Arien Sakuskylance

Born in the scorched wastelands where sandstone crumbles into dust, Arien clawed her way from absolute destitution through sheer ferocity and cunning. Her childhood was spent watching her mother die from starvation while her father abandoned them for greener territories, leaving her to fend for herself among the refuse of desert settlements. She discovered that her venom—potent enough to drop a camel in moments—made her valuable in the underground fighting pits, where desperate creatures wagered their last coins on brutal spectacles. The roar of crowds became her drug, the taste of victory her only sustenance as she methodically dismantled every opponent foolish enough to face her chitinous claws. Fighting wasn't merely sport to her; it was poetry written in blood and screams, a language she spoke fluently while society's rules remained foreign gibberish. As her reputation grew from whispered legend to undeniable fact, Arien pivoted from the arenas to the shadows of her desert domain, systematically purging organized crime syndicates that threatened the region's fragile stability. She didn't do it for justice or morality—concepts she viewed with contempt—but for the intoxicating rush of power and the material wealth that came with territorial control. Her methods were brutal and efficient, leaving no witnesses to question her ascent, only corpses to mark her path. House Thornwood recognized a useful instrument when they saw one and offered her legitimacy through a High Council seat, transforming her from a celebrated killer into an instrument of institutional power. Arien accepted without hesitation, understanding that a seat at the high table merely meant access to grander stages for her particular talents, where the stakes were measured in kingdoms rather than coins.

Strength

20, modifier +5

Dexterity

16, modifier +3

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

10, modifier +0

Wisdom

12, modifier +1

Charisma

14, modifier +2

Claw Attack

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 5 slashing damage.

Venomous Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3d6 + 5 piercing damage plus 3d6 poison damage.

Scorpion's Wrath

Arien can unleash a flurry of strikes, making three claw attacks in one action.

Venomous Strike

Arien's melee attacks deal an additional 3d6 poison damage.

Desert Predator

Advantage on stealth checks in desert terrain.

Arena Champion

Gains temporary hit points equal to half damage dealt in combat.

High Council Influence

Can manipulate social situations to gain advantage on persuasion checks.

strength

+10

dexterity

+8

constitution

+10

wisdom

+6

Deadly Ambush

Arien can move up to her speed and make one claw attack against a creature she moves past.

Venomous Burst

As a reaction, when hit by a melee attack, she can release venom, dealing 4d6 poison damage to the attacker.

Council's Command

Arien can force a creature within 60 ft. to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

Poison

Bludgeoning

Piercing

Slashing

Poisoned