiency in mimicking birdcalls stems from her deep connection to the natural world. Growing up, she spent countless hours surrounded by the serene beauty of rural forest area she used live in, where the songs of birds were a constant backdrop to her childhood. She learned to appreciate the melodies of the avian world and yearned to communicate with it.
• When Sterling transforms into her fox form, her ability to mimic birdcalls remains intact. Her vocal range adapts to the characteristics of a fox, but she can still produce birdcalls with uncanny accuracy. This unique skill becomes an integral part of her identity as a fox shapeshifter. In her fox form, Sterling uses her birdcall mimicry to blend seamlessly into the natural environment. By mimicking the calls of local birds, she can move discreetly through the wilderness without drawing attention to herself. When hunting for food, Sterling can mimic the calls of small prey birds like sparrows or finches to attract potential meals. This gives her an advantage in catching prey. If she senses danger, Sterling can emit birdcalls that act as warning signals to alert other animals in the area. This not only helps protect herself but also contributes to the safety of the local wildlife.
• Iris's name, chosen because it reflects her birth flower, is deeply symbolic and significant to her identity. The iris flower, known for its striking and vibrant petals, holds a special place in her heart. Just as the iris blooms with beauty and grace, so does Iris herself, radiating a natural charm and warmth. In her noble family, it is a tradition to name children after the flowers that correspond to their birth months. Iris was born in a season when irises were in full bloom, and her parents saw this as a sign of hope and renewal. Thus, they named her "Iris" to celebrate her birth and the positive change she brought to their lives. As Iris undergoes a transformation in her adulthood, distancing herself from her family and embracing a new path, she decides to change her name to "Sterling." This name change represents her desire to shed the old identity associated with her family's oppressive legacy and embrace a new sense of self.
• Sterling's fascination with origami began during her childhood, where she would spend hours folding paper into simple shapes and animals. As she honed her craft over the years, her origami skills evolved from basic creations to intricate and awe-inspiring sculptures. Sterling sees origami as a way to connect with people and spread a little kindness along her journey. Wherever she goes, she carries a small supply of specially treated paper in her travel pack. When she encounters strangers or locals during her travels, she often surprises them with her delicate creations. These origami tokens serve as gestures of goodwill, fostering connections with the people she meets. Whether it's a beautifully folded bird left on someone's windowsill or a meticulously crafted lotus flower offered to a host, Sterling's origami gifts leave a lasting impression on those who receive them.