Keila

The world of Falacaerr is perpetually carried in turmoil with the constant torment by the undead, Lusty Thieves kidnapping innocents, or curse-granting fae extracting their revenge on the common folk. It is a world rife with danger or adventure, depending on one's perspective. It is also the perfect environment for the production of heroes.

Keila Galanodel is one such hero, the literal face for the Zealot cause, and Balis' most prized worshipper. The story should be familiar to even those that have not heard her tale, as the theme for her rise to glory tends to be the same with any iconic individual.

She started with such humbling beginnings by living as a thatcher's daughter in a relatively unremarkable and docile village near the Sunburst mountains. ( Map of location available on Falacaerr ) Although only a few miles from the mountain passes connecting to the undead-laden territories of the blighted lands, it was a peaceful village with the largest worries tended to be of a loose bovine from the fenced farm lands. Keila would spend her days assisting her mother in typical chores while her father produced or maintained the thatch roofing for the village. Beyond her chores, she could of been considered a tomboy in a dress, willing to romp in the mud and play Knights and Orcs with the boys using wooden sticks as swords. All and all, a rather traditional lifestyle in such a rustic environment and could of led to a long, simple life.

That is, were it not for a hidden passage through the mountains discovered by the undead. The Elves that guarded the former passages of the mountains would eventually get word of the invasion, but at a dismal day too late. The village had been laid to ruins and the vast majority of its populace either consumed or turned into flesh-eaters themselves. What stands out as remarkable of this somber event was the story of the lone defender. After all others had been defeated or rendered useless by injuries, Keila was the last standing.

For more than 10 hours, she not only pushed back the invading hordes but managed to hold them at the entrance to the tunnel passage of the mountains. With an old sword and battle axe she had found throughout the chaos of combat, she held back wave after wave of mindless and devious undead monsters. The Elven battalion that had arrived expecting such a large battle was left dumbfounded as their task was regaled to nothing more than sealing the tunnel from being used again. Keila, had practically saved the entire countryside from an undead onslaught.

Ordinarily, a tale like this would be left to the area it occured. A shrine would be built in the center of the town as it was rebuilt, to honor those dead and proclaim Keila it's renown heroine. Thankfully, the fate of luck continued to shine upon Keila for defining her future for vast and glorious things. The deity Balis was on a personal lead of a fresh brigade to the undead-controlled lands beyond the mountains and in her trek would happen across a little town hardly found on most maps, with a dramatic story of a fearless and nigh-invincible heroine... History would be recorded for that day as Balis found her new champion, an indominable Zealot to morale troops and define self-sacrifice for the downtrodden people of Falacaerr.

Since the day of meeting Balis at the age of 17, Keila has quickly risen in the ranks of Balis' army of Zealots to the Avenging Church. Her battle prowess was unmatched with legendary tales of defeating other heroes in public sparring matches to even besting Folinir, a deity considered without par in terms of combat. ( Ironic, due to his stance of pacifism! )

On approach to her 31st year of life, she stands as Knight Commander of the Avenging Church, and frequently leads troops to battle or is a teacher to the legion for tactics and the martial skills. She is a close friend and confidant to Balis, and quick on a likely path to be bestowed with ascension into the divine if Balis has her way about it. Posters can be found throughout all the cities and territories under Zealot protection of her facade as the poster child for their movements. And yet, she freely admits her greatest triumphs and joys are to the more domesticated watch of children under the supervision of Avenging Church orphanages and schools. It is not uncommon to see her in commoner's clothes, helping with mundane chores rather than in full armor and barking orders to organize the troops.

Special Note - Due to reasons beyond even Balis' understanding, Keila has proven to be immune to the curse of the undead. She is unable to be turned and many prophecies attempt to claim her as the savior to the undead plight. ( Being immune to change means she can interact with a legendary horn that controls the undead legions. Ordinarily, to touch such an artifact would turn the wielder into an abomination as well. )

Alt of Aspects_of_Balis