Greetings!

Yes, I have a Player that has embraced a Rusalka as a girlfriend. The Rusalka is Svetlana. Svetlana is ravishing and beautiful and has the looks that can literally stop traffic. Svetlana had been imprisoned by a powerful Troll Chieftain. The group intervened, defeating the band of Trolls, as well as bands of Beastmen that were vassals of the Trolls. In the process of fighting through a well-fortified subterranean dungeon lair, the adventurers had met, and rescued Svetlana the Rusalka. Svetlana proceeded to aid the adventurers throughout their struggle against the Beastmen and the Trolls. From all of this, one player, Bogdan Jarvanovich, a skilled warrior, became enamored with Svetlana, the Rusalka.

Svetlana has helped Bogdan, feeding him various potions and jellies that enhance his strength, health and vitality, as well as healing him from wounds. Svetlana has been a powerful asset in raising Bogdan up in being an ever greater and more prominent warrior. In several subsequent adventures, Svetlana has provided the party with counsel, lore, and wisdom that has increased their victories, and elevated their reputations and their prestige within the local region. The party of adventurers, as a group, have taken a powerful liking and affection for Svetlana the Rusalka. Likewise, the women of the adventuring group have been keen to learn from Svetlana, learning more lore and secrets involving seduction, deception, mysticism, beauty, and lore of the forest, animals, and herbs.

Svetlana has helped the party very frequently in all manner of fights and dangerous situations. Svetlana has fought and killed enemies of the party, whether such enemies have been humans, humanoids, or monsters. Svetlana has slaughtered, tortured, and interrogated captured enemies, often sacrificing them in brutal ceremonies to her primordial gods, and then she has feasted upon the flesh of her enemies, gulping them down in fierce celebration. Svetlana certainly has some unusual dietary preferences, as well as some religious practices that have been unsettling, for many members of the party.

Vargen Roggvanovich, a Cleric, and member of the party, has gradually began engaging Svetlana in discussions of philosophy and faith, seeking to convert her to becoming a worshipper and follower of the Dharyaan faith. In private, the good Cleric Vargen has voiced some concern over Svetlana, and her influencing the party with customs and ways of barbarism and savagery.

Along the way, now, Bogdan has formally introduced Svetlana to his mother, and other family members. Some members of Bogdan's family have been accepting of Svetlana, while others--including Bogdan's mother, Marina, have been very disapproving, and are suspicious and alarmed at Bogdan being romantically involved with a Rusalka. Svetlana has not shown them her natural or predominant form, though some of her mannerisms and details about her have been disturbing to them. On one hand, Svetlana is very well-versed in traditional customs and practices--while on the other hand, she often does things, says things, or behaves in some manner that is scandalous, or disturbingly teases at flaunting her otherworldly and supernatural power. Bogdan's family does not fully know that Svetlana is a Rusalka, though they are increasingly suspicious that she far more than she seems.

Svetlana likes to present herself as a simple Shepherd girl.

Have your party ever embraced an ally that was, besides being benevolent and helpful, also problematic and difficult?

is Svetlana a PC you are collaborating with in secret?
my very first DM used to pull behind-the-scenes stunts with players to surprise the rest all the time, with mixed results - some felt excluded, you know. personally, i like that kind of stuff - when executed well, it provides for all kinds of fun.

Quote from: Klava on January 17, 2024, 08:21:20 AM
is Svetlana a PC you are collaborating with in secret?
my very first DM used to pull behind-the-scenes stunts with players to surprise the rest all the time, with mixed results - some felt excluded, you know. personally, i like that kind of stuff - when executed well, it provides for all kinds of fun.

Greetings!

Klava, my friend!

