Aestelle, also known as the Viscountess of Monthaki and Aestelle of Kurros, is a Basilean human-elohi hybrid.
About
Aestelle abilities were notably enhanced by her almost unique lineage, which led to her excelling in every aspect of her training in the Orders of the Sisterhood, but also led to an arrogant temperament. She developed a bitter, fierce rivalry with a fellow initiate, Joselin. Both young women graduated from their training as battle sisters and saw combat in several campaigns. Aestelle was very quickly being promoted to command her own unit in the field, but was soon demoted again for her impertinence to higher ranks.
Her inability to work well with others and her seniors led to several reprimands, notably ending in her being punished with the trial of taking the steps to deliverance. After successfully passing the trial and proving her worth, she publicly quit her position in the Sisterhood and left the order under a dark cloud, becoming a mercenary and barrower. During her time exploring the barrows of eastern Basilea, she met and worked alongside Thesilar, who was initially a mentor-like figure until the two began to regularly clash due to their strong but conflicting characters. Aestelle also worked alongside Ragran and Z'akke, the later of which she sees as a little brother type figure and is fiercely protective of.
Biography
3834
Aestelle was born in 3834 in rural northeast Basilea, in a farming village in the Tarkis area. Her father was an elohi, who sacrificed his immortal existence for a brief, mortal life with Aestelle's mother.
3838
Aestelle's father passes away from the plague, leaving her fatherless and raised solo by her mother
3839
When Aestelle was 5 years old, her mother died and after her elohi-inherited divinity aura from her father was detected by Prioress Marilla. She was brought to the Basilean Sisterhood Order of the Penitent and Devoted (in the Abbey of Order of the Penitent and Devoted) which was currently lead by Abbess Vita. Despite Vita's insistance she was unable to accept any more initiates, but after talking with Aestelle directly Vita changed her mind and accepted her into the abbey.
3844
At 10 years old, Aestelle was excelling at the abbey and moved into the sisterhood novices dorm, led by Senior Novice Joselin. After arriving at the dorm and being introduced, Aestelle dropped her mothers woven bracelet, the last physical link to her mother, on the group which Joselin saw and picked up. Joselin turned to Novice Antonia and order her to recite the Sisterhood Order of the Penitent and Devoted rules regarding personal possessions.
Joselin tore the bracelet into pieces and told Aestelle to clean the mess up. Instead, Aestelle snapped with rage, she hit Joselin then jumped on Joselin and continued hitting her into the face again and again.
3849
At 15 years old, Aestelle attended the Ceremony of the Second Step when is when a novice becomes a full member of the sisterhood, younger than normal but was promoted early due to unexpectedly high casualties during the campaign against the Orcs in the northwest. Aestelle, along with other novices such as Joselin, Antonia, and Sarai, arrived at Chapel of the Sacred Devotees within the Abbey of Order of the Penitent and Devoted.
Aestelle hoped to be promoted and placed into the Sisterhood Scouts, which the elite members of the sisterhood were assigned to, however was disappointed to be assigned to the Battle Line division
Later that year, Aestelle would be thrown into her first battle which was against Orcs.
3852
At 18 years old, she continued to fight in the Battle Line division and was currently in combat against and army of Orcs and Goblins and was known as one of the most experienced and blooded sisters in the order.
During the battle, she was in a unit commanded by Senior Sister Decima who attempted to keep order within the unit as they waiting for the orders to charge. (to complete)
Aestelle was promoted to Senior Sister as a result of taking leadership of the unit.
3853
Aestelle was promoted to the Demon Hunter division with the order and began her apprenticeship, however was demoted back and forced to take the Fourth Step after Joselin reported her for drinking with legion men at an alehouse in uniform. Despite Aestelle insisting she was drinking water, Decima demoted her from Senior Sister. She was later promoted back after making amends.
3854
When Aestelle was 20 years old, she was forced to take the Fifth Step of the Steps to Deliverance with the aim to take out Captain Dionne. Even though some members of the abbey (such as Decima) believed he actions were justified, others including Joselin (her accuser) and Abbess Vita did not believe they were and she was sentenced to perform the Fifth Step.
On the way to Captain Dionne's encampment she came across Paladins Antoni and Jahus along with squire Orion fighting off ambush of Raiders. A group of raiders came straight at Orion, however he was saved by Aestelle. The group continued towards the encampment after defeating the attackers with Aestelle keeping her distance from the group and did not disclose her name.
