Sera is quiet as she thinks. She winces as Jasun explodes, then her eyes widen as Zaf proceeds to...melt. With these two examples of boons, she's a little nervous, but takes a deep breath and steps forward, hoping she's not about to offend someone who can dissolve her into little bits of ice with a thought.
"I would like to meet my father," she says simply. "I don't care if you bring him here or send me to where he is. But I want to meet him."
(Once I know whether he's coming here or Sera's going there, I'll write the rest in a second post)
"Very well then." You are sent through a portal into a cell block somewhere. While you don't know for sure exactly, the fact that it's cold and dark in the cell block makes you think that you're back in Irrisen somewhere. You're currently outside of a cell with only one person, an old and wrinkled man. "Who are you? Are you one of Elvanna's followers, here to torture me?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Sera takes a deep breath and shakes her head, slowly taking a seat in front of the cell. "No. I'm-" She takes a deep breath. She'd fought Elvanna, defeated jadwiga, traveled to other worlds and times, she shouldn't be this scared of an old man, dammit. "I'm Seraphina. Althea's daughter."
Seeing Elvanna get taken down by Jirel (though having to look away for the more gruesome parts of it), Rose feels like she could finally fully breathe again. This nightmare was finally over and now the group stood in front of Baba Yaga, willing to grant them a boon. Rose gnaws at the bottom of her lip, never truly thinking of anything she would want.
One by one, the group lessened, one exploding, the other one melting, and another being teleported away. Each one hurt, just a little bit, and all that was left was the firbolg and the barbarian. Her eyes flicker over to Jirel then back down to her feet. She had an idea of what she wanted, but she didn't want to do it without wishing her other a goodbye. With a breath, the cleric turns to Jirel. "We're the last ones, huh?" She asks sheepishly. "S-sorry. Dumb question... I just didn't want to wish for anything without saying goodbye. I... I didn't get to do it with the others, but... At least I get to say it to you."
The firbolg reaches for Jirel's hands and takes them into hers. "I wanted to thank you for everything. For protecting me in battles, to defending me in some social interactions..." She smiles on the memory. "To always being kind to me. Believe it or not, I think I've grown stronger because of you. I grew a backbone I didn't know I had. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, Jirel, truly." There's a glossy look in her eyes.
With the smallest of sniffles, she lets go of her hands to bring them to the buttons of her cloak to take it off. Carefully, she folds the cloth and hands it to her. "I-I want you to have this. Something to remember me by."
Had Jirel accepted the gift, she gives her a gentle smile and after a moment of silence, she leans forward to give the barbarian a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to miss you."
Had she not, she is a bit heartbroken and it reflects on her face, but she accepts her decision and retracts it. She still does lean forward to at least kiss her cheek though and say she would miss her.
With a slight nod, she looks to Baba Yaga. "Please take me home. To my real home. Not the temple, but the place I should have grown up."
Just before she is teleported away, she gives the barbarian a smile. "Goodbye, Jirel."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Seraphina: "After all this time?" The old man is in disbelief. "I never intended for this to happen to you. When you were a baby, I looked into your eyes and saw joy. Innocence. I could not allow you to grow up in an Irrisen that was ruled by the Winter Witches any longer. I left home and joined a resistance group. As you can see, we failed."
Rose: Baba Yaga casts another spell, teleporting you in front of a large log cabin in the north. You look through the window of the cabin and you can see it being lit up by a fireplace. Looks cozy.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Sera nods slowly, puzzle pieces falling into place. "Elvanna's dead," she says simply. "It's a...long story, but yeah. So, um," she takes another deep breath, cursing herself for being so damn...tongue-tied. "You wanna get out of here?"
Rose's smile fades when she is teleported elsewhere, her eyes going from where Jirel had stood over to the cabin she stood in front of now. Her nerves were all over now. She was nervous and kind of scared. Was this truly her home? Were her parents inside? Had they been waiting for her? She had so much she wanted to ask them, and so much to tell them, she wouldn't even know where to begin.
Be strong. Don't be afraid. With a deep breath of cool air, she carefully makes her way towards the door and gives it a gentle few knocks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Seraphina: Your father is momentarily rendered speechless by your news of Elvanna's demise. "Thank Milani. I never thought this day would come. Yes, please, get me out of here."
Rose: You knock on the door and after a few moments, it's answered by a firbolg male with short pink hair that's lighter than yours. "Rose? Is it you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
I'll say that since Seraphina's a 16th level character and is only minutes removed from helping to kill Elvanna that she can curbstomp some guard and find a key, as well as curbstomp any guards in between you and the exits.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Sera proceeds to do said curbstomping and take her dad out of the prison...and home.
Many happy reunions later...
Sera leans against the doorway of the apothecary, letting the noise of the voices wash over her ears from behind her as she faces into the snowy yard. It's been a quiet year. Which was nice, at first, but...well, she'd left home in the first place because she wasn't happy just staying here and mixing potions. Her dreams were no longer filled with icy blades and cruel laughter, but battered coats, scattered feathers, shy pink smiles, and blond hair. Her hand brushed along the pommel of the greatsword hanging at her back, fingers tracing the etching on the pommel as she thought. And slowly, she came to a decision.
Long ago, a little girl was born with ice in her heart. She could move the dead after they fell.
Once upon a time, the little girl became a young woman, and traveled south, running from her home and her ancestry. But she could not run forever.
Years ago, the young woman was drawn back to her homeland, to restore its balance. The cold in her heart grew and blossomed, and she learned to wield fire and ice in tandem, striking out with cold flames and searing