Union-Jill
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
| |
| Union-Jill | |
| Player: Confidential | |
| Origin: |
Magic |
| Archetype: |
Scrapper |
| Threat Level: |
50 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: |
Kate Westin |
| Known Aliases: |
Jill |
| Species: |
Human |
| Date of Birth: |
1984 (age 40) |
| Height: |
5'5" |
| Weight: |
120 lbs |
| Eye Color: |
Green |
| Hair Color: |
Strawberry Blonde |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: |
British |
| Occupation: |
Masters Student in Literature, Oxford University |
| Place of Birth: |
Dorchester |
| Base of Operations: |
British Isles |
| Marital Status: |
Single |
| Known Relatives: |
Greggory Westin (Britain’s Blade), Madeline and George Westin (mother and father), various aunts, uncles and cousins. |
| Additional Data | |
| Known Powers: |
Magical Sword |
| Known Abilities: |
Enhanced Strength and Stamina while holding the sword |
| [ Source ] | |
Contents |
History
There have been many magic swords through the ages, but few living remember all their names, let alone their final resting places. So it was to all our great surprise that the Westin Family Heirloom, which had been gathering dust over the mantle for time out of mind, turned out to be far more than it appeared. It was supposed to go to my brother, Greggory. He’s “ Britain ’s Blade”, after all, not me. My weapon of choice has always been a Mont-Blanc fountain pen. So when I joined Greg at Oxford , it was to study heroes of literature, not to become one. But as he once told me, “A weapon chooses its wielder, not the other way around.” Ever since we were children, I’ve been in awe of what he can do with a sword – any sword. Khopesh or Katana, Cutlass or Claymore, in his hands they are one and the same. It is nothing short of poetry: a sonnet of skill and steel. So I’d planned to bring the Heirloom with me to school, to surprise Greg with it on his birthday. He’d confided to me his recent foray into knighthood, and I thought he should have such a fitting weapon at his side. But when I took the sword from the mantle to give it a good cleaning, the blade came alive in my hands. There is no other way to describe it. The dark metal began to… sing… and warmth spread from the scabbard into my body. As I swung it, the blade felt supernaturally light in my hands, and seemed to guide my movements. When I got to school, I couldn't wait to show my brother. To his astonishment, what would have normally been a poor imitation of his practice swings instead became something approaching his mastery. “Well, well,” Greg chuckled. “It looks like there are two swordsmen in the family, now.”
Other distinguishing features
None.
Strength level
Without her sword, she is of average human strength.
Known superhuman powers
Jill's powers come from a magic sword and scabbard. The scabbard is a wonder, healing virtually any wound within seconds. Although its origins are unknown, its similarity to the fabled scabbard that was said to have held Excalibur is uncanny. One expert believed it to be the very one. Another considered the possibility that more than one such scabbard was made for the legendary blade, and this is but one of them (since, he reasoned, the original scabbard would likely have remained with the sword).
The blade is far more mysterious. Rather long for a broadsword, it is almost a traditional claymore. Its alloy is dark and shifting, and defies metallurgical investigation. Its markings are obscure. The only thing the few experts she has shown it to have been able to ascertain is that it is not Excalibur (it is far too large for one thing, and that particular weapon’s rumored wielder is now very well known). So much is lost to time, and weapons of myth are no exception.
All Jill knows is that ever since the sword came alive in her hands, it has infused her with extraordinary abilities, and seems to guide her in battle with a master tactician’s skill. The sword's power has been growing steadily and quickly. At first, it “merely” made her the equal of far more accomplished swordsmen. But within weeks it was able to hew through the thickest earthly metals and turn aside even the most fearsome attacks with ease. The low thrumming sound it originally produced when held became louder, almost musical – like a battle hymn. To her astonishment, its ability to guide her hand quickly became an ability to levitate her, and then to fly.
Recently, the blade has begun speaking to her, though she has not mentioned this to anyone yet. The sword’s memories are old, and the source of its powers older still. She hopes that one day the sword will tell her its name, and where it came from. The fact that this reveals an eldritch intelligence at work is worrisome to her, but as long as the sword responds to her wishes, and knows its master, she does not foresee any problems.
Other abilities
Research, and writing.
Limitations
Among her many human foibles, she is trusting and loyal to a fault. Having come from a wealthy family, she is constantly aware of the responsibility that comes with such privilege. Attaining super powers has reinforced this even more deeply.
Paraphernalia
Other than the costumes she had Icon craft her based on the Union Jack, she has two suits of armor. The first was a surcoat of magic armor she found in Oranbega early in her career, although its strength is a desk lamp to the solar magnitude of the sword. The second is a set of light field plate gifted to her by the Vanguard for her exploits against the Rikti, which she has incorporated into her main costume.
Weapons/Arsenal
Magic sword of unknown origin. Magic scabbard which some believe may have once held the legendary blade Excalibur.