Well, I originally created Svetlana the Rusalka as an NPC. I actually rolled her up on my random encounters and events chart, looking for strange or unusual slaves or captives for the Troll Chieftain. Since then, however, I have let one of my women Players occasionally play the role of Svetlana, as that is fun, but also introduces even more chaos and unpredictability into the scenes. Sometimes, Svetlana is caring, generous, and very helpful. Even valiant, self-sacrificing, and noble. At other times, though, she can be very cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless. Quite inhuman in her pursuit of her goals and desires, viewing humans or other humanoids as literally food, and utterly expendable cattle to be sacrificed, and then broken down by every part as a resource to be used and enjoyed. Svetlana uses her enemy's meat, blood, bones, skin, for food and resources. Of course, sacrificing enemies in ceremonies to primordial gods also provides her with mystical energy and power.

Whenever possible, Svetlana likes to fight her enemies while she is in the water, of a stream, river, or lake. The party has seen her move with shimmering speed while in the water, shrouded in fog, where she has literally ripped her enemies apart with her claws, biting them with her mouth, and strangling the life from them with her hands. Some enemies are wrapped up in vines and leaves, and pulled under the water where they are swiftly devoured. Other enemies have been enchanted by her majestic singing, where they have simply waded into the water and let her bite them and devour them right there. On occasion, Svetlana has sung or moaned at the waters, and fog will roll in to enshroud whatever area she wants. Winds blow at her command, and strange, disturbing tentacles stretch from the waters to protect her at merely a flickering moment.

Svetlana has told Bogdan that she has a woman friend that can help her with many things, with ancient lore, secrets, and magical ingredients. Bogdan has asked about Svetlana's friend, though Svetlana has often been vague about her friend during these conversations. She has told him that her friend lives a simple and humble life, out in the wheat field! Bogdan thinks that Svetlana must be a little crazy or exaggerating to him.

Svetlana has this small, miniature stone hut that she carries in her backpack. Every night, Svetlana brings her miniature stone hut out, and summons it through singing to it, where it grows to its full size--a somewhat modest Bannya. The stone bathhouse, that can reasonably accommodate about 12 people. Inside the Bannya, Svetlana has braziers burning incense, several stone hearths that burn wood for warmth, and then a large, circular stone bath, filled with bubbling, warm water. Svetlana bathes in her water every night, for several hours at a time. The stone Bannya has mystical runes inscribed into the floor, along the walls, and over the doorway. Inside the Bannya, it is always very warm and steamy. The air inside the Bannya is scented pleasantly, and bathing in the bubbling waters is not only cleansing and refreshing, but also invigorating, and enhances healing as well.

Svetlana's Bannya is very popular with the group, as well. Especially the women. *Laughing*

Of course, when the party has been traveling through the dark, cold, snow-covered forests, and then getting the opportunity to enjoy Svetlana's Bannya, yeah, the party is extremely happy and grateful! *Laughing* At such times, the party practically worships her like she is a goddess. *Laughing*

Svetlana is full of surprises. There is never a dull moment with this woman. *Laughing*

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 07:22:38 AM
Have your party ever embraced an ally that was, besides being benevolent and helpful, also problematic and difficult?

LOL Shark you are the master of understatement!

Let me get this straight:
- eats humans
- worships foul, primordial gods
- performs human sacrifices
- true appearance is, let's just say, not human

And you term this merely "problematic and difficult?"

I think by most interpretations this is an evil monster. No matter how "helpful" it may be to the party, unless you're dealing with rather scuzzy player characters, this monster needs killin'.

So, have I ever had a party embrace an "ally" such as that?

No. 

Quote from: Baron on January 17, 2024, 02:15:10 PM

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 07:22:38 AM
Have your party ever embraced an ally that was, besides being benevolent and helpful, also problematic and difficult?

LOL Shark you are the master of understatement!

Let me get this straight:
- eats humans
- worships foul, primordial gods
- performs human sacrifices
- true appearance is, let's just say, not human

And you term this merely "problematic and difficult?"

I think by most interpretations this is an evil monster. No matter how "helpful" it may be to the party, unless you're dealing with rather scuzzy player characters, this monster needs killin'.

So, have I ever had a party embrace an "ally" such as that?

No. 

Greetings!

*Laughing* Thanks, Baron!

Yeah, well, I know in the myths, most Rusalka are mean, evil water s[orit women creatures. Typically beautiful, eager to sex up Human men, as well as devouring them, drowning, and or enslaving them. Yeah, a real joy to have at the edge of the village!