As approached the encampment they called out Captain Dionne, who attempted to resolve things peacefully. Due to the tense situation, Dionne's lieutenant Lourne and Antoni drew swords then Antoni took Lourne's head clean off. The fight broke out and soon enough Orion was being charged at by a spearman. Antoni spotted this and intervened, killing Orion's attacker however this allowed one of Antoni's previous attackers to plung his sword into his back which emerged from his chest which killed him.
Enraged, Orion lunged at Antoni's attackers, beating them the best he could until he was pulled back and then stood back-to-back with Aestelle. Dionne then commanded for the fight to cease and revealed Dionne had defeated Jahus badly and bloody. Dionne allowed Orion to take his Uncle, Jahus, and he carried him down the mountain. Jahus soon died as he was taken down the mountain and Orion was left to mourn his Uncle by Aestelle who told Orion that he needed to grow up quickly.
After returning to the Abbey, Aestelle quit the order and stormed out while being judged on her actions against Dionne. Unknownly to her, her accusations were going to be dropped and rank restored. Vita listed her on an indefinite leave of absence meaning she could return if she wanted to because she did not follow correct leaving procedure.
Aestelle would eventually meet up with Thesilar Searite who would take her under her wing and teach her how to be an adventurer.
3861
In 3861, Aestelle met Ragran the Mighty and began going on treasure hunting adventures with him, Ragran would quickly gain a crush on Aestelle which would not be reciprocated.
During this year, Aestelle and Thesilar would come across a vampire while exploring a deep catacomb.
3863
During an adventure in the Halpi Mountains, Z'akke abandoned Ragran and Aestelle during a fight because he saw a treasure chest, much to the frustration and anger of Ragran.
3865
Joining The Expedition
Orion and Tancred, who were part of the expedition force that had been sent North to hunt Captain Dionne and were sent ahead of the main force to scout for infomation on Dionne which led them to the mining town of Torgias. They approached Torgias gates and asked the guards to get their commander, Vendis. Tancred introduced himself and requested assistance to guide them north through the Mountains of Tarkis. Vendis refused, noting that he did not have the authority to take any of their guards however suggested to seek out the mercenary Aestelle at the Trade Wind Inn near the centre of town.
Tancred and Orion arrived at the Trade Wind Inn and met with Aestelle. She was recommended by Vendis to help with guiding them through the Mountains of Tarkis. After telling Aestelle who they were looking for (Dionne), they negotiated the payment and agreed to help. Aestelle told the duo to come find her as soon as their forces arrive.
the day they were to leave, Aestelle awoke from one of the Trade Wind Inn's rooms and left to find Tancred and Orion.
Hugh, along with his aides Platus and Trennio, Constance and the rest of the 32nd Legion arrived in Torgias to meet up with Tancred, Orion and Aestelle. After Constance and Jaque talked with Orion, Jaque then noticed Aestelle, which Orion explained was their guide and they prepared to travel north.
The expedition started traveling through the Mountains of Tarkis, Tancred was an informed of a problem up at the head of the column and was summoned by Hugh. Tancred arrived and saw the track stopped infront of a gaping chasm with Hugh, his aides Platus and Trennio along with Captain Georgis and Aestelle and the group began to discuss what to do. Aestelle noted that the bridge had been fine for the last 5 years and has only recently been destroyed. Aestelle suggested on getting someone with a good throwing arm to the otherside and repair the bridge, saving them days of time if they took an alternative route. Tancred offered to go, however Hugh refused noting that losing Tancred would mean losing one of the best men in the force. Hugh suggested to send Orion despite Tancred's protests on the suggestion and Aestelle offered to go with Orion to look after him. Tancred left to inform Orion of this.
Disturbing The Undead
Tancred, Orion and Aestelle arrived at the cave enterance which would lead them to the otherside, which later to be revealed to be at the bottom of Mount Ekansu. Tancred advised that he would come in and find them in an hour if they had not heard anything from the duo. Orion and Aestelle entered the cave and began making their way through, starting with a short drop and making thier way down. As they made their way through, the rocks below Orion gave away and he fell down into the darkness, passing out briefly. Orion awoke to Tancred calling for him from above, however Aestelle, who was close by to Orion, assured Tancred they were fine and they both carried on. As they did, torches illuminated the chamber they were in which revealed a set of tall double doors with armoured skeleton warriors between each of the torches around the room totaling 12 warriors. As room lit up, the warriors came to life then attacked the duo. Aestelle yelled for Orion to get the door open, only for Orion to insist that Aestelle go while he held them back. Aestelle managed to get the door open and they both sprinted through the door, locking it behind them with a heavy wooden beam. The duo were now inside what seemed to be a burial chamber and began to walk down burial tunnel, avoiding traps as they walked. They worked out that they had previously been in the outer chamber and now were in the chamber of procession, they continued to move deeper into the crypt in hope to find another entrance out. Aestelle noted that the person buried here was someone important, based having a inner guard chamber, and then a Zombie Troll emerged attacking Orion and Aestelle, with Aestelle being smacked to the side while Orion swung his broadsword.
