Rykeena

"Rykeena… now there’s one that doesn’t quite belong here, and I don’t mean that in the usual halfblood sense. She’s not from around here — you can see it in the way she carries herself. Too steady. Too sure. Like someone raised with love instead of suspicion. That’s rare enough in this city to put a man on edge. She’s no fool about what she is — she knows how people look at her. But she doesn’t wear it like a wound, and she doesn’t try to bite first to make up for it. That alone’s strange enough. Most half-orcs I’ve known either come in snarling or keep their heads down. She does neither. Her training’s good — too good. Not military. Not formal. But effective. Quiet. Measured. Somebody taught her well, and not just in how to fight. She listens before she acts. That’s worth twice what most swordsmen learn in a decade. And there’s no guile in her. None. No angles. No performance. Just straight answers and quiet eyes. Makes me wonder if she’s the safest one in the room… or the one I should be watching the closest. Because anyone who walks into Bard’s Gate without armor on their soul either hasn’t been tested yet — or is hiding something under the surface that’s a lot sharper than steel."
— Sorek Redmarch, low-voiced, over a slow sip and a thoughtful glance across the room

Full Name: Rykeena, Daughter of Reigar and Rashida Race: Half-Orc Gender: Female Height: 6'1" Weight: 165 lbs Build: Swarthy and robust, with powerful, athletic features Hair: Dirty blonde, often tied up in various styles Eyes: Dark brown Skin: Tan with a tint of green Birth Year: CY 570 Place of Birth: City of Greyhawk, World of Greyhawk

Family Background

Rykeena and her brother Rashgar were raised by two loving half-orc parents, Reigar and Rashida. The family ran a barbecue restaurant named Rashida's Pitt, previously called Wide Waldo's, which they took over and revitalized.
Reigar was infamous for telling the dramatic tale of how he defeated the "Champion of the Pit" in a fierce battle of love. He had fallen for Rashida after witnessing her fight in the Pit, claiming victory in her heart by "wearing her down like the unrelenting waves of the sea." Every time he told this story, it elicited groans and eye-rolls from Rykeena and Rashgar. The moment always ended with Rashida blushing (a rare and fleeting moment of femininity), walking over to smack Reigar on the head, and muttering about "private and personal conversations" not meant for public retelling.

Early Life

When Rykeena was still young, her family relocated to follow an old acquaintance of her parents, a man named Delcar, to a place that would later become known as County Blackheart. There, Rykeena and her brother attended school alongside children of many different races, reflecting the diversity of the region.
Her parents took on teaching roles, sharing their fields of expertise with the community. While Rashida taught combat and Reigar shared his knowledge of sailing and navigation, Rykeena learned from both parents. She became skilled in hand-to-hand combat, axe-throwing, and the intricacies of seafaring. These lessons were integral to her upbringing, preparing her for the adventures that would come later in life.
Additionally, Rykeena was mentored in etiquette and grace by the Great Sorceress Shethba, who also taught her other valuable lessons. While Rykeena thrived in this dynamic environment, her brother Rashgar followed a different path, apprenticing under Delcar due to his extraordinary aptitude for magic, which far exceeded the family’s usual focus on combat. His genius-level talent often caused trouble, as his magical pranks left their combat-oriented parents at a loss for how to manage him.

After School

As the daughter of prestigious figures—Dame Rashida of County Blackheart, the "Retired Undefeated Champion of the Pit in the City of Greyhawk," and Master Rashida of Blackheart Academy, and her father, Reigar the Seamaster, "The Accountant," and "The Festival Chairman"—Rykeena felt the weight of her family’s legacy. She was also the sister of Rashgar the Dark, a title her brother had earned through his formidable magical prowess.
Determined to forge her own path and create a name for herself, Rykeena set out to adventure and earn her own titles. Taking inspiration from her father’s tales, she chose the sea as her first calling. Skilled in navigation, combat, and the art of earning and spending money wisely, she became a sailor and adventurer, moving from port to port.
Rykeena carried very little money on her, choosing instead to spend her earnings in the ports where her ship harbored. If traveling by foot, she left each town with only enough for food and lodging until the next stop. This approach kept her grounded and ensured she contributed to the communities she visited.
Her journey recently brought her to the City of Bard's Gate, far to the southwest of County Blackheart. In Bard's Gate, the names of her parents and their accomplishments are unknown, giving Rykeena the fresh start she desires to establish her own reputation and legacy.

Notes

Rykeena is the eldest of a set of twins, born 4 minutes before her brother, Rashgar. Her upbringing emphasized humor, discipline, and the value of tradition. Though far from home, she remains deeply connected to her roots and strives to honor her family by creating her own legacy.