I also studied how some Rusalka, however, were not predatory and evil, but were benevolent and helpful, even kind. Some may have embraced genuine romances, even! LOL

So, I thought, well, what if this Rusalka genuinely *likes* a member of the party? What if in her crazy wickedness, she really *loves* a member of the party? What if she does some weird hyper-sexualized mommy thing for her chosen hero mate--and looks upon the rest of the party as part of her family? Part of her innner tribe? I thought, but what would get her to radically shift her attitudes, normal behavior, or normal approach?

The party rescuing her from being enslaved and eaten by the Trolls.

That was the radical Lightning-moment that instantly or nearly so--pushed Svetlana into being a good girl.

So, now she is in love with her champion. She views the rest of the party as wayward, brute children that need her guidance, discipline, and protection. Svetlana is genuinely committed to helping the party, using all of her powers and abilities, in every way possible.

Of course, shifting her allegiance and day-to-day consciousness to being more benevolent towards humans--a few--and being sincere in trying to help, instead of always causing tragedy, chaos, and mayhem--does not mean that her methods and routines radically change overnight, either. So, she tries to be kind and nice, and even sweet. But she also gets hungry, just like we eat vegetables and meat--she also likes meat. She also can get angry, and genuinely offended that creatures try to harm her new friends--so she ruthlessly slaughters her enemies. *Laughing* Some of them, if course, don't die just yet--and well, they can be sacrificed to Mokosh, right? So, she sings to them, as she holds them down betweeen her legs in the water, slowly opening their bodies up with her claws, or biting them with her teeth, drinking them down slowly. Feeling their life essence drain away. Singing, and offering their souls to Mokosh. Or Veles.

She has been doing this for a very long time. She is trying to understand why she can't just sacrifice people to the primordial gods, damning their souls, while eating them in a bloody frenzy, and delighting in torture and pain and terror. As one party member has said, "She is on a mental health journey, working on building the new *her*" *Laughing* Field therapy and a kind of spiritual journey of discovery! Some have considered killing her. Even the Paladin, though, has hesitated. What if she really is on a journey to righteousness and redemption in the Light?

Ahh, yes. Such fun!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

I've often used the little beggar girl that secretly the dragon that's been seen flying around the nearby mountain.  She's a useful source of information but prefers to encourage adventurers to get into trouble rather than putting her own neck on the line.

My last D&D group had an obsession with collecting pets.  They'd rescued a big pitbull from a rough peasant and one day while they were fighting ghouls it breathed fire.  It turned out to be 1/4 hellhound on its mother's side.

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 04:35:00 PM
Even the Paladin, though, has hesitated. What if she really is on a journey to righteousness and redemption in the Light?

So in addition to all the tearing apart of human victims, you're also giving the party hints that she may actually be redeemable and potentially shifting towards Good?

I prefer the "nature of the scorpion" creed. That is one evil mofo of a monster, and it has an evil god patron to make sure it stays evil. Not quite as binding as something like orcs or goblins, maybe, in the race-and-its-god realm, but still. It actually lures innocent victims in.

Yes, your group is having fun with it. I guess. Hard to deal with the widows and orphans of her victims.

But you're messing with the whole "we need absolutely evil irredeemable races in our games" philosophy we've been discussing elsewhere. Right? Orcs are evil, you can just kill them. They're evil because it's their nature, they were created by evil powers who make damn sure that they're evil, because it's what fuels those powers. And they provide unambiguous enemies to our PCs' civilizations. Kill without mercy, even the offspring, with no guilt or second thoughts. If you mess with that philosophy then the next step is player characters who can never just kill in combat, because there'd always be a trace of doubt.

I don't have problems with a half-orc, who can fight off the evil tendencies. Or a half-demon/half-human child. But I definitely side with the "entire race is evil" creed for our games.

Quote from: David Johansen on January 17, 2024, 06:50:48 PM
I've often used the little beggar girl that secretly the dragon that's been seen flying around the nearby mountain.  She's a useful source of information but prefers to encourage adventurers to get into trouble rather than putting her own neck on the line.

