TinyKiwi

No Longer Alone - A Minecraft - Steve x Alex - Roleplay Prompt

Hello! The idea I have in mind is pretty simple, so I'll drop a few personal preference rules for my writing then follow it up with details on the plot/setting/characters. I would be worried if I had to explain one of the now biggest most purchased games in the world right now so I'll keep it as simple as possible so I don't rant lol.

__Personal Rules__
Paragraph to occasional multipara - Length is flexible as long as it never devolves to one-lining.

18+ - Only due to personal preference and the possibility of broaching sensitive topics while writing

Separation of Fiction and Reality - Do keep in mind that if and when sensitive topics are brought up, if you are uncomfortable with writing them let me know and we can avoid said topics. I also ask that any potential writers understand that we are writing on behalf of characters, and their dialouge, inner thoughts, and personal beliefs may not mirror that of their writers. I won't be upset your character is mean to mine because I am not my character.

__Setting__
Minecraft (Obviously) - More in depth, the world itself isn't exactly "square" in general it's mostly wildnerness broken up every so often by the odd village of humanoid non-humans as well as ruins predating anything these villagers could possibly make. It's a world that absolutely SCREAMS "Post-Post-Apocalypse" Something wiped out the world and it's been recovering for who knows how long before we got there.

Thematically partners should expect a little less of the "wholesome adventure" that Minecraft usually displays, and more of the "insidious, vaguely liminal horror" vibes that some locations and "lore" in Minecraft seems to imply. The night is filled with horrors both undead and eldritch in nature. The caverns underground filled with unspeakable horror and danger, this world is recovering but it is still VERY hostile.

The world before the start of the rp has "Changed in waves" as if something out there is actively attempting to fix the world. This will likely never be DIRECTLY approached in rp, but is worth mentioning because I enjoy the idea of minecraft updates taking place in this world being something that Steve had to deal with.

The characters arrive in a sort of "psuedo-isekai" way, no knowledge of this world, how they got here, and even missing major chunks of their own memory/

__The 'Steve' Role__
Flexible in exact visual portrayal - They can be what we expect from a "default steve" a mid to late twenties guy built like a brick house, or something perhaps more custom. The exact WHO of who Steve is will be up to us.

Mentor Role - Steve will otherwise be taking on the role of mentor to the Alex character, due to just how LONG he's been in the game before Alex was added. I ADORE the idea of this being mirrored in a roleplay by Steve being in this world without any hope of escape for a LONG time before Alex arrives.

Tired - Steve by the point of this roleplay will be a bit jaded, unwilling to accept any possibility of escape from this world and just wanting to get on with whatever parts of his life he can scavenge.

__The 'Alex' Role__
Just as visually Flexible as the Steve role, we can go with the common fanon appearances, or perhaps go a different route and make this a FxF, or MxM, swap the alex and steve genders, ect. All easily worked out!

What I like to call the "Eager Squire" role - Alex should bring a new set of eyes to this world Steve has known for literal years by this point. Ideally Alex should bring a new sort of joy or hope to Steve merely through the act of Alex exploring this world for the first time, experimenting with the tools they have and more.

__Closing notes__
I can fill either role, though admittedly prefer the "steve" role for this!

If this ends up being a longer term roleplay I will likely end up maintaining a sort of "psuedo-dm" role alongside the character I write. While I do 100% expect my partners to help write the story alongside me I do have some story beats I definitely want explored.

PLEASE DM ME, I WILL NOT SEE INTEREST SHOWN IN THE COMMENTS OF THIS POST.

Too Late: Fantasy / Slice of Life / Post Apocalypse - Vintage Story Inspired MxA

Ever thought of how much potential there is in the Isekai genre? So many things that could be written about while everyone goes for 1000 different flavors of "overpowered MC saves the day, harem in tow" Well I certainly have! No knowledge of Vintage Story needed either!

In an effort to keep this short as I know I have a habit of rambling, I will simply state what I'm seeking in a partner and you can safely assume I will make all attempts to provide you with the same! Immediately following this I will attempt to provide a sample of the thought running through my head and let you decide if it's interesting enough to message me about!

-18+ only due to my own age making it fairly difficult for me to comfortably write alongside younger.
-"Casual Literate" Avoiding one liners, creating detail and paragraphs but no expectation of "novella"
-"Ghost" friendly. No detail needed life comes first, but I do worry so a simple warning is nice.
-Collaborative writing = we write together. This is my initial idea, but I'm only 50% of the 1x1!
-Fan of "Mild Dark Themes" While I'm not extreme, I enjoy when darker or "problematic" themes are written well and add to the story!
-Detailing limits and expectations. We all have our goes and no-goes. I can't read minds and I assume you can't either!
-Characters should at large be afraid of the world around them, perhaps they're skilled but they definitely aren't ready for this place.

Examples of expected themes:

Body Horror, light gore, helplessness, Eldritch Horror.

