Saran Kharlu
Bounty hunter for Great House Dres
About
The Basics:
Age: 30 (as of 2E 582)
Birthday: 31st of Last Seed, 2E 552
Sign: The Serpent
Height: 185.5cm (6'1")
Weight: Roughly 65.8kg (145lbs)
Race: Dunmer
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Asexual
Relationship status: Married
Alignment: Lawful EvilPhysical Appearance:
Saran stands tall and slender with a strong outward appearance. From a young age her height was apparent as she towered over her kin. Her skin was an ashen gray, darkened slightly by the constant exposure to Magnus' rays. Saran's hair was a brilliant platinum blonde that she kept short for various reasons, one of which was to proudly display her ears. They themselves are long, pointed, and laid back like a lion ready to pounce. Her skin is painted in an intricate artwork of tattoos denoting her various achievements within her house. Though a tomboy in physicality, she seems to have some feminine charm as she's happy to wear makeup and jewelry; particularly an earring of which she's most proud of. In her eyes respect & loyalty should go both ways, and she is more than happy to give hers so long as those above her return the favour. At the end of the day she's content with being the hand of someone else, however if they abuse their position of power she will not hesitate to rebel.Personality:
Saran is very calm and collected. She very rarely shows anger outwardly and is more keen to internalise it as a cold anger. She's soft spoken with a deep, raspy voice, with a Southern Morrowind accent; particularly that of the Tear region. Despite being a professioned warrior, she is very articulate, and comes across as well educated. The mer also carries great respect for the wildlife, and only hunts to sustain herself, and her allies. This translates into her strict diet as she maintains rigid portion control, and never drinks anything other than water, or tea. Saran is often quiet and soft spoken, leading to her gravitating toward small groups, or be alone entirely, and she never presents herself as leadership material. In her personal time Saran enjoys the wilderness over city life. She's content to spend weeks, or even months, at a time outside a city completely engrossed in nature. Described by those that know her as a lone wolf, Saran still knows when to stick to a pack. She is fiercely loyal to those she serves, never backs down from a command, and commits herself fully to a given task. Saran prides loyalty, and strength above most things in life, but she also has no desire to become a powerful Lord. At the end of the day she's content with being the hand of someone else, but if they abuse their position of power she will not hesitate to rebel. In her eyes respect & loyalty should go both ways, and she is more than happy to give hers so long as those above her return the favour.Personal Life:
Saran was born in to the warrior house of Kharlu, and has known a harsh life of combat since she came of age at seven. Relationships are unknown to her; she keeps friendships at a distance, and does her best to avoid most attachments outside of her House. The culture she was born in to has created a twisted notion of religion in her, and it often leaves many wondering where her true loyalties lie; the Anticipations or the Tribunal. In reality she seems to border on Agnosticism. That's not to say she denies the existence, or powers of the Tribunal, but rather she chooses to devote her life to herself over worship. When confronted about it she simply toes the line, and never openly engages in heresy. One thing is for sure is that Saran seems to enjoy expressing her dislike of the Tribunal Temple's wealth. She looks at members who adorn themselves in elegance with disgust, and those who live simple with admiration. Saran often wears a cold, callous attitude when dealing with most everyone, and very rarely opens up about who she truly is.Political Views:
Politically, Saran is deeply engrossed in Dres traditions. She supports the institution of slavery wholeheartedly, and seems to enjoy expressing her supposed superiority over the other nine races. This conservative belief has lead to her despising the institution of the Ebonheart Pact as it outlawed slavery in the majority of Morrowind, save for the special Dres laws, and all of the Telvanni. The Pact has inadvertently caused Saran to admire the Telvanni for their decision in staying out, and secretly wishes the Dres would join them. This newfound belief also created a desire to build closer relations with the Telvanni. On the opposing side, Saran outright hates the Hlaalu and Indoril for creating what she calls an abomination and an affront to all things Dunmeri. When given the chance she will openly blame them for making Morrowind weaker, and fears that the Pact will bring about a Second House War. Strangely she doesn't hold the Redoran responsible and greets them in a neutral tone. This is probably due to her admiration of their combat expertise, and a hidden desire to learn from themCombat Expertise:
As per tradition in House Kharlu, Saran began training at the age of 7. Being a girl her first weapon of choice was the bow & arrow; something she saw as elegant, and refined; Fit for a lady as she used to say. Saran committed herself to learning everything there was about archery, and has become an expert marksman. From mounted archery to stealth precision, Saran boasts that she's as good, or better than a Bosmer. She didn't pick up a sword until she was almost 12, and even then she didn't feel comfortable with one until she was 14. Her fighting style was Makashi; A graceful combat style, it relied on careful and controlled strikes instead of power and strength. This was in large part due to Saran's size as she learned to harness her agility over strength, and she can accredit this style to her ability to take down enemies twice her size. Her fighting style has instilled a sense of wait-and-see in Saran. She's very rarely the first to strike unless the advantage is undoubtedly hers. When faced with a duel she maintains a cold, and calm visage.Skills:
Saran prides herself in her archery, and is just as confident in her swordplay. She also knows how to handle a spear, and her uncle jokes that she's better with one than a sword. Due to her love of nature she has a deep interest in all things alchemy, and always carries a pestle & mortar on her. Magically speaking she has an affinity for cyromancy and nature magic, but she's not one to boast about her arcane knowledge. Still this has lead to the pet name of "Ice Queen" by those that know her best; a combination of her magical abilities, and cold personality. Tactically speaking, Saran is an extremely patient mer and rarely moves without determining the best path first. Due to the nature of her job she strives to avoid combat as much as possible, but will engage when the opportunity presents itself. Her small frame also adds an advantage as it makes her light on her feet. This helps her outrun, outmaneuver, and out-leap those much heavier than her. Additionally her patient demeanor & unwillingness to act immediately has lead her to lose more than one bounty. Saran fears large crowds as it contains her. When in them she shuts down, and doesn't speak up. This has lead to her avoiding strangers in large groups, and plays heavily into her lone wolf mentality. Saran also seems to have a small fear of water, and sailing. She very much prefers to travel by land, and will only travel by ship when absolutely necessary. Consequently she knows very little of Vvardenfell.Relationships:
Significant Other: Ibaamu Kharlu
Children: None
Grandparents: Altani Kharlu (Grandfather) and Hansi Kharlu (Grandmother)
Parents: Arslan Kharlu (Father) and Sadu Kharlu (Mother)
Siblings: Baidur Kharlu (Older Brother, deceased), Uto Kharlu (Middle Brother)
Extended Family:
Dayan Kharlu (Older Uncle, exiled), Maral Kharlu (Aunt), Tamachag Kharlu (Cousin, Male) Cirina Kharlu (Cousin, Female)
Elchi Kharlu (Middle Uncle), Vondia Kharlu (Aunt, deceased), Nayaga Kharlu (Cousin, male)
Pets: Shaln (Shadowghost Guar; deceased), Kili (Kagouti)
Friends: Edd Erradara, Gols Caerliht, Nels Fyrgara, Ibaamu Kharlu, Nevrasa Morvayn, Llivia Thiralas, Nari Erradara, Saveresi Radeiro, Naiah Indarel, Delexi Indoril
Her Story
The Price of an Earring
Whenever I stroll through the streets of Tear, I’m always given an odd look by other mer. They think that because I don’t share their same tastes in fancy dresses, and fine jewelry that I’m some common rabble; no better than a thief. What they fail to realise is just how much I paid for the one piece I do wear: my prized kriss earring. I remember the day I got it; I mean how could I forget? Back then I was just a little girl, but I can still see his face... I can still hear his words. “As long as you wear this,” he said, “I will always protect you.”I was seven years old when the tensions began both in my house, and abroad. I didn’t understand it at first, but I could see it in the faces of my family and the bounty hunters that walked the walls. They all knew something was coming, and it felt like no one understood it better than my father, Arslan. His words echoed through the halls of Ald’Tos as clear as day. They woke me from my slumber, and I remember walking down to the main hall. Hiding behind the walls I saw him arguing with my uncle, Dayan. Between the both of them stood my elder brother, Baidur.“As your Gah’amer I forbid you to take such actions Baidur!” Arslan decried, “We are Ota Kilmin, bounty hunters! We are not some common foot soldiers that answer the Dres whenever they come knocking!” Baidur was just as heated as Father. He was furious as he argued back, “Ata, the times are changing! The world grows darker every day and if Kharlu is to adapt then we must change with them! Just like our ancestor Magnai bent a knee to the Dres to save our tribe so too should we aid our brothers now! The Council demands this of us, of every house! Are we not Dres?” This only seemed to anger Father more though. Yes, he was cold, and distant. “Have you forgotten the code?” he asks harshly, “This will only lead to your death, and our destruction.”“Enough.” A voice called out from the throne. Dayan rose, and stepped down from his platform as he commanded, “Baidur is right. Despite our code we still have to answer to the Coucil.” Dayan towered over Arslan as he came to a halt. Their crimson eyes seem to lock on each other as the fight shifted in to a fading silence. “However, he will not go alone,” he adds before looking to Baidur, “Take three Ota Kilmin with you. Three that you believe are our best. Three...” Dayan’s words trail off as he breaks away from Arslan, and walks over to Baidur. He stands over the mer, and places his hand on Baidur’s shoulder as he reassures, “Three that you trust with your life.”Baidur reveled in his immediate victory as he exclaims, “Of course, Ara’khan, jouhn.” He turned around to face the other warriors in the room as he offered, “Who will follow me? Who will ride to our Great House’s aid?” Baidur turns to the nearest mer as he asks, “Gols?” Gols stands to attention as he declares, “Aye, Alt’Cheldur!” Baidur smiled, and then moved to a much larger mer as he points out, “What about you Hort?” Following Gols’ lead, Hort stands at attention as he bellows, “Aye, Alt’Cheldur!” This only seemed to give Baidur confidence as he moved on to the smallest mer in the room save myself. He walked over, and just like Dayan, Baidur placed his hand on the mer’s shoulder as he admits, “You’re one of the best bowmen we have, Edd. I could really use your expertise on this.” Edd seemed to fight back a smile as he fell in line. “Aye, Alt’Cheldur!” he snaps in to attention. Baidur grins, and turns back to Dayan.Dayan looked the party over before he turned his ruby gaze over to Baidur directly. “Are you sure?” he inquires, “Do you trust these mer with your life?” “I do,” Baidur answers back, “Before Tehn Gher Cahn themselves, I do.” Dayan nods as he states, “Then you have my blessing. Go.” Baidur turns to his team as he barks, “AE MOLGHEEN DRES!” The trio snap to attention as they answer back with, “RU KHESTIS SINT MOLKUHN!” Their war cry echoed through Ald’Tos, and I remember seeing how proud they were, But not Father... And not me. The cry sent shivers down my spine, and I could see they had the same effect on him as well.Dayan however was pleased as he turned his back to the party. Yet that smile didn’t last long as he looked to Arslan. The two men scowled at each other, but Arslan was the first to break. “Baidur, wait!” he cries out before running over to the team. “Yi julekil,” Arslan sighs, “Are you sure this is what you want?” Baidur seemed to take Father’s words to heart as he contemplated them over in his head. After what felt like an eternity he finally answers back with, “Isk edur as malidi.” This didn’t sit well with Father, but he also didn’t protest it. “Isk edur as malidi,” Arslan sighed, “Just. Be safe, and come back alive.” Baidur chuckles, and presses his forehead in to Arslan’s as he declares, “I always do,” before stepping back, and putting his helmet on. Gols, Hort, and Edd followed suit with their own helmets, and then fell in line behind Baidur as they marched out.“I swear to the Old Gods, and the New, Dayan...” He curses as he spins around to face his brother, “If anything happens to Baidur, it’s on you. I don’t care what they say, this is NOT the way!” Dayan seemed to let the warning wash over himself with a calmness. “You forget your place, Gah’amer.” he says coldly, “Os hari dahrdi’ath.” Dayan dismisses Arslan with the wave of his hand before turning heel to head up to his chambers. “I’m coming for you Dayan!” Arslan now declared, “You hear me? I’m coming for you! If anything happens to Baidur I’m coming for you! Isk os gaharu! ISK! OS! GAHARU!” Dayan stopped, but he didn’t turn around. I never knew why, but I can only assume he was afraid. Of what I couldn’t tell. Of my Father’s warning? Of my brother’s mission? He just stood there before waving forth two of the Honour Guard. They fell in behind Dayan, and escorted him up to his chambers as Father stormed off to his own.The days seem to blur together following Baidur’s departure. I was used to him being gone for months at a time, but this was different. The life of a Bounty Hunter always demanding, but this wasn’t another contract. Still even behind Ald’Tos’ walls life went on. Being isolated from the outside world was somewhat mystical to four-year-old me. The Fortress gave me a relaxing sense of peace playing out in the courtyard, but it made the afternoon all the more terrifying when there was a sudden commotion at the gates.