Read all about--- me?!

Public Name: Xuèhai (血海)
Personal/Actual Name: Lǎoshǔ (老鼠)
Various Aliases: Ruo Shui (弱水), Hailan (海蓝)At a Glance:
" They exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilizations to their knees. If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model. "Affiliation / Sect:
Nine Mortal WaysRole / Occupation:
Trickster, Vagabond, and Information BrokerGender / Age / Appearance:
(Actual Age is 24, character is Female)
As she is, Xuèhai, stands just around 5'3" (160cm) and looks to be somewhere between 19 to 25; but given her skill in makeup? One may occasionally find conflict with that range as she has painted herself older and younger around different people. Nevertheless she was graced with a leaner hourglass figure that showed off her wiry but athletic muscle tone and the distinct fact that she has a series of scars on her back and arms reminiscent of lash markings from a whip or stick, suggestive of criminal punishment. With a subtle olive tone beneath her otherwise semi-fair skin, her dark auburn hair was worn long with a waviness to it, and she had rounded dark brown eyes with odd red flecks in the iris closer to the pupil. With an oval shaped face and well complimented cheekbones, she is not an unattractive individual but she is regarded as more so 'cute' or 'pretty' over something like 'sexy'.Class / Fighting Style:
She distinctly does not fight unless provoked. In which case she has a variety of tricks and styles; but prefer dual-swords and 'dirty fighting'... there will be smoke bombs, glue, and a lot of itching powder.Personality:
Rats adapt. They become what they need to be, because they're survivors. Parts of them stay the same; but the majority is flexible... Xuèhai is hardly different from that: she becomes what she needs to. Seemingly friendly, warm, willing to help, and generally seen as a good natured person, she is patient and ever observant... always watching and always listening... quick to intervene where she's needed or she can help. Empathetic and incredibly protective of what is close to her, the masks she wears are as numerous as those in the Ghostlight Market.Deep down, the 'her' that nobody sees except her closest comrades... is an unexpected painting of an unloved, hurt, and constantly bitter women whose mad at a world that doesn't care about her. Methodical, patient, observant, and generally low energy... she can come off angry and spiteful- preferring her loneliness to comradery; but a few have cracked her defenses to understand that she is far more complex. Her anger is largely driven by her hatred of unfairness of the world, and she longs to do something about it; but she is restricted by her low self-worth and belief that she is nothing.Passionate; but scarred, she is fiercely loyal to causes and those within the cause and does her best to support where she can. Though never seeking to be recognized for the help she offers, as she fears being given attention for longer than she allows. It's hard to say what is true and what isn't: her social masking affects her so deep down... some might suggest that she was never allowed to do things she wanted or be who she is; but one thing is certain. Laoshu, or Xuèhai, survives best under pressure.

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Detailed History

Biography / Backstory:
The Deer Village of Qinghe was once peaceful; but that peace shattered eventually and it was a single pregnant woman who fled before insanity took it's hold in her. Across the countryside she wandered, seeking home and refuge; but the times were too rough and instead? She found herself in the Riverside Prison after her thievery was discovered. Despite being gentle on her, the labor came and went... and the woman died; but her baby? Ah, her baby cried. The Warden couldn't think of a name for the girl and no guard wanted to claim responsibility for her by offering one... in the end they called her Lǎoshǔ (老鼠) or Rat. Raised by an Elderly Man in the prison, they tried to find a home for her; but the girl had little to no luck there and in a way she improved the morale of the men and women in captivity.The Warden decided to keep her until he could find another, and during her time she picked up skills from Guards and Prisoners alike... even from Craftsmen in the nearby Village. Inevitably she had to leave, as the Warden made a deal with a Brothel Madame and ex-Velvet Shade Courtesan named Tan Xi in Kaifeng City. At 8 years old she was sold and Tan Xi took her back with her but named her Ruo Shui (弱水), turning her into a servant for her business. Cleaning, cooking, and attending to the needs of the girls and men that Tan Xi employed- she learned how to do makeup especially well; but also how to dye hair and tailor clothing. She took to it like wildfire to dry brush... and quickly she became known for her skills in making someone beautiful; but also for creating intricate disguises.It was during this time, Tan Xi began training her for her real purpose... to spy on customers.When she turned 16, she had mastered the art of going unnoticed, and the information she brought back was often used for blackmail; but it was during this year that she'd make her first mistake. A Customer's wife reported infection to a Doctor, and Ruo Shui overheard the conversation... in informing Tan Xi about the man's disease she saved one of the brothel workers from possible exposure; but later on? She voiced that secret out in drinking company and accidentally caused the man's reputation to begin suffering and he turned it against Tan Xi and her employees... claiming he'd gotten the illness from them. Rallying others, he forced Tan Xi's hand and the Madame was unfortunately ousted and the workers unemployed... leaving Ruo Shui alone and abandoned in Kaifeng City.For two years she wandered and wandered, unable to find consistent food or shelter... so? She walked into the Ash Pit herself. Into the Unbound's territory. Captured by Khitan Slavers, she was dragged to the tavern hidden in the tunnels; but rather than sell her flesh... they used her disguise skills and her knack for blending in: sending her surface-side and forcing her to work for them collecting information. It was the Nine Mortal Ways who found her at 18 years old... the Rats who saved her from becoming another woman to be sold for flesh, to become a Ghost Mistress. Instead of letting her rot? They fed her, and took her in.Abilities / Skills:
1. Speed + Flexibility
2. Urban-Survival Skills
3. Social Chameleon
4. Empathetic Persona
5. Jack of All Trades/Master of NothingWeaknesses:
1. Lack of Physical Strength,
2. Fear of Birds (especially chickens),
3. Selfish Behaviors,
4. Hyper-fixation of Own Failures,
5. Hard to Give TrustAllies / Rivals:
Most Nine Mortal Ways and Velvet Shade based characters would find her to be likely an ally to them; but at present she is a largely neutral figure.Quotes:
Fate is not an eagle, it creeps like a rat.Nobody speaks the truth, when there is something that they must have.Man is the cruelest of beasts, you don't see Pigs starving their own and calling it economical balance.

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More information? Oh my.

Common Locations:
Nine Mortal Ways Base, Kaifeng
Forsaken Quarter, Kaifeng
Wandering, QingheHooks:
1. Stolen Items: A pickpocket knows her mark.2. Nine Mortal Ways: As a Faction Master and long-time member, she is very well known among the other Rats.3. New Face: Need makeup done? Have to impersonate someone?! She is a professional.4. Vagabond: She does everywhere, does everything.5. Quirky Sidekick: Are you going on an adventure?! Do you need a comedic relief on your journey to Master of all MArtial Arts and Wuxia Hero? Just ask. She'll crack jokes and bully you.6. One Time Lover: She is no innocent thing, previously being attached to a brothel owner she has her hungers; but she rarely stays as she has trouble connecting with everyone.