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Description
Runa is a worshipper of the minor goddess Eir, the healer. Runa survives by practicing rune-craft, providing herbal remedies, midwife services and oftentimes, as a prostitute to village men or women who seek comfort. To some she is a welcome presence, while others fear her and others outright disgusted. She has been the target of would-be lynch mobs from the villages she stayed in, but found refuge in the tiny, remote village of Thorvald, home to the heroes of Vale of Odin. Though even there, her presence and activities with the village's men, is causing growing anxiety.

She is the outsider, quite literally. Her profession wasn't chosen, but her practice is conscientious. She aims to heal, however she can, and her patron goddess has granted her powers through the runes and her healing touch and prayers. Magic is almost unknown to the peoples of the world of Vale of Odin. Though it exists and works, its practice has fallen by the wayside and to most civilization is unknown. Any who practice are treated with disdain and superstition, often actively hunted as witches in the more civilized areas of the world. Someone like Runa on the mainland would be ridiculed, and further afield stoned or burned. Civilization has progressed beyond the need for magic and it is now actively repressing it, seeing it as a threat to other growing reformations such as monotheistic religion.

Runa is a representative of the fringe of society; alienated groups who though they could benefit society, they are pushed further and further away until they become problems, or even worse, enemies. In Vale of Odin, the already alienated Runa discovers an idol of carved green stone amidst the possessions of the "dark viking and celt" tribes who besiege the island and falls under its insidious spell. Anyone familiar with the works of H.P. Lovecraft will know, or expect, the significance of something that is carved in the likeness of a bird, or perhaps a dragon, an octopus and know to leave it well-alone, but Runa doesn't have that fortune. As the idol casts its spell on her, she begins to witness visions that fill her with purpose and meaning, despite their alien, disturbing and ancient nature, though her body becomes racked with a horrible respiratory issue that might have something to do with the growing of gills...

Runa is depicted in her adventuring garb. Clothes layered for warmth, with her skirts tucked into her belt to facilitate climbing through the rough. Her staff is made from white wood, with a mistletoe sprig or two tied to its carved tip. Satchels of herbs and salves are carried for quick access.

Update: I later drew a concept for a far-gone transformation of Runa, but not quite at its unfortunate end. You can see that here:

Mature Content

Description
Runa is a worshipper of the minor goddess Eir, the healer. Runa survives by practicing rune-craft, providing herbal remedies, midwife services and oftentimes, as a prostitute to village men or women who seek comfort. To some she is a welcome presence, while others fear her and others outright disgusted. She has been the target of would-be lynch mobs from the villages she stayed in, but found refuge in the tiny, remote village of Thorvald, home to the heroes of Vale of Odin. Though even there, her presence and activities with the village's men, is causing growing anxiety.

She is the outsider, quite literally. Her profession wasn't chosen, but her practice is conscientious. She aims to heal, however she can, and her patron goddess has granted her powers through the runes and her healing touch and prayers. Magic is almost unknown to the peoples of the world of Vale of Odin. Though it exists and works, its practice has fallen by the wayside and to most civilization is unknown. Any who practice are treated with disdain and superstition, often actively hunted as witches in the more civilized areas of the world. Someone like Runa on the mainland would be ridiculed, and further afield stoned or burned. Civilization has progressed beyond the need for magic and it is now actively repressing it, seeing it as a threat to other growing reformations such as monotheistic religion.

Runa is a representative of the fringe of society; alienated groups who though they could benefit society, they are pushed further and further away until they become problems, or even worse, enemies. In Vale of Odin, the already alienated Runa discovers an idol of carved green stone amidst the possessions of the "dark viking and celt" tribes who besiege the island and falls under its insidious spell. Anyone familiar with the works of H.P. Lovecraft will know, or expect, the significance of something that is carved in the likeness of a bird, or perhaps a dragon, an octopus and know to leave it well-alone, but Runa doesn't have that fortune. As the idol casts its spell on her, she begins to witness visions that fill her with purpose and meaning, despite their alien, disturbing and ancient nature, though her body becomes racked with a horrible respiratory issue that might have something to do with the growing of gills...

Runa is depicted in her adventuring garb. Clothes layered for warmth, with her skirts tucked into her belt to facilitate climbing through the rough. Her staff is made from white wood, with a mistletoe sprig or two tied to its carved tip. Satchels of herbs and salves are carried for quick access.

Update: I later drew a concept for a far-gone transformation of Runa, but not quite at its unfortunate end. You can see that here:

Mature Content