____________________

Everyone has heard some version of the story, the average individual struck down too soon. Perhaps they are rewarded, an apology from the gods for their mistake. Perhaps they are dragged directly to this new world before them, Whatever the case the story starts proceeds and ends practically like a fairytale. A Hero given every opportunity for success, to learn a lesson, to begin again.

This time? This time they're too late.

Eyes open in a collapsed church, every fiber of their being screaming as if they've never known food or water. The open sky grey and unwelcoming, no storm clouds, nothing so natural to explain the eerie atmosphere. Crawling, dragging themselves across rubble. Grit, determination, pure unadulterated spite? Whatever their reason, they manage to finally drag themselves to their feet and stumble to the poor excuse for an entrance.

Empty... empty and silent and far too still, if the definition of purgatory came with a visual aid it would be this place. Nothing was quite dead, simply stagnant. At first glance it simply seemed gloomy, but the longer they stared at ruins and trees and the skyline in the distance... the more they felt that everything was just a little bit off. The same feeling of a lively home suddenly empty in the middle of the day, a parking lot at night, perhaps a well known furniture store suddenly devoid of all life but otherwise nothing out of the ordinary. It was a place where the last thing you possibly wanted was to HEAR SOMETHING.

The Mage I hired is a Housecat? (Elder Scrolls Skyrim OCxOC)

Background -Important for those unfammiliar with Elder Scrolls, or Khajiit

Eir-Ma (Shining Paw) Is a curious case in Skyrim. Though the natives and Nords of Skyrim are not well known for their love of magic or strangers, they can appreciate strength above all else. Much like their ancestors, even the staunchest hater of magic can appreciate the strength of an accomplished mage, or the skill in battle of an ally or foe, regardless of their place of birth.

Eir-Ma however, is even stranger than a simple mage, or outsider. Eir-Ma is Khajiit, the catfolk of Elsweyr. A noticeable oddity about the Khajiit is how the phases of the moon influence their births. Depending on said moon phases, a Khajiit, nearly irrelevant of their birth parents, can be born as any of nearly 17 furstocks. From the humble Cathay known by all, to the enormous Pahmar, the Bestial Senche Tiger and, in the case of Eir-Ma, the Alfiq.

Alfiq are a unique case even among Khajiit, as they resemble an average housecat but are capable of both speech and magic. As much their own individual as any other Khajiit, the Alfiq struggle with their appearance especially when it comes to outsiders. As such they prefer to remain in Elsweyr where they are not belittled by all they meet. Even there many do not know they can speak, as they rarely speak to outsiders and even some Khajiit. Due to these factors, Alfiq are almost completely unknown outside of Elsweyr.

_______

Eir-Ma's presence in Skyrim though, is largely thanks to her Mother, a former Caravan Khajiit who managed to steal the heart of a Nord Soldier when her Caravan helped him and his friends hide from a Thalmor Patrol. Eir-Ma herself was born just before her parents were together, the product of a skooma addicted father who wanted nothing to do with the girl. The Nord however, stepped up, becoming a confused if not proud father and husband.

Though worried by her natural magical talent, Eir-Ma's father was nontheless suppourtive of his step-daughter and her desire to seek schooling at The College of Winterhold. Eir-Ma now resides at the college, an Apprentice Mage and staunch objector to the dissolving of the School of Mysticism.

_______
College of Winterhold Student Information
Name: Eir-Ma / Shining-Paw
Race: Alfiq Khajiit
Age: 18
Title: Journeyman
Focus of Studies: "Mysticism"
Overall Status of Studies:
Destruction - Apprentice
Restoration - Apprentice
Conjuration - Novice
Illusion - Novice
Alteration - Adept
Mysticism - Adept
Enchanting - Apprentice
Alchemy - Novice

Notes:
Eir-Ma is allowed to take on duties on behalf of the College of Winterhold in situations that require a more mobile hand. Most duties should be limited to offering non-harmful services such as healing, enchanting and more, but ultimately is left up to the decision of the Apprentice. She has been provided with a mark of the college that can be provided to any of the Jarls to prove her affiliation with our organization.
_______
Gonna keep this "short" and simple lol

Not limited to those familiar with the Elder Scrolls setting, listed as 18+ only due to the possible appearance of violent themes and my own preference to write opposite an adult, as I have no interest in applying "adult themes" to a character who is a literal housecat.

To make the idea more clear, Your character, anybody from a mercenary to a soldier or even some variation of The Dragonborn themselves, is in need of magical talent. Hiring an average magically talented merc is out of the question for one reason or another and they send a letter to the college to search for a more reliable Mage.

and

Eir-Ma is what arrives, a housecat wearing custom robes, capable of both magic and speech. For the vast majority of people in Skyrim, this is not only baffling but downright frightening, or hilarious, depending on who you ask.

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

Tae'ren Fen'an

Din'Anshiral

A journey of death, that was the rough translation of those words. Tae'ren couldn't help but feel they applied here rather snugly. Unfammiliar with the deep roads, he wasn't exactly upset by the premise of going there. Rather, he was more upset by the idea of walking blind into a series of tunnels and caves that have all but belonged to the dark spawn for gods only know how long... searching for an archdemon... no that was just far too little information for far too large a task.

What he couldn't argue with however, was the result of the speech itself, certainly at least some people among the wardens knew how to win hearts and minds. Tae'ren moved slowly, ambling in the direction of the food. He caught wind of a mention of the pathfinding team, and he soon found himself standing with a leg bone of meat he couldn't immediately identify. That wasn't the point though, it was good and watching the other members of what he assumed to be the team he would be working with was nice, the Mabari in particular interested him. Few and far between were the moments where a Dalish could safely approach and interact with a Mabari... they were certainly bigger in person.

Taking their moment of gathering as his attempt to approach, he thought it best to arrive alongside others. Besides, it gave him the chance to ask questions. "Andaran atish’an..... Sulevin, they were made with purpose were they not? The Mabari I mean." Tae'ren kept a respectable distance, but followed the others nonetheless. "I will be honest, I supposed many of the stories I had heard were little more than that... but truly now that I see one for myself without it wanting my throat... they do have a certain regal air to them do they not? Truly warriors of their own sort." He looked at the Mabari as he said this, as if speaking to it like an equal. "Though I dare not attempt your shape friend, lest I make a poor example of your lot with my façade. No, the direwolf suits me as I am, I think."

As if to make his point, the air blurred around him and before one might even blink, the massive form of a Direwolf replaced the short elf. Would it be shocking to some? Perhaps, but those who recruited him were well aware of his abilities and even sought his teaching some of their other mages. If any higher ups had issues with his wandering in a shape, then he didn't really know why they wanted him here. He padded along behind the group, careful to keep a neutral pace to make it clear he wasn't some feral beast... though perhaps the now clean leg bone from the food earlier that was now set in his jaws countered that attempt somewhat.

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

Tae'ren Fen'an

Weisshaupt Fortress and those who inhabited it were more than a mystery to Tae'ren. Many conflicting backgrounds and ideals all coming together via a common enemy... he had to admit, if Shemlen were good at anything it was making everyone get along by being angry at the same thing. He perched on a roof at the edge of the courtyard, his avian shape giving him the privacy he found he suddenly lacked since joining the Grey Wardens. At the edge of his vision he spotted the other warden, a Shem mage barely older than Tae'ren himself who had seemed to make it his goal to annoy Tae'ren into teaching him shapeshifting. Despite having agreed to attempt to teach other warden mages his talent, eagerness did not always translate into the capability to learn... and the fact the potential student seemed to know less about animals than a city elf certainly didn't help.

He watched the undaunted Shem amble about the courtyard a moment, making suspicious eyes at every stray bird or scrambling rodent that happened to be within view. As he vanished beyond sight Tae'ren took flight, gliding down into the courtyard and landing at it's edge, his form blurring as the fade wrapped him in it's embrace, blurring and shifting his form, returning him to normal with no sign of his former shape save the slowly drifting feather that he quickly snatched from the air and slid between a gap in the strips of his leather armor.

Tae'ren didn't like the assigned warden armor, and regardless of who came to him he wouldn't wear it, but he made his own additions to his normal attire to satiate most who might complain. The Warden sigil had been marked with a hot iron onto a bare section of leather just above his heart, extremely noticeable as that was one of the only remaining sections where deep grey fur was still visible from beneath overlapping cross sections of thicker leather.

As a shapeshifter, many things tended to drift his way, and knowledge tended to be a bit easier to come by than one might expect. While Shemlen politics didn't really interest him, it was fairly amusing to hear the trouble caused by The Grey Warden's presence here, and what that might imply, and later cause. Perhaps the Shemlen would kill themselves out faster than anticipated, then again if that happened before the Darkspawn issue were fixed it might actually prove troublesome... no, better that he let the Shemlen do that other thing they were somehow good at, and unite Thedas against a common enemy... at least before they go to war with themselves again.

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

The Shapeshifting Dalish

Tae'ren Fen'an

| Name |

Tae'ren Fen'an

| {Age} |

19

| {Species} |

Dalish Elf

| {Gender} |

Male

| {Class/subclass} |

Mage/Shapeshifter

| {Appearance} |

A short young man, even by Elven standards, Tae at first glance is the typical Dalish. Handmade yet well cared for and practical leather and cloth armor, a common lack of true footwear and a constant sneer or more commonly in Tae's case, a tired neutral expression. Tae'ren however, as would any individual of any background, has his own intricacies that show on his person. Though constantly giving off the appearance of bored indifference or sheer exhaustion, he is always present and alert... far more-so than would otherwise be implied. Besides his armor, his scraggly long brown hair hangs just below his chin, often hiding at least one of his crimson eyes from view. At first glance unassuming, but the more one looks, the more they get glances at the storm whirling beneath the surface.

As a mage, and a dalish no less, one might assume his staff to be of some intricate make, but is instead a long, smooth thing that becomes slightly more angular the lower you look upon it, that looks as if it just survived a direct lightning strike. Even his specialization hides upon his features. The leather of his coat allowing peeks of fur to appear between the cracks as if the entire thing was half finished and simply turned for the fur to face inward, the leather strips that make it up at a closer glance appear to hide feathers trapped between their woven shapes, every inch of his clothing seeming to carry some small fragment of an animal, be it bones, fur or feathers. A shapeshifter he is, and he carries with him fragments of the knowledge he had to learn about the animals whose shapes he takes.

| {Equipment and Personal Belongings} |

Stricken Staff - A simple staff attuned to the element of electricity, and the main source of his magic when not shapeshifted.

Templar Medallion - A surprising trinket to be found on a mage, especially one of Dalish origin. He never elaborates on it, besides that it once belonged to a friend.

Double Flute - A handmade wooden instrument, the two tubes that make it up meet by the mouthpiece at an angle, giving the whole thing a very triangular appearance.

| {Skills} |

Tracking - From the hunting taught by the Dalish, to the more specialized training during his short time as his clan's first, and finally the more primal sense that came with his training as a shapeshifter, Tae'ren has become extremely proficient at tracking prey of all kinds, in many environments.

Musician - Though mostly done in his spare time, his takes great joy in his double flute and when not ambling about pretending he isn't keeping an eye on his surroundings, the eerie echo of his playing can often be heard.

Stealth - Often called out on his tendency to casually sneak up on people, Tae'ren has always been a quiet young man. Though this is not an uncommon trait for many people, the fact he is a Dalish, and a shapeshifting mage no less often compiles together to greatly unsettle those around him with the ease that he escapes sight unnoticed.

| {Talents} |

Combat Casting - Time spent at the forefront of combat has allowed Tae'ren to cast his spells with little chance of interruption from foes breathing down his neck. While many mages prefer to remain behind their sturdier comrades, Tae'ren plants himself firmly at the head of any scene, where his constant shapeshifting in and out can help sew just that little bit of chaos often needed in the middle of a fight, as well as throw a few more mundane and expected warding spells or bolts of lightning.

Staff Combat - Many people forget the simplest lessons, when facing Tae'ren? Sticks still hurt even though they're just sticks, and in the case of his staff? Being struck by an electrically charged stick is especially unfun. Tae'ren takes full advantage of the fact he carries his staff, and isn't afraid to crack a few skulls if people forget that sticks can still hurt like hell.

| {Spells} |

Shapeshift: Direwolf - Taking on the shape of a frighteningly large wolf, the function is fairly self explanatory. Any warrior can claim to be unafraid, but when a beast capable of easily cracking living bone with it's jaws faces them down, few remain laughing.

Shapeshift: Owl - Though less ferocious than his wolf shape, the shape of a bird has it's uses, especially if the moment calls for swift movement across a battle, or terrain not suited to ground travel. Though, in a pinch, the talons of an owl can often be just as frightening as the jaws of any ground-favoring beast.

Chain Lightning - A common enough combat spell, a bolt of lightning that arcs across the battlefield can seldom be called useless.

Barrier - As elementary as it is useful, the ability to cast defensive wards, especially around other people is one of the major reasons allied mages are even tolerated by the average warrior on the battlefield.

| {Home/Family} |

Born and raised wandering the forests of Thedas, Tae'ren left behind his clan with no small measure of sadness between them, though none could argue the meaning of his departure. The eldest of his siblings, and at the time, the First to his clan's Keeper... Tae'ren left behind his younger sister to fill his role as First, and though nearly ten years younger than him, he admires the strength she already shows in her studies and magic.

| {Flaws and limits} |

Dalish Prejudice - Shemlen... a word once used as a proper term for the human race, now turned to near slur status used as a slang by both Dalish and City elves to remind both eachother as well as the humans of the grudge they still hold for their stolen land and the fallen Dales... it shows in his speech, his face... Tae'ren has a clear dislike of humans that while he does not hide, he at least attempts to keep it from interfering with his work.

| {Personality} |

Quiet, often more willing to silently sit among the leaves and allow the world to pass by around him, Tae'ren has a clear love of nature, this love only exaggerated by the frequency of his shapeshifting. Not only limiting it to the combat capability it has, Tae'ren shapeshifts extremely often. At times it is difficult to catch him in his normal shape, but one may notice just how much more expressive he often is while taking on the shape of a beast. Though his dilike of humans and extremely minimal interaction with every other race leaves him more than a bit standoffish, Tae'ren is extremely protective of his comrades and tries surprisingly hard to get to know those around him. He often rubs the Templar Medallion around his neck, the trinket serving as a glorified worry stone that he never parts with. Although his outward appearance makes it difficult to imagine, Tae'ren is still a hopeful young man that wants to see the good in the world around him, even if his own prejudices often get in the way of that.

| {Background} |

Even to the Dalish, Tae'ren and his clan took isolationism to the extreme. They haunted the edges of Thedas, and had for many many years. Those who know them claim that many fanciful and unsavory tales of the Dalish stem from survivors of an encounter with the violently xenophobic clan. Their practice of ancient shapeshifting magic, openly hostile treatment of humans and extreme isolationist nature lead to humans spreading many tales, from cannibalism to stealing babies in the night and transforming into monstrous shapes.

Tae'ren was first to his clan, though certainly not the only mage. He was followed by his sister, the clan's second. So rarely did they contact even the other clans that even among other Dalish rumors would spread of the isolated clan of Dalish who practiced shapeshifting magic that was so often associated with witches and the wilder parts of the world.

To Tae however, it was his family, and his magic? A connection to the world around him that few could replicate, even other mages. The avoidance of the events in Thedas was entirely purposeful, they had no interest in the petty religious squabbles of the the Circle of Magi and Templars, and neither did they care for the plight of the mages whom rebelled. All human troubles spanning from years of human action that could not be fixed so simply as through Elven interference and opinion.

They avoided the blights as well, having little real respect for the Wardens save for their martial prowess, seeing them as little more than yet another far reaching arm of Human interference seeking control through such a vile guise as 'cooperation' and 'the better good'. However, as the world calmed after The Rise of The Inquisition and all it accomplished, questions arose among the clan. They questioned all they thought they knew, and now, after decades of near complete separation they argued for intervention.

Tae'ren never fully waited for an answer, he left at the first mildly agreed upon suggestion, following rumor and news of the Grey Wardens until he found himself among them, pledging his aid in any way he could, even so far as to possibly share the magic of shapeshifting he had been taught, if any mages among the wardens showed the potential and willingness. Now Tae'ren waits for a proper assignment, having only been a Grey Warden for what was now almost a month.

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

The Shapeshifting Dalish

Tae'ren Fen'an

| Name |

Tae'ren Fen'an

| {Age} |

19

| {Species} |

Dalish Elf

| {Gender} |

Male

| {Class/subclass} |

Mage/Shapeshifter

| {Appearance} |

A short young man, even by Elven standards, Tae at first glance is the typical Dalish. Handmade yet well cared for and practical leather and cloth armor, a common lack of true footwear and a constant sneer or more commonly in Tae's case, a tired neutral expression. Tae'ren however, as would any individual of any background, has his own intricacies that show on his person. Though constantly giving off the appearance of bored indifference or sheer exhaustion, he is always present and alert... far more-so than would otherwise be implied. Besides his armor, his scraggly long brown hair hangs just below his chin, often hiding at least one of his crimson eyes from view. At first glance unassuming, but the more one looks, the more they get glances at the storm whirling beneath the surface.

As a mage, and a dalish no less, one might assume his staff to be of some intricate make, but is instead a long, smooth thing that becomes slightly more angular the lower you look upon it, that looks as if it just survived a direct lightning strike. Even his specialization hides upon his features. The leather of his coat allowing peeks of fur to appear between the cracks as if the entire thing was half finished and simply turned for the fur to face inward, the leather strips that make it up at a closer glance appear to hide feathers trapped between their woven shapes, every inch of his clothing seeming to carry some small fragment of an animal, be it bones, fur or feathers. A shapeshifter he is, and he carries with him fragments of the knowledge he had to learn about the animals whose shapes he takes.

| {Equipment and Personal Belongings} |

Stricken Staff - A simple staff attuned to the element of electricity, and the main source of his magic when not shapeshifted.

Templar Medallion - A surprising trinket to be found on a mage, especially one of Dalish origin. He never elaborates on it, besides that it once belonged to a friend.

Double Flute - A handmade wooden instrument, the two tubes that make it up meet by the mouthpiece at an angle, giving the whole thing a very triangular appearance.

| {Skills} |

Tracking - From the hunting taught by the Dalish, to the more specialized training during his short time as his clan's first, and finally the more primal sense that came with his training as a shapeshifter, Tae'ren has become extremely proficient at tracking prey of all kinds, in many environments.

Musician - Though mostly done in his spare time, his takes great joy in his double flute and when not ambling about pretending he isn't keeping an eye on his surroundings, the eerie echo of his playing can often be heard.

Stealth - Often called out on his tendency to casually sneak up on people, Tae'ren has always been a quiet young man. Though this is not an uncommon trait for many people, the fact he is a Dalish, and a shapeshifting mage no less often compiles together to greatly unsettle those around him with the ease that he escapes sight unnoticed.

| {Talents} |

Combat Casting - Time spent at the forefront of combat has allowed Tae'ren to cast his spells with little chance of interruption from foes breathing down his neck. While many mages prefer to remain behind their sturdier comrades, Tae'ren plants himself firmly at the head of any scene, where his constant shapeshifting in and out can help sew just that little bit of chaos often needed in the middle of a fight, as well as throw a few more mundane and expected warding spells or bolts of lightning.

Staff Combat - Many people forget the simplest lessons, when facing Tae'ren? Sticks still hurt even though they're just sticks, and in the case of his staff? Being struck by an electrically charged stick is especially unfun. Tae'ren takes full advantage of the fact he carries his staff, and isn't afraid to crack a few skulls if people forget that sticks can still hurt like hell.

| {Spells} |

Shapeshift: Direwolf - Taking on the shape of a frighteningly large wolf, the function is fairly self explanatory. Any warrior can claim to be unafraid, but when a beast capable of easily cracking living bone with it's jaws faces them down, few remain laughing.

Shapeshift: Owl - Though less ferocious than his wolf shape, the shape of a bird has it's uses, especially if the moment calls for swift movement across a battle, or terrain not suited to ground travel. Though, in a pinch, the talons of an owl can often be just as frightening as the jaws of any ground-favoring beast.

Chain Lightning - A common enough combat spell, a bolt of lightning that arcs across the battlefield can seldom be called useless.

Barrier - As elementary as it is useful, the ability to cast defensive wards, especially around other people is one of the major reasons allied mages are even tolerated by the average warrior on the battlefield.

| {Home/Family} |

Born and raised wandering the forests of Thedas, Tae'ren left behind his clan with no small measure of sadness between them, though none could argue the meaning of his departure. The eldest of his siblings, and at the time, the First to his clan's Keeper... Tae'ren left behind his younger sister to fill his role as First, and though nearly ten years younger than him, he admires the strength she already shows in her studies and magic.

| {Flaws and limits} |

Dalish Prejudice - Shemlen... a word once used as a proper term for the human race, now turned to near slur status used as a slang by both Dalish and City elves to remind both eachother as well as the humans of the grudge they still hold for their stolen land and the fallen Dales... it shows in his speech, his face... Tae'ren has a clear dislike of humans that while he does not hide, he at least attempts to keep it from interfering with his work.

| {Personality} |

Quiet, often more willing to silently sit among the leaves and allow the world to pass by around him, Tae'ren has a clear love of nature, this love only exaggerated by the frequency of his shapeshifting. Not only limiting it to the combat capability it has, Tae'ren shapeshifts extremely often. At times it is difficult to catch him in his normal shape, but one may notice just how much more expressive he often is while taking on the shape of a beast. Though his dilike of humans and extremely minimal interaction with every other race leaves him more than a bit standoffish, Tae'ren is extremely protective of his comrades and tries surprisingly hard to get to know those around him. He often rubs the Templar Medallion around his neck, the trinket serving as a glorified worry stone that he never parts with. Although his outward appearance makes it difficult to imagine, Tae'ren is still a hopeful young man that wants to see the good in the world around him, even if his own prejudices often get in the way of that.

| {Background} |

Even to the Dalish, Tae'ren and his clan took isolationism to the extreme. They haunted the edges of Thedas, and had for many many years. Those who know them claim that many fanciful and unsavory tales of the Dalish stem from survivors of an encounter with the violently xenophobic clan. Their practice of ancient shapeshifting magic, openly hostile treatment of humans and extreme isolationist nature lead to humans spreading many tales, from cannibalism to stealing babies in the night and transforming into monstrous shapes.

Tae'ren was first to his clan, though certainly not the only mage. He was followed by his sister, the clan's second. So rarely did they contact even the other clans that even among other Dalish rumors would spread of the isolated clan of Dalish who practiced shapeshifting magic that was so often associated with witches and the wilder parts of the world.

To Tae however, it was his family, and his magic? A connection to the world around him that few could replicate, even other mages. The avoidance of the events in Thedas was entirely purposeful, they had no interest in the petty religious squabbles of the the Circle of Magi and Templars, and neither did they care for the plight of the mages whom rebelled. All human troubles spanning from years of human action that could not be fixed so simply as through Elven interference and opinion.

They avoided the blights as well, having little real respect for the Wardens save for their martial prowess, seeing them as little more than yet another far reaching arm of Human interference seeking control through such a vile guise as 'cooperation' and 'the better good'. However, as the world calmed after The Rise of The Inquisition and all it accomplished, questions arose among the clan. They questioned all they thought they knew, and now, after decades of near complete separation they argued for intervention.

Tae'ren never fully waited for an answer, he left at the first mildly agreed upon suggestion, following rumor and news of the Grey Wardens until he found himself among them, pledging his aid in any way he could, even so far as to possibly share the magic of shapeshifting he had been taught, if any mages among the wardens showed the potential and willingness. Now Tae'ren waits for a proper assignment, having only been a Grey Warden for what was now almost a month.

@Apollosarcher

Should be it hopefully

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

The Shapeshifting Dalish

Tae'ren Fen'an

| Name |

Tae'ren Fen'an

| {Age} |

19

| {Species} |

Dalish Elf

| {Gender} |

Male

| {Class/subclass} |

Mage/Shapeshifter

| {Appearance} |

A short young man, even by Elven standards, Tae at first glance is the typical Dalish. Handmade yet well cared for and practical leather and cloth armor, a common lack of true footwear and a constant sneer or more commonly in Tae's case, a tired neutral expression. Tae'ren however, as would any individual of any background, has his own intricacies that show on his person. Though constantly giving off the appearance of bored indifference or sheer exhaustion, he is always present and alert... far more-so than would otherwise be implied. Besides his armor, his scraggly long brown hair hangs just below his chin, often hiding at least one of his crimson eyes from view. At first glance unassuming, but the more one looks, the more they get glances at the storm whirling beneath the surface.

As a mage, and a dalish no less, one might assume his staff to be of some intricate make, but is instead a long, smooth thing that becomes slightly more angular the lower you look upon it, that looks as if it just survived a direct lightning strike. Even his specialization hides upon his features. The leather of his coat allowing peeks of fur to appear between the cracks as if the entire thing was half finished and simply turned for the fur to face inward, the leather strips that make it up at a closer glance appear to hide feathers trapped between their woven shapes, every inch of his clothing seeming to carry some small fragment of an animal, be it bones, fur or feathers. A shapeshifter he is, and he carries with him fragments of the knowledge he had to learn about the animals whose shapes he takes.

| {Equipment and Personal Belongings} |

Stricken Staff - A simple staff attuned to the element of electricity, and the main source of his magic when not shapeshifted.

Templar Medallion - A surprising trinket to be found on a mage, especially one of Dalish origin. He never elaborates on it, besides that it once belonged to a friend.

Double Flute - A handmade wooden instrument, the two tubes that make it up meet by the mouthpiece at an angle, giving the whole thing a very triangular appearance.

| {Skills} |

Tracking - From the hunting taught by the Dalish, to the more specialized training during his short time as his clan's first, and finally the more primal sense that came with his training as a shapeshifter, Tae'ren has become extremely proficient at tracking prey of all kinds, in many environments.

Musician - Though mostly done in his spare time, his takes great joy in his double flute and when not ambling about pretending he isn't keeping an eye on his surroundings, the eerie echo of his playing can often be heard.

Stealth - Often called out on his tendency to casually sneak up on people, Tae'ren has always been a quiet young man. Though this is not an uncommon trait for many people, the fact he is a Dalish, and a shapeshifting mage no less often compiles together to greatly unsettle those around him with the ease that he escapes sight unnoticed.

| {Talents} |

Combat Casting - Time spent at the forefront of combat has allowed Tae'ren to cast his spells with little chance of interruption from foes breathing down his neck. While many mages prefer to remain behind their sturdier comrades, Tae'ren plants himself firmly at the head of any scene, where his constant shapeshifting in and out can help sew just that little bit of chaos often needed in the middle of a fight, as well as throw a few more mundane and expected warding spells or bolts of lightning.

Staff Combat - Many people forget the simplest lessons, when facing Tae'ren? Sticks still hurt even though they're just sticks, and in the case of his staff? Being struck by an electrically charged stick is especially unfun. Tae'ren takes full advantage of the fact he carries his staff, and isn't afraid to crack a few skulls if people forget that sticks can still hurt like hell.

| {Spells} |

Shapeshift: Direwolf - Taking on the shape of a frighteningly large wolf, the function is fairly self explanatory. Any warrior can claim to be unafraid, but when a beast capable of easily cracking living bone with it's jaws faces them down, few remain laughing.

Shapeshift: Owl - Though less ferocious than his wolf shape, the shape of a bird has it's uses, especially if the moment calls for swift movement across a battle, or terrain not suited to ground travel. Though, in a pinch, the talons of an owl can often be just as frightening as the jaws of any ground-favoring beast.

Chain Lightning - A common enough combat spell, a bolt of lightning that arcs across the battlefield can seldom be called useless.

Barrier - As elementary as it is useful, the ability to cast defensive wards, especially around other people is one of the major reasons allied mages are even tolerated by the average warrior on the battlefield.

| {Home/Family} |

Born and raised wandering the forests of Thedas, Tae'ren left behind his clan with no small measure of sadness between them, though none could argue the meaning of his departure. The eldest of his siblings, and at the time, the First to his clan's Keeper... Tae'ren left behind his younger sister to fill his role as First, and though nearly ten years younger than him, he admires the strength she already shows in her studies and magic.

| {Flaws and limits} |

Dalish Prejudice - Shemlen... a word once used as a proper term for the human race, now turned to near slur status used as a slang by both Dalish and City elves to remind both eachother as well as the humans of the grudge they still hold for their stolen land and the fallen Dales... it shows in his speech, his face... Tae'ren has a clear dislike of humans that while he does not hide, he at least attempts to keep it from interfering with his work.

| {Personality} |

Quiet, often more willing to silently sit among the leaves and allow the world to pass by around him, Tae'ren has a clear love of nature, this love only exaggerated by the frequency of his shapeshifting. Not only limiting it to the combat capability it has, Tae'ren shapeshifts extremely often. At times it is difficult to catch him in his normal shape, but one may notice just how much more expressive he often is while taking on the shape of a beast. Though his dilike of humans and extremely minimal interaction with every other race leaves him more than a bit standoffish, Tae'ren is extremely protective of his comrades and tries surprisingly hard to get to know those around him. He often rubs the Templar Medallion around his neck, the trinket serving as a glorified worry stone that he never parts with. Although his outward appearance makes it difficult to imagine, Tae'ren is still a hopeful young man that wants to see the good in the world around him, even if his own prejudices often get in the way of that.

| {Background} |

Forgiveness it seemed, it was a question often debated among Tae'ren's clan. They had hidden, hidden during the recent blight, hid during the mage rebellion, and hid during the rise of the inquisition... but now as the world comes to the head of what seems like yet another great event... the clan came to realize that they had not been simply hiding from danger, but from the fear of their own duty. Months it took to debate, and eventually Tae'ren could take no more of it, vanishing from his clan and leaving behind little more than a note. They would survive without him, and he would bring their honor back, even if it cost him his life... it was the least his clan... that he could do.

The End of One, The Beginning of Another. <Minecraft inspired Isekai Adjacent>

Have you ever stopped to think about Minecraft now? I mean REALLY thought. Here is this world we get dropped into, as a stranger to us as we are to it. A world that at first glance seems untouched by civilization. But the more you explore, the more you search, the more you dig... the more you realize you arent the first here, nor the only one capable of surviving.

Long abandoned mineshafts, temples to unknown deities, half buried pyramids housing the remains and treasures of long forgotten rulers. Portals to a hellish dimention with the ruined remains of long since perished builders of it's own. Dig deeper still, until the darkness is no longer content to simply gaze back and almost feels as if it could swallow you whole... the ruins of underground bunkers leading to the space between worlds, mind bogglingly massive underground cities coated in an infection that stands a silent vigil to some of the only remaining evidence of not just what came before, but before even that.

Here you stand, not in the ruins of an apocalypse, not the regrowing post apocalypse, but the FAR long since healed remains of one. The world has long forgotten and swallows up the remains, leaving behind only monsters, animals, the industrious survivors and those who would prey upon them... all having long since forgotten what their ancestor's ancestors experienced, content to raid, or to be protected by ancient golems LONG since past their capacity for recreation.

---
This is intended for three or four people at most with me as a sort of DM. It will include light numbers to help solidify certain story aspects about characters but will by no means be the focus.

This will not be a minecraft server, and the world and it's inhabitants are not blocky (worry not however, your favorite cubes will make an appearance in a few ways.)

Think of this as a HEAVILY themed DnD campaign of sorts. I will take liberties with certain themes and lean slightly heavier into certain fantasy elements, but I hope to retain the same feeling minecraft held for us when we first played, and that love and awe I recently rediscovered with my overthinking of the funny block game.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Eva left the brainwork to the people who didn't have an urge to open fire on the aliens the moment they made any sudden movements. Instead, she kept herself busy with the more menial tasks around the ship, moving goods, using her bots and EVA Javelin for their intended purposes to scout the immediate area nearby. Yes, Eva liked to keep herself busy, and if not busy, then sleeping.

Now however, was not a time she was doing either. She sat cross legged on the floor, tools scattered around her as the dog shaped ERU watched closely from it's position under her watchful eye. Nothing particularly dangerous had happened, yet regular maintenance was important, especially now of all times. A soft buzz in the back of her mind, her name repeated at least once. She stood slowly after finishing with the ERU, watching it test it's front legs timidly before rising back to all fours and falling in line behind her.

Eva stood at a distance from the barricade, watching humans and locals mingle from a distance for a moment before finally deciding to move back to her corner of the bay, slip inside her Javelin and move closer with her doglike bot in tow, just in case.

She was, as always, tapped into comms she likely shouldn't have been, and as always, was willing to butt in. "I second Itxaro, no matter how advanced we are in comparison to them we have no method of escape, no way of telling how numerous their groups truly are, and limited supplies. Even if we were here to fight them, we aren't in any position to do so. Trust me, I get it, but an itchy trigger finger will only get everyone here killed, and the locals here have the edge in both supplies and numbers especially in the long run. Keep our offensive tools close to our chest, and try not to waste the whole surprise on looking big and scary when we don't need to."

Eva stopped shy of the barrier, knowing she would draw attention. Moving slowly past the barrier she bowed deeply to the group of locals before rising to the suit's full height again. "Itxaro, you got anything off the top of your head for me other than standing around and looking big?"