My last D&D group had an obsession with collecting pets.  They'd rescued a big pitbull from a rough peasant and one day while they were fighting ghouls it breathed fire.  It turned out to be 1/4 hellhound on its mother's side.

Greetings!

A little beggar girl that is actually a dragon! I love that!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: Baron on January 17, 2024, 07:31:27 PM

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 04:35:00 PM
Even the Paladin, though, has hesitated. What if she really is on a journey to righteousness and redemption in the Light?

So in addition to all the tearing apart of human victims, you're also giving the party hints that she may actually be redeemable and potentially shifting towards Good?

I prefer the "nature of the scorpion" creed. That is one evil mofo of a monster, and it has an evil god patron to make sure it stays evil. Not quite as binding as something like orcs or goblins, maybe, in the race-and-its-god realm, but still. It actually lures innocent victims in.

Yes, your group is having fun with it. I guess. Hard to deal with the widows and orphans of her victims.

But you're messing with the whole "we need absolutely evil irredeemable races in our games" philosophy we've been discussing elsewhere. Right? Orcs are evil, you can just kill them. They're evil because it's their nature, they were created by evil powers who make damn sure that they're evil, because it's what fuels those powers. And they provide unambiguous enemies to our PCs' civilizations. Kill without mercy, even the offspring, with no guilt or second thoughts. If you mess with that philosophy then the next step is player characters who can never just kill in combat, because there'd always be a trace of doubt.

I don't have problems with a half-orc, who can fight off the evil tendencies. Or a half-demon/half-human child. But I definitely side with the "entire race is evil" creed for our games.

Greetings!

Yes, Baron. Svetlana has within mere hours entirely memorized whole sections of Vargen's holy Scriptures. She has even knelt and joined him in prayer for the party's survival and victory when facing battle. During one battle the group was having in a marsh, fighting some two-headed Ogres, Vargen the Cleric was nearly killed. Svetlana grabbed Vargen, and pulled him under the water. Then, she carried his beaten body away in a swoosh of bubbles, away from danger. She then kissed him, and healed him with her kisses and singing, restoring his body right before his eyes. Vargen was soon back in action, leading the party's counter-attack against the two-headed Ogres. All due to Svetlana's loyalty, courage, and power.

The theological backstory involves the monotheistic faith of Dharyaanism, seeking to grow in strength throughout the land, while the majority of the peoples and creatures living in the land remain worshippers of the Sarvic faith. The Sarvic faith contains various deities, such as Veles, seen as a Dark God of the Forest and the Earth, and ancient mother-goddess deities such as Mokosh. Mokosh being a super-popular earth goddess, and patron of women, mothers, the earth, animals, creation, fertility, and nature in general.

So, there is definitely religious tension involved, for many people, throughout the land.

The party is certainly conflicted and struggling with all of this. Some of them certainly do feel like they should burn Svetlana at the stake, while at the same time, feeling besieged by feelings of guilt, doubt, and remorse for considering carrying out such a plan.

I have watched them engage in huge discussions going on for considerable time, as a side-trip of our adventure time together. *Laughing*

Then, Svetlana sings to her stone Bannya, and the party is welcomed into the cozy bath chamber within. The party inhales the fine incense, feels the warm, comforting stone floor beneath their feet, and are soothed entirely upon entering the bubbling, soothing waters. Then, Svetlana sings to them in their ancestral language, as the fires flicker warmly nearby. Vodka and fresh, warm bread is passed around, and the party feels strengthened, and unified.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 08:11:33 PM
A little beggar girl that is actually a dragon! I love that!

From the dragon's point of view it's an inconspicuous form in which to spy on the humans and plant false information about the dragon or to draw attention to enemies that might threaten her growing treasure.  And the thrill of pickpocketing hasn't worn off yet.

I have this image of Rusalka mail order brides popping up in your campaign world.  Walk into a tavern, see a drawing of a real Rusalka who wants to talk to you!  She just wants a sturdy peasant man to love her for who she is.

