Moonriver Bar #27 - Miriam's Wind

Some Lore Drop and Context

Sailing through the Ionian Shadowfell, the young adults recently encountered a curious lady.
  Whilst staying at the Grendal's Spindle in the machinist city of Kennrock, the captain of the group looked for a local to hang out with.  As luck would have it, she came across a well-dressed woman face down on a table and surrounded by partially empty tankards.  The woman, though, sprung to drunken life as the captain sat to join her.  
  Dressed in a fine coat of gold and crimson, she rocks a belted corset over a white silk shirt, the open collar revealing the thin mithril chain underneath.  Two "gunslinger" belts cross around her hips, accenting the hip-hugging leathers below, the brand of a barbed whip just barely visible before it disappears up under the corset.  Her hair is a deep magenta-red that fades to black, and her pale skin only further draws the eyes to her own; rings of topaz and black, that seem to spiral and telescope depending on her level of interest in the conversation.  As she smiles, it is a tentative action; nervous, but playful, as if she is gauging how others may react.  Fair, considering the not-so-subtle fangs on one side of her face...

This is Miriam Windrunner.  The players know her to be the niece of one of the Vampire Lords directly connected to another Player-Character, but only the captain knows that information at the time of writing this (a lot can change in a week, though).  Miriam is my play on a Fell Dhampir - a progeny born from the union of a vampire and another being, a creature always wrestling with monstrous lineage and making their own way.  The "Fell" part of this complicates things; as creatures born in the Shadowfell are blessed or cursed with more mysterious abilities that only get more complicated and interesting as you get older.
  To help with this, Miriam carries with her an adamantine blade.  Like a cross between a longsword and a straight katana, it vibrates at a strange frequency when drawn, seeming to focus the wielder's attacks in battle somehow.  Yet, Miriam rarely draws the weapon.  She carries it for the little perk it offers instead; companionship.  
  You see, the pommel of the blade is a sculpted, ashen skull...named Bob.  Bob is sentient, his eyes lighting up with blue fire and jaw unhinging to speak whenever Miriam calls his name.  She quiets him by gently stroking the skull's head with her thumb.  Bob serves and protects Miriam unconditionally, even if he offers unwanted advice often.  Manifesting sometimes as an adorable, magenta skeleton spirit with a sword and shield, or a druidic staff, he serves both as the Dhampir's Spiritual Weapon and Healing Spirit, depending on what is required, and he would never leave her side.  Beyond this accord, though, it remains a mystery on the what the depth of their relationship is, and that is a story for another day.

Influences and Theming

Anyone that knows my affinity for Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files can clearly see where I'm pulling Bob from, but the narrative device of a spiritual companion is one that's been explored fifty times over in fantasy.  And in the dark and dangerous Shadowfell, it felt right to introduce such a thing for a creature that, at least at one time, would have been very lost.

  Miriam Windrunner is, now, a capable young woman.  Not a loner by any means, she will protect those she finds connections with, even at great risk to herself.  Yet, once they are safe, she finds little need to follow; she is currently a creature of instances - wayward, strong, but directionless and mysterious.  When I ponder her, it is an image of drifting fog, like smoke on the water; yet, when you meet her, she is immediately intriguing.

So I wanted to explore that idea with flavors.

Now, I'm not some nuanced scholar of mixology, I just wanted to make something with a certain aesthetic that tastes nice.  If it evokes a few subtle feelings, even better.

THE LOOK
Hanging on to that image of smoke on the water, I am drawn to one of my silver liquors.  Silver Rum ain't my jam at the moment, so I pull out the Tequila.  It also doubles as a distinct, vibrant flavor.  A splash of lime will bring out the hints of sour.  But now we just have a "mostly water" with a rusty green from the lime.  
  I've been experimenting with syrups lately, so let's bring out the Orgeat, a hazelnut syrup popular in rum drinks, and mix that in.  Yes.  After a quick stir, the thicker marzipan syrup "muddies the waters" if you will.  And, after a sip, smooths that Tequila right away without sacrificing it.  
The first flavor that came to mind when considering Miriam, however, was the underrated Stella Rosa Pink.  Bright, silky flavors without being overpowering, I thought it aligned beautifully with her personality.  And following my success in blending Pink and cinnamon, I am overconfident this will work out.

THE RECIPE
2 oz Silver Tequila
1 oz Orgeat
1/2 oz Lime Juice
3 oz Stella Rosa Pink Wine

TASTING NOTES
+ A lovely drink
+ Tequila is a flavor you don't hide, so the Pink and Orgeat only smooths its finish
+ A great vehicle to accent the Orgeat without overpowering other flavors
+ Pleasant and smooth and bright
+ Effervescent
+ I could drink this easily and quickly...be careful

Adding on that the wine brings a silky pink chamise to the visual is just icing on the cake, as it reminds me of her crimson coat, which is awesome.

See you in the shadows.
-Adamus