## **Sovereign ("Sov")** _Formerly known as Spike_ **Race:** Tiefling (Red) **Gender:** Male **Class:** Cleric (War Domain) **Alignment:** Lawful Good **Deity:** [[Perserphina]], Goddess of Beauty and War **Age:** Late 20s **Current Era:** 10,123 A.P., Age of [[Perserphina]] --- ### **Overview** Sovereign, known in childhood as _Spike_, is a red tiefling cleric who escaped slavery in the [[Askaria]] Empire and rose to become a holy warrior of [[Perserphina]]. Bearing deep physical and emotional scars from his early life, Sov now travels the world as a champion of justice, liberation, and divine purpose. With every step, he wages war against oppression—both external and internal—seeking freedom not only for others, but for himself. --- ### **Origins and Slave Life** Sov was born into bondage in the [[Askaria]] Empire, in a town still to be named in your campaign (insert here). His parents, exoticized tiefling slaves, were purchased for their striking appearances. Their lives were cut short when his father defended his mother from their cruel master, resulting in both of their executions. Sov, orphaned as a newborn, was left to endure slavery alone. He was raised by a frail slave woman of (insert race here)—a housekeeper named **[[Stick]]**, so named for her thin frame. [[Stick]] taught Sov to clean, obey, and survive. More importantly, she preserved faint memories of his parents, offering stories, comfort, and protection where she could. Sov's appearance made him stand out even among other tieflings. While his right horn curled into a thick corkscrew, his left horn grew normally. Disgusted by the asymmetry, his master severed the left horn and cauterized the wound with a hot iron, naming him _Spike_. Later, the master branded his forehead with a slave mark—burning both identity and pain into Sov’s body and psyche. From that point onward, Spike was no longer a child, but a living trophy. Forced to remain constantly by his master's side, he endured endless abuse, becoming the default recipient of the master's wrath. Whip lashings, humiliation, and punishment became routine—scars he would carry for life. --- ### **Escape and Freedom** At age 12, during one of the master’s extravagant parties, salvation arrived in the form of **[[Sapphira]]**, a human paladin of [[Perserphina]] who infiltrated the event seeking to free slaves. She couldn’t liberate all, but after meeting [[Stick]], she resolved to save her and Spike. That night, [[Stick]] created a fiery distraction by igniting the kitchen with cooking oil. Amidst the chaos, she found Spike, and they fled. Near the gates, a crossbow bolt from the master struck [[Stick]] down. With her final act of resistance, [[Stick]] wounded the master and screamed at Spike to run. He did. [[Sapphira]] awaited just beyond the trees. With her help, Spike escaped the mansion and the life that had nearly broken him. --- ### **Training and Rebirth** With no family or future, Spike accepted [[Sapphira]]’s offer to travel to her order's homeland, Brensistria, where he trained as a warrior of [[Perserphina]]. For 13 years, he studied divine combat, honed his mind and body, and ultimately became a cleric of the War Domain. Casting aside his slave name, he took the name **Sovereign**, a declaration of self-ownership and rebirth. Sov trained relentlessly, both in divine magic and physical conditioning, seeking to overwrite his scars with strength. Yet some wounds ran deeper than muscle: he always wore a bandana to conceal his brand, even in solitude, and bore his whip-scars with hesitation. Despite this, Sov learned emotional honesty under [[Sapphira]]’s guidance. He became known for his ability to speak truthfully, even when vulnerable, refusing to mask his pain or suppress his convictions. --- ### **Current Goals and Personality** Sovereign now walks the world as a cleric of [[Perserphina]], spreading her doctrines of liberation, beauty, and righteous combat. He champions the downtrodden, seeks out the enslaved, and confronts tyrants wherever they hide. Sov hopes to: - **Return to the [[Askaria]] Empire** to confront his former master. - **Discover [[Stick]]’s fate**, and, if possible, thank her or honor her memory. - **Learn his true name**, given by his parents before their deaths. - **Accept his appearance**, learning to love the body shaped by suffering and strength alike. He is thoughtful, calm, and sincere—yet deadly when roused to battle. Though marred by trauma, he stands as a radiant example of [[Perserphina]]’s will: a beautiful soul forged in war. --- ### **Appearance** - **Skin:** Crimson red - **Eyes:** Golden, piercing but gentle - **Horns:** One intact, ram-like horn curling on the right; the left side is scarred, flat, and brand-marked - **Build:** Muscular and athletic, the result of years of rigorous training - **Distinguishing Features:** Slave brand on the forehead, numerous lash scars on his back - **Clothing/Armor:** Wears a bandana across his forehead at all times; typically dons polished armor bearing the holy symbol of [[Perserphina]] --- ### **Notable Relationships** - **[[Stick]]** – The only person to show him compassion in slavery; her memory fuels his fight. - **[[Sapphira]]** – His mentor and liberator; a paladin of [[Perserphina]] who saw potential in a wounded boy and helped him become a divine warrior. --- ### **Holy Symbol** A stylized sunburst cradling a sword, gifted by [[Sapphira]] upon Sov’s ordination as a cleric. It represents his rebirth and devotion to the goddess of war and serenity.