Quote from: David Johansen on January 17, 2024, 06:50:48 PM
My last D&D group had an obsession with collecting pets.  They'd rescued a big pitbull from a rough peasant and one day while they were fighting ghouls it breathed fire.  It turned out to be 1/4 hellhound on its mother's side.

Nice!

Some Greyhawk fans put together a charity project supporting the ASPCA, around dog breeds in the Flanaess, at https://www.caslentertainment.com/aspca-charity-fundraiser

One of them is part hellhound too.

Quote from: David Johansen on January 17, 2024, 11:27:23 PM

Quote from: SHARK on January 17, 2024, 08:11:33 PM
A little beggar girl that is actually a dragon! I love that!

From the dragon's point of view it's an inconspicuous form in which to spy on the humans and plant false information about the dragon or to draw attention to enemies that might threaten her growing treasure.  And the thrill of pickpocketing hasn't worn off yet.

The pickpocketing is a great touch

Allan.

Quote from: Persimmon on January 18, 2024, 09:26:12 AM
I have this image of Rusalka mail order brides popping up in your campaign world.  Walk into a tavern, see a drawing of a real Rusalka who wants to talk to you!  She just wants a sturdy peasant man to love her for who she is.

Greetings!

*Laughing* Hah, my friend! Yeah! I love that!

It is kind of funny. Some of the guys are like, "Sure! I will give her a chance!" (Look how effing hot she is!!!???). The women, though, interestingly, almost always assume the worst. They assume almost immediately that some new woman hanging out with the group, making moves on a man of the group--is an evil, scheming whore that needs to be swiftly and brutally killed. Once one of them actually voices such feelings, the other girls quickly join in. "When should we corner her away from everyone else? How quickly can we burn her alive?" Failing that, they begin working on all kinds of plans to somehow reveal the evil whore's true nature to the men, to save them--and also hoping to provoke the men into doing the actual killing. Meanwhile, the girls look on, smug little smiles at their lips, and shared looks of triumph. That "Chicken Coop" dynamic can become pretty brutal, very fast.

New women characters have to work extra hard to win the women members of the group over to their side, either as friends, or least soothing the hate factor. The women can oftentimes be very decisive towards other women, especially. All that sugar and spice stuff goes right out the window. The women will eagerly stab other women to death, fireball them, throw them into a pit of snakes, whatever. Their reactions make me laugh. They can get so visceral! The soap opera factor is real, especially for the women. *Laughing*

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

could you clarify the meta in all of this for me a bit, SHARK?
so, your players know exactly what their PCs are dealing with, don't they? but what about the PCs - is it completely obvious to the party that their "ally" is a monster, or are they just guessing? what about the dude that is romantically involved, how much does he know? is he under a constant charm effect or something? the metagaming must be real strong with this party >_<

Quote from: Klava on January 19, 2024, 02:40:30 AM
could you clarify the meta in all of this for me a bit, SHARK?
so, your players know exactly what their PCs are dealing with, don't they? but what about the PCs - is it completely obvious to the party that their "ally" is a monster, or are they just guessing? what about the dude that is romantically involved, how much does he know? is he under a constant charm effect or something? the metagaming must be real strong with this party >_<

Greetings!

Hello, Klava! Well, let us see. Clarifying the meta. Hmmm. The players do not know that Svetlana is a Rusalka. They know that she is not a normal human woman, and that she clearly has some very unusual powers and abilities. They are fairly certain--from what they have seen--that she is blessed by the gods or the supernatural spirits of nature, specifically by some kind of Water Spirit, or Nature Spirit. They believe that Svetlana may be a Witch that is blessed by Mokosh. Some of them have speculated that she is not mortal at all, but is entirely some kind of Water Spirit or Nature Spirit. Some have wondered if she really is a Rusalka? Then again, one of them speculated that Svetlana is probably a Bereginya! Maybe a Samodiva? They bounce back and forth. If she really is a Rusalka, why is she their ally? Why is she blessing them, and helping them? But, then again, they are also disturbed that she sacrifices some of her captive enemies, while she rips others apart and devours them. They are pretty certain that Bereginya or Samodiva do not sacrifice humanoids, and that they don't rip their enemies apart and eat them.

