I’ve been working on a new project that’s still very early in development but part of that development required me to create an updated ref for Linda Wright in the Warrior of the North Wood setting. I figured as long as I had the updated ref, I may as well share it with my fans while also building anticipation for whatever the project may be. I’ve certainly been hinting at it for a while so some of my more observant followers may already know what it is.

Warrior of the North Wood
Linda Wright or, as she is more famously known, the Warrior of the North Wood is a mysterious, red Foxcat that appeared in the old, oak forests in the north country. She seemed to be on a dedicated mission to dismantle the corrupted aristocracy that wielded dark magicks to manipulate and oppress their people. At first, she wasn’t considered much of a threat; just another rabble rouser trying to make a name for herself. However, they began to take notice when the first of the dark lords was found dead and the powerful artifacts he wielded were gone. Furthermore, unlike any other so-called hero who would revel in the victory and proclaim it to the people, Linda moved on just as swift as she came to focus on her next target. She didn’t rally the people, didn’t make any calls for social justice or equality, there was merely a whisper that the Warrior of the North Wood had come before another royal fell. Rumors spread like wildfire. Some thought she was an assassin under some greater threat’s employ, others believed she was amassing the powerful artifacts for some nefarious purpose and others believed she was a symbol of justice and right. Regardless of what anyone believed, the Warrior of the North Wood continued her mission, carefully infiltrating each Lord and Lady’s courts before striking without mercy and stealing away their power.

For all the legendary items she stole, she had only been known to use one: a weapon known as a Soul Dagger. Rumors speak of a Wild Wizard that forged it for her, tying Linda’s very essence to the Dagger and allowing her to channel her own power and will into it. While this type of weapon is not unique to her, the power of Linda’s Soul Dagger surpassed any before it and became unequaled before any other weapon. Mundane weapons shatter against it, magic runes and incantations fizzled as it pierced them and without Linda willing to release it, no mortal hands could remove it from her. However, this power comes at a price. Should anyone find a way to steal the dagger away from her and hold it as their own, they would have influence over her for as long as they possessed it. Even separation from the Soul-Bonded weapon would weaken the original holder and prolonged separation or great distance from their weapon would be deadly.

For years, the Warrior of the North Wood operated, striking down one noble after another but it seemed that just as fast as they fell, two more would rise in their place. Bounties were placed on her, militias sent to find her, it seemed the entire kingdom was set on finding her and then the whispers stopped. Weeks passed and she was never seen. Months passed and no noble had fallen. Years passed and the people began to forget about her. Those who remembered believed she may have simply retired or perhaps she had finally been caught and disposed of. As quietly as she had appeared, she had vanished once more, like many of the other heroes and greats who would protect the people. Hope is nearly extinguished and the seekers of justice and freedom are a dying breed. The world is changing, transforming into some dark, twisted shadow of what it once was while those who still hold hope pray for the return of the Crimson Lady, the Green-Eyed Viper, the Warrior of the North Wood.

-TB