A recurring character from the Ring of Steel, a Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign set in and around Harrowdale. ““Excuse me sir, but may I offer my assistance?” Marlykan was surprised by the raspy, but clearly feminine voice, and turned to find its source. His eyes scanned the empty market, which had closed several hours ago, and settled on the figure emerging from the shadows behind a nearby stall. Slender, yet shapely, her tight fitting, dark leather garb gave a clear image of curves and charms beneath, and her features were nothing short of stunningly beautiful. “What assistance do you offer?” he replied, a broad smile turning his lips as his eyes roamed across her figure. “With that heavy load you carry,” Raven replied, still hovering just at the edge of the shadows. “What load?” he asked puzzled, raising his empty hands. “That heavy purse of yours,” she returned, stepping forward and bringing the sword she held into the light. Marlykan reached for his sheathed sword on reflex, but Raven’s was at his throat in an instant. “Oh please… Don’t make “unpleasantries” necessary,” she warned. “The Watch takes such a dim view of spilling blood on their nice clean streets.” “They also take a dim view on theft,” he commented casually, taking his hand from the hilt of his sword, but showing no sigh of fear, “and they are quite vigilant. You must be either very bold, or very foolish, to attempt to rob someone in this town.” “Or very desperate!” she countered, still holding the tip of her at his throat. “And what makes you so desperate?” he asked. “Hunger!” she replied, in a cold tone. He was surprised by her answer, but recognized the honesty in it. His eyes swept down her form again, but this time he saw beyond her charms, and realized that her slender figure came from living on the edge of starvation for many years, probably all her life. Raven saw the change in his eyes as they roamed across her figure again. Gone was the lustful glint that men always had when they eyed her, replaced by a knowing look. She knew that the longer he kept her, the greater the danger of being caught, but she there was something about him, a roguish charm and confidence, as well his handsome face and form, that distracted her. “Even if I give you my purse,” Marlykan said calmly. “You’ll have the Watch on you before you get clear of the market.” Then, his roguish grin returned. “I was just about to find supper myself, and I’d be delighted to enjoy the pleasure of your company.” Now it was Raven who was surprised, but a wicked smile turned her lips as she lowered her sword…” Beautiful, mysterious and daring, Raven is an enigma, even to herself, with no memory of her childhood or parents; the only clue to her identity being the ornate tattoo of a raven branded on her back. Constantly seeking anyone who might identify her tattoo, she is well aware of the raven’s significance in Sembia, but has never dared to venture there for fear of being claimed as an escaped slave. However, she will stoop to almost anything to have any Sembian examine the symbol, in hope of learning her identity. Moving north to Harrowdale when the aftermath of the Shaking Plague left Scardale Town worst then lawless, Raven is a self-styled “honest thief”, a distinction that most Harrans fail to recognize. Surviving on petty theft, she usually targets swaggering adventures or foreign merchants, keeping the Watch’s interest to a minimum, and has won the hearts of many of the poorest Harrans by standing for the weak and defenseless. Another recurring (non-player) character from the Ring of Steel. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated!