Character Introduction
Demon #0096: Temair Eirys, formerly Iorwen Trahairn
Age: 30-34
Birthdate: February 27
Gender: Female
Blood Type: B
Race: Human, gifted with Rune Magic
Associated With: Anorlyn Vendt, Arcieth Cafiel
Known Capabilities: Extraordinarily gifted with four runes of the highest level of control and power, Eirys has demonstrated proficiency in fire, air, order and death. Has the ability to create cores of fire or air or a combination. Suspected to be able to create a core of death but has no evidence has been recorded. One of three active Dana who are capable of drawing upon the rune of death.
World Description: In the realm of Saern, the only practitioners of magic are women who have been found worthy of a rune sword. Each sword is personally tailored to its bearer, reflecting the power born within a woman's soul. Girls are tested in their adolescents and are given training until they are able to graduate as Dana, Maidens of the Sword. The structure is akin to that of the Knights of the Crown, and they serve in specialized combat units to initiate or end battles.
Story Arc: After breaking betrothal vows, giving up her family name, and demoting herself to the rank of a field commander, Eirys is given the task of assembling a new team of Maidens along the war battered, northern border.
When conflict rises, Eirys discovers that her biggest challenge is not the physical enemies that stand before her, but rather the orders that have been given to her by the crown and the vow she took upon her blade when becoming a Maiden.
Demon #0096: Temair Eirys, formerly Iorwen Trahairn
Age: 30-34
Birthdate: February 27
Gender: Female
Blood Type: B
Race: Human, gifted with Rune Magic
Associated With: Anorlyn Vendt, Arcieth Cafiel
Known Capabilities: Extraordinarily gifted with four runes of the highest level of control and power, Eirys has demonstrated proficiency in fire, air, order and death. Has the ability to create cores of fire or air or a combination. Suspected to be able to create a core of death but has no evidence has been recorded. One of three active Dana who are capable of drawing upon the rune of death.
World Description: In the realm of Saern, the only practitioners of magic are women who have been found worthy of a rune sword. Each sword is personally tailored to its bearer, reflecting the power born within a woman's soul. Girls are tested in their adolescents and are given training until they are able to graduate as Dana, Maidens of the Sword. The structure is akin to that of the Knights of the Crown, and they serve in specialized combat units to initiate or end battles.
Story Arc: After breaking betrothal vows, giving up her family name, and demoting herself to the rank of a field commander, Eirys is given the task of assembling a new team of Maidens along the war battered, northern border.
When conflict rises, Eirys discovers that her biggest challenge is not the physical enemies that stand before her, but rather the orders that have been given to her by the crown and the vow she took upon her blade when becoming a Maiden.
Story Excerpt
Bad Habits
“I wish you wouldn't do that so close to us.” Rowena's departure from the serious discussion draws Anorlyn's eyes up to the source of the disturbance. Seated along the rail of the balcony with her back to the house is Eirys, a lit cigarette in hand. Unlike the harsh stench and thick smoke that her father's cigars produce, this has a thin line of white smoke that smells of peppermint. Her eyes water as the minty perfume collects in her nose.
“It's good for you,” Eirys says, taking a long draw on the cigarette.
Rowena sniffs in disdain, and with a wave of her hand the air clears. “If ever I wish to actively poison myself, I shall seek your counsel.”
“Please do, it makes it more difficult for others to intentionally kill you. I still maintain that every maiden who rides north should be required to smoke one of these minimum.”
Though she makes a face, Rowena does not argue Eirys's proposal.
“What is it?”
It takes Anorlyn a moment to recognize that she is the one who has spoken the question. The Dana look at her, some in amusement and others appearing confused. Is she supposed to know all manner of drugs that are used in the military?
“Tinderweed,” Eirys answers, flicking the cigarette with long-fingered hands and shaking off excess ash over the edge of the balcony. “Harvested by the Kalkus. When burned, it creates poisonous fumes that can knock out a full grown man if they're within a half mile of the fire.”
Anorlyn has heard of it, but has not had the occasion to be near it. Her brother had mentioned it once in a letter. He had been downwind of such a fire and had rambled on about how it had affected the men he was on patrol with. They began to hallucinate and see their loved ones in the smoke. Several had to be restrained for fear they would charge to their deaths through the smoke. “And you're smoking it?”
A grin spreads across Eirys's lips, making it a point to take another drag on her deadly cigarette.
Inspired By
Who and What Inspired the Female Knight
Arthurian tales of romanticised knights courting women were fine and good when I was young, but I often wondered what about the girls?
Jean d'Arc is the historical figure that the Eirys character takes inspiration from. The ascribed bravery, defiance, controvery and courage that "Joan" displayed I wanted Eirys to have.
In terms of fictional characters, Tamora Pierce's Alanna of Treban was key to establishing the notion of a female knight capable of wielding magic. Unlike Alanna, however, Eirys never had to masquerade for her skills to be recognized. Bending the traditional gender roles of men as the primary protectors, Eirys lives in a world where women trained in the use of a runesword are the most prized fighters of her nation.
Physically, much of Eirys resembles the uniform worn by Lightning in Final Fantasy 13. I like the pseudo-military style, and removed some of the details while still retaining the casual combat asthetic. The face and original pose were based on stock images provided by LadyDove7 on DeviantArt.