The Characters of Erudus - Queen Penlop Illoba - Leader of the Pampas region on Erudus
Creating a character for a fantasy novel.
Queen Penlop’s Stats
Born - In the Dinebar pampas region.
Position - Queen of the pampas region. Will become one of the members of the great five on Erudus.
Magic abilities - None - Has high disregard for magical beings.
Age - 37
Husband - Weine Quinon
Daughter - Mysta Stella (5)
Why does she care the way she does?
Penlop never felt adequate as a child. Her mother was always critical, and because Adrina was supposed to be queen, Penlop was ignored most of the time. Her parents expected her to be at all formal functions, and to act correctly. When she didn’t she was severely punished.
Penlop saw the mistakes her mother and father made. She saw that the wealth of the people continued to decline as they ruled. Now that she is queen, she wants to restore her family’s honor, and help those around her.
What are Penlop’s identifiable characteristics that are unusual?
Penlop dresses in fine, expensive clothes on every occasion. She will not be seen without her hair perfectly in place. If her clothing does not look new, she will throw it out.
As her political status grows, Penlop replaces her family clothes with expensive designs that are intricately embroidered and colored. She believes that her people expect their leader to make an impression at the negotiations and festivities she attends.
In reality, the people of the Pampas region, are poor, their hope has been dashed by years of war, and Penlop’s decision to spend money on frivolous things, has created a wide rift between the people, and those that live in her manor house.
Weine, Penlop’s husband, is not happy by Penlop’s obsession with wealth and perception. He comes from a family of Leaf Whisper Hors breeders. When his father became ill, he came to work at the manor as a soldier. Weine rose quickly in the ranks, but never forgot his roots. He loves Penlop, but he sees the problems her obsessions are causing, and worries that their daughter, Mysta, will become similairily obsessed.
What comfort objects or rituals does Penlop have?
Penlop has an old mirror that her mother gave to her. Wherever she travels she carries this mirror. When she gets stressed, she looks in the mirror at her face, hoping that the laugh lines have not become deeper, and her hair has not greyed.
Penlop’s mother told her to succeed she must perform a role of the perfect queen and ruler. In no instance should she show the outside world who she is. This message was ingrained in Penlop’s brain throughout her childhood. Now that she is an adult and queen, Penlop struggles with self image. While she likes nice clothes, she gets tired of her dressing routine, and discussions with people about nothing.
Penlop’s character tags. What differentiates her from other characters?
Penlop loves historical texts, especially when they talk about war. She can often be found reading about the heroes of the past, and their philosophies. She tries to hide this from the people who work in the manner, but everyone knows her preferences.
Penlop’s Goal
Penlop’s goal is to become the perfect leader, the perfect mother and, to have the perfect life. She truly believes that perfection is possible.
Penlop’s Direction
To learn that she does not have to put on a mask to pretend to be someone else in order to succeed.
To learn that nothing is perfect, and that sometimes it is the flaws that enrich life.
To realize that her people need her to understand their suffering, and to work with them to create a better life for everyone.
Penlop’s Attitude
What Penlop fells like early on:
Believes if she tries hard she can be the perfect queen.
Believes that she is doing what is needed by her people.
Believes that she must act unlike herself to be successful.
End-state attitude:
Understands that perfection is a dream. Instead she needs to work hard and do her best.
Realizes that in order to help her people, she needs to be herself, talk to them more, and quit performing a role.
Realizes she can only be successful if she acts like herself.
Penlop’s Drive
Penlop wants to be seen as a good ruler for her people. She wants everything to go perfect under her reign, and to continue the family legacy of rule. Penlop wants her husband and daughter to be safe and happy.
Penlop never wanted to be queen. Her sister Adrina was supposed to take the throne, but at the age of sixteen, Adrina attempted to kill their father. Adrina was sent to away, and Penlop was told she would take over the throne. Penlop was thrown in to a new world. She has never felt adequate, or prepared for her role.
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