Aestelle recovered, despite her broken ribs, by healing herself with divinity magic and re-entered the battle against the Zombie Troll currently fighting Orion.
Orion and Aestelle continued to fight the Zombie Troll, eventually gaining the upper hand and Orion managing to detach the zombie troll's head completely off. Orion checked in with Aestelle, however she noted it was nothing compared to her fight with the Orc warlord, Skullface. Aestelle noted that based on everything they have faced, it is most likely a Necromancer who was buried here. Aestelle looked around and found a hidden tunnel with one staircase leading to the surface and another leading down to what she assumed to be the main burial chamber. Aestelle wanted to go down to look for possible treasure however Orion insisted to reach the top to establish the bridge across and began to walk up. Despite Aestelle's protests, she followed him to the surface.
Tancred had waited for Orion and Aestelle for two hours and Hugh was becoming inpatient. Suddenly a snaking rope flew through the air, indicating that Orion had made it to the other side and attempting to establish the bridge. Hugh ordered his men to assist and in less than an hour, the new bridge was established with Tancred, Hugh and his aides,Platus and Trennio, being the first to make it across. The expedition then continued on.
Encountering Abyssals
The expedition continued through the Mountains of Tarkis, as they rested Constance was summoned by Hugh, via Tancred, due to an issue at the head of the column and left to meet him along with his aides,Platus and Trennio along with Aestelle and Captain Georgis. Hugh pointed out smoke coming from a small fishing village, called Peleura, indicating that it had been attacked and was burning down. Constance didn't believe that Dionne was behind this, still believing he was honourable, and Hugh did not want to divert course unless there was evidence that Dionne was behind it. Aestelle offered to go and find out what happened then report back, with the expedition continuing North until Aestelle was back.
Aestelle rode towards Peleura, meeting survivors escaping the attack from the village. They noted that "Demons" appeared and attacked the village, killing everyone and tearing them appart. Aestelle told them to continue moving and she moved into the village. When Aestelle arrived, the fires had stopped with only blackened and charred buildings remaining and she made her way to the centre of the town. Aestelle noted piles of burnt corpses and the stench of death, eventually coming upon Am'Bira on the wooden steps of the burnt tavern, with around 20 lower abyssals around her. As the lower abyssals saw Aestelle, they moved to attack however the the first two were easily defeated by Aestelle which caused the remaining Abyssals to keep their distance. Am'Bira approached Aestelle, offering her a bottle of wine while identifying her as formerly part of the sisterhood which Aestelle took. Am'bira revealed that she is letting Aestelle live in order to bring a message back to the expedition that Dionne has an Abyssal Legion to crush Basilea and that he is the cause for the burning of Peleura, however Aestelle retorted back saying that she could easily kill Am'Bira but will not as Am'Bira would only be rewarded in the Abyss after being killed in the mortal realm. Aestelle left promising to kill Am'Bira next time they met.
Constance rested with her mercenaries. A rider approached informing of Aestelle's return and Constance left to meet up with Hugh. Tancred arrived also just in time for Aestelle to deliver her report to Hugh. Aestelle advised about the Abyssal attack and her discussion with Am'Bira. As they discussed, Hugh summoned over his aides,Platus and Trennio. Constance dismissed the reports, insisting that Dionne wouldn't side with the Forces of the Abyss which Aestelle insisted to be true. Constance and Aestelle disagreement became heated with Tancred having to step in to calm the situation. Hugh decided they were going to go south to chase down Dionne and the Abyssal Legion which Aestelle informed that they would have only been able to amass such a force by the use of a portal stone. Hugh then ordered Aestelle to go South inform the Duma of the situation.
Aestelle arrived in Dennec and she met with Perrio to get him to send a message to Valletto of Auron (Perrio's old teacher) at Golden Horn through magical means to advise about the Abyssal threat in Northern Basilea. Valletto would pass on this information to Grand Mage Saffus of Aigina and inform the Duma of what the expedition force had found. This led to Valletto to travel north to confirm these reports.
Aestelle was traveled back north after delivering the message to Perrio when she heard a high pitched scream from some nearby farm buildings. Aestelle quickly dismounted and approached the buildings stealthly and came upon six Lower Abyssal's in a semi-circle around some farmers of men, women and children. Aestelle called out towards the Abyssals and killed 5 of them with the last one running into the nearby woods which Aestelle gave chase to.
