Lucius Cypher

Memoria Fantasia (Lucius and Luna)

It wouldn't be long before it was time for your first class. You could tell it was close to time as more students gathered around the door near you, and once the professor arrived everyone filed in and took their seats. The professor was kind but curt, someone who wouldn't yell at you but is painfully honest if you're misbehaving or just bad at your assignment. Today the assignment he gave you and the class was to study and sketch a casual outfit design for elves in a modern city. He listed various resources on elven culture and clothing as well as modern trends, and students were encouraged to try and provide a sensible combination of the two. There were even a few elves already in class who were more than willing to discuss what they knew and offered their advice, though ultimately it'll be the professor judging the outfits and not them.

Keratia: Story of the Surf, Tales of the Deep

At the moment, about 2 knots, possible 3 if Kulee catches a good wind.

Overlord: Momento Mori

After Mamoru had given her report, she was ready to leave when Light arrived. The Maid Of Steel remained calm as she could, but even her presence was shook by Light’s abnormal existence. Her resistances, as well as certain mental fortifications provided by her class, allowed Mamoru to mostly be able to withstand Light’s madness aura, but the fact Mamoru can still feel it’s presence was telling that it was quite powerful.

Stranger still, Rodias insisted on laying Light for her services. Fundamentally Mamoru understood the purpose of paying others for services rendered, but not only was Rodias in a position where he could simply ask and his will would be done, but Mamoru questioned what exactly they could use the gold for. She vaguely remembers the Creators using Yggdrasil money to pay for goods and services back in their old realm, but that was an ability exclusive to the Creators. And now that they were not longer in Yggdrasil, Mamoru wasn’t even sure if that was possible for Rodias.

Finally Light was to assist with interrogations. That was fine with Mamoru: she can be a little scary when bullying others, but she doesn’t really have the abilities to actually torture anyone. Light is much more suited for a task like that. “I’m afraid I won’t be much help in questioning our guests, but I have the upmost faith in your abilities. If you’ll excuse me, I shall begin coordinating the skeleton butlers and have them prepare for further instructions. Farewell, Lord Rodias.” Mamoru bowed out and would return to her room, and from there she’ll begin her own scheme. She needed to stay here and take care of the Chateau, as was her duty. But that’s why she had other people, namely herself.

Once in the privacy of her chambers Mamoru began to buff herself using her skills until she was able to max out her stats. From there she proceeded to create multiple clones, copying her stats though with a largely reduced health maximum. Once she had gathered at least over fifty of these clones, Mamoru cleared her throat and spoke plainly to them. “Alright ladies, you know why I brought you here. I’ll have to ask you to please refrain from goofing off, because you all get the fun job: go out into these lands, disguise yourselves as mere travelers, and learn everything you can about this world. Each of you should take a Bone Phone so we can stay in contact. If something is truly dire, you know what to do. Dismissed!”

---

Meanwhile Bone Daddy gathered up the bones of the previous victims. The bones alone could be constructed into a low level skeletal servant, but any information he could gain from them requires their jaw bones. As he worked he heard music and wasn’t sure if that was normal in this world or not. It did remind him however that he should try and better hide this place. The strange yellow ropes his masters left here was not going to work to keep people away. Fortunately, a skeleton mage is well equipped to disguise themselves and their lairs. With a simple large image illusion spell, where the ritual sight was suppose to be Butterfly replaces it with a large tree. Visually it would appear to be a large tree but physical inspection will allow anyone to see behind the truth. Still this will serve as a visual camouflage if nothing else.

Secondly Butterfly would set up a few wards. Two layers: one to alert him of the presence any creature, even bugs and insects, and more importantly anyone else who might come here searching for the ruins. The second ward would specifically affect living creatures who weren’t strong enough to bypass the wards magic. This magic would cause them to simply get disoriented and make them move away from the warded area. Undead creatures, constructs, or any person strong enough to withstand the Magics effects would be able to continue onwards, but Butterfly doubts anyone but his masters could withstand the wards without suffering from some vertigo.

Finally for himself, Butterfly used an illusion to transform himself into a dryad. He figured such creatures may be native to these woods and would allow him to more easily traverse the place without always having to hide, and still have a certain air of mystery to ensure that common folk don’t interfere with him. Though once he finished these preparations, including creating the skeleton servant to act as the physical sentry of this location, Butterfly was curious about this strange music he was hearing. Telepathically commanding then sentry, he had him stay guard while Butterfly investigates.

