Ioanna Crossbear is a 30-year-old female halfling druid and a nurturing, yet slightly out-of-touch member of Bromocorah Inc., her wisdom and motherly instincts making her a vital part of the guild despite her unconventional appearance. At 3’0”, Her youthful appearance often leads others to mistake her for a child. Her kind, rounded face is framed by long, black hair, tied back with in a bun with help of tusuk konde, and her large, blue eyes sparkle with a mix of maternal warmth and sharp intelligence. Her high-pitched, childlike voice—reminiscent of a kid—belies her authoritative tone, often sounding like a stern emak-emak (Indonesian for a no-nonsense mom) as she scolds her guildmates for their recklessness, saying things like, “You have to start your day with breakfast, Nak!” despite being the smallest one in the group.
Ioanna’s attire reflects her practical, mom-friend nature, though it’s a bit dated. She wears a simple, daster with a hide armour fashioned into apron tied around her waist, its pockets stuffed with herbs, bandages, and snacks she insists on carrying “just in case.” The dress is patched in several places, a sign of her frugal habits, and her sturdy Swallow sandals are worn but comfortable, perfect for long treks and throwing. A knitted cape, a hand-me-down from her late mother, drapes over her shoulders, its edges embroidered with tiny flowers, and she carries a Staff of Flowering topped with a bouquet of flowers that blooms with calming scent when she casts her druidic spells. A small woven basket hangs from her arm, filled with foraged mushrooms and roots, which she uses for both cooking and healing.
Ioanna’s backstory shapes her role in the guild. Eleven years ago, one of her childhood friends—fellow adventurer—left her behind to chase glory. Kreon Lightbringer, with his bardic prowess, their village was truly to small for him. What Ioanna did not expect was, around two years ago, her other best friend, seemingly a homely cleric who'd never leave the village—Jocasta Ilmarran—ran away from home, leaving Ioanna to care for her elderly, bedridden mother. She longed to join them but stayed out of duty, a decision that weighed heavily on her as her mother passed away recently. When she finally sought to become an adventurer, she faced rejection from job pools who deemed her “too old” for a low-level adventurer, despite her capability. Her frustration fuels her determination to prove herself, and she brings a wealth of wisdom to Bromocorah Inc., often acting as the group’s mom-friend. She’s fiercely capable, using her druidic magic to heal wounds, summon protective vines, or call upon animals for aid, all while fussing over her guildmates like they’re her children—even the 100-year-old elves like Rimeus and Willow, whom she considers “teens” compared to her “mature” halfling age, saying, “You young elves need to eat more greens!”