Perla

Contents

Biography

Perla is a Dungeons & Dragons player character

Backstory

tw: parental death, childhood neglect

Perla Ayoka (14 years old) has always felt like a bit of an oddity. Her royal family is from an ocean palace, they are acclaimed for their pearlescent white scales, however, Perla is covered with distinctive red spots. Unknown to her, she is the product of an affair when her mother, the Queen, fell in love with a member of the rivalling fresh-water triton tribe. In a fit of rage from his wife’s betrayal, the King executed his wife after Perla was born. Overcome with grief for his actions, the King adopted Perla and framed his wife’s death as a consequence of childbirth. Perla and the King share an awkward and strained relationship. The King was never able to bear his own children, Perla is currently the only heir to the throne.

Because of her spots and their ability to instantly give away the secret affair, Perla was hidden away and was only displayed to the public when her spots were completely covered in decorative attire and cosmetic magic. The King understands the outrage that would come from a Koi Triton taking the throne and is currently investigating a permanent way to disguise/change her true identity permanently. He is has used temporary disguise spells to display Perla during important meetings, but otherwise she remains hidden.

Perla spent a lot of time alone as a child, deprived of love and attention. She could never understand her father’s rapid mood swings. She became fascinated by the freedom and adoration that would come with her becoming the Queen, she schemed plans of how she could be the "most powerful and beloved Queen" and subsequently gain the love she so desperately craved. She blended this fascination with her enjoyment of adventure stories, greatly admiring the good deeds and foes conquered by these legendary adventurers. One story fascinated her the most, the story of the lone Koi whose determination inspired the gods, transforming the Koi into a dragon. She saw herself in thst Koi, determined to be the best Queen possible.

The Koi Dragon Deity heard Perla’s prayers and took pity on her, visiting her during the quiet, lonely nights within her room. It became her patron and now guides her on a path towards ascension and self-assurance, although it will not be easy. The Koi Dragon also sees Perla as the perfect candidate to reunite the rivalling Triton kingdom, as her heart is pure and has good intentions.

Perla escaped from the Ocean Palace with the assistance of her caretaker and the Koi Dragon. She wants to be the best version of herself to prove to her father she is worthy of love, as well as a worthy leader of the Sea Triton kingdom. She also wishes to become a fantastical dragon like her patron, because what could be better than being a dragon?

Relationships

Golden Koi

Perla’s Patron

A similar role/personality to Haku from Spirited Away

Inspired by the Koi Dragon mythology

The King

Perla’s adoptive father

Neglectful, locked Perla in her room for most of her life and only let the public see her when she was under a disguise spell to hide her distinctive red spots (reminiscent of the rivalling freshwater kingdom).

He is currently seeking a way to permanently alter her appearance.

Since the death of the Queen, he has become a ruthless, unpredictable ruler who often puts his subjects in jeopardy.

Caretaker / Midwife

Perla’s caretaker, and only person she had consistent contact with during her imprisonment at the Palace.

She is also the only person, besides the King, who knows about the Queen’s affair as she witnessed the birth of Perla.

After learning about Perla’s connection to the Dragon Koi, she helped her escape the palace.

She pities Perla but is fearful of the King. She couldn’t help Perla besides give her words of wisdom and sneak her books to read.

Perla isn’t sure what happened to the Caretaker after she escaped, she fears she may have been executed.

Biological Father

Knight within the freshwater Triton kingdom

Mother

Murdered by The King

Had an affair with a knight from the freshwater Triton kingdom (Perla’s Biological Father), causing the King to murder her after Perla was born.

A kind soul who would control the King’s anger, beloved by her people.

Wasn’t married to the king by choice, she was selected by the King due to her especially pearlescent scales.

Appearance

Design Notes

Trivia

Perla is autistic and socially awkward (fish out of water metaphor)

Perla misunderstands the idea of “power”, she wants to be powerful as an act of love for her people, but she doesn’t understand the often violent drive that powerful people have, such as the King.