One of them suggested that maybe Svetlana is a Bereginya, that was tempted to follow Veles, and that she is trying to find redemption and forgiveness for her dark and evil past. Another suggested, perhaps she is a Rusalka that is in search of redemption? They are not certain.

The warrior, Bogdan, believes that she has been sent to him, as a blessing, by Perun. She has feasted upon her captured enemies in front of him, and explained that she is feeding the ancient Mother, Mokosh, by sacrificing them. Giving their blood and souls to Mokosh, to honour the Great Mother. Svetlana has explained to him that she wants to keep the ancient ways strong, and to honour their people, and bring strength and glory to their land, and to protect her new found friends. She is grateful for Bogdan rescuing her from being eaten by the evil Troll.

Svetlana has reminded him, and asked Bogdan, "Would your family not be pleased, and proud that their son is helping to honour the ancient ways? By you honouring me, by lifting me up with your hand, you are honouring the spirits of the land, and honouring your forefathers and ancestors. Your grandmother would feel so proud of you, Bogdan!"

Svetlana has also told Bogdan that she experienced a vision of the Rozhanitsy that were present at his birth, and that the Rozhanitsy have proclaimed that Bogdan is fated to be together with Svetlana. Svetlana described the scene at his birth, his mother, and other intimate, personal details that only he, through his mother and family would know. Bogdan is convinced that Svetlana must, somehow, be blessed by the gods, and there must be some unknown divine purpose for him in discovering her, and rescuing her from the evil Troll Chieftain.

Svetlana has told Bogdan that she has a holy mission to help him to become a mighty prince, so that he can save the land from evil forces. Svetlana has told Bogdan of a story she knows, of a mysterious, glass mountain, where in the midst of an enchanted forest, there is a magical Fire Horse, which Svetlana believes that Bogdan is destined to ride the enchanted Fire Horse. Svetlana has reminded Bogdan that many of the ancient Bogatyr have ridden into battle, riding magic horses. Svetlana describes visions that she has, of Bogdan having a blessed and noble future. Glory and power awaits Bogdan, in his future, but for such to come to be fully, Bogdan must keep Svetlana safe and protected.

Svetlana has given Bogdan a finely-crafted amulet, with a large eye in the center, with the neck-chain intertwined with braided strands of her long black hair. Bogdan is absolutely convinced that this special amulet from Svetlana is a wondrous treasure, and has helped him numerous times in battle. Wherever Bogdan may be, day or night, periodically, he can hear Svetlana singing softly to him, or whispering epic poetry to him. Svetlana explains to Bogdan that she deeply yearns to be a good girl, and full of love, and peace, and joy! She apologizes, then, and says she is overcome with rage when she is attacked--or when someone she loves is threatened--and she simply desires to utterly destroy such enemies, and make them scream in agony. She then maintains that, when people are nice and sweet to her, has she not been sweet in return? Has she not lifted Bogdan up with her hands?

Periodically, Svetlana has told Bogdan old stories concerning several of his ancestors, relating their actions, their words, events that occurred during their life. When Bogdan has asked her how does she know of these ancient events and details of his family history? Svetlana has told him that Mokosh has given her visions, seeing into the past, and learning about his family. Svetlana then explains that for her to properly care for him, and love him properly, that she needs to know everything about him. Svetlana tells him that this is the proper way, the way of their ancestors. Bogdan needs to always trust her, and tell her everything. Bogdan must be totally devoted to Svetlana, as such loyalty is deemed righteous by the ancient gods, and by the Great Goddess, Mokosh. Are not glorious champions loyal and devoted?

