Riala ([REOS AU])

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In the heart of Helion, the name Riala echoed like a gentle breeze. Renowned for her kindness and generosity, she stood as a prodigy among prodigies, her magical prowess seemingly boundless. Her abilities surpassed her peers, enabling her to train and progress with unparalleled speed, endurance, and skill.

Yet, the tapestry of her life unravelled when her father, Lorakan, fell victim to a lethal Veilstrike poisoning. Lorakan, a revered guide navigating the treacherous deserts for non-Scaleborne travellers, encountered a group inexperienced in the magical landscape. Unwittingly, they stumbled upon an exposed Leyline, and their attempts to harness its power led to a tragic encounter with Leyline Leeches. Lorakan, intervening to protect the group, found himself helpless as the leeches embedded their heads beneath his scales.

Separated from Helion, Lorakan lacked the antidote to the venomous Veilstrike poison. Reuniting with his daughter within the city's safety revealed the grim reality: his scales were decaying, necrosis spreading beneath his skin. The traditional cure proved futile against these dire symptoms, rendering him powerless as his limbs succumbed to the unstoppable decay.

For Riala, her father's plight eclipsed her magical training. She dedicated herself to him, using her own magic to halt the rot and alleviate his suffering. Despite Lorakan's protests and attempts to push her away, Riala remained steadfast by his side.

As time unfolded, Riala's sacrifices intensified. The window for her to partake in the Scaleborne's coming-of-age rite, the Oathbinding, grew narrower. A Scaleborne, typically between 20 and 30 years old, departs Helion with a magical artefact as their only means of navigating the protective sandstorm, Helion's Gale. The Oathbinding signifies a Scaleborne's unwavering commitment to their people and their ability to protect without hesitation.

At 27, Lorakan, weary of his condition, urged the other Elders to cast Riala out for her Oathbinding. Although displeased, Riala reluctantly left, trusting the Elders to care for her father. Her artefact, the Sable Cipher, held both her father's magic and the essence of an ancient Desert spirit named Hermorah. Tasked only with reclaiming the Cipher should Riala falter, Hermorah took the form of a Vayron to accompany her.

Amidst her pilgrimage, whispers reached Riala's ears—rumours of a flower hidden in the Thedalian deserts, a panacea for all illnesses. Determined to cure her father, she embarked on a quest to find this elusive bloom before completing her Oathbinding.

A year into her journey, tragedy struck as the Sable Cipher was stolen. Trusting her magical barriers, Riala was careless, and a thief syphoned the magic from the artefact. Undeterred, she enlisted Hermorah to trace the magical remnants, leading her to a man who had absorbed the stolen power. The loss of the Sable Cipher threatened her return, yet Riala's determination soared.

Vowing to bring the thief to justice, Riala's resolve strengthened upon discovering his true identity. The quest to regain her people's acceptance became entwined with the pursuit of retribution. As she ventured deeper into the desert, her path blurred between restoring the artefact and securing justice for her father.

• Floral Fascination: Riala has an extensive knowledge of desert flora, acquired during her pilgrimage in search of the elusive healing flower. She can identify various plants and their magical properties, making her an unintentional botanist of the Thedalian deserts.
• Harmony with Hermorah: Despite Hermorah's primary role as the guardian of the Sable Cipher, Riala has developed a unique bond with the ancient Desert spirit. They share an unspoken understanding, and Hermorah often provides silent companionship during Riala's solitary moments.
• Enchanting Melodies: Riala possesses a hidden talent for playing the desert flute, a traditional Scaleborne instrument. The haunting melodies she produces have a calming effect on those who hear them, making her music a source of solace during challenging times.
• Whispers of the Winds: Riala has a peculiar ability to interpret the shifting winds of the Thedalian deserts. Whether it's predicting an approaching sandstorm or discerning the direction to hidden oases, she has an uncanny connection with the elemental forces around her.
• Sand Sculpting: During moments of reflection, Riala indulges in sand sculpting, creating intricate designs and figures with the desert's golden grains. It's a meditative practice that allows her to express her emotions and connect with the ever-changing landscape
• Nomadic Cuisine Connoisseur: Riala has developed a taste for nomadic cuisine during her travels. She can prepare a variety of dishes using ingredients found in the deserts, showcasing her adaptability and resourcefulness in culinary arts.
• Leyline Lore: Having witnessed the dangers of Leylines firsthand through her father's illness, Riala has become somewhat of an amateur Leyline scholar. She collects stories and lore about Leylines, intending to raise awareness about the potential hazards they pose to the uninformed.
• Vayron Whisperer: Due to Hermorah's frequent manifestation as a Vayron, Riala has become adept at understanding the subtle body language and vocalisations of these mystical creatures. She can often sense their moods and intentions, fostering a unique connection with the desert fauna.
• Scale Scribing: Riala practices the ancient art of Scale Scribing, adorning her own scales with intricate patterns and symbols. Each design tells a story, and she refreshes them during significant life events, creating a visual timeline of her personal journey.
• Skyfire Ceremonial Blessing: During momentous occasions, the Scaleborne partake in Skyfire Ceremonial Blessings. Riala, as a participant, channels her magical energy into the sky, creating vibrant bursts of magical flames that serve as both a spectacle and a symbol of unity.