Nova

Character overview

Epithet and essence: Nova is a medium-sized hawk under the command of Wren, serving as a bird accompanying The Party. Known for her bravery in combat, she displays a fierce demeanor when engaged in battle. Wren’s small hunting bird has very light bones that enable her to fly, limiting the weight she can carry. She is depicted on Fahrak Bounty Papers with the highest bounty and is referred to by Wren as an “emotional support bird.” Her companions recognize her as The Party’s main character. Nova is a small, mature animal companion trained in intimidation, stealth, and survival.
Portrait: Nova has sharp, keen eyes and strong wings, and is described as having vibrant feathers and a commanding presence, especially when directed by Wren. She is a clean bird with a fragile appearance, having been badly hurt in past encounters. At Fort Trova-Lay, she was smaller than the large eagle-like creatures kept there and appeared more nervous than usual, so Wren kept her beneath the trees during their approach. She reacted unhappily to the larger birds and regarded Arsène, Bruneg, and Vendel warily, unlike Wren or Finnetharyn.
History and ties: Nova participated in a skirmish at the Taproot Inn, attacking a Fahrak Scout and aiding The Party in combat. Wren praised her performance. At the Gristledown ruins, a bloody skeleton struck Nova repeatedly and knocked her to the ground. Treatment by The Party failed, but she survived; Wren stayed close and later succeeded in a recovery check, leaving Nova unconscious but not dying. During a fight with xulgaths, she took a reactive strike and was left in a critical state until Bruneg saved her life with a Healing Potion. In later encounters, she evaded a dark-mantle’s grapple, provided flanking for Arsène, and killed a xulgath boss with a follow-up strike that tore out its throat. She delivered the final blow against a Gelatinous Cube and was awarded a “star” as hero of the day. Wren displayed her to a Rescued Little Girl to cheer her up and later sent her into combat. A Goblin Dog bit Nova, infecting her with goblin pox; she was noted as being in the second stage, with the third expected after a day and extended treatment required. She later recovered from an illness independently. In subsequent fights, she flew at Wren’s direction, helped allies against enemies including a dire wolf, goblins, hobgoblins, redcaps, korreds, trolls, and fey, and at times drew attacks away from others. At the Watch Post, she struck a scout’s eyes, leaving the scout dazzled and blinded; she also bloodied and dazzled a Lead Bugbear. Bruneg tended to her injuries after the stair defense. During an owlbear encounter, Nova became frightened after a critical failure and fled in a panic, spending several hours away before returning. Finnetharyn Fimbleshanks awarded her a star for allowing the others to secure kills while she was run off. She later supported fights against redcaps, a trollhound, stuffed bear constructs, Halk, Atomies, an Evil Fey, and Canopy Trolls. She ate food left in the redcap nest-room and, after a troll fell, tore open its neck and ate its entrails. Herge communicated with Nova in hawk language, and she conveyed that The Party were good. Finnetharyn used her to land on his hand while singing to a boar, and Fangwood Six members referred to her as “my bird.” During the chimera attack, Wren called on her to protect her. At Fort Trova-Lay, a spell directed across Fangwood Six badly hurt Nova, leaving her ill and slowing her movements. Vendel aimed a cone of force at an enemy while sparing her. Wren later directed Nova to support her as she marked the spellcaster as her prey and shot him, resulting in his death. During the encounter with the Maenad, Wren commanded Nova to support her, but the Maenad’s dance hindered Nova. Wren later commanded her to attack a hobgoblin troop, and Nova killed its remaining members. Sent against the remaining hobgoblins, she did not finish them.
Powers/limits:

• Nova can fly and make aerial attacks; she has been described as able to fly up to 20 feet and land on a hand.
• She follows commands from Wren and has been directed by other party members.
• She has provided flanking, harried foes, and attacked from the air or at close range.
• She is trained in intimidation, stealth, and survival.
• Her light bones enable flight but limit the weight she can carry; light barding sized for a medium creature was fitted for her.
• She has been badly hurt in combat and was left ill and slowed after a spell was directed across the party. The Maenad’s dance hindered her.

Story uses:

• Nova has accompanied The Party and fought under Wren’s direction, aiding allies in numerous encounters.
• Her injuries have prompted care from Wren and Bruneg, and she has received recognition from her companions, including “star” awards.
• Wren has called her an “emotional support bird” and displayed her to a Rescued Little Girl to cheer her up.
• At Fort Trova-Lay, she was kept beneath the trees during the approach and was spared by Vendel’s cone of force.