Emerging from the woods victorious, Aestelle approached the farmers and took up the offer of wine which farmhand Justin got for her along with Aestelle's weapons she had left in the woods. Aestelle was hugged by a small child before their father dismissed them and begun talking to Aestelle. Astelle learnt about the Ambush on the Hilltop and eventually learnt about Orion at the farmer tavern. Aestelle quickly asked for its location.
Hunting Abyssals
Eventually Aestelle arrived at the tavern where Orion was recovering at. After finding out his location, she forced the innkeeper to let her into Orion's room and she saw Orion, who was now clean shaven with a new haircut. Aestelle finally learnt Orion's name and was reminded of their first meeting in 3854. After they both realised their previous connection, they discussed the recent battle and Aestelle's connection to the Elohi being half-elohi. After discussing their pasts, Jahus, Orion falling Kell and what the Elohi said to Orion, they began preparing to hunt down the Abyssals.
Aestelle obtained some information from local survivors from the recent Abyssal attacks that were at the tavern. Orion had suited back up in his armour and discussed with Aestelle what she has found out from the villagers who had worked out that the Abyssals were looking for something. Orion and Aestelle prepared to move out with Orion taking Davith's horse, Henry, and promising him to return him once they were done. The duo then moved out to hunt the Abyssals.
Orion and Aestelle managed to find a group of Abyssal's around an ancient site worshiping the Celestians. The duo creeped stealthily as Aestelle managed to workout they were most likely looking for a portal stone. Orion moved into the circle to force enagagement with the Abyssals as Aestelle took them out from distance. Dispite their lack of battle cohesion, Orion and Aestelle defeated the Abyssals and rested for the night.
As they were resting, Aestelle suggested to Orion to find some caves that were a place of worship during The God War based on the pattern that the Abyssals were taking.
A few days later, Tancred, Jeneveve, Xavier, Silus and Valletto were following up on rumors from some local villagers regarding the "Elohi" and the group came upon slain Lower Abyssals. They spread out to investigate further and a short while later Silus called to Tancred that Xavier had found something. The group gathered outside a cave entrance, sensing something inside the group moved into the cave. They came upon Aestelle and Orion who were at a runic obelisk among more dead abyssals. After briefly catching up, it was determined that the obelisk wasnt a Portal Stone and the group left together out of the cave.
Aestelle, Tancred, Orion and the rest of the group arrived back to the survivor's campsite where the rest of the soldiers were resting. Orion met back up with his squire Kell and his horse,Star. After making amends with Kell, Orion and Aestelle discussed further Orion's visit by the Elohi and returning Henry however the conversation turned sour and Aestelle stormed off.
Aestelle, Tancred and the other five remaining paladins (Jeneveve, Xavier (basileans), Orion, Reynaud and Tantus) along with Silus and Valletto had gathered in a local farmhorse to discuss the next steps. After discussing the information they had, Valletto offered to contact Saffus for the location of the Portal Stone then the group would move to protect it from the Abyssals. Before a decision could be made, a squire came in to inform that the local milita that Magistrate Turius had arranged had arrived, lead by Dorn. Tancred then decide to tell Valletto to contact Saffus for the location of the portal stone.
The next day, Orion gathered up the seven paladin squires including Kell, Carolyn, Francis and advised them of the plan to send them away in hopes of reaching the relief force to advise them of the Portal Stone they believe is near Andro. As the squires rode away, Aestelle approached Orion and they made amends regarding their recent argument with Aestelle agreeing to help them protect the Portal Stone. Tancred then arrived to advise them it was time to leave.
Battle of Andro
Arriving at the Portal Stone, Orion looked to the north and saw that Andro was lit up with its buildings on fire. Noting they were on a hill and had the high ground advantage, the group prepared to defend the hill including some prayer from the Eloicon. Dorn then noticed to the south of the Basileans vanguard force however the were moving the wrong way, opposite to their current location. Tancred ordered Aestelle to take his horse, Desiree, and signal the vanguard towards their location using the Banner of the Order of the Sacred Ark. Tantus helped prepare Desiree and handed her over to Aestelle who mounted Desiree and took off towards the force.
Aestelle rode Desiree down the hill and towards a peak overlooking the inland road, hoping to attract the army. Behind her now however, Gargoyles began to percue her from above.
Aestelle continued to ride towards the peak and finally caught sight of the army. She dismounted Desiree and attempted to light a tree on fire however it was too damp. Aestelle ran back to Desiree and took the banner of Order of the Sacred Ark and held it high, waving her torch from side to side in hope to get their attention. The soldiers halted and the army turned towards Aestelle. Now successful, she planted the banner and turned to face the approaching Gargoyles, coming face to face with them and Am'Bira who had also arrived. Drawing her sword, Aestelle begun to fight the Gargoyles.
