Born in the jungles of Ahk’vir, Ayr was one of the youngest of her tribe to undergo the rites of becoming a bansealgair. These elite huntresses not only provided food for the tribe but also protection. Highly trained in the zen of archery and stealth, these huntresses become revered by their people and terrifying to their foes.
Many bansealgair, like Ayr, choose an animal companion to accompany them. Tamed by the huntresses during their initiation process, these animals eventually share their souls with their mistresses. This transformation allows the huntress and pet to become like one, moving and acting as a single efficient and very deadly entity.
Ayr has also learned the ways of medicine, using her basic skills to provide treatments for both human and animal. From her studies in herbalism, Ayr devised poisons to apply to her arrows. These poisons serve the practical and humane purpose of providing prey a quick and painless death without adversely affecting the meat’s quality.
A spiritual and totemic people, Ayr’s tribe does not believe in killing for simple sport. Often after Ayr has returned from a successful hunt, she can be found quietly meditating, offering thanks to the animals who gave their lives to provide sustenance to her and those she provides for. Abhorrent of waste, Ayr will try to use as much of a kill as possible: hides for leatherworking, sinew and bone for arrows and ingredients for alchemical applications.
Though capable of bringing down large and impressive prey, Ayr does not display trophies from those kills. Her only ornamental adornment is a simple necklace with a small pendant of blue jade. A gift from her twin sister, Nia.
Nia is the reason why Ayr and Anundir left their village nestled in the jungles of their homeland. She was kidnapped by slavers during an attack while Ayr was away on a hunt. Finding Nia is Ayr’s driving purpose. She knows little of her sister’s abductors other than they were outsiders, not natives of Ahk’vir.
Shortly after leaving the jungles, however, the Great Contagion struck. Ayr and Anundir found shelter in Player-Town and have found that, for the time being at least, their efforts have been refocused on survival. Ayr has not forgotten her sister or her oath to find her, despite the overwhelming odds against success.
Often Ayr thinks of Nia, who is her celestial other half. To Ayr’s abrupt and often cold efficiency, Nia is kind and gentle. She taught Ayr the ways of healing and was well on her way to becoming a shaman for their tribe.
For now, Ayr and Anundir make their way together day by day through this world of loss. They hope that they will witness a new dawn ushered in before departing this life, but for now being able to greet tomorrow is enough.