“Open up!” a voice cried out, “Open up! Please! Hurry!” It was Edd; panicked, and hoarse from shouting. I could barely recognise Gols next to him under all the bandages as they came through the gate. They were carrying something. Someone. I remember everyone dropping everything. “What happened?” a hunter cried out. “Where’s Hort?” another demanded. The trio collapsed as Edd’s strength failed him. “He’s dead,” the bowman revealed, “They had reinforcements. They broke the lines we... We never stood a chance.” As Gols struggled to stand my stomach dropped. It was my first time seeing someone without one of their limbs. Relieved of his burden it became clear that his arm was missing. The third person didn’t stand, but with Hort’s fate revealed we all knew who it was.The rest of my family came rushing out first lead by Dayan, but quickly overtaken by Arslan. “Baidur! Baidur! Baidur stay with me!” he shouted as he sprinted forth, and fell to his knees. He hugged my brother in both arms as he kept demanding, “Baidur stay with me! Baidur please! Stay with me!” He didn’t respond, and my little curiosity to take over. I approached carefully behind everyone. I remember Mother trying to stop me, but my grandmother stopping her in return. It felt like I walked forever as I approached my father, and brother. They never seemed to get any closer until I found myself on top of them.My presence seemed to stir Baidur as his eyes opened barely. He smiled softly as we locked eyes. “Saran...” he coughs, “Saran... Come here.” I sprinted in to Baidur, and held on to him just as tight as my Father. He rocked us both as Baidur complimented, “You’re strong already. You’ll be a fine bounty hunter someday I can see it.” I didn’t feel strong as I burst in to tears; crying in to Baidur’s shoulder. He tried to soothe me with, “There, there. It’s okay. I go to join our ancestors now, but remember this.” It took every ounce of strength to reach up to his ear, and unclip his earring with his one good hand. I watched him hold it out to me as he says, “Saran... As long as you wear this, I will always protect you.” I took the earring in my hands, and held it tight as I watched the light fade from his eyes.
By Gold or Blood
The following week flew by in a blur as my family prepared for Baidur’s funeral. My grandmother, Opu’Ikalam Hansi spent three days and three nights preparing, and praying over his body. Each morning she would recite a prayer in the name of the new gods, and each night in the name of the old. I didn’t understand why at the time, but I do remember the order; Almalexia, Boethia, Sotha Sil, Azura, Vivec, Mephala. At dawn on the fourth day everyone was called in to the courtyard. There stood a grand, three-tiered funeral pyre, and my brother’s body was placed upon it. My grandmother said another prayer as seven archers lined up behind her; my father Arslan, and Edd among them.“The Dark Warrior fights for the mercy of Mother Morrowind,” Hansi prays as the archers dipped their arrows in flames. They punctuate her sentence by letting them loose; lighting the lower tier ablaze. “The Dawn and Dusk spin the wheels of the Clockwork God,” she continued with another round of arrows flying overhead; setting the second tier on fire. “The Webspinner commits the Warrior Poet to history,” she said as almost like it was a command. Six archers let their last set of arrows loose, but my father held back. He waited for my grandmother’s queue. “Six in Three,” she finally says followed by my father repeating, “Six in Three,” before letting his arrow loose. Where the other six landed on the sides of the top tier like the rest, his arced high in to the sky before coming down nearly in to Baidur’s body.As the pyre begin to burn hotter than the summer sun my father turned to face the crowd before him. “RU KHESTIS SINT MOLKHUN!” Arslan shouted at all the bounty hunters. “ISK EDUR AS MALIDI!” the they replied back; voices echoing off the inner walls of Ald’Tos. Their words rang in my ears as I watched Baidur’s pyre. I couldn’t look away. Arslan, however did; he chose not to walk through the rows of bounty hunters but instead walked around them to the side where my family stood. He didn’t look at anyone except my uncle Dayan. Their eyes locked in challenge for a brief moment. Dayan relented first though as he snapped back to the pyre. Arslan had a smile like he had just won the first battle of a growing war. He carried that smile up to the doors; yet he stopped to turned around before announcing, “Dismissed!” before heading inside. Majority of the bounty hunters did, but a few stayed along with my family.I didn’t see him for breakfast the following morning, and it wasn’t until midday that my mother, Sadu, finally broke the news that he left with Edd. They were off to retrieve Hort’s body from the Hlaalu, or so I was led to believe. I didn’t know how to feel about his absence. Since birth he had always been around, always was here, and always happy to play with me. Now I had no Baidur, and no Arslan. I spent the first week outdoors waiting for him to come home. I’d climb the walls, sneak up in to the towers, and play near the gates waiting to see his face one again. However, the weeks turned in to months, and the days blended together. I thought he’d at least be home in time for my name day; yet it came, and went with no father. I had given up hope while resigning him to the same fate as my brother’s.It was nearly seven months before Arslan, and Edd finally returned. Seven months; almost a year to date since Baidur left on his ill-fated venture. Both mer returned grizzled, broken, and tired. Edd had lost his guar, and Arslan’s was now a pack mule for a large chest. I later learned that it held Hort’s remains; although at the time I didn’t care. My father was home at last, and I thought our family could finally be whole again... Or so I thought. In addition to Hort’s chest was a long object wrapped in a red cloth. Arslan removed it from the guar, and unfurled the cloth to reveal a brilliant golden sword. His timing couldn’t be better as Dayan emerged from the keep to see who had arrived. “Dayan!” Arslan’s voice rang out bringing the entire castle to a dead silence, “Lakor Gah’amer os sorilka ohn de gahshuhn ru molham!”At first, I didn’t understand the gravity of my father challenging my uncle to trial by combat, but it didn’t take long as I looked around to everyone’s face. Dayan’s especially. My gaze drifted back to Arslan whom his leg I still clung to. “Ata,” I squeaked, “What is a trial by combat?” “Not now yi julikal,” he hushed as he patted me on the head. His words were sweet, but his face was terrifying. I let go as he approached Dayan asking, “Well?” with his arms held open; the golden sword gleaming in the sunlight. Dayan stood there as if he were turned to stone. Arslan had nearled closed the distance btween them by half before he finally spoke up with, “Os ahrensha.” He whipped his robes around to head back inside as he added, “I will meet with the rest of the Ara’ponihn tomorrow to confirm the challenge, and th---” “NO!” Arslan interrupts, “Not tomorrow! Not next week! Now! We fight here, and now.” Dayan looked back at Arslan with anger in his eyes; something I had never seen before. “So be it,” he declared before continuing inside.Edd approached Arslan, and began to prep his Gah’amer for battle. Only vital armour protection was allowed, and Arslan was stripped of his gauntlets, pauldrons, and boots. I remember him warming up afterwards as he practiced swinging the sword around. I had never seen my father fight before, but I remember being terrified to see him in action. Dayan didn’t take long to return having dressed for battle, and summoning Grandmother. She remained on the steps as both my father, and my uncle squared up below. She held both hands out as she bellowed, “In accordance to the ancient laws set forth by Gah’khan Magnai, Arslan of House Kharlu has challenged Dayan of House Kharlu for the Ash Throne.” She dropped her hands, and pointed to Father as she asked, “Gah’amer, under what pretenses do you issue this challenge?” Arslan was quick with his words as he states, “Dayan has become complacent in his duties. He sits on the throne in decadence while allowing our traditions to rot, and wither unchecked. His weakness is a sickness that must be purged lest we are to survive!” Hansi nodded, and then pointed to Dayan as she asked, “Ara’khan, do you believe this to be true?” “Os sehte!” he spits back, “My actions have strengthened our bonds within the Great House. My leadership has brought new prosperity in these uncertain times. I have been faithful to the House, and the Code throughout my reign, and I will not allow this usurper to set us back! We must grow, or we will be left behind!”The claim of usurper wasn’t a new insult by the defendant; yet it