Peleps Valeska

Physical Description

Peleps Valeska is a 25 year old Exalted Dragon-Blooded female. She stands an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall; tall even by Dragon-Blooded standards. She is by all accounts a display of physical perfection, with a sleek build and flat stomach. Her most striking features are in her face. Her typical facial expression is a cold stare; her eyes are dark brown, aiding her capitvating stare. Her face is striking and attractive and her facial skin is without flaw. These features enhance her hardhearted personality, making her look almost nefarious. Her shoulder-length jet black hair is usually neatly organized into some sort of seductive pattern, and the hairstyle changes depending on her internal mode. Most male Dragon-Blooded are strangely attracted to her dark and almost demonic outward appearance; of course, she leaves them wanting what they cannot have.

Valeska is usually dressed in all black attire over her armor, as she thinks it is the best color to expresses her infinite beauty. At Exalted parties, her long pants are replaced with a long skirt; or if she's feeling a bit frisky, she's been known to wear next-to-nothing attire under her clothing for the occasional (but psychologically necessary) release of sexual prowess. These shows are enjoyed by all, but are infrequent and often short.

Personality

Valeska has a unique personality. Her outward appearance remains unchanged most of the time. She has the uncanny ability to surpress even the strongest of emotions. She has not been seen smiling in public for many years; even if she had, the person that saw her would be wise not to say anything about it. That's not to say she doesn't experience emotions such as happiness or desire, she most certainly does (albeit to a lesser extent), however her expression of positive emotions remains internal. She also surpresses emotions of vulnerability such as shame, guilt, lust, etc.

Though she rarely expresses the emotions she feels, her expression is never blank or uncaring. She wears a glare, making it appear as if she was almost always angry or unsatisfied in some way. Those that know her closely know that this is just her. But those outside her social circle tend to think that she is a seriously disturbed individual (and perhaps they are right). They generally avoid and in many cases downright fear her.

Although not common, Valeska has been known to "snap" when negative emotions reach a boiling point. Dissatisfaction, annoyance, anger, and frustration are easier to detect from her outward appearance. When she becomes visibly upset, it is generally a sign to stay out of her way. She has several ways of venting her rage, yet she has limited control over her actions once she reaches her boiling point. Sometimes her fits of rage can be silent, where she simply adds someone to her personal list and then stops at nothing to ensure her revenge. On the other hand, she once mercilessly slaughtered her own slaves in a fit of uncontrollable rage. And she didn't regret it.

Needless to say, her appearance, personality, emotional expression, and history of aggression give her a high degree of intimidation. But aside from those personality quarks, her social network finds her to be a very powerful and respected individual. She is mostly respected for her talent and intellect (and perhaps a percentage of that respect is sheer intimidation).

Valeska is an extremely intelligent individual, and this contributes to her emotional instability. She is very calculating and she always knows her next move. Rarely is she caught off-guard. She often uses unspoken intimidation to get what she wants (or what she needs). Sometimes her brilliance is used as another form of intimidation.

Despite her unfriendly nature, she a very respected leader. She has a captivating and commanding presence on her ship and while her crew may not necessarily like her, they most certainly respect her (some members probably fear her, too).

While not as social as most Dragon-Blooded, she is by no means quiet. Her philosophy is that actions speak louder than words, and as such she is known for her actions, not her words. She has a sizable social network and utilizes it to get what she wants. Valeska has long fought with jealousy and she is driven to get what she wants by whatever means necessary. She has a very manipulative mindset and her intellect helps her formulate some very intricate plans. Being a member of House Peleps, she has been exposed to her fair share of vicious competition.

Family

Valeska is a member of the House Peleps. She is married to Cynis Tristan, a member of Cynis House. Valeska is the fraternal twin of Peleps Kazuki.

Marriage

Valeska lives with her husband, Cynis Tristan, in a quiet and comfortable house outside of Imperial City. She has a short commute to the water. When she is in town, she spends most of her time with the imperial navy at the port. Her recent promotion to Captian has left her with little time at home. That was fine with Tristan, who always found something to keep himself occupied.

Tristan and Valeska share an interesting relationship. At first glance, they appear to have absolutely nothing in common; and most Dragon-Blooded perceive their marriage as loveless. And most of the time they are right. Valeska and Tristan do not have love for each other, but they do have an intricate relationship. Despite their opposite personas, they have a great tolerance for one another. The communication between them, when it occurs, is very open and honest.

Tristan is an aspiring politician. He is not as intelligent as Valeska, but he is very charismatic and talkative. He currently works for House Cynis managing the slave trade between the Imperial City and the east. Their household currently has four slaves. Slaves seem to come and go from the house frequently, as Valeska is never really satisfied with the ones that do work there and Tristan gives in to her demands for better ones.

