Yes it's me, you can get autographs in just a bit. Minecraft Username: Zoradrium Are you at least 18 years old?: yes Have you read the rules? (Link): yes (Optional) How did you hear about Avalore?: using my ears (Max. 1) Were you referred by someone? If so, please provide their in-game username: Audianna (Optional) Introduce yourself if you’d like, as well as any creations you want to share (e.g. art, builds, skins): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Brubeck# this is definitely me — In-CharacterRead the following prompt: The rhythmic lull of hoofbeats are a marching drum to the small group of pioneers and variety of folk you have found yourself amongst, packed into a wobbling wagon. The rolling plains of the Southern Reach and a clear sky stretch out all around you, the buzz of excited chatter a dull wash in your ears as your mind strays to your former life and what has led you here to new lands. “Nervous?” You blink, returning to the present moment. A kindly older woman sat near you is smiling warmly with a crinkle to her eyes. “I can tell it’s your first time. Still remember mine,” she flashes a grin and leans in. “Tell me my dear, why have you come to the Reach?” How do you respond (in character)? (250 word minimum - please make sure to include at least three references to our lore in your response, with two coming from different pages in the Compendium.  Two of the three selected should also be in-depth, avoid simply name-dropping lore terms. Tie the terms into your character's backstory. Why are they important to them?) The woman across the wagon flicks her eyes to the elderly woman, it is no more than a few seconds but within those brief moments it's obvious she has assessed the kindly face of the elder to pose no threat. As such, she reaches into her coat pocket, takes a cigarette out from its case, and lights it before taking a long drag and staring out into the horizon.  "My whole life I have struggled and scrabbled to survive. I still remember being a little girl all those years ago watching as people collapsed and died in the streets of Skykeep from hunger during bitter winters. I remember people crying out for their rulers to save them as they waged senseless wars, and I remember vowing that I would not let those people suffer." She takes another drag and blows out a ring of smoke lazily into the air.  "Even as a lowborn, there were things I could do. It started so nobly, skirting the laws and finding ways to smuggle grain in. I remember seeing the people's faces and how happy it made them. I liked it. I was hailed a hero even if the crown wouldn't see it as such." Her eyes flick back to the woman, now seeing that she has the attention of her companion. "It was on the back of that business that I built my empire, you won't hear stories of us other than the occasional arrest or public shakedown, but I found myself sitting alone atop a very lucrative business." She takes another drag, half-finishing it off and crushing it under her boot, not seeming to mind that it stains the interior of the wagon nor the butt it leaves behind. "My people, the Valks, they speak of such honor. Such superstition that if they live their lives legally they will be rewarded with riches and glory." Her eyes harden, a steely glint. "They are delusional and idiotic to believe so. The notion of honor our patrons have so graciously given us is just a simple carrot to let people think they will have a way out of poverty and nothing. It is a farce, the only way out is to make something of yourself free from the boundaries they set for you." With a swift motion she raises her right hand and pulls the cord, dinging a bell to signify the wagon to stop. She gathers her suitcase, dons her cap, and drapes her coat over her shoulders all exclusively all while keeping her left hand pocketed. "I come here to stake my claim. The people here are suffering and they do not know it. They need a system like mine to free themselves from underneath the boots that trod over them." In a single swoop she carries herself out of the cart and stares out at the horizon, turning back to face the woman who had rode so long with her wordlessly. "But most importantly, I have come to make a bargain." A platinum crown slides its way into her right hand and dances amongst her fingers, clearly a practiced move that seems effortless. "And once I win this hand, nothing will stop me from getting what I want." She flicks the coin to the wagoneer with a soft "ping!" "Winner takes all, and nobody knows how to bluff better than me." Without awaiting a response she walks off into the rolling hills, effortlessly carrying her ambitions and hope in a suitcase and deck of cards. — Character Name: Chloé Astelle Character Race: Greatling Character Age: 44 Brief Physical Description: Chloé is a tall yet slim woman of androgynous physique known for her sun-kissed skin, teal hair, and her propensity to keep her left hand in her pocket no matter the situation, often preferring to wear formal attire made to look disheveled in the most stylish way possible. Keen observers can note that her left arm is notably more slim and covered in an array of scars specifically around the forearm, tracing the lines of tendons and extending down through her fingers. This hand very rarely leaves its' pocket however, and the scarring is most visible when she has her sleeves rolled up, though many have never even seen the palm of her left hand. It's worth noting that her right arm appears completely normal.