Overlord: Momento Mori

Yeah Mamoru is there, so you can always ask her about the world outside. Alternatively even better, we can have both our characters explore the area around the Chateau for ingredients and give both our characters a reason to go out, explore, and run into trouble!

Keratia: Blade Maiden’s Exploits

Buggsy was visibly surprised to see a pixie in your hands. He looked at Othie, than you, than back at Othie as he goes to wash his hands and face. “I won’t promise anything. I can fix a man but I’ve never fixed a little fairy before.” He clears off his counter, laying out a clean towel. “Put her here. She needs to lay down in her stomach so I can see her wings.”

The process was long and arduous. Buggsy makes it clear multiple times during the operation that he’s never done something like this before, so much of what he did was improvised with his conventional surgery knowledge. And after three grueling hours of carefully mending, suturing, and securing Othie’s wings, Buggsy was done. Using toothpicks as splints and your own hair to gently bing the wings together, Buggsy was able to not quite fix Othie’s wings, but ensure that they will make a full recovery. “She won’t be flying for a week at least, possibly more. Healing magic will accelerate her recovery. Lucky for you were hitting port in a few days, maybe she can find a healer in town. Anyways... That’ll be ten sovereigns (10gp).”

Keratia: Blade Maiden’s Exploits

Buggsy's attitude receded when you mentioned an injury. "Hmph. Well, I'll need to see what I'm dealing with first. But I can fix anything short of dismemberment and death. Lots of sailors getting rips and burns from handling rigging or just breaking themselves trying to carry heavy loads. Sure as hell ain't gunna do that in my kitchen though. Who's wounded?" The bugbear cleans his hand with a cloth, putting his utensils securely in a drawer as he changes from his cooking apron to his surgery smock, which looked similar except his surgery smock had more old bloodstains. Questionable why he has such a thing in the kitchen, but that wasn't important right now.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Once summoned Dinah gets to work following the group. She is able to move quickly despite her small size due to her agility and natural climbing ability, getting a closer look at the group than Syfr could. The woman indeed does look like the one who had dropped off the payment to the thugs from yesterday, while the lightning company looked far more grizzled and professional than the group of criminals. They each were human, wearing a breastplate and armed with a longsword on their hip. It wouldn't be long before the company leads the woman to an unassuming looking fishing boat. There were two men, fairly salty look sailors, who seemed to be expecting them and quickly ushers the woman onto the boat. Through Dinah's ears you can overhear their conversation.

"Stay here, we'll get the young lord here soon. They've got their dogs on his scent, but right now they're distracted. That ought to give us time to get you both out of here. Don't leave, don't speak to anyone."

The Vanishing Kingdom

Name: Tyrael Marchrosias

Age: 25

Race: Orc

Appearance:


Personality: A serious, rather no-nonsense type of orc. Though he can be aggressive and often times vindictive, he generally keeps a cool head and tries his best to take command of a situation if no one else does. A type of person who can easily find himself bossing other people around, who is smart enough to figure out people's talents and abilities, but doesn't understand their feelings well and can often come across as cruel or uncaring to people's own faults or issues. Tyrael can be kind, and often tries, but in a very aloof manner, as he doesn't want to let others consider his compassionate less they think there is weakness within him. Tyrael is the type of person who would gladly give to the needy, but isn't bothered by stealing from them either.

Bio: Tyrael Marchrosias is actually the son of an orc chieftain, and his true name is Kharn Urab Vorinclex of the Green Smoke tribe. Their tribe are known for their powerful shaman and totem warriors, but recently suffer from a schism in their religion, one that Tyrael unknowingly ends up making worse in his future. As a youth, Tyrael was but one of the many chieftain's sons, and thus had no real expectations to serve as either the chief, war master, head shaman, or any other important roles that weren't already fulfilled by his brothers. He often spent his time working in the forge but generally making personal projects as oppose to arms and armor for his tribe, though his teachers did praise him for his natural ability for metal working. When he wasn't working the forge he could often be found fishing, and rarely even takes up hunting, as he doesn't care for chasing down his prey.

As he grew older his family pestered Tyrael to at least seek a wife and provide children for the tribe, but even then he was unconcerned. He has always lived in the shadows of his father and brothers, and knew any orc woman that choose him only do so as a consolation price, knowing that any actual courtship is entirely political on behalf of his family. And thus he gave half-hearted efforts to ever really appeal to orcish women, having never really bothered to distinguish himself as a warrior or shaman. He knew it wouldn't be long before his family may try to cast him out for his laziness, but he never truly cared until one day the tribe did something he never thought they'd do.

They created an alliance with a mage college, offering the college safe passage through their lands as well asn an exchange in lore, and in return they would teach the orcs magic. In order to provide the college a form of collateral to ensure any mage's safety in their lands, Tyrael was volunteered to attend the mage's college. This not only allowed him to get away from his tribe, but also ensured that should anything happen to any mages in Green Smoke lands, Tyrael would be a bargaining chip that the orcs could afford to lose.

It was more politics as far as Tyrael was concerned, but it was one that he at least consented with. He didn't mind learning at the mage's college and figured it would be an opportunity to see new things and stand out. And indeed, Tyrael was quite an exotic feature at the college for a short while, as orcs were rarely ever seen especially in an academic setting. Tyrael grew to like the new environment, and had eyes for the various ladies that were more lithe and graceful compared to the brutish and bulker orc women he's familiar with. However the allure would soon fade as the harsh reality of college life began to settle in.

Compared to his kin Tyrael is quite intelligent, and was quickly able to pick up various bits of lore and magic at the mage's college. But his keen intellect could not compare to even the humans who came into the college practically masters of their crafts, and in comparison Tyrael's knowledge was infantile. His ability with magic could barely pass as an apprentice, let alone as a mage, and soon rumors began to circulate about Tyrael's purpose here. That he was only here due to the benefits of his family and now due to his own ability, that he was less of an equal, more of a show piece. He wasn't here for any academic purpose but just to show off to the rich nobles what an orc looks like, as he was passably attractive and docile enough not to seem barbaric.

Desperate, Tyrael started to focus on his studies more to prove his worth. He gathered lore and academic books to try and figure out how to use magic, but despite what little he could retain, he simply lacked the spark inside of him to cast even the simplest of spells. He could barely activate magic objects, even ones purposely made to assist in channeling a novice mage's mana, and he grew more and more desperate. He was considering quitting for the sake of honor when one day, as he sat alone in his room, he was visited by a raven.

In the Green Smoke tribe every orc is attuned to a magic beast. Many of the strongest warriors are attuned to creatures such as bears, wolves, or boars, while the wisest are known to have creatures like hawks, snakes, or foxes. For Tyrael his spirit beast was the crow. A small black bird, not as fearsome as the hawk but at least not as pathetic as the chicken. The raven represented cunning: the intellect brought about not by study or academia, but a keen wit, a willingness to exploit knowledge or the lack thereof, and a quick mind. The raven told Tyrael about the power that was within him, which only needed to be drawn out with the right ritual. While most mages learn via years of study and practice, someone like Tyrael who lacked that experience could easily gain magic more quickly and efficiently using traditional orcish rituals, ones that he never bothered to do as he was not a shaman. But desperate to prove his worth in this new environment, Tyrael didn't hesitate to enter into a pact with this mysterious being, gaining powers that he never quite learned the origins of until much later.

And just like that, overnight Tyrael learned magic. Though his skills were comparatively less proficient than his contemporaries, he was finally able to show that he could preform magic spells. This allowed him to be seen as an equal among his peers, and his careful use of magic allowed him to make up for his weak proficiency. Now that he could use magic, he began to devise more clever means to handle problems utilizing his spells and other mundane workarounds that he could convince other people is actually magic. While he would never become the best mage at the college, he could now say that he is one.

This new found acceptance allowed Tyrael to befriend people more genuinely, and in doing so he began to interact with more people and learn an outsider perspective on things he never really questioned as an orc. He learned how other cultures handled things, debated topics of politics and ethics, of military and economical tactics, and learned of lore that made Tyrael wonder more about the history of his own people. Namely, the existence of demons. One day Tyrael had begun classes studying demons, devils, and other fiendish creatures, and learned how they could influence even divine people via deception and careful wording. But the more he learned, the more Tyrael began to think that demons were not all too bad: often times the fault was in those who accepted their bargains without knowing what they signed up for. And just to prove this, one day Tyrael made sure to find his Spirit Animal and talk to her earnestly.

It was here that Tyrael learned the truth. His spirit animal transformed into an imp, a minor devil who correctly informed him that his magic was due to a pact that he had inadvertently made with the imp's Archdevil. Instead of copying the folly of many others an attacking the imp out of anger, Tyrael and the Imp spent some time getting to know one another and clarifying the nature of his agreement with the devil. It was fortunately not as bad as Tyrael thought: he simply needs to heed his patron's demands as the situation warrants. When or how would be conveyed through either dreams or the imp itself, who's name was Zastriel. Naturally, his soul would also belong to the Archdevil as well, but only after his death, and he is encouraged to further develop his power independently so that she gains more after he perishes. Additionally, Zastriel informed Tyrael that he does have a latent bloodline for magic, likely stemming from an ancestor long ago who may have struck a similar bargain for power as Tyrael did now.

With this new knowledge in mind, Tyrael continued to study at the mage's college, and one day would return to his tribe's lands to tell them what he had learned. But this is where things took a turn for the worse. Tyrael had began to court a young elven woman who had shown him kindness before, and using his new magical talents he would continue to court her and assist her in her endeavors, hoping that their relationship would blossom as time grew on. But soon Tyrael learned that she was also being courted by another man, a mere human squire who was about to leave for an adventure, one which smitten the elven maiden. In a jealous fury Tyrael went to confront this man and challenged him to a duel for her hand. But in that same fury, Tyrael slew the man in single combat. The duel was not to the death, and because he had spilled noble blood, Tyrael was exiled from the college and a bounty was placed on his head by the noble family.

He was forced to flee the city and return to his people, having brought some dishonor, however when he explained his situation his tribe was accepting. He had challenged the man to fair combat, and it had simply resorted in an accidental death, which was inevitable in such circumstances. Though this damaged relationships between the mage college and the orcs, they were tenuously able to maintain an alliance as Tyrael was forced to lay low until the whole thing blew over. Until then Tyrael found himself as a shaman of sorts, teaching others what he learned alongside his brother who was the head shaman. Though he was not formally a shaman by tribal law, his knowledge and expertise allowed him to teach the younger generation. For a short while, things were good. Until it wasn't.

Tyrael had made the mistake of earnestly telling his people, his family, of his magical origins, and where his tribe's powers come from. But such words were heresy: the tribe did not worship demons, they do not engage in foul blood sacrifices or any cruel rituals that would consort demons. However Tyrael's words still managed to convince some people, causing a schism in his tribe until finally his father laid a curse on Tyrael. He blamed Tyrael's thoughts and feelings on that elven woman that he had fallen in love with, accusing her or causing Tyrael to believe in demons and bring shame to his family. And as a curse, his father turned Tyrael into a woman, so that he would suffer from only being able to love himself, since he never thinks about how his family or loved ones truly felt, and exiled Tyrael or would suffer death.

Shamed, Tyrael fled his tribal people, leaving the lands behind with nothing but the scrape hides he could wear as clothes, and the demon spirits who grant him his powers. Now a woman, Tyrael has abandoned his old name, trying to take on a new life away from his past, and hopefully make something new and better with himself.

Equipment:
Ironwood Bow - A Greensmoke specialty. A bow made of a wood as hard as iron, allowing for far greater penetration than a conventional longbow, but requires great orcish strength to draw. So powerful Tyrael has to use arrows made with thick wooden shafts just to withstand the force, and the arrows are strong enough to pierce metal armor and stone, even tear off limbs.

Ironwood Club - A deceptively simple looking bludgeon, but it's actually quite effective against most forms of armor and enemies. Sturdy yet lightweight.

Hunting Knife - A simple multipurpose steel blade. Can be used to cut or carve wood, skin or kill animals, and even chop food.

Targe Shield - A small metal shield. Light enough that Tyrael can use it while only strapped to his arm, providing him the flexibility of an empty hand to grab objects or handle a weapon. Though too small to reliably block attacks, it's designed to be easier to preform parries with.

Piecemeal Armor - Steel plates and tough leather to protect Tyrael's vitals. Currently consists of arm guards, a helmet with an iron mask, pauldrons, and greaves.

Abilities:
Skilled Warrior - Tyrael is a skilled orcish warrior who uses his club and shield just as effectively as he can use his ironwood bow. A very brutal type of fighter who can also do some cunning things with his magic.

Demonic Magic - Tyrael channels demonic magic through his familiar, allowing access to powerful magics. Though he can't use them in quick succession, he recovers magic easily. His particular specialties involve summoning and controlling minor demons such as his imp familiar Zastrial, fire based magic, and transformation magic. Common ones include enchanting his equipment with fire to burn or melt his enemies upon impact, or turning his skin into stone to make it as if he's wearing a suit of heavy armor.

Spells

Demon Magics

Familiar - A basic spell that allows Tyreal to summon his Familiar, Zastriel. Tyrael can contract other creatures to become his familiar, but he can only ever have one familiar at a given time, so for now it's just Zastriel.

Contract - Tyrael can forge a binding contract with demons he's able to subjugate. The nature of the contract is highly dependent on what Tyrael and the demons in question are able to provide for one another, but typically what a contract allows Tyrael to do is to summon said demon to perform a certain task such as fight his enemies, and afterwards they are free from their contract and return to their lives. In exchange Tyrael may need to offer things such as money, a sacrifice, or if he's strong enough he may simply offer the demon mercy. If either side breaks their end of the contract, they are freed of any obligations related to the contract and suffer immediate and often lethal drawbacks.

Soul Binding - This demon magic allows Tyrael to bind a recently slain soul or spirit into an object to grant it temporary powers or to fuel magic. Tyrael often uses this magic to bind demons into objects to subjugate them, though he can use this spell onto other creatures as well if he can kill them. Soul Binding itself does no actual harm and only lasts for a few minutes before fading.

Flame magics

Green Flame - This spell is easy for Tyrael to use frequently, and effectively uses it the entire time he's in combat. He channels his magic through his weapon and causes green flames to burst out, leaping onto his opponent or anything else nearby. Burns extremely hot, but fades quickly after. Can cause things to catch on fire.

Control Heat - Another basic spell that allows Tyrael to manipulate existing flames. Despite it's name, he can only do a fairly limited amount of things with this spell, such as causing it to shift a few feet, increase or decrease it's tempature or simply snuff out. Useful for maintaining an existing flames or putting out large fires however.

Fire Guard - An advance spell that grants Tyrael a protective aura for up to eight hours. While active Tyrael is immune to the harmful effects of fire both magical and mundane, and the effects of the cold are dramatically lessen for him.

Pyrotechnics - Tyrael can target source of fire, causing either a burst of flashing fireworks or a disproportional amount of smoke to appear. The fireworks can stun anyone within close proximity due to the blinding lights and deafening noises, while the smoke creates a heavily obscured and toxic cloud that presists for a few minutes or until a strong wind disperses it.

Flame Blade - A strong spell that creates a magical sword made entirely out of fire. Tyrael can wield this weapon with no issues to himself. The weapon burns intensely and can melt through stone and steel with ease. Though it cannot physically block attacks, it also cannot be physically blocked, often bypassing the likes of shields and other weapons to strike and incinerate anyone beyond. While active Tyrael can summon and dismiss the blade freely. This spell lasts for ten minutes.

Transformation Magics

Shape Earth - A simple spell that essentially allows Tyrael to manipulate a section of dirt, rocks, or stone within a 5-foot cube. It can shift said stone a few feet, mold it into shapes or images, even change it's color and appearance. He mostly uses this to dig holes, though he can also use this spell to pack the previous mentioned materials into dense bricks, though they only retain their shape for an hour.

Stone's Durability - An advance spell that transforms Tyrael's flesh into a stone-like material, allowing him to easily deflect mundane weapons, even heavy weapons like warhammers. While the spell doesn't inhibit Tyrael's mobility such as jumping or swimming, it does increase his weight exponentially, which may cause unexpected issues.

Sticks to Snakes - This spell can turn a bundle of sticks into wooden snake like creatures. These creatures contain a numbing poison in their bites that lasts for a whole day, however the snakes themselves are not particularly tough but numerous. When slain they transform back into broken sticks.

Alter Form - A strong spell that Tyrael can only use on himself. It allows him to alter his physical form to provide various physical benefits, such as natural weapons like claws or fangs, additional appendages such as wings or gills, or simply change his physical appearance. However Tyrael must maintain a mostly humanoid form: he cannot use this spell to transform himself into animals. Additionally any magical abilities of certain creatures he's emulating are not copied over via this spell, only their physical traits. These effects only last for an hour.

Size Shift - This advance spell can alter the size of someone to either make them larger or smaller. Larger creatures will grow proportionally stronger while smaller creatures will become swifter. These effects last for about ten minutes.

Metal Smith - Tyrael's education and training has made him quite a skilled metal smith, and he also knows a thing or two about wood working as well. At the moment he doesn't have much in the ways of fancy weapons, but he intends to upgrade his equipment with given time and materials.

Extra notes: Tyrael makes it no secret that he is an orc cursed to be a female, nor does he particularly care to reverse it. Mainly because doing so involves killing his father, a task that is difficult both literally and emotionally, though he is working on a way to make a functional workaround his curse. Tyrael doesn't know his patron and Zastrial isn't telling him, not that he particularly cares either. All he knows for certain is that his patron is a woman and a war goddess, but hasn't otherwise told him to do anything or vow to any creed or oath.

Tyrael also has an innate ability to see in the dark, and thanks to his pact with a demon, he can even see through magical darkness. He is able to telepathically communicate with Zastrial as well as see through her senses. Zastrial herself is capable of flight, turning invisible, and transforming into three different animals (A crow, snake, or cat) while also being immune to fire and poison, though she's notably weak to silver weapons and more divine based magics. She's not a very capable fighter even if she can poison her enemies with her stinger (Or bites in animal form), but she can still assist in combat as a distraction. Her relationship with Tyrael is largely professional.

The bounty on Tyrael is still active, though only around the mage guild. So far no one Tyrael knows has gone after him but he knows that the family will likely still want him dead for killing their son, but he doesn't plan on either dying or asking for forgiveness. He doesn't regret what he did. Though he also doesn't know what happened to the elven woman he was courting and thinks it's best that if they never meet again especially under the current circumstances.

The Vanishing Kingdom

The one you've all been waiting for

Name: Tyrael Marchrosias

Age: 25

Race: Orc

Appearance:


Personality: A serious, rather no-nonsense type of orc. Though he can be aggressive and often times vindictive, he generally keeps a cool head and tries his best to take command of a situation if no one else does. A type of person who can easily find himself bossing other people around, who is smart enough to figure out people's talents and abilities, but doesn't understand their feelings well and can often come across as cruel or uncaring to people's own faults or issues. Tyrael can be kind, and often tries, but in a very aloof manner, as he doesn't want to let others consider his compassionate less they think there is weakness within him. Tyrael is the type of person who would gladly give to the needy, but isn't bothered by stealing from them either.

Bio: Tyrael Marchrosias is actually the son of an orc chieftain, and his true name is Kharn Urab Vorinclex of the Green Smoke tribe. Their tribe are known for their powerful shaman and totem warriors, but recently suffer from a schism in their religion, one that Tyrael unknowingly ends up making worse in his future. As a youth, Tyrael was but one of the many chieftain's sons, and thus had no real expectations to serve as either the chief, war master, head shaman, or any other important roles that weren't already fulfilled by his brothers. He often spent his time working in the forge but generally making personal projects as oppose to arms and armor for his tribe, though his teachers did praise him for his natural ability for metal working. When he wasn't working the forge he could often be found fishing, and rarely even takes up hunting, as he doesn't care for chasing down his prey.

As he grew older his family pestered Tyrael to at least seek a wife and provide children for the tribe, but even then he was unconcerned. He has always lived in the shadows of his father and brothers, and knew any orc woman that choose him only do so as a consolation price, knowing that any actual courtship is entirely political on behalf of his family. And thus he gave half-hearted efforts to ever really appeal to orcish women, having never really bothered to distinguish himself as a warrior or shaman. He knew it wouldn't be long before his family may try to cast him out for his laziness, but he never truly cared until one day the tribe did something he never thought they'd do.

They created an alliance with a mage college, offering the college safe passage through their lands as well asn an exchange in lore, and in return they would teach the orcs magic. In order to provide the college a form of collateral to ensure any mage's safety in their lands, Tyrael was volunteered to attend the mage's college. This not only allowed him to get away from his tribe, but also ensured that should anything happen to any mages in Green Smoke lands, Tyrael would be a bargaining chip that the orcs could afford to lose.

It was more politics as far as Tyrael was concerned, but it was one that he at least consented with. He didn't mind learning at the mage's college and figured it would be an opportunity to see new things and stand out. And indeed, Tyrael was quite an exotic feature at the college for a short while, as orcs were rarely ever seen especially in an academic setting. Tyrael grew to like the new environment, and had eyes for the various ladies that were more lithe and graceful compared to the brutish and bulker orc women he's familiar with. However the allure would soon fade as the harsh reality of college life began to settle in.

Compared to his kin Tyrael is quite intelligent, and was quickly able to pick up various bits of lore and magic at the mage's college. But his keen intellect could not compare to even the humans who came into the college practically masters of their crafts, and in comparison Tyrael's knowledge was infantile. His ability with magic could barely pass as an apprentice, let alone as a mage, and soon rumors began to circulate about Tyrael's purpose here. That he was only here due to the benefits of his family and now due to his own ability, that he was less of an equal, more of a show piece. He wasn't here for any academic purpose but just to show off to the rich nobles what an orc looks like, as he was passably attractive and docile enough not to seem barbaric.

Desperate, Tyrael started to focus on his studies more to prove his worth. He gathered lore and academic books to try and figure out how to use magic, but despite what little he could retain, he simply lacked the spark inside of him to cast even the simplest of spells. He could barely activate magic objects, even ones purposely made to assist in channeling a novice mage's mana, and he grew more and more desperate. He was considering quitting for the sake of honor when one day, as he sat alone in his room, he was visited by a raven.

In the Green Smoke tribe every orc is attuned to a magic beast. Many of the strongest warriors are attuned to creatures such as bears, wolves, or boars, while the wisest are known to have creatures like hawks, snakes, or foxes. For Tyrael his spirit beast was the crow. A small black bird, not as fearsome as the hawk but at least not as pathetic as the chicken. The raven represented cunning: the intellect brought about not by study or academia, but a keen wit, a willingness to exploit knowledge or the lack thereof, and a quick mind. The raven told Tyrael about the power that was within him, which only needed to be drawn out with the right ritual. While most mages learn via years of study and practice, someone like Tyrael who lacked that experience could easily gain magic more quickly and efficiently using traditional orcish rituals, ones that he never bothered to do as he was not a shaman. But desperate to prove his worth in this new environment, Tyrael didn't hesitate to enter into a pact with this mysterious being, gaining powers that he never quite learned the origins of until much later.

And just like that, overnight Tyrael learned magic. Though his skills were comparatively less proficient than his contemporaries, he was finally able to show that he could preform magic spells. This allowed him to be seen as an equal among his peers, and his careful use of magic allowed him to make up for his weak proficiency. Now that he could use magic, he began to devise more clever means to handle problems utilizing his spells and other mundane workarounds that he could convince other people is actually magic. While he would never become the best mage at the college, he could now say that he is one.

This new found acceptance allowed Tyrael to befriend people more genuinely, and in doing so he began to interact with more people and learn an outsider perspective on things he never really questioned as an orc. He learned how other cultures handled things, debated topics of politics and ethics, of military and economical tactics, and learned of lore that made Tyrael wonder more about the history of his own people. Namely, the existence of demons. One day Tyrael had begun classes studying demons, devils, and other fiendish creatures, and learned how they could influence even divine people via deception and careful wording. But the more he learned, the more Tyrael began to think that demons were not all too bad: often times the fault was in those who accepted their bargains without knowing what they signed up for. And just to prove this, one day Tyrael made sure to find his Spirit Animal and talk to her earnestly.

It was here that Tyrael learned the truth. His spirit animal transformed into an imp, a minor devil who correctly informed him that his magic was due to a pact that he had inadvertently made with the imp's Archdevil. Instead of copying the folly of many others an attacking the imp out of anger, Tyrael and the Imp spent some time getting to know one another and clarifying the nature of his agreement with the devil. It was fortunately not as bad as Tyrael thought: he simply needs to heed his patron's demands as the situation warrants. When or how would be conveyed through either dreams or the imp itself, who's name was Zastriel. Naturally, his soul would also belong to the Archdevil as well, but only after his death, and he is encouraged to further develop his power independently so that she gains more after he perishes. Additionally, Zastriel informed Tyrael that he does have a latent bloodline for magic, likely stemming from an ancestor long ago who may have struck a similar bargain for power as Tyrael did now.

With this new knowledge in mind, Tyrael continued to study at the mage's college, and one day would return to his tribe's lands to tell them what he had learned. But this is where things took a turn for the worse. Tyrael had began to court a young elven woman who had shown him kindness before, and using his new magical talents he would continue to court her and assist her in her endeavors, hoping that their relationship would blossom as time grew on. But soon Tyrael learned that she was also being courted by another man, a mere human squire who was about to leave for an adventure, one which smitten the elven maiden. In a jealous fury Tyrael went to confront this man and challenged him to a duel for her hand. But in that same fury, Tyrael slew the man in single combat. The duel was not to the death, and because he had spilled noble blood, Tyrael was exiled from the college and a bounty was placed on his head by the noble family.

He was forced to flee the city and return to his people, having brought some dishonor, however when he explained his situation his tribe was accepting. He had challenged the man to fair combat, and it had simply resorted in an accidental death, which was inevitable in such circumstances. Though this damaged relationships between the mage college and the orcs, they were tenuously able to maintain an alliance as Tyrael was forced to lay low until the whole thing blew over. Until then Tyrael found himself as a shaman of sorts, teaching others what he learned alongside his brother who was the head shaman. Though he was not formally a shaman by tribal law, his knowledge and expertise allowed him to teach the younger generation. For a short while, things were good. Until it wasn't.

Tyrael had made the mistake of earnestly telling his people, his family, of his magical origins, and where his tribe's powers come from. But such words were heresy: the tribe did not worship demons, they do not engage in foul blood sacrifices or any cruel rituals that would consort demons. However Tyrael's words still managed to convince some people, causing a schism in his tribe until finally his father laid a curse on Tyrael. He blamed Tyrael's thoughts and feelings on that elven woman that he had fallen in love with, accusing her or causing Tyrael to believe in demons and bring shame to his family. And as a curse, his father turned Tyrael into a woman, so that he would suffer from only being able to love himself, since he never thinks about how his family or loved ones truly felt, and exiled Tyrael or would suffer death.

Shamed, Tyrael fled his tribal people, leaving the lands behind with nothing but the scrape hides he could wear as clothes, and the demon spirits who grant him his powers. Now a woman, Tyrael has abandoned his old name, trying to take on a new life away from his past, and hopefully make something new and better with himself.

Equipment:
Ironwood Bow - A Greensmoke specialty. A bow made of a wood as hard as iron, allowing for far greater penetration than a conventional longbow, but requires great orcish strength to draw. So powerful Tyrael has to use arrows made with thick wooden shafts just to withstand the force, and the arrows are strong enough to pierce metal armor and stone, even tear off limbs.

Ironwood Club - A deceptively simple looking bludgeon, but it's actually quite effective against most forms of armor and enemies. Sturdy yet lightweight.

Hunting Knife - A simple multipurpose steel blade. Can be used to cut or carve wood, skin or kill animals, and even chop food.

Wooden Shield - A simple shield made of wood. Tyrael tends to go through a lot of shields as he uses it for offense and defense, and he's looking for a really good shield that'll be able to withstand his abuse.

Abilities:
Skilled Warrior - Tyrael is a skilled orcish warrior who uses his club and shield just as effectively as he can use his ironwood bow. A very brutal type of fighter who can also do some cunning things with his magic.

Demonic Magic - Tyrael channels demonic magic through his familiar, allowing access to powerful magics. Though he can't use them in quick succession, he recovers magic easily. His particular specialties involve summoning and controling minor demons such as his imp familiar Zastrial, fire based magic, and transformation magic. Common ones include enchanting his equipment with fire to burn or melt his enemies upon impact, or turning his skin into stone to make it as if he's wearing a suit of heavy armor.

Metal Smith - Tyrael's education and training has made him quite a skilled metal smith, and he also knows a thing or two about wood working as well. At the moment he doesn't have much in the ways of fancy weapons, but he intends to upgrade his equipment with given time and materials.

Extra notes: Tyrael makes it no secret that he is an orc cursed to be a female, nor does he particularly care to reverse it. Mainly because doing so involves killing his father, a task that is difficult both literally and emotionally, though he is working on a way to make a functional workaround his curse. Tyrael doesn't know his patron and Zastrial isn't telling him, not that he particularly cares either. All he knows for certain is that his patron is a woman and a war goddess, but hasn't otherwise told him to do anything or vow to any creed or oath.

Tyrael also has an innate ability to see in the dark, and thanks to his pact with a demon, he can even see through magical darkness. He is able to telepathically communicate with Zastrial as well as see through her senses. Zastrial herself is capable of flight, turning invisible, and transforming into three different animals (A crow, snake, or cat) while also being immune to fire and poison, though she's notably weak to silver weapons and more divine based magics. She's not a very capable fighter even if she can poison her enemies with her stinger (Or bites in animal form), but she can still assist in combat as a distraction. Her relationship with Tyrael is largely professional.

The bounty on Tyrael is still active, though only around the mage guild. So far no one Tyrael knows has gone after him but he knows that the family will likely still want him dead for killing their son, but he doesn't plan on either dying or asking for forgiveness. He doesn't regret what he did. Though he also doesn't know what happened to the elven woman he was courting and thinks it's best that if they never meet again especially under the current circumstances.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

I dunno about Zverda, but I think that’s all we got for initiatives for now.