Mara Shyheart

Battle Master

Mara Shyheart is a 28-year-old Goliath Battle Master from The Iron Vanguard guild. Born in 1435, she stands tall at 6'2" and is the daughter of Khrek Shyheart and Llieke Nastysplit. Tragically, her mother Llieke passed away when Mara was just 20. Mara currently holds the position of training initiates within her guild. She is a blend of intellectual curiosity and warrior discipline, driven by strong morals shaped by her past experiences.

Physical Description

Specialized Equipment

Spear of the Shyheart
Weapon (spear), rare (requires attunement)
This elegantly designed spear has a silvery shaft engraved with intricate designs reminiscent of Mara Shyheart's own tattoos. The blade, shaped uniquely with curves and sharp edges, has an ethereal glow, making it clear that this is no ordinary weapon.
Properties:
You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this weapon.
When you hit with an attack using this spear, the target takes an additional 1d6 cold damage.
Ethereal Strike: Once per long rest, you can use a bonus action to invoke the power of the Shyheart lineage, allowing the spear to pass through physical barriers. Your next attack ignores cover and any physical armor the target is wearing.
Initiate's Aid: As an action, while holding the spear and commanding it, you can give an ally within 30 feet of you advantage on their next attack roll. Once used, you can't use this property again until you finish a long rest.
Throwing Property: This spear has a range of 20/60 when thrown.
Two-Handed: This weapon can be used with one hand or two hands. When using two hands, the damage dice increases to 1d8 (plus 1d6 cold damage).
Weight: 3 lbs.
Damage: 1d6 piercing + 1d6 cold (1d8 piercing + 1d6 cold when used with two hands)
Properties: Thrown (range 20/60), versatile

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Early Years (1435-1450): Mara was born amidst the shimmering snowdrifts of Frostholme, to Khrek Shyheart and Llieke Nastysplit. The child of two formidable Goliath warriors, Mara's destiny was etched in the resilient ice of her homeland. The tales of her parents' valor echoed through the towering ice spires of Frostholme, inspiring the young Goliath with tales of bravery and honor.
Training and Mentorship (1451-1455): As she approached her teenage years, Mara's inclination towards the ways of combat became evident. Under the watchful eyes of her parents, she learned the basics of Goliath warfare. But it was the intricate strategies and tactics of battle, the chess of war, that intrigued her the most. This focus would later lead her to the path of the Battle Master.
Tragedy and Resilience (1455-1459): When Mara was 20, a tragic event shook the very foundations of her world. Llieke Nastysplit, her mother, met her end during a perilous mission for The Iron Vanguard. The loss was unbearable. Yet, in her sorrow, Mara found strength. The teachings of her mother became her guiding star, her beacon in the darkest nights. Determined to uphold the legacy, Mara intensified her training, showcasing her prowess and strategic acumen.
The Iron Vanguard and Ascension (1460-1462): Recognizing her potential, The Iron Vanguard, welcomed Mara into their ranks. It wasn't long before she was entrusted with the role of a Battle Master, an honor that few achieved at such a young age. Her innate ability to craft strategies and her deep understanding of the arts of war made her a valuable asset to the guild.
Current Times (1463): With the guild's history rich with tales of heroism and sacrifice, Mara now holds a pivotal role. She's in charge of training initiates, sculpting them from raw, unrefined talents into formidable warriors ready to face the challenges of Frostholme. Each day, she instills in them the values of honor, duty, and loyalty, ensuring the legacy of The Iron Vanguard remains unbroken.

Intellectual Characteristics

Phobia - Athazagoraphobia: Due to her traumatic experiences, Mara has developed athazagoraphobia – the fear of being forgotten or ignored. Deep down, she fears that she will not leave a legacy as enduring as her parents, and this phobia often pushes her to take on more challenges, sometimes at great personal risk.

Morality & Philosophy

Personal Responsibility: Mara believes in taking responsibility for one's actions. If she makes a mistake, she owns up to it and does her best to rectify the situation. She holds others to this standard as well, expecting honesty and accountability from her peers and trainees.

Taboos

Betrayal: Having grown up valuing loyalty and being part of The Iron Vanguard, betrayal is the gravest sin in Mara's eyes. Whether it's treachery within the guild or personal betrayal, she finds it unforgivable.
Desecration of the Dead: Given the early loss of her mother and the respect she has for traditions, Mara views the desecration of the dead, be it grave-robbing or defiling corpses, as a heinous act.
Breaking Oaths: As someone who places immense value on her word and commitments, Mara views the breaking of oaths, promises, or sworn duties as a serious taboo.

Personality Characteristics

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Good At:

Cooking elaborate meals, especially traditional Goliath dishes
Playing string instruments, particularly the lute
Carving intricate designs into wood and bone
Mimicking bird calls
Remembering and reciting poetry or stories she's heard once

Bad At:

Keeping plants alive - she often forgets to water them
Dancing gracefully - her moves are often too forceful
Gauging her own strength when doing delicate tasks
Recognizing social cues in more sophisticated settings
Resisting the allure of a well-brewed ale or wine

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:
Nature Walks: Mara enjoys wandering through forests, valleys, and along riversides. The tranquility of nature calms her mind and helps her find perspective in life.
Tactical Games: Games like chess and war simulators help her hone her strategic thinking, a crucial skill for a Battle Master.
Mountain Climbing: Coming from a Goliath background, the mountains call to her, and she loves the challenge and serenity they offer.
Handwritten Letters: In an age of magical communication, she values the personal touch of a handwritten letter and cherishes those she receives.
Frosty Mornings: The cold, crisp air of early mornings, especially with a touch of frost, makes her feel invigorated and alive.
Dislikes:
Unnecessary Cruelty: She can't stand those who inflict harm for pleasure or those who bully the weak.
Wastefulness: Having grown up in a culture where resources were often limited, she despises wastage, whether it's food, material goods, or opportunities.
Hot and Humid Climates: She finds them uncomfortable and stifling, greatly preferring the cool mountain air.
Lies and Deceit: Honesty is a virtue she holds dear, and she has little patience for those who twist the truth or manipulate others.
Overindulgence: Whether it's food, drink, or other pleasures, Mara believes in moderation and finds excessive indulgence distasteful.

Social

Family Ties

FAMILY TREE NOT AVAILABLE

Current Location

Glacial Falls

Date of Birth

5 Icemourn

Year of Birth

1435 28 Years old

Parents

Current Residence

Glacial Falls

Eyes

Blue

Hair

Long white/silver

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale grey

Height

6"4

Weight

280 lbs

Aligned Organization

The Iron Vanguard