Tau
Description
At 7'7" and 274 pounds, Tau seems like one hell of a man. But the great feathery wings and the aura of goodness that surrounds him points out that neither hell nor man are appropriate terms. This astral deva is filled with such a holy radiance that few creatures can even look upon him. Tau seems like a miniature sun, especially since he's gifted with such apollonian comeliness. Fair skin boasts flawlessness while dark hair flows down to the middle of his back, from where his wings sprout. Tau's eyes burn pure gold, lacking pupils and possessing only mercy and compassion -- virtues that do not extend to the wicked that test his patience. The angel wears little save for a simple toga of white, with a black sash tying it off. At the sash hangs a quiver of arrows, a small pack, and a sheathed, gilded dagger. Looped horizontally beneath his wings at the belt is a spear of the finest quality and a composite long bow etched with a number of Celestial sigils. Instead of a holy mace as most astral devas wield, Tau clutches a spear-axe in both hands. Both ends of this versatile weapon are crafted of the finest steel and divine oak, laced with platinum and diamond, and inscribed with Celestial runes. Tau is a figure of guidance and protection, accountable to the duties of righteousness and heroism. He strides or flies with a unshakable purpose. Tau always seems to gaze straight ahead, and he seems to etch his presence forever onto your soul.
History
Tau was born 1,429 years ago into the Lost Hills of Karasuthra (the 3rd Layer of the Beastlands). His parents were married astral devas who retreated from the busier realms of the Upper Planes to enjoy their love. Some felt they abandoned their duties, but Tau was raised with the understanding that they undertook new roles. Love was the greatest power of good, they told their son, and Tau believed it. He knew it was true in the bottom of his heart. Still, when he came of age, he bid his parents farewell and flew into the more active parts of celestial realms, exploring them all. Tau even dared to wander into more neutral realms, like Ysgard. He was drawn in time to the goddess, Laknossis. She offered him a role befitting an astral deva. He would fly from realm to realm as he already was, but he would be a protector of good travelers, avenger of the wronged, and rescuer of the troubled. Tau accepted this duty, especially as it afforded him greater autonomy. He was not interested in being ordered into rigid hierarchies of angelic soldiers and marched forth against fiends. Not that Tau avoided battles with devils and demons. On the contrary, in the course of fulfilling his duties over the next millennium, Tau clashed with those monsters many times. He learned which methods of attack worked best on fiends, and knew this knowledge would serve him well in more epic conflicts of the future.
Personality
Tau is a spirit of freedom, but not thoughtless freedom. He believes everyone has an inalienable right to live and enjoy life, unless they're someone who tries to take that right away from others. Then they're the cancers he is duty-bound to cut away from the universe. Tau takes this role seriously, and the wise and brilliant angel prefers to hang back and calculate a situation as accurately as he can muster (and that's pretty damn accurate) before engaging. That includes anything from melee to harmless conversation. Tau doesn't like to talk unless speaking accomplishes something. He is a driving force, and is compelled and driven himself, to perform his role and to do so expertly. Though he has a romantic side (romantic in his views of all things), he does not let that endanger his good senses. In combat, he is a practical warrior, decimating foes with efficient ease. Personally, he's courteous and well spoken, but usually quiet and contemplative.
Goals
Tau will master the ranger class (20th level) before taking up a Prestige Class like horizon walker.
Character Sheet