Aestelle was fending off the Gargoyles the best she could, killing two but taking wounds in the process. Eventually, Am'Bira attacked Aestelle and they began sparing, however Am'Bira was quickly gaining the upper hand by cutting into Aestelle a few times. Am'Bira managed to plunged her sword through Aestelle. Am'Bira then threw Aestelle to the ground, defeated and dying. She closed her eyes, accepting her fate when 3 Elohi arrived and began attacking the Gargoyles, causing them and Am'Bira to flee. The Elohi healed Aestelle then flew towards the Abyssals attacking the Portal Stone. Aestelle moved back to Desiree.
Aestelle rode through the relief force while the lead units engaged with Abyssal scouts, which were attempting to slow down their progress to the Portal Stone. Aestelle met with the force Dictator however after explaining herself was met with only suspicion. The Dictator ordered her to be restrained and she drew her sword in response. Eventually, a member of the Sisterhood confirmed her identity and the Dictator began to get directions from Aestelle, as they did Tancred, with Xavier, arrived requesting aid for Xavier. After providing a status update on the hill and the defence he questioned why the force had not moved to assist. Despite the Dictator's resistance, they eventually agreed to move the force towards the hill and ordered Tancred and Aestelle to guide the cavalry.
While the main cavalry force charged up the hill, Aestelle watched as Men-at-Arms, along with Sisterhood Infantry charging the Abyssals main line supported by the two remaining Elohi which boosted morale. Aestelle joined with the Paladins charge until she saw Am'Bira around one of the nearby burning buildings, which she turned towards and charged which caught her by surprise. Aestelle whipped out her pistol and managed to shoot Am'Bira in the hip then slashing her wing. A few moments later, Aestelle cut off Am'Bira's head, sending her back to the Abyss. The abyssals she commanded began to break and ran.
Orion, Jeneveve and Valletto were attacking Dionne in hand-to-hand combat with Dionne managing to gain the upper hand. Eventually, Dionne managed to deliver a mortal strike against Jeneveve, killing her. Eventually Dionne gained the upper hand however just before he was to strike the killing blow on Orion, he was hit by an arrow fired by Aestelle who had arrived, distracting him while Orion got to his feet. Orion and Aestelle begun fighting Dionne together. Orion managed to break through Dionne's defence, slicing off his arm and causing him to drop to his knees. Orion gave Dionne one last chance to repent however refused, then Aestelle sliced into Dionne, half-severing his head and killing him. The battle was won.
After The Battle
After the battle, Aestelle approached Orion and offered her own sisterhood Eloicon which Orion tenatively accepted. Aestelle then left on her own back to Golden Horn. Tancred then approached Orion to take note on what they achieved and began their trip home.
Orion then met up with Aestelle after the ceremony. Aestelle had been paid well and was leaving to see her old accomplice Z'akke to investigate the Undead which they awoke earlier with Orion. Orion gave her a small sapphire bead for her hair as a gift and they said their goodbyes.
Hero Falling
After the Battle of Andro her name spread as far as the capital itself, and she was significantly financially rewarded for her part in the fight against the forces of the Abyss. She spent her entire reward on a title - the Viscountess of Monthaki - and an estate with a stately home in a poor state of repair. After becoming embroiled with the mysterious Coven, she is now working in the shadows once more as an auxiliary for the Sisterhood.
Future
Aestelle is due to appear in Last Light
Order of Appearance
- Steps to Deliverance (First Appearance)
- Hero Falling
- Faith Aligned (mentioned)
- Last Light
Gallery
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Aestelle -
Aestelle Art -
Aestelle at the Inn
External Links
- Steps to Deliverance Paperback Edition - https://www.whpsupplyroom.com/fantasy/p/tales-of-mantica-steps-to-deliverance#gsc.tab=0
- Steps to Deliverance Digital Edition - https://www.manticgames.com/fiction/tales-of-pannithor/steps-to-deliverance-digital/
- Faith Aligned Digital - https://www.manticgames.com/fiction/tales-of-pannithor/faith-aligned-digital/
- Faith Aligned Paperback - https://www.whpsupplyroom.com/fantasy/p/tales-of-pannithor-faith-aligned#gsc.tab=0
- Hero Falling Digital Copy - https://www.manticgames.com/fiction/tales-of-pannithor/hero-falling-digital/
- Hero Falling Paperback Copy - https://www.whpsupplyroom.com/fantasy/p/tales-of-pannithor-hero-falling#gsc.tab=0
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