They have been married for a year now. At first, Tristan couldn't stand Valeska's emotional stigma, but after a while he got used to it. Valeska, being with the imperial navy, was hardly ever at home for very long periods of time. This gave Tristan all sorts of freedom with his life. Of course, he was a very busy man himself, sometimes he would be in the Imperial City for up to a week without coming home. He would not only work his job in the slave trade, but he is dabbing in the bureaucracy and picking up some work there as well.

Valeska and Tristan both understand that their marriage is arranged, so they do what they can to enjoy the time they do have together despite their personality differences. Occasionally, Valeska opens up to him, expressing emotion in ways the public never sees. She's never outwardly happy, but she will occasionally seek comfort and affection from her husband. He provides such services willingly. Occasionally, they will engage in some passionate activity, though it has only happened a few times.

While Valeska is at sea, Tristan is always seeing other females. Valeska knows this, but it does not bother her, as she does her fair share of seducing the men she desires. Tristan has tried to get Valeska to come to some of House Cynis' more exotic parties, but she has always been too busy to attend. She has considered it, though, as parties tend to relieve some of her emotional build-up.

If Valeska is busy or doesn't want to be bothered, she generally ignores her husband as a signal. It happens all of the time, and Tristan, being quite a talker, knows when to take his cue to stop. They both realize that they get on each others nerves, and they have been getting better about keeping their distance from each other when things get frustrating.

Their marriage was arranged because of House Cynis' push to expand their relationships with the other houses. This one worked out specifically well because Valeska was tied to the imperial navy, which House Cynis wishes to utilize to secure their slave shipments over the seas. This marriage gives House Peleps better access to slaves.

Education

Valeska attended the House of Bells and graduated with superb marks.

Goals & Objectives

Valeska is an incredibly ambitious person. Her intellect gives her an advantage over the others who strive for the same stature that she does. She finds emotional stability and tranquility when in command and control, particularly when at helm of a ship. She feels threatened by those who seek to limit her current authority or her potential for growth.

Her goal is to rise through the ranks of the imperial navy and become a well respected leader. Her recent promotion to Captain of a small galley has been very fulfilling to her desires. Valeska takes comfort in power; it helps control her emotions. She is much more calm when she is in control of a situation, and much more erratic when she has the least control. Her motivation to gain power is driven by her effort to control her emotional state.

Statistics

Remaining items to complete: Anima, Virtue Flaw, Weapons, Armor/Soak

Name: Valeska
Player: Brian Kirkland
Aspect: Water
Concept: The Dynasty
Nature: Savant
House: Peleps

• PHYSICAL
  • Strength 2
  • Dexterity 3
  • Stamina 2
• SOCIAL
  • Charisma 2
  • Manipulation 4
  • Appearance 4
• MENTAL
  • Perception 3
  • Intelligence 4
  • Wits 3

• AIR
  • Linguistics 2
  • Lore 3
  • Occult 2
  • Stealth 0
  • Thrown 0
• EARTH
  • Awareness 2
  • Craft 1
  • Endurance 1
  • Martial Arts 0
  • Resistance 0
• FIRE
  • Athletics 1
  • Dodge 1
  • Melee 1
  • Presence 3
  • Socialize 2
• WATER
  • Brawl 2
  • Bureaucracy 2
  • Investigation 2
  • Larceny 2
  • Sail 4
• WOOD
  • Archery 1
  • Medicine 1
  • Performance 2
  • Ride 1
  • Survival 2

SPECIALTIES
None

LANGUAGES

• High Realm
• Low Realm
• Old Realm

BACKGROUNDS

• Allies 1
• Artifact 3 [what kind of naval artifact could i get?]
• Backing 2
• Breeding 2
• Command 2
• Connections 2
• Familiar 0
• Henchmen 0
• Manse 2
• Mentor 0
• Reputation 1
• Resources 3

CHARMS

• Hurricane-Predicting Glance (1)
• Storm-Outrunning Technique (3)
• Fine Passage Negotiating Style (3)
• Elemental Concentration Trance (5, 1 will)
• Deck-Striding Technique (3)
• Glowing Coal Radiance (2)
• Unbearable Taunt Technique (2)

WEAPONS

WILLPOWER 6

VIRTUES

• Compassion 1
• Temperance 3
• Conviction 3
• Valor 2

ANIMA

SOAK

• Bash:
• Lethal:
• Aggravated:

HEALTH

• [-0] 1 box
• [-1] 2 boxes
• [-2] 2 boxes
• [-4] 1 box
• [Incap] 1

ESSENCE 2

• Personal 10
• Peripheral 23
• Committed 0

VIRTUE FLAW
Conviction - To be detailed.

EXPERIENCE 0