still drew murmurs from the growing crowd. I remember overhearing talk of an ideological clash, and many bounty hunters were torn as to who they wanted to win. Hansi accepted both arguments though as she announced, “In the eyes of the Old Gods, and the New I declare this argument valid. May they bless that whom they see as the strongest. Tehn Gher Cahn.” The two brothers began to encircle each other as the squared off. I was entranced by their movements to the point that I didn’t notice Edd coming up behind me. “Saran,” he interrupted, “Would you like to go stand with the rest of your family?” It was only now that I noticed they had all lined up behind Grandmother to watch. “N-no...” I said nervously, “I want to stay down here.” Edd merely laughed, and then hoisted me up on his shoulders to watch.“You’ve sat on the throne too long,” Arslan taunts, “And you’ve allowed weakness to fester.” Dayan snarled at him before replying, “Your shortsightedness will be our undoing. I’ve seen what our future beholds, and we must adapt lest we fall in to ruin.” “Your so-called far sight lead to Baidur’s death!” Arslan proclaimed; drawing loud talk among the crowd. This set Dayan on edge causing him to strike first. He gripped his sword in both hands rushing towards Arslan. His sword swung up high before crashing down on the golden blade with a quick parry. Dayan quickly countered by pushing back, coming in low, but Arslan parried again. This sudden counter left Dayan exposed allowing Arslan to strike. He quickly backed off, and then swung down upon Dayan’s main sword arm. The golden blade cut along Dayan’s bicep causing him to drop his sword, and collapse to his knees in pain. “The gods have spoken!” Hansi proclaimed, “Arslan of House Kharlu has struck true. Os elevira oal as hagil Ara’khan!” The bounty hunters began to hoot in synchronised chorus while beating their chests with their forearm. Arslan breathed a sigh of relief, and held the golden sword high in the air as he reveled in triumph.Dayan knelt in the dirt as he was quickly forgotten. He gripped his arm tight to stem the bleeding as his ruby eyes scanned the crowd. They landed on Arslan as anger grew inside; unaware that his elder brother reviled him. Suddenly there was a loud cry as Dayan stood up. His bloodied off hand grabbed the sword as he rushed towards Arslan. Arslan had no time to react, but my grandmother saw all. “Enough!” she commanded as she threw her arms out from her body. A rush of ice magic escaped her hands, and encapsulated Dayan in place. “You dare continue on after the battle has concluded,” Hansi stated as cold as her magic, “You raise your hand against your brother, and your new Khan in an act of rebellion. You have betrayed your house, and brought dishonour against yourself. Dayan of House Kharlu, I hereby banish you for the rest of your days.” A hush fell over the crowd as Arslan looked upon his elder brother with disgust, and a broken heart. “I had thought better of you,” he says softly, “But it seems the sickness has run too deep.” Father shook his head in disappointment before he turned to head inside.“The trial has concluded!” Hansi declared, “Disperse, and return to your duties.” As the crowd did as they were told Hansi looked upon her eldest son. “I will pray for you,” she muttered while releasing Dayan of his prison. He fell to his knees once more as she mentioned, “You will have the night to heal, and pack. If you remain by sundown tomorrow you will be found wanting. Isk edur as malidi.” Hansi followed the rest of my family inside; prompting Edd to take me in. I remember looking down at Dayan. I once thought him to be the most powerful of our family yet now all I saw was a broken mer. He couldn’t even bear to look up at me. It was the last I ever saw of him.
Hooks & Contacts
Bounty Hunting
Saran is first, and foremost a bounty hunter for Great House Dres. While she primarily focuses on capturing runaway slaves, and those who freed them, she will also take on contracts beyond them. Saran is willing to go to the farthest reaches of Tamriel to get the job done.
Traditionalist
The culture of both Saran, and House Kharlu is deeply rooted in what they consider the old ways. As such they seek to maintain friendly relations with notable Ashlander tribes, and hold on to the self same values. If it weren't for their faith in the Three, it wouldn't be too hard to confuse the House for a Tribe.
Naturalist
Deep down Saran is most at home with nature. She thrives outside the city walls, and will often spend months at a time out in the wilderness. Her magic, limited though it may be, reflects this passion in it's own natural look.
Contact
Discord:
Handle: Ríen#0142
ESO:
Handle: @Halfeti