Ever since she first arrived in Chiaroscuro, Ledaal Palancia has been curious as to the activities of the Father of Darkness in the months of his occupation of the city. While she has been unable to closely investigate the Black Manse, it wasn't long indeed before the elder Dynast organized a small group of Dynasts and sent them into the desert to learn what they could of the Black River.
The Expedition has been gone for well over a month now, having left from the City of Broken Glass on the 13th day of Ascending Air. Unlike the Circle, they did not make a completely straight trek right into the deepest areas of the South -- the Brotherhood spent a good bit of time exploring the various villages and talking with the villagers living there, hearing from them tales of the Dark Rivers arrival and collecting what data they can on the river itself. Eventually, however, the Dynasts made their way up into the Shadowland. Some 3 days before the circle itself arrived, the Dragon-Blooded began their tentative explorations.
Cathak Naalan is the one obstinately in charge of the expedition, and the Dynast who is in command of the Talon of Elite Legionnaires that accomanied the group into the South. An older Fire Aspect, Naalan is skilled in war and schooled at the House of Bells, experienced at military drill and keeping the discipline of military men. He's managed to keep his men charged and ready as they charged into some of the most dangerous places in the South, and even into the Shadowland. The Talon even managed to keep formation while being swarmed by the Undead, and after being 'saved' by a circle of Anathema.
Naalan is outfitted in a heavy Jade Reinforced Breastplate, and carries a long Daiklave on his back that has been passed down his family line for generations. Most of his gear is of fairly good condition, and Naalan himself carries himself with the air of one used to respect and a certain amount of entitlement, but his gear has the worn and cherished look of one who doesn't have so much money that they don't truly value what they have. All in all, Naalan projects the air of a Leader and one doesn't doubt that he once served high rank in the Legions.
Cynis Falari is the older of the two Immaculate Monks on the expedition, and represents the interests of the Palace Sublime and the Mouth of Peace. A beautiful Wood Aspect, Falari keeps herself in positively god-like shape, seeming the strongest and most lithe woman one can possibly imagine as well as being almost untiring. More than any other member of the Expedition, Falari pushes herself to the extreme, and is more than willing to leap into the center of danger herself. That attitude carries itself over to all other things as well, giving her a fierce and passionate soul that cannot help but impress itself on everyone around her.
Falari dresses for movement, wearing a White Jade Reinforced Breastplate and loose fitting robes that billow around her as she moves. Green and white, with silver-thread spilling out graceful yet entirely aniconic patterns, her robes seem to glimmer and sparkle when she is in battle. Other than a pair of Green Jade Hearthstone Bracers and a small bow, Falari carries little other in the way of personal possessions, instead trusting her ability to overcome whatever threats or dangers she might face on her own.
Ledaal Rajat is a young scion of the Catala line, much like his aunt Palancia. A savant and an adventurer, Rajat was chosen for the expedition due to his minor skill at sorcery and his great store of knowledge on all things -- but most especially related to the Deathlords and their works. Indeed, Rajat's knowledge of the Lords of the Dead is even more extensive than his aunts. Even so, Rajat is perhaps not as communicative with his fellows as he could be -- much of what he learns remains his secret, until he can convey it back to his aunt and hear her wishes.
Rajat appears, at first, something of a scrawny young savant -- however, the blood of the Earth pours through his veins, and he is both impressively stolid and surprisingly strong, as well as being as quick and flexible as his small build would suggest. Something of a Martial Artist, though not nearly as impressive at such as the two Immaculates, Rajat is more than able to keep up with most of the zombies and nemissaries that the group has faced so far. He dresses comfortably, but his clothes are dry and dust-ridden and its quite obvious that he's the "pauper" of the group.
Vneef Illiana is the youngest member of the Circle, but surprisingly perhaps the most powerful, being both very devout and of advanced Essence. A Fire Dragon and a walker on the Path of Hesiesh, the Vneef understands more than most the importance of saving oneself for the moment of utmost opportunity. Even so, she doesn't like the Anathema and is quite wary of them; often casting cautious glances in their directions, and constantly prepared for treachery. Despite these misgivings, Illiana answers overwhelmingly to her Cynis Mentor.
Illiana would easily cut Rajat out of the race for "pauper", if it didn't look so natural on her. She bears no artifacts except for a pair of Hearthstone Amulets, and dressed in old yet very well-cared for robes and carries pretty much nothing else at all. However, fall apart from seeming "poor" she instead seems "humble" or "pious". Much like her mentor, Illiana is in excellent shape, strong, fast and rugged. Unlike her mentor, she doesn't wear the "monk" look quite as well, and is unlikely to stand out very much from her companions -- seeming, at best, "average".
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