Periodically, Svetlana will challenge Bogdan, to perform some deed during battle, and bring glory to her. To bring her presents and treasures, to show her devotion, praise, and always loyalty. Svetlana has composed poetry, honouring Bogdan. Svetlana frequently dances around the campfire with the other girls, and also sings. Svetlana has helped the others improve their singing and dancing, and has been very encouraging. Svetlana knows much about the forests, the earth, as well as herbs, plants, and animals. She has weird knowledge about sex, mating, fertility, and dying, and giving birth. She knows how fast a man's heart beats when he is in the moments of death, for example. She knows about crafting mud that heals, and different leaves and berries that help with all kinds of problems. Svetlana is also very familiar with ancient rituals, proper ceremonies, religious procedures to follow during particular seasonal rituals, what exactly to sacrifice, and why. What sacrificing this animal or person means, and what affects there are in the spirit world from performing various kinds of rituals in the mortal, physical world.

Most of the women were initially suspicious, though at least one of the women players is beginning to really like Svetlana. She really looks forward to learning all kinds of secrets and lore from Svetlana. The others, however, remain as voices of suspicion, and one of them believes that they should kill Svetlana. *Laughing*

It is especially entertaining for me, as Svetlana originally started out from a random dice roll. I had no idea that including her would inspire so much drama!

To spice things up, as I mentioned earlier, I allow one of the women players to play Svetlana during various game sessions or scenes. I give her just a bit of coaching, and an index card with a few notes on it about Svetlana. She plays Svetlana extremely well. Very intense and immersed into the character. She really gets into playing the Svetlana character. In combat encounters, I tell her to be absolutely ruthless. Let her inner demon out, and for her to go crazy. I tell her to be keen on capturing any enemies, so that she can sacrifice them later at night, and devour them. She gets into it, and goes wild! She shrieks and giggles when I give her the sheet that shows Svetlana's combat abilities and magical powers. She loves having tentacles in the water wrap around her enemies, and make them prone and helpless when she then rips them open with her claws. Another ability that Svetlana has, is the shape-shifting power. Her hands normally look feminine and delicate. She can summon these huge, razor sharp claws that stretch from her fingers, and can shred through bodies like, well, like a fine butcher's knife through meat. Svetlana also normally looks beautiful and sweet--but just like her hidden claws, she can open her mouth, extra large, like a huge gulping look, like a snake, and bite with immensely strong teeth, where she can easily rip through clothing, skin, cartilage, bone, and chomp away, causing enormous bleeding wounds, and fountains of blood shooting from her enemies as she bites them. She loves laying the smack down against enemies! *Laughing* Whenever she is in the water, Svetlana can use her legs like an immensely powerful, crushing vice, which makes it very easy to hold an opponent down under the water, between her legs, and kill them by drowning. The woman player also loves shifting her legs while in the water to her giant fish tail, which increases her swimming ability and speed to supernatural levels of skill and ability. However, Svetlana's abilities are not as strong when she is moving about on dry land, out of the water, like a normal, mortal Human does.

Bogdan's family is of course, full of drama about his new romantic interest with Svetlana. Most of his family are more or less favourable, though his mother is giving him drama for bringing home a Rusalka. Mommy is worried that Svetlana is going to take Bogdan away forever to live in a castle under the water, and then give birth to weird, mutant children. She is also terrified that Svetlana might eat her son. Bogdan has not specifically told mommy that Svetlana is a Rusalka, though mommy is very superstitious, and believes that just about any woman seeking to love her son must be a Rusalka, or some kind of Mavka. *Laughing* You know how mommies can be about women with their sons!

Oh, and also, part of Svetlana's magical powers, is she is of course, jaw-dropping beautiful. A total smoke show. She sings great, has a gorgeous voice, nig, deep brown eyes like a deer, long, beautiful black hair. Creamy skin. Voluptuous figure. She always smells delicious and yummy, too. Whether she actually has any perfume or not, or cosmetics. She doesn't need any of that. She is ravishing. If she likes, of course, she can change her height and body weight, as well as her hair colour and style, that kind of thing. Her deep brown deer eyes always stay the same though. And, of course, she doesn't smell like fish, and her large Fish tail is not apparent, when she is in her human form. She likes to appear like she is a simple, humble Shepherd girl. *Laughing* A happy, giggling Shepherd girl, walking by the riverbank, looking for frogs to play with.

All the drama! So entertaining!

Klava, my friend, how does that sound?

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK