[OOC] We have to save the world again? I thought we were done with this crap!

[Hyyde322]

Heroes from all walks of life banded together under one common goal. The greatest threat the world of Deilia has ever seen defeated and sealed away by the merry band of unlikely heroes, but at a terrible cost. The brave leader of this group sacrificed herself to ensure the safety of not only her companions, but the world itself. Her name was Octavia Ravenwood although very little was known about her, anyone who had the honor of meeting her will tell you she was something out of a fairytale. Benevolent, valiant, selfless, these were just some of the words those lucky enough to meet her would use.

Before her untimely death and their disbanding, they were quite formidable group amassing quite the reputation as they ventured far and wide. They've hunted demons, destroyed evil cults, felled vicious beasts, made peace with dragons, ended decades long feuds and united kingdoms, and even revolutionized the way we use magic, yet none of their achievements come close to defeating the ancient eldritch dragon who almost destroyed the world. Coming from seemingly humble beginnings, these legendary heroes are known and celebrated throughout this land and many more. Their accomplishments remembered through embellished tales and misconstrued stories around taverns, through story tellers, and in various libraries throughout the land.

Our heroes had gotten their start in the city state of Bradena as sellswords. From the stories that we've been told, Octavia had been looking for work and what was supposed to be an ordinary job turned into a crazed eldritch beast running rampant. Along with who would turn out to be the first member of the company, they defeated the beast and this was just one of their many feats. There were many adventures to be had in Bradena for them and as their reputation grew they would soon leave the city they had gotten their start in.

Their most notable accomplishment was bringing an end to a long conflict with the dragons. The peace that would ultimately bring dragon and the other races together after the eldritch dragon's display of power by razing a the city of Pherora where it would make the city its den and eventually comsume half the country of Trai Spia. For those who need a memory refresher, the people of Trai Spia shared their country with the dragons and while the dragons and residents were not exactly on the best of terms before the dragon showed up, they left each other alone. Things would ultimately come to a head when their fragile agreement to share the land was broken with the razing of Pherora. The citizens blamed the dragons for the eldritch's appearance and even accused them of helping the eldritch. The heroes arrived and brought an end to the conflict after months of tension and fallouts on both sides. How they did it is still a mystery to this day.

Their battle against the dragon would be their last as it saw the death of their team member and spelled the end for their company. After amassing an army through its corruptive influence, the eldritch had the power to bring the entire world to its knees, but it wouldn't go without a fight. The heroes with the help of the many kingdoms that had united under one banner fought the dragon and its army to the last and as the soldiers held the eldritch's army at bay, the heroes battled the dragon. It was a hard fought battle but the day was won and the dragon was defeated. The heroes battered and exhausted carried their fallen comrade away from the last battleground she would ever see and brought her back to the city where it all started. After saying their goodbyes, she was buried in Bradena with her sword and shield on her grave should she ever have need of them.

Several years had passed since the that epic battle and the various cities and countries had rebuilt never forgetting what the heroes had done for them and the sacrifice they all made that day. But what happened to the heroes after everything was all said and done, why did they disband, and where are they now. This tale chaser aims to find out.

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Hello friends! Sorry for the lengthy and slightly confusing read. If you've read this far, then I'll take it you're interested and if you're wondering why this reads like a magazine article, that's because it is supposed to. I made that way to give really drive home the fact that the big adventure (or so our heroes thought) is done. This will take place several years after the defeat of the big bad and have us taking control of our characters living the life of a.....well, a hero. Their reputation, powerful skill and abilities (magic or otherwise), and what they've done with it all will be acted out by our characters. If this gets interest, we will start by being approached by a mysterious "reporter" looking to hear each of our tales and various adventures together as a group and we will be later brought back together by a rumor that an old enemy has broken free of its seal and returned to life. I'm looking for about five or six people and I will most likely max out at eight. I'm doing this rp while going to school, so I wont be expecting a post every day, nor will I be able to do that myself. That being said, I would hopefully like to get people to post once every one to two weeks. If you can't wait that long, you can post sooner, jsut try not to get too ahead. Post length does not matter to me, it's all about quality, just as long as you aren't doing one-liners we won't have a problem. If you're interested great, drop a notice and start on your character, oh and as for classes and races, it will be DnD/final fantasy style. Orcs, elves, dwarfs, humans and the like along with your standard barbarians, paladins, black mages, white mages and the like (NO GUNS, don't ask).

Character sheet

Excuse me sir/ser, might you be one of the heroes from legend? Good turn to you, I have traveled, WAIT WAIT WAIT! Don't walk away! Please great hero might you lend me your ear? I have traveled far and wide to hear tale, my only wish is to tell your story. True, I suppose if I wanted to know of various deeds I could just visit my local tavern or library, but to get it from the horse's mouth, now that would be a treat, far better than any old watered down story you hear on the streets, wouldn't you agree? Oh you will? Joyous occasion! You shant regret this my friend, I promise you

Now then, What is your name?

Splendid, and your age?

Fantastic, and your gender good hero

Excellent and of course I know what you look like but for the sake of our readers? (pictures or a discription will do, or both)

Excellent Excellent, and how do you act on most days, you know, your mannerisms, your quarks and such. What makes you you

Mhm, and your abilities magical or otherwise? If you use magic, what is your discipline? do you use it for battle, defense, healing?

Yes Yes, and before everything that transpired, what was your life like? who were you?

I would have never guessed, and what were your relationships with your comrades, are you still friends? Maybe lovers? Bitter rivals? How do you see them in your eyes
(So this is an idea I had that acts as sort of a life path system. Since we already know each other, I figured we could all talk about our relationship towards one another)

So that's how you worked with each other, and how was your relationship with Madame Ravenwood? Nothing but good I hope.

I see, and.....did you know?

Did you even guess, did you even have the slightest idea?

Do you even realize the amount of shit you heroes are in?

What made you think you could defeat him so easily? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFEAT US SO EASILY?

We almost did it, almost, but then you heroes and that bitch! well no matter, you and your comrades will get yours soon enough!

YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT HIM, DEFEAT US! NEVER! (que explosion with lots of blood and a little guts)

Magic

When it comes to magic, I'm thinking a lot of the various types of magic. Similar to how Dr. Strange uses all types and and I realize that by giving a full range on powerful magic will make characters broken I will put a limit. 1 to 2 magic affinities you can be an expert in and no forbidden magic

Forbidden magic:
blood magic
eldritch magic
chaos magic
dark arts
celestial magic

basically any magic that makes you broken is not available (no exceptions)

The cult

The company has faced and vanquished many cults in their time, but none were as formidable as the cult that started it all. Known as the Paragons of dawn, an order made to bring salvation for the betterment of everyone, they would come to be known as the Harbingers of the end, a cult that seeks salvation through the world's destruction. The order turned cult once sought to right the wrongs of their respective countries. The order turned cult in time turned to more nefarious means in order to get closer to their goal eventually stumbling upon forbidden magics. These dark arts twisted their physical forms leaving them hideously scarred and deformed corrupting their minds leaving them enthralled. Over time and prolonged use of these magics, they began to hear voices promising them power beyond their wildest imagination and through ritualistic summoning, the dragon was born

Countries and cities

Gwangju (Gwong-joo)

In the heart of the country of Nagahoro lies Gwangju. Once a city of thieves, murderers, assassins, and other less than reputable folk, This city was once a lawless place. Murders went unsolved, thievery was common, and the government was at the mercy of the various gangs that once controlled this town. Making an honest living in this town was next to impossible, as anyone who lived inside the city walls either worked for one of the gangs, or through less than moral means. Life outside the city was not much better as the farmers who sold their produce in the walls were not excluded from the corruption and tyranny of the gangs. The only places not touched, well save a few, were the temples and monasteries. With the intervention of the heroes, and several months of fighting, Gwangju is now a vibrant and beautiful place to be. It is now run by a more stable government and the city has never been more prosperous. The place is known throughout the world for their various exotic trinkets, delicious food, drinks, and other things.

Bradena

To the west of Nagahoro lies Casperus home to the city of Bradena and birthplace of the company of heroes. Bredena was not without its shortage of problems, not as bad as Gwangju, but bad none the less. In addition to being the birthplace of the company, it was also the site of the mage rebellion and various vies for the throne included but not limited to, murder, coups, and many more. Before the heroes, Bradena had a massive class problem which saw that anyone not born to a royal family struggled to make ends meet. After the events of the heroes, the city has gotten better. With control taken from the despots that were the families and the bearer of the crown, it has become the central hub of commerce in Casperus and proper schools for mages have been built. They even have a famous coffee shop run by two women who sell the most delectable confections and a tavern named the gilded Gryphon where adventurers stop by for a meal and lodging

Setcarma

Not much is known about the country of Tjenbun except the most notable city of Setcarma. The history, its customs, even its people are a mystery. as mysterious as this country and its city is, it is most defined in some of the same ways Nagahoro is, through its exotic trinkets, foods, and other odds and ends.

Nomadic lands

Miles upon miles of mountainous grasslands and forests, This is home to many nomadic people who live off the land. In addition to the small population of people inhabiting these lands, There lies a small trading post where they gather to barter for various goods. It is also home to an adventurer guild for would be adventurers.

Pherora

No country with more impactful history than Trai Spia. Home to the once great Pherora, This entire city and half the country would be lost in an instant to the dragon and spark the conflict between dragon kind and the people of the land. Were it not for the heroes that conflict would still be ongoing, now the relationship is back to more or less the same. The dragons inhabit the land far away from the people who still live there and the people tend to stay away from the dragons. While Trai Spia will never be what it once was, solace can be taken that the inhabitants of said country are making do.

Mage Rebellion

The mages of the lands were not always treated well before the battle with the dragon. Many people with magical abilities were shunned and treated like outcasts. While magic was common, it was not the most widely accepted skill, mostly due to fear and ignorance. There were schools before the ones that existed now, but they acted more as prisons with less than great living conditions and and even less than great treatment by governments that ran them. The mages understandably fed up with the mistreatment and injustice rose up in revolt in the city of Bradena which led to even more harsh treatment after it failed. After their failure some of the mages would join the harbingers and turn to the dark arts for power. The heroes would change this after the battle with the cult and the dragon showing the world that magic is nothing to fear in the right hands. Now people with magical gifts are treated more fairly and while there are still people who are weary of it, there isn't much of a chance of a mage being thrown in jail for their abilities

[Kassarock]

Damn, that's weird, I was toying with a premise really similar to this myself recently. Not 100% sure I can commit, but I'll keep my eye on this, might bounce some character ideas around later.

[King Cosmos]

Kind of went ham on this one. We'll see if it works out.

Gideon Fairbright - Knight of the Glade

Now then, What is your name?

“Hmm, well, I suppose I’ve been known by a few names over the years. I was called Gideon of the Glade in my youth and some would still call me that even now, though I’m miles away from that glade and haven’t returned in years. Some call me Sir Gideon, even though I was never properly knighted and never wanted to be; I suppose the armour makes people think otherwise. These days I’m mostly commonly called Guildmaster Gideon, because of my role.”

“But despite all the titles, real, deserved or otherwise, I’m just Gideon Fairbright. Or just Gideon, if you prefer.”

Splendid, and your age?

“Oh, 30…ish.”

Fantastic, and your gender good hero

“Male.”

Excellent and of I know what you look like but for the sake of our readers?

“I have to describe myself? But wouldn’t it make more sense for you…? Never mind.”

“Well… I’m a little over six feet tall. I have brown hair, shortish and swept to one side; err, the left side. A beard. Ah, when in combat I wear plate armour with dark blue… I guess a kind of shawl over my shoulders and a belted skirt around the waist. The belt itself is rather ostentatious; silver and gold with a very prominent shield-like design on the front; it was a gift and it does offer me protection.”

“What else… ah, forgive me, I’m not very good at this sort of thing. A picture? Yes, that would work better.”

”I have one around here somewhere.”

Excellent. Excellent, and how do you act on most days, you know, your mannerisms, your quirks and such. What makes you, you?

“Oh, that’s an even tougher question than the last one. I’ve always thought you could never really get to know a person just by asking what they’re like. Very few people are able to be objective about themselves after all; we always think much too highly or way too little of ourselves for that.”

“But I’ll do my best.”

“…When I was a young man I suppose I was fairly… full of myself. I was a big fish in a very small pond and that gave me an inflated sense of important. And that, in turn, made me quite arrogant. Meeting Madame Ravenwood and being dragged into her adventures was quite an eye opening experience, let me tell you; once I saw what the rest of the world was like and just how many other big fish there were out there, I realised that I wasn’t nearly as important or special as I thought.”

“It was a… humbling experience. One that I am grateful for.”

“Since then I’d like to think I’ve matured a little. I am aware of my accomplishments and know that they were not meagre feats, but I was not alone when I did any of them and if I hadn’t been there, there are plenty of other adventurers who could have taken my place. I am considered a hero, because I was in the place I needed to be when I was needed; nothing more.”

“Nonetheless, I know that I am strong and that I have things I can teach to others. I know I still have duties to perform. I am not being self-deprecating when I say I am nothing special, I am merely maintaining a sense of perspective, to avoid falling into the same pitfalls I did as a youth. I became the guildmaster of one of the largest adventurer’s guilds on the continent in part because people admire me more than they should, but I accepted the position because I felt I was suitable for it and so that I could pass on my knowledge and experience to others. So that I could watch other the next generation and so that I can keep my finger on the pulse of this continent’s goings on.”

“So to answer your question, I suppose I would say that I am humble and grateful to those that put their trust and faith in me. I am diligent, both to my responsibilities to those under my protection and also to the looming threats of this world. And I am… always trying to make myself and those around me better and stronger, so that we can face whatever comes next.”

Mhm, and your abilities magical or otherwise? If you use magic, what is your discipline? do you use it for battle, defence, healing?

“Well, I can give a basic description, but I’m sure you’ll understand why I can’t divulge too much information about this.”

“To put it succinctly; I am blessed by the waters of my home. They grant me magic that allows me to cast protective spells around myself or others, to ward off harm and avoid danger. Curses and such don’t have much effect on me, even without spells, and any that do manage to stick I can usually deal with. I can also do a little healing and my combat magic isn’t too shabby either; though obviously I have a little trouble against opponents that can resist a little splash of water.”

“I’m also a fairly capable swordsman and fighter. That armour isn’t just for show and neither is that fancy sword I carry around. I’m much stronger than average, due to that same blessing and I don’t recall ever being sick since I was a child, or even being fatigued; I suppose I’m just all around healthier too.”

Yes, yes, and before everything that transpired, what was your life like? Who were you?

“It’s an old story and easily found, so I don’t mind telling you; there was a myth in my village about an ancient King of Fairies who used to rule the land on which we then lived. That part of the continent used to all be one vast forest, until people came along and cut it down to make way for farmland and roads and towns; the story went that as the forest was cut down, the fairies who drew their power from it gradually lost their magic and their kingdom mostly collapsed.”

“Though they possessed of strange and powerful magic, the fairies were not warriors and had no way to defend the forest through force of arms. So instead, the King ordered that his subjects create wards to avoid detection and to subtly warn people away from the areas of the forest they most wanted to protect. But, as their powers shrank, the wards began to fail and even those areas were soon cleared away; all except for one, anyway. Supposedly there were still some areas that remained hidden and protected and anyone who could find them would be able to find some kind of secret fairy treasure.”

“Stories of hidden treasures aren’t that uncommon; half the adventurers in my guild are chasing after some old myth or another trying to find one. But this is the one I grew up with and it certainly inspired a lot of the kids in my village to spend their days running off into the woods looking for fairy rings and hidden spots. I was no different. I wasted many afternoons in those woods looking for… something. I was bound to get into trouble eventually and sure enough, one day I was out wandering through a part of the woods that the other children all avoided because they thought it was too dangerous; wolves were common there, supposedly. I found no wolves, but I did find a nice long drop down the side of a cliff that I couldn’t see through all of the underbrush. I stepped through a bush and found nothing but air under my feet.”

“I landed in what seemed like another world at first. Everything was so bright, the sun was shining down on this little spring that was just sparkling; crystal clear and surrounded by flat grass littered with wild flowers. It was just this perfect little glade, hidden away deep in the woods. And right there, sticking up out of the water, was an old, rusted sword.”

Gideon smiles and points to a gleaming sword hanging on the wall to his side.

“That sword.”

“I walked out into the water. I remember it being cool and soothing to the injuries I had gotten from the fall; not that I as even paying attention to the pain at the time. All I could think about was the sword. When I grabbed it, it just felt right in my hand, despite being far too large for a boy my size and covered with rust and grime. When I pulled it free, it was no longer old and filthy, but shining and glorious; like it is now.”

“That was when I heard the voices. From all around me. The voices of the fairies. The ones who lived in the glade and who had been watching me since I fell. To see what I would do. See, that glade was one of those protected places I mentioned; one of the places warded and hidden away so it would never be found. Which explained why the other children were so afraid to go there, but didn’t explain why I wasn’t. The ward didn’t work on me; I wasn’t scared away, instead I walked straight to it and I could see the spring after I’d fallen down there.”

“And the sword? That was supposed to be hidden too, but I just walked right up to it and picked it up no problem. Apparently, that sword was crafted by the King of the Fairies centuries ago to be used by a chosen protector; someone who could fight and defend their forest where they could not. But though the sword was forged, they never found someone to wield it. Until then.”

“By picking up the sword, I had made myself their new protector.”

I would have never guessed, and what were your relationships with your comrades, are you still friends? Maybe lovers? Bitter rivals? How do you see them in your eyes

(I’ll leave this empty for now. Hit me up if you have any ideas for past relationships.)

So that's how you worked with each other, and how was your relationship with Madame Ravenwood? Nothing but good I hope?

“Ah, well, Octavia was… I said before that I was rather full of myself as a young man. After finding the sword I had spent the next few years dealing with various minor threats around the region; monster sightings, bandit tribes, wild magical occurrences. The magic of the fairies allowed me to deal with those things fairly easily and I thought that meant I was something special; a chosen hero out of legend. Then one day Octavia showed up in my small village, chasing after some monster which she had been tracking down, and I… hmm, I guess I wanted to show off a little”

“Mind you this was a few years before she formed her group of sellswords; before the group of heroes that everyone now thinks of when they hear her name was a thing. I hadn’t ventured far from my village at that point and she was the first real adventurer I’d ever met. I offered to track down and defeat the monster for her, thinking myself more capable than her and she refused; very politely I must stress, but a refusal nonetheless. She said she had no need for my help and that… didn’t go over well with my younger self. I was angered, my pride wounded and I… well… I challenged her to a duel.”

“I lost, of course. Absolutely and completely… I never stood a chance.”

“It came as a shock, as you can imagine. But… I think it did me a world of good. My ego needed deflating, before I got myself or someone else hurt. Octavia left the village soon after, once she’d dealt with whatever she was looking for, and I left too not long after that. A bit of travel would help me to grow, I thought, and I suddenly had a desire to see what else was out there, over the hills beyond my village.”

“The next few years I spent as an adventurer myself. I travelled, saw new places, met a lot of people… I gained perspective and experience, both of which I had been lacking, sealed away in my village. Eventually I made my way to Bradena, where I met Octavia again and signed myself up to become a member of her sellswords.”

“The rest of the story, I’ll assume you and your readers already know.”

“So, what was my relationship like with Octavia? She was my friend. My mentor. My inspiration. I miss her dearly.”

I see, and.....did you know?

“Hmm?”

Did you even guess, did you even have the slightest idea?

“…”

Do you even realize the amount of shit you heroes are in?

Gideon stands up from behind his desk, hand reaching out to grasp the sword that is always in reach and currently hanging on the wall of his office.

What made you think you could defeat him so easily? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFEAT US SO EASILY?

Rather than answer, Gideon casts a spell. A subtle blue glow overtakes his empty hand as a thin layer of water surrounds his body and the air around his swells with moisture.

We almost did it, almost, but then you heroes and that bitch! Well no matter, you and your comrades will get yours soon enough!

“You failed before. You’ll fail now.”

YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT HIM, DEFEAT US! NEVER! (cue explosion with lots of blood and a little guts)

When the explosion of blood and guts hit Gideon it was simply… swept away. The water around his body moved to swipe away the viscera and the grime before it even had a chance to touch him and the now sullied water threw itself away from his body and was replaced with fresh water, clean as the spring he had found his sword in all those years ago.

“Dammit.”

[Abstract Proxy]

Forgot my text locally at home, but will toss up a wizard's wizard later this evening.

What I have so far (so WIP):

Naivara Amakiir

Excuse me Madame, might you be one of the heroes from legend? Good turn to you, I have traveled, WAIT WAIT WAIT! Don't walk away! Please great hero might you lend me your ear? I have traveled far and wide to hear tale, my only wish is to tell your story. True, I suppose if I wanted to know of various deeds I could just visit my local tavern or library, but to get it from the horse's mouth, now that would be a treat, far better than any old watered down story you hear on the streets, wouldn't you agree? Oh you will? Joyous occasion! You shant regret this my friend, I promise you

"Hmmm, a strange request, but I will answer your questions. I have a fondness for scribes, you see. Once, in fact, I was a scribe myself, but those days are long past. However, in gratitude for the I spent time scouring through ancient tomes and writing I will help you. It would be most unkind of me to withhold my services concerning the proper preservation of the historical record."

"You may have you answers, ask away."

Now then, What is your name?

"I am Naivara Amakiir."

"I am certain you know this, especially since you freely approached me. I do not make a habit of hiding my identity, but few that do not know me personally are brave enough to ask me such pointed questions. Wizards are not yet free of suspicions, particularly wizards noted for their mastery of destructive magic. I possess few names, but many titles, and strangers often call by the positions that I hold.

"How many times have I not heard the same patterns of repeated words?"

"Respectfully Court Wizard...My apologies Court Wizard...Beg your pardon Court Wizard..."

"Before you ask, let me express my unabashed distaste for what they called me once and still whisper when they believe themselves to be beyond my hearing. I did not choose the moniker they unkindly bestowed on me. I have no interest in sowing fear in others concerning my person. I never wanted to be a weapon, a tool intended only for destruction, drawing forth energy in order to destroy. I would have chosen something more proper...and more accurate."

"Naivara of the Hellish Rebuke, they say in hushed tones. It is a nickname I abhor. And it is an epithet that fills me with great despair. It is a name befitting a merciless killer, not a scribe, not a wizard, and not a battle mage forced to act."

Splendid, and your age?

"I have seen forty-five winters, but among my people, I am still considered quite young. Time moves slower for elves and our perspective reaches beyond the centuries."

Fantastic, and your gender good hero

"I am a woman."

Excellent and of I know what you look like but for the sake of our readers?

"Another strange request, but why not?"

"No one, save the unashamedly ignorant and isolated, would confuse me for a human. I am an elf, through and through. I have the touch of the ethereal woven into my very being and my appearance is certainly quite distinct. In the common tongue, my people are called Moon Elves. I am a close cousin of my bright brethren the Sun Elves and like all of my relations, however distant, I have pointed ears. My skin is pale, shaded with a cold blue hue. Dedicated to pragmatism, I have turquoise hair that I rarely let grow past my shoulders. Many bards, attempting to earn more coin no doubt, have complimented me on by blue-green eyes that match well my other features, and shine brightly with sharp intelligence. Unmistakable flattery can hold some limited charm I have often thought at such times, but there is some truth to such claims."

"Many have said that for an an elf I am modestly tall, standing a hairs length above six feet. I am no warrior or paladin, strapped with bands of thick muscle, carrying deadly arms, and wearing heavy armor. On the contrary, I posses the slender build expected of a scribe and wizard. Time at the court of Baron Darvin Morbrand has been kind to me and I have recovered from many of the lingering reminders of my more perilous adventures. And yet, some scars never fade, and I cannot hide all the faded wounds that mark countless battles. I would not want to. I have no interest in forgetting."

"Unlike many of my colleagues, arcane masters of all sorts, I do not wrap myself in innumerable layers of expensive fabric. I do not wear robes dyed in rainbows of brilliant colors. I prefer loose garments of elven silk in private and tasteful clothes, usually formal dresses, when circumstances demand it."

"When traveling I dress for the season and weather. I own a pair of thick leather boots, a sturdy belt, a shirt woven from soft wool, and an ample cloak with a hood. I favor hues of gray, bright colors are seldom appropriate for the long road and jaunts through the untamed wilds."

"I carry no sketch of myself, no portrait, and no painting. However, should you so desire, I am sure you could find one somewhere."

A mediums sized, expertly executed painting, found hanging on a prominent wall in the Library-Fortress of Kioth

Excellent Excellent, and how do you act on most days, you know, your mannerisms, your quarks and such. What makes you you

"Wizards are supposed to be haughty, are we not? Prideful and full of unmatchable ambition. Ah, yes! Obsessive beyond all compare when it comes to magic. And cruel, we are supposed to be cruel, I have heard. Cold and without concern for the poor souls bereft of magic, lengthy academic educations, or collections of rare books."

"Once, once I was perhaps like that. However, I learned much during my travels and more from my adventures with the most honorable company of sells words commanded by Octavia Ravenwood. I am no wizard sequestered in her ivory tower. I was not always kind, and indeed, an offended noble or two, might still say that I am not. I have tried to change. I like to think I did. Octavia always said we had to help. She said we could be better. She said we could do more."

"And so I try. I am kinder. I am social. I talk. I share meals. I make friends. I dance and I sing. In public even! When I have been long in my glass. It is strange, perhaps, for an elf to be so slow to learn such things."

"We lost much. Too much. Too much to stand still. Too much to hide. Too much to not live. Too much to forget."

"I warn you and your readers, however do not mistake my most generous efforts. I am still a wizard. Anger, grave anger, especially when faced with incompetence or stupidity, is not as far away from my person as others might like. My dedication to magic has not waned, even if my patience for more mundane matters has grown. I am still a wizard. A court appointment does not change this. I may advise and my office is political in nature, but I remain a wizard and no mere courtly servant. Change what you will about me and I shall unerringly remain a wizard."

"Magic is power. Magic is knowledge. Magic requires careful study. Magic requires unwavering discipline. These lessons I have not forgotten. These rules I still remember. I have not forgotten my teachers. I have not forgotten their advice and many warnings. I have seen with my own eyes what magic uncaringly and unsparingly unleashed can do. I have seen a city burn with eldritch fires. And I do not wish to see such a horrible sight ever again. I will not allow it. I cannot. Not if there is anything I can do to prevent it."

Mhm, and your abilities magical or otherwise? If you use magic, what is your discipline? do you use it for battle, defense, healing?

"I am a scribe. I am a scholar of the arcane. I am a spellcaster. I am a wizard."

"Evocation is the sword I wield. Abjuration is the shield I carry. Only a fool attempts to fight without mastering both attack and defense. I had never intended to become a battle mage. Abjuration came naturally to me. Magic to block, to banish, and to protect. Some wizards deride such magic, seeing it as a reactionary denial. However, to end harmful effects, to banish dangerous influences, and to protect others is far from a mere rejection. Such magic, as I see it, it is a wonderful tool and a most kind vocation."

"As I said, I had never sought out the battlefield, and I certainly had little interest in warfare. Needs make must and in the end I had little choice. It is not enough merely to be able to act defensively, even as a wizard. One must be able to go on the offensive, to strike first and to strike back. Driven by desperate necessity, I studied evocation magic. I learned to channel the elements. Bitter cold, searing flame, rolling thunder, crackling lightening, and burning acid...these are the tools of the evoker. As a result, I have fought using my magic . I have harmed others using magic. I have killed others using magic. Never without cause, never lightly, and never without good reason. Up close or from afar, it is never pleasant to observe the results of blasting a living being with deadly magic. Killing, in my limited experience, places a heavy weight on the soul, caging the mind as well as the heart."

"Still, I learned to wield the elements, I learned to fight using magic, and to sculpt my spells, to weave my magic around rather than through my allies or uninvolved innocents. Magic can be a spectacularly violent force when commanded by a powerful spellcaster. People speak of physical power, skill with arms and armor. Here, in this realm, I would instead suggest that magical power is the future."

"They call me a battle mage and speak of spells cast in the heat of battle. Some call me a killer and regard me with great fear. Some call me a unacceptable danger. I have heard the stories. They say I consort with demons. They say I am quite mad. They say I am damned. I assure you and your readers, with all the honesty a person can hold, that such rumors are mere stories, conjured by fearful minds. I am a no power hungry demagogue seeking to enslave others with magic. I am no debased spellcaster seeking to usurp the natural order of life and death. No, my desires have never been thus inclined. Instead, my colleagues call me an Abjurer, most knowing well my reluctance to accept the mantle of an Evoker. To destroy is easy. And I have seen enough destruction for several lifetimes. These days I prefer to create. It is a much more rewarding line of work."

Yes Yes, and before everything that transpired, what was your life like? who were you?

"I was a cloistered scholar. Steeped in my books. Buried in all manner of arcane tomes. And concerned almost exclusively with my studies. It was a peaceful life. It was a predictable life."

"However, that was later. Let me start at the beginning. I was born several leagues from Braderna, in the heart of the great elven forest of Emethalas. My mother, Jhanandra, was a respected wizard. My father, Vulred, was in his own words, an equally respected but far less talented wizard. I have seven siblings, four sisters and three brothers, I will not trouble you with all their names, but they are kind and wonderful siblings."

"We lived in the great library-fortress of Kioth. It was a wondrous place of learning and within the towering walls of the keep were housed a magnificent collection of books and scrolls of lore. At a young age I showed a remarkable aptitude for magic, even for an elf, and in short order I found myself the student of the great wizard, Evendur Dundragon.

"His first student in several centuries, I knew him many years before he left this plane on his great travels. He was an old wizard then, full of much wisdom and mischief. I learned well and I learned quickly. Evendur was a patient teacher. Kindhearted and thoughtful despite is many eccentricities and endless knowledge of the arcane. Why, I can still remember the day he force me to cast my spells only in the classic elven poetic pentameter while wearing a blindfold, balancing precariously on one leg on a small block of wood."

"As my studies progressed, I ventured out in the world. Usually to complete errands and tasks assigned to be by my mirthful mentor. There were dangers on the road, that is true. But even as a neophyte, I was as gifted spellcaster. My parents had taught me well. My siblings had taught me more. And my teacher was not remiss in his teachings. No wizard should be unable to defend themselves he always said. However, it had never been my intention to adventure. I was no hero. I was a simple scholar, prepared to spend a lifetime quietly buried in my books. For all the good such naïve hopes did me. Despite my best efforts I was unable to avoid the terrible conflict that enveloped the realm, bringing great death and destruction."

"At first I did not realize I had joined the fighting. I was a full wizard when I began to hear the rumors. When I saw the spreading violence. And when I felt a strange shifting in the conduits of magical energy that traverse all known corners of creation. Leylines do not easily shift. They do not move without reason. I could sense trouble on the horizon...even if I could not name it."

"It was in Bradena that my life changed, truly changed. There I was, a ridiculously attired wizard. Dressed in fine clothes. Wearing a magnificent hat. And carrying an ornate spellbook worth several lifetimes of coin. All with the sole goal of acquiring a rare arcane grimoire, a dangerous one at that, the work of some long since destroyed lich. To leave such books unattended and unaccounted for is always a great danger. It was during this time that I first met Octavia Ravenwood. I required a party, individuals skilled in matters of violence, to aid me. I paid fairly, a modest amount for a wizard, but Octavia saw my desperate need and for whatever reasons offered to help despite the obvious danger. I am not sure I would have survived without her and her companions. As it turned out the author of the tome I sought, a dreadful lich, was less smashed to atoms and more resting in wait for the right time to lead an undead army to slaughter the whole city in the darkness of the night. Fighting a battalion of skeletons in underground ossuariess, catacombs as you call them, knee deep in sewage water is an experience I cannot recommend. Nevertheless we prevailed, although it was not without cause. We lost two brave fighters, Fram and Jonirvor, may their names be remembered eternally for their great sacrifice. Seldom I have felt so relieved as when we emerged with the lich's shattered phylactery and his cursed book. Forgive me, I ramble..."

"With my task completed, I had intended to return to Kioth. I had work to do. Books to read. And research to conduct. Once again, things did not go as planned. I had intended to say goodbye. To thank Octavia and to offer gifts of bereavement the families of her two slain fighters. Instead, I found myself joining her group of sellswords. They had no evoker you see, no abjurer, and no wizard to sling spells in battle. It was early in her storied adventures. Before her name was wildly known. Still, she commanded a noble company of adventurers quite unlike the other rag tag groups of mercenaries that I had the misfortune of encountering in my earlier travels."

"We did much good. We traveled far and wide. We fought many battles. We rooted out evil where we found it. We faced hordes of monsters and what seemed to be an endless tide of mad cultists. I found myself committed to Octavia. I found myself believing in her cause. And I began to share her dream."

"You know what comes next, no? I do not have the heart to speak in great detail. Octavia Ravenwood died in the ancient city of Pherora, in the country Trai Spia. She sacrificed her life so that we could stop an eldritch beast that had consumed the city. Gorged on the flesh and souls of the poor citizens of Pherora, the foul creature was preparing to devour the country whole...and thereafter I would surmise the world entire. The Eldritch Dragon was slain. But the cost! Oh, the cost was too much to endure! Octavia died...but her dream did not. Or so I choose to believe."

"With the eldritch threat ended I bade my surviving comrades farewell. I was done with adventuring. I was over heroics. I wished only to forget. And so I returned to Kioth. I thought I would find peace surrounded by old books. I thought I would feel welcome tranquility resting behind the towering walls. I found no joy. And I found no peace. I was well received...excellently received by my colleagues and kin. I was a hero. I was a savior of the realm. Admired. Celebrated...but feared. I could hear it in the voices of even those I loved most. I had returned a stranger. Such realizations filled me with great sorrow and I wept with bitter regret. What value is there in victory when you find you have lost everything?"

"I did not long nurse such self-serving and bitter thoughts. In truth, the Kioth had changed little. The Great Library was as it had always been. My family love me as they always had. My colleagues...scribes, wizards, and all manner of spellscasters alike remained dedicated to the preservation of knowledge and study of magic. No...It was I that had changed. I no longer belonged. I could not longer spend my days pouring over books while the world burned. Octavia had shown be better. She had taught me to care."

I would have never guessed, and what were your relationships with your comrades, are you still friends? Maybe lovers? Bitter rivals? How do you see them in your eyes

"We were friends once. Close friends. Comrades in arms. I trusted no others. I loved no one as I loved these friends. We faced horrors. We fought monsters. And we risked our lives together. There was pain. There was suffering...but there was also great joy. We shared common cause. We shared food. We shared private moments which I cannot begin to share. It is hard to describe. One had to have been there to understand, completely that is."

"For all our bonds. For all our shared experiences. It was sorrow...incomparable sorrow that drove us apart. Our grief was too much to bear."

"It pains me to say, but it has been some time since I have seen my friends. Many seasons have passed since I parted ways with the others. We did much together. We achieved great things. But I remember too much. Each word is a remainder. Each gesture an unspoken thought. I needed space...I needed time to think. And I needed to find my way."
OOC: Happy and interested in expanding on this section as the cast of characters develops.

So that's how you worked with each other, and how was your relationship with Madame Ravenwood? Nothing but good I hope.

"Octavia Ravenwood was my friend. She taught me much about the world. She showed me what life was like beyond the walls of the Kioth. She opened my eyes. She demanded I act. She wanted me to be better. She wanted me to care. And she wanted me to do the right thing. No matter the cost. No matter the price to be paid. That was always what she was like. Even to the end."

"I respected her. I loved her. She was like a sister to me."

Interested in expanding this based on GM ideas.

I see, and.....did you know?

"I'm sorry, know what? I know many things, perhaps you could be more specific?"

Did you even guess, did you even have the slightest idea?

"Why would I guess? We are not playing a game of riddles?", Naivara replied her lips pursed in a small frown.

Do you even realize the amount of shit you heroes are in?

I beg your pardon? Naivara asked, taking a step backward.

What made you think you could defeat him so easily? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFEAT US SO EASILY?

"Please, do not do anything hasty. I have no desire to harm you. We can talk about this," Naivara entreated, her hands shifting in a warding sign. She felt a pang of sadness, not fear. She had though the price paid. She had thought the horror banished.

We almost did it, almost, but then you heroes and that bitch! well no matter, you and your comrades will get yours soon enough!

"Your cause was doomed then. And it is doomed now. Please, I beg you, do not throw your life away."

YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT HIM, DEFEAT US! NEVER!
Before the cultist could complete her fell incantation, blue flame enveloped her. Wreathed in flames the poor creature stumbled and then fell to her knees screaming in pain. Naivara heard no desperate shrieks and no more threats as the cultist collapsed onto the flour, crumbling into nothing more than a pile of ashes.

Wrapping herself in her traveling cloak, Naivara left the library through a secret door. There was no time to waste. She had to find the others. She had to warn them. She had to act!

Edit: Updated

[Hyyde322]

@King Cosmos approved, extremely well thought out, you can move it over to characters

@Abstract Proxy I like what you've got so far, feel free to move it over to characters when you're done

[Kassarock]

Okay, I have a couple of ideas, one of which would most definitely require GM approval as I noted in the Int Check we have a necromancy ban in place. But I will make my humble petition nonetheless.

So, my first idea is for a mage, who was in unrequited love with Octavia Ravenwood. When she died, he became obsessed with the possibility of true resurrection and plunged headfirst into a misguided exploration of forbidden magicks and reviled necromancy, much to the dismay and horror of his former comrades.

Idea two, a hardened sellsword gone to seed. Used to be one of the best blades around, but has spent all his time trading on his heroic reputation to get plastered and is basically a washed up drunk by this point.

I have another idea about some guy who's like literally given up being an adventurer and retired to live on a farm with his wife and kids, but it don't know if it really works, as 'I don't want to be here' doesn't make too much of a fun character motivation.

[Quartz]

@Kassarock Washed-up drunk is a part of my character that I'll be posting soon. Might be too similar if we both do it.

I like your idea with the necromancy. Might be permissible if he doesn't do it openly and it isn't the core of his skill set? I dunno.

[Hyyde322]

As long as it doesn't get too out of hand, I'll allow a little bit of necromancy. I think I'll go with Quartz on this one, so it can't be the core set of your skill. So we've got three magic users including myself, so I'm not going to accept any more mages at this time.

[Kassarock]

Alrighty then, I'll get working on sheet.

[Quartz]

There we go. I went a little ham too.

Shiri Yuyakori

Excuse me madam, might you be one of the heroes from legend?

Seated alone at her table in the quiet tavern, Shiri looks up from aimlessly watching the rice wine sloshing inside its half-empty bottle. “Perhaps.”

Please great hero, might you lend me your ear? I have traveled far and wide to hear your tale, my only wish is to tell your story. True, I suppose if I wanted to know of various deeds I could just visit my local tavern or library, but to get it from the horse's mouth, now that would be a treat, far better than any old watered down story you hear on the streets, wouldn't you agree?

She sits up and tries to look a little more presentable. At least he caught her at a time when she isn’t sloshed yet. “I guess we can talk. I don’t have much better to do.”

Oh you will? Joyous occasion! You shant regret this my friend, I promise you. Now then, what is your name?

“Yuyakori Shiri. Or Shiri Yuyakori is how they would know it in Casperus. Yuyakori is the family name.”

Splendid, and your age?

“Twenty-eight. No, wait, twenty-nine. Twenty-nine? Twenty-nine. Time flies.”

Fantastic, and your gender good hero?

“Did you forget your glasses? Female.”

Excellent and of course I know what you look like but for the sake of our readers?

“Well, I’m a human woman from Nagahoro. I’m of average height, slender, with short black hair and brown eyes. At the moment I’m wearing a simple black dress in the Gwangju style, but when I’m in the action I prefer something more practical. I don’t wear armor though, that weighs me down too much. Just a loose cloth jacket and trousers with soft leather boots is my go-to. Really, it’s the go-to of many martial artists who practice the agile styles.”

Image by Aleriia_V

Excellent, excellent, and how do you act on most days, you know, your mannerisms, your quirks and such. What makes you, you?

“Err, I guess I’m pretty different now from how I used to be. During our adventure, I was quite reserved, composed, determined. Kind too, I think, but with a stern edge to it. Maybe a bit too much of a stern edge, in hindsight. As for nowadays, well, I’ve been through some tough times. But that’s no fun to talk about and frankly I think it’s none of your readers’ business. So let’s move on.”

Mhm, and your abilities magical or otherwise? If you use magic, what is your discipline? Do you use it for battle, defense, healing?

She perks up a little at the opportunity to talk about this. “I was trained in ascetic martial arts, with a focus on agile techniques and bladed weapons. My preferred weapon is a slender curved blade called a silksword. I have one of masterwork quality that was passed down to me from my mentor. It’s called Kare Sachi, which translates to something like “Wind Song” in your language. I’d show you, but… well, I don’t like to carry it around nowadays. Anyways, I’m skilled at unarmed combat as well. We warrior monks believe that while weapons are more practical in battle, unarmed techniques are essential to gaining true mastery of your own body. That’s why I’ve continued to maintain my unarmed skills, while I’ve admittedly neglected my swordsmanship after the war ended.”

“I also make use of wind magic, but not in the way a sorcerer does. I can’t make whirlwinds or shoot lightning bolts. It’s more of an advanced fighting technique, which we call white phoenix style, where I bend it around my own body to create powerful short-range bursts. So, for example, I could enhance a kick to strike with the force of a battering ram. I can also use it to launch myself into the sky, like a powerful jump, and then use it again to stay aloft or quickly change direction. The result seems like flying, but I can’t stay off the ground for long without tiring myself out. Lastly, by channelling the magic through a swing of my sword, I can emit a wave of air that cuts from a distance. It’s a very deadly technique, but it can only be performed with great focus and no hesitation. I’m not sure if I could still do it at this point.”

Yes, yes, and before everything that transpired, what was your life like? Who were you?

“I was born in a rural village in Nagahoro. While much of the country was in turmoil at the time, we were lucky to live under the protection of a nearby temple. The formidable warrior monks protected the surrounding land against bandits and other incursions. They were not numerous enough to stand against the major clans, but those generally left us alone for having little of value to offer. Still, life was not without its troubles. In a year of bad harvests, my parents struggled to provide for my two siblings and I. Thus, the monks offered to take one of their children off their hands, which they reluctantly accepted.”

“From then, I grew up among the warrior monks, maintaining only limited contact with my family. They taught me how to pray to the four spirits of the land, how to meditate, and how to fight. It was hard work, but I took to it well and made progress quickly. Based on my personality and build, they assigned me the tiger style, an agile martial arts form that incorporates bladed weapons. I later supplemented that with the white phoenix style, for which our temple had no mentor, but which I painstakingly learned from old scrolls. By the time I was an adult, I was the most formidable among my peers. The elders especially commended my ability to clear my mind and fight without hesitation, a key skill that most take much longer to master.”

“Despite this, they were reluctant to send me into the field. They claimed I wasn’t ready for the responsibility, something I didn’t understand back then. But fate ended up leaving them no choice. One day, a bandit attack happened while I was in town visiting my family. A small group had wisely avoided detection and figured they could plunder the town before the monks would know they were there. I walked in on one of the brutes dragging away my sister while my father lay bleeding on the floor. Needless to say, that became the first time I killed someone. And the thing is, it was easy. My training kicked right in, and with a clear mind I skewered him right through the neck, where his armor didn’t reach. As thoughtless as striking a training dummy. After that, the whole thing ended as suddenly as it started, with the remaining bandits taking off as soon as they knew I was there.”

“My perspective changed a lot that day. My father survived but was crippled by his injuries, and I shudder to think what my poor sister would have endured if she was abducted. Before, I was content living in the temple, studying and practicing for its own sake. But after that, I couldn’t help but imagine the plight of all the people out there who have no temple to protect them. If this could happen here, how badly did they suffer out there? Besides, I had demonstrated to my own satisfaction that I could handle myself in a real battle. So, some time later, I decided to leave the temple and my hometown to do something about the injustices happening in the wider world. The other monks questioned my confidence in this decision, but they didn’t try to stop me.”

“Surely, you can guess how it goes after this. I fought some bandits and some corrupt clans. Travelling wherever I was needed brought me across the border into Casperus, where I met Octavia and her guild. The rest is history. Now, you didn’t ask, but here’s the thing the stories don’t tell you. That part about violence being easy, I was so wrong about that. As it turns out, being undaunted and unfeeling in the moment doesn’t stop me from being haunted by the memories of all the blood I’ve shed. In fact, the more I fought, the more that state of mind started to scare me. If I can kill my enemies without hesitation or remorse, how do I know that I won’t kill an innocent on a whim one day?”

“Over time, as I became more hesitant to use it, the stakes became more dire, so I had little choice but to keep doing it. By the end, I had to stay in that detached state all the time, because I feared that I would break if I let myself feel anything. I don’t think my comrades even knew what I was going through, since I was covering it up so hard. When it was all over and the world was saved, well, I did break for a while. I’ve picked myself up a few times at this point, tried to get back into healthy habits, but I always break down again. That’s why I’m done being a hero. That part I’ve accepted. I’m just not sure what else to do with my life yet.”

She picks up the bottle from the table and takes a big gulp of the rice wine inside, then sighs as the alcohol burns her throat. “Look at me, sharing things I didn’t mean to share. Do with that what you will. Just don’t make me look too bad, okay?”

I would have never guessed. And what were your relationships with your comrades, are you still friends? Maybe lovers? Bitter rivals? How do you see them in your eyes?

(TBD)

So that's how you worked with each other, and how was your relationship with Madame Ravenwood? Nothing but good I hope.

(TBD, need Octavia lore)

I see, and.....did you know?

“Excuse me?”

Did you even guess, did you even have the slightest idea?

“Um…”

Do you even realize the amount of shit you heroes are in?

What made you think you could defeat him so easily? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFEAT US SO EASILY?

We almost did it, almost, but then you heroes and that bitch! Well no matter, you and your comrades will get yours soon enough!

YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT HIM, DEFEAT US! NEVER! (que explosion with lots of blood and a little guts)

Even with her senses dulled by alcohol, Shiri instinctively leaps back from the sudden threat, avoiding the brunt of the splatter. Her landing is less graceful, as she insistently guards her bottle from spilling at the cost of her own balance. She stumbles over her own fallen chair and bangs into another nearby table, bowling over the surrounding chairs while she slides down and plants her butt hard on the wooden floor. She then blinks as she wipes a drop of blood off her cheek. “Really? After I bare my heart to you like that? Bastard,” she mumbles before taking another gulp from her bottle.

[Spin The Wheel]

Still room in here? I've been looking for an excuse to use illusion grandpa again

[Hyyde322]

@Quartz Approved, you can move it over to the character section, also you can just make up your relationship with her.

@spin the wheel I'm not accepting anymore magic users right now

[Abstract Proxy]

@Abstract Proxy I like what you've got so far, feel free to move it over to characters when you're done

@Hyyde322

Great, I'll wrap up her history this evening and then post my character sheet over.

[Kassarock]

So writing this was very, very fun. Let me know if you want changes, revisions, etc etc etc.

Tragic Magical A-hole

Excuse me sir, might you be one of the heroes from legend? Good turn to you, I have travelled-"

With a crackle of arcane energy, the dark figure looked up from the mess of scrolls and tomes they had been hunched over. Behind the lank strands of his black hair, his eyes were narrowed in suspicion and hostility, a fell and malicious invocation held ready cast in his right hand.

"Who are you and how the hell did you get into my sanctum?"

WAIT WAIT WAIT! Please great hero might you lend me your ear? I have travelled far and wide to hear your tale, my only wish is to tell your story. True, I suppose if I wanted to know of various deeds I could just visit my local tavern or library, but to get it from the horse's mouth, now that would be a treat, far better than any old watered down story you hear on the streets, wouldn't you agree?

"I don't agree. Get out of here. Leave me alone."

But surely you would appreciate the chance to set the record straight? Clear up any misconceptions and falsehoods that have sprung up in the wake of your glorious deeds?"

"Glorious deeds?" He laughed, it was not a pleasant sound. "I don't remember many of those. Though there are plenty of misconceptions and falsehoods, and a few outright lies."

He paused for a moment, staring at the reporter, thought not really looking at him, rather beyond him, before closing his hand and releasing whatever spell had been held there. With it, a strange sense darkness fled from the chamber, the many candle stubs that lined its cluttered surfaces returning to their usual brightness. He stood up from the work desk, stretching stiffly as he did so.

"Fine, ask your questions. You have until I get bored of this."

Oh you will? Joyous occasion! You shan't regret this my friend, I promise you!

The figure fixed the reporter with a look that suggested that he was already regretting this.

Now then, What is your name?

"You came all this way to ask me my name? Fine, fine, I guess I did just agree to this." He sighed. "Eskel Rindarium, the sage of Ilmare, although I hear some fools have taken to calling the Mad Mage as of late."

Splendid, and your age?

"Wait... what year is it again?" He quickly did some math on his fingers. "Twenty-Nine, if I have the date right."

He looked older. There were streaks of premature grey in his hair, lines on his brow and around his mouth, dark circles beneath his eyes. None of those were there a few years ago, and made Eskel easily pass for almost a decade older than he actually was.

Fantastic, and your gender good hero?

"...Really?" He rolled his eyes. "Male."

Excellent and of course I know what you look like, but for the sake of our readers?

"Why, tall, dark and handsome of course." He answered with a snort. "Look, you can describe me yourself, or do you really want to keep wasting your time with these banalities?"

Eskel was certainly dark, and he might have once been considered quite handsome. He was pale, fine featured, with shoulder length black hair shot through with a scattering of grey. An old scar ran through his left brow and into the eye below, blinding it into milky white, the other eye was a brown so dark it almost looked black.

He was of average height and a light build. Previously he could have been described as lithe, but now he gave of the impression of being gaunt. In the past his features were perpetually twisted into some kind of smirk, but these days he rarely smiled. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept properly in weeks, and was so pale it was clear he hadn't left the darkness of his rooms for even longer.

Even those who hadn't know him before would think that he looked unwell. Something only be confirmed the bandages that covered his left arm that were peaking out from the end of his sleeve.

Excellent Excellent, and how do you act on most days, you know, your mannerisms, your quirks and such. What makes you, you?

"Well, I've been told I have something of an abrasive manner, if you hadn't already guessed that. I don't suffer fools or idiots lightly. People and their petty concerns do not interest me, that's why I make my home out here away from the ignorant masses. I can focus on my work here, my research, without any meddling interference or distractions. I guess you could say I'm solitary in my nature."

Mhm, and your abilities magical or otherwise? If you use magic, what is your discipline? do you use it for battle, defense, healing?

"Frankly I probably know more about most types of magic than you could possibly comprehend. But my specialty has always been in summoning, the act of controlling the passage of people and powers from one plane of existence to another. Whether that is to draw something from across the gulf between worlds to our own, or seal and banish it back to its own realm. It's very complicated, I doubt you'd understand."

"My current research is just an extension of the same principles, and a unification of some other arts. What is death other than another plane of existence? The body but a construct for the soul to inhabit? Where does the physician end and the necromancer begin? It's just another reordering of spirit and matter between between worlds, these foolish labels and taboos just get in the way of a holistic understanding of life and death."

"Most of your kind think simple teleportation is the height of what we can do, and that only requires transportation of mind and matter across one plane, let alone... Oh never mind, the theoretical background I would have to spell out for you to even participate in this conversation is not a good use of my time."

Yes Yes, and before everything that transpired, what was your life like? Who were you?

"Oh, I was a product of the mage schools of Bradena. The old kind, that we had after the rebellion. Plenty of corporal punishment and indoctrinated self loathing. Never did me any harm, I turned out just fine." He laughed again at that, it was even less pleasant than before. "My gifts manifested young, I was scarce out of cradle when my parents dumped me on the threshold and abandoned me there. Part of the reason I'm one of the most gifted mages of his generation, the alignment of natural talent and a rigorous education."

"Of course I left as soon as I was able, and supported my continued research through the odd mercenary contract. Monster slayers are always on the lookout for someone who can cast a six hells trigram planar binding. That's how I met her... Octavia..."

I would have never guessed, and what were your relationships with your comrades, are you still friends? Maybe lovers? Bitter rivals? How do you see them in your eyes?

"I don't see much of them these days. It might have something to do with the fact I called them all traitorous cowards who lacked the resolve to do what needed to be done. They failed Octavia, we all did. I'm the only one trying to make things right."

So that's how you worked with each other, and how was your relationship with Madame Ravenwood? Nothing but good I hope.

"She was the best of us. I... I miss her deeply."

He looked like he had something more to say but could not bring himself to form the words. A terrible and desperate longing rose up from the inky depths of his one good eye. An unspoken need for something that had been forever pushed beyond his grasp.

I see, and.....did you know?

The question seemed to pull him out of his absent reverie.

Did you even guess, did you even have the slightest idea?

"Guess, guess what?"

Do you even realize the amount of shit you heroes are in?

A cold and horrible understanding began to dawn upon Eskel's face. There had been wards set around his tower, strong ones, how had a mere journalist managed to navigate his way through them?

What made you think you could defeat him so easily? WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFEAT US SO EASILY?

"Impossible." He whispered. "I designed that seal myself. It was meant to hold for a thousand years."

We almost did it, almost, but then you heroes and that bitch! well no matter, you and your comrades will get yours soon enough!

Anger flared inside of him. He began to speak an twisted invocation that he would have never even dared to utter a few years previously.

YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT HIM, DEFEAT US! NEVER!

He released the spell. All the lights in the room went out, the thing before him dropped to floor as a smoking desiccated husk. He could feel blood trickling on his hand, the wounds on his arm had opened up again. As he relit the candles with a wave of his hand he stared once more at the corpse at his feet.

"You will not speak of her in that manner."

[Spin The Wheel]

@Quartz Approved, you can move it over to the character section, also you can just make up your relationship with her.

@spin the wheel I'm not accepting anymore magic users right now

@Hyyde322

How about a half-orc stealth archer?

[Dragonfly 9]

Honestly, I was planning to make a Tabaxi(tiger subspecies) Barbarian, but now I'm really digging this plague doctor artificer(though I'm leaning more on the "making constructs and inventions" side than the "spells and magic one; is that okay?) I'm making!

[Hyyde322]

@Kassarock
Approved, once again, please do not go overboard with the necromancy

@spin the wheel
Be my guest

@Dragonfly 9
Sure, just don't get too out of hand with it

So I'll put the first post up saturday if not sunday the latest

[Kassarock]

@Kassarock
Approved, once again, please do not go overboard with the necromancy

@Hyyde322

Noted, like I said he's more interested in attempting to preform a perfect 'true' resurrection on one person as opposed to running around bringing up skeletal hordes etc etc. Although some of the spells he has do involve necromantic elements such direct attacking and draining of lifeforce etc. Think things like Blight or Inflict Wounds for D&D as a reference point.

[Dragonfly 9]

@Hyyde322 Gotcha, man! I just need to know what I shouldn't go too out of hand with. Do you mean, relying too much on the Artficer magic and spells aspect, making the guy's inventions so over the top that they're basically just powered by magic, or something else(and no, don't worry, they're not gonna be a necromancer/practicing dark magic, just because they're a plague doctor dude. As I probably said before, I'm going a different direction with them than relying on plague doctor = omen of death/evil/.)?

But anyway, I'm almost finished making the plague doctor guy, so you'll be able to judge them yourself once their CS is finished! <33

[Hyyde322]

@Dragonfly 9 I just looked up what artificer does so nevermind, you're fine go ahead