Kantra the Cyclone

Kantra the Cyclone is a figure straight out of the old songs. Even a novice bard knows enough tales about her to keep a crowd entertained all night, and still have hours of material left unsung long after the inn doors close. She epitomizes the ideal of the Norr shieldmaiden, with incredible strength, courage to the point of arrogance, and a mouth more foul than a Sorrowlakes saltmarsh. For all that, few realize that the real Kantra the Cyclone is no Norr at all — but a Human born in the Free City of Tilshire. Kantra’s family were wealthy merchants, having made a fortune supporting ocean trade between the Elven kingdom of Aravia, Velyzar the Arena City, and the rest of the world. While nominally independent, Tilshire’s extreme proximity to Aravia gives the Elven kingdom huge sway over the Free City’s politics, and Elven fashions are followed by the city’s elite, Kantra’s family no less than any other. They expected her to grow up to be a woman of grace like her sisters, with refined tastes akin to that of an Elven maiden. What her family got was anything but – Kantra was rambunctious, combative, and untidy. Her family tried for years to secure a profitable matrimonial match, but Kantra scared off — or assaulted — any suitor who they considered. Giving up any hope for their daughter, Kantra’s family sent her off to the Tilshire Merchant Marines. A wise choice for them, though it would inflict Kantra upon the rest of the world. Though the training for the Merchant Marines saw Kantra’s combat skill develop, her muscles harden, and her ax-arm strengthen, she chafed under the harsh discipline of a ship at sea. She was almost grateful when a vessel of Non raiders attacked her ship. While she fought valiantly, Kantra was overwhelmed and taken prisoner, along with the rest of the surviving crew. Impressed with her prowess in battle, as well as the coarseness of her language, the raiders offered her a place among their ranks. Given the opportunity to escape her rigid life in the Merchant Marines, and live a life of true adventure, Kantra agreed with enthusiasm. It is from there that the tales of Kantra begin in earnest. They speak of an eye lost in a bar brawl. Bounties on her head from every corner of the world, from Delanos to Yakai. An ax won from a Demonspawn prince, whom she stabbed with a blade concealed in her wrist-guard. A shield once carried by a captain of a Skyiron Navy frigate, which she stormed single-handed. She is said to have lovers of all kinds in every port in Teleria, and ten times as many enemies. Kantra became known as the Cyclone because her ferocity matches that of a storm. That Kantra has become a sword-vassal of the Arbiter herself is a surprise to exactly no-one who hears of it. She has done everything else — so it is only natural that she would pledge herself to save the world. What other way to best the stories already told of her?