Socellia Gerarda – Priestess of Tarhun
Physical Description:
Socellia Gerarda is a young woman in her mid-twenties, with short, sun-kissed blond hair that falls messily around her shoulders. Her sharp blue eyes are usually focused and determined, though lately they show signs of fatigue from the relentless heat and humidity of the jungle. She is of average height, but her posture is strong and upright, reflecting her role as a priestess of the Ithosian Talons. Her skin, once fair, is now flushed and glistening with sweat, the unforgiving jungle sun clearly taking its toll.
She wears a breastplate, an unmistakable sign of her attachment to her role and faith. While it is well-polished and carefully maintained, the armor is heavy and clearly unsuitable for the oppressive jungle heat, making every step she takes an effort. Despite her discomfort, she refuses to part with it, seeing it as part of her sacred duty. Over the armor, she dons a simple white linen tabard, embroidered with gold thread in the sigils of Tarhun, the Wanderer God.
At her side, Socellia carries a sturdy warhammer, its handle worn from use, though the head gleams with the sigil of Tarhun etched into the metal. She wields it confidently, even if her priestly duties often keep her away from the front lines. The hammer’s design is simple yet effective—a weapon for both defense and faith.
Mannerisms:
Socellia carries herself with purpose, moving through the world as someone accustomed to both hardship and conviction. Despite her physical exhaustion, she maintains a determined demeanor. She tends to clench her jaw when stressed, but her most telling trait is how she grips the thunderbolt symbol of Tarhun on her necklace whenever she faces a particularly difficult moment. This silent act of devotion keeps her focused, even when doubt begins to creep in.
She speaks with a measured, calm tone, though moments of stress can bring out a flicker of intensity in her voice. In those moments, she often invokes the name of Tarhun, referring to him as the Wanderer God who seeks new challenges. To her, each obstacle is a test from Tarhun, and she speaks about this belief when times get tough, as if reminding herself and those around her that perseverance is the only path forward.
Satchel of Documents:
At her side hangs a leather satchel—well-made, with reinforced stitching designed for travel, but showing signs of wear from the jungle journey. It is an unadorned, functional bag, but within it is something far more important: sealed dispatches from her superiors, intended for Centurion Cassian Varro at Camp Vanguard. The satchel's heavy, wax-sealed envelopes are marked with the sigil of the Ithosian Talons and the priesthood of Tarhun, suggesting the importance and confidentiality of the contents. Socellia keeps the satchel close, never letting it out of her sight for long.
Ties to Tarhun and the Jungle:
Though the jungle is taking a physical toll on her, Socellia draws strength from her faith in Tarhun, the god of wandering and challenges. She frequently refers to her journey as part of Tarhun’s trials, believing that each hardship—whether it’s the blistering heat, the threat of predators, or the dangers of the jungle—is a test of her devotion.
When conversations turn toward her faith, Socellia may mention her hope to preach to the Nosgar Tribe once she reaches Camp Vanguard. Tarhun's priesthood often seeks out new followers in unexplored lands, and she sees the Nosgar as potential converts to the way of the Wanderer God.