Vynemmara Gylenda

“She’s got a face like a statue, a voice like silk, and the patience of a coiled whip. Venom doesn’t raise her voice—she lets the silence do it for her.” — Sir [Sorek Redmarch]\

Aliases

Dame Venom
The Poison Knight

General Information

Race: High Elf
Title: Knight Errant of Gorundia
Birth Year: 970 (approx.)
Current Year: 1230
Apparent Age: Late 20s
True Age: 260

Biography

Vynemmara Gylenda was born in 970 to a proud line of elven soldiers in the old Twin Kingdoms. When the goblin uprising swept through the north in 1010, she was forty years old—a trainee. Though her family fell around her, and commanded she survive, in the time since, Vynemmara’s resolve has only hardened.

Backstory

Vynemmara came of age in the ashes of the Twin Elvish Kingdoms. Rather than retreat, she embraced the world of men and made herself into the ideal knight—not by tradition, but by merit. Her name “Venom” originated after a duel in which she struck down three challengers in silence. The crowd misheard her name, and it stuck—mythologized, abbreviated, and uncorrected. She has continued to serve as a Knight Errant of Gorundia, championing the weak and enforcing justice with a cold efficiency.

“If you think I’m elegant, it’s only because you haven’t seen me covered in blood and horse sweat.”

One of her most recent trials came at the hands of the Grugach Briarthorn clan, who impaled her on their ritual Thornbriar Tree for three days and nights. She emerged scarred but unbroken, a living testament to her own creed: that true strength lies in surviving what should have slain you. Recently, her friendship with Sir Beringer blossomed into romance. By elven reckoning, their courtship was exceedingly brief; but now they stand as equals in love and honor.

“We lay down our lives for kings and oaths. I gave mine to a hedge knight and to a brooding knight whose smiles are rarer than peace in spring. Make of that what you will.”

Appearance

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170 lbs (powerfully built yet lean)
Hair: straight black - she has worn it short, in the traditional sign of mourning amongst the high elves until recently.
Skin: Pale as moonlight
Eyes: Yellow‑golden, unnervingly bright
Distinguishing Features: Faint Thornbriar scars along her ribs; perpetually gloved hands

Personality

Reserved: Speaks little, listens more
Cutting Wit: When she does speak, her words strike sharper than her sword
Stoic Honor: Lives by a strict code; mercy for monsters, justice for men
Quiet Loyalty: Fiercely devoted to those few who earn her trust

“I’ve fought orcs, goblins, and worse—and none left marks like men’s folly. Stay true, or you’ll taste my venom.” —Dame Venom

Heraldry & Arms

Coat of Arms: A pair of stylized white fangs on a green field
Armor: Weather-darkened plate with fang motifs
Weapon: Longsword “Serpent-tongue,” its hilt wrapped in black leather

Allies & Relationships

Key Relationships

Baron Orin Kharne (PC): Admired champion, and husband to Braga. She recognizes his kindness and strength.
Sir Beringer (PC): Lover after a slow courtship
Thranduil (PC): Respectful ally in woodland campaigns
Lyosha (PC): United in faith on the battlefield; respects his unwavering devotion to Pelor
Jinwing (PC): Regards her with respectful admiration for her ancient druidic wisdom and stormcraft—values her guidance in wild lands, even if nature’s unpredictability keeps Venom on her toes
Braga the Brazen (NPC): Battle‑sister and confidante
Sorek Redmarch (NPC): Respects his unwavering commitment to justice
King Priam Ryomar II (NPC): Sworn to defend his realm when summoned
Patriarch‑General Clytus (NPC): Holds her in high regard and occasionally calls upon her to uphold the tenets of Heironeous
Violet Berrin (NPC): Met her running the Griffon’s Roost—admired her competence and shared a quiet word of advice
Ponzio Bordella (NPC): Crossed paths at court functions—remains wary of his ambitions
Nikko Galibano (NPC): Briefly worked alongside him during a crackdown, despises his underworld methods
Count Alistair Amadis (NPC): Respects his sharp intellect, but sometimes fears his coldness. Misses the warm, impetuous youth he once was.
Sophia Amadis (PC): Regards her as an ally—admires her keen insight
Countess Nienor Allarson (NPC): Collaborates on border patrols and shares mutual respect for duty, and their shared heritage
Baron Cadaras Kendal (NPC): In his youth, she was a sparring partner; holds his steadfast honor in high esteem
Baron Desalle (NPC): Their encounters are frosty—she blames his recklessness for innocent blood spilled

Meeting Braga the Brazen

Venom’s closest companion is Braga the Brazen. The two met during the defense of a frontier village besieged by orcs. Braga stood alone, bloody but defiant. Venom rode in not to rescue, but to stand beside her. They fought back-to-back and forged an unspoken bond in fire and blood.

“The day I met someone with iron under her skin.”

Read the full tale: Sisters Born in Battle

Braga the Brazen: Kindred spirit in arms, fought side‑by‑side in countless tournaments
Sir Beringer: Now more than an ally—they are lovers after a clumsy courtship
Order of Heironeous: Sworn to their tenets but answers to no single lord

Braga and the Rumors

Despite their deep platonic bond, rumors persist—spawned by bitter suitors and court whispers—that Venom and Braga share a romantic history. Braga finds the gossip offensive and slanderous. Venom ignores it… usually.

“Braga is the storm. I am the edge it breaks upon.”

During [Needfest]\, when Elspeth Ravenster attempted to woo Sir Beringer, Venom answered his door wearing only his tunic. Smirking, she said, “Well well, I was expecting Reeve [Wonderful]\, but you may be an upgrade, my dear. Sir Beringer, you are generous.” She theatrically attempted to remove Elspeth’s cloak, causing the noble girl to flee in shock. Venom laughed endlessly.

Children

Vynemmara Gylenda