parent nodes: Dominic Shad | In the Stories | Pawsierenne | The Cleric
Zandra Shad
Race: Human
Planet of Origin: Cleric's World
Father: Baron Dominic Shad
Husband: Raj Ochina
Daughter: [Miorden Orchina]
Notes
Zandra started out as Catspaw in Nathan Batker's D'n'D adventure. I liked the idea of an old soothsayer who was more than she seemed. At his request, I changed the name to Pawsierenne. The little cottage, the hangings, the markings on the floor, the chairs and table with the "Crystal Ball" were all part of the original trappings for the character. I decided that since these are normal for soothsayers, that all that could stay.
What changed was Pawsierenne's background as Zandra and from that came the short story "And It Shall Not Be Your Last," which was written for the premiere issue of a short-lived BBS magazine called Dream Forge. The opening sequence has changed only slightly from its original writing, especially as I needed to correct some differences in how these folks looked.
What I don't know (until I give it some considerable thought) is why Ochina (a singular name until I decided I needed both given and surnames in this world) was in the castle and present when the Heuriskein (Nate called them the Surrites) attacked and called Baron Shad. That opening sequence, other than the characters was uniquely mine and works well to introduce the story of The Cleric.
Perhaps Ochina was there because he was crucial to the village as one of its merchants, but I have my doubts, given the age at which most of these folks married. Perhaps he is also a member of the royal family and had access for a reason.
Interesting, though, that Zandra - then a teen - did not know him and realized as she looked at him that she saw in him the features of her own future daughter - Miorden.
Novels
The Cleric
Cleric's World
Return of the Sky People
Carrollton
Order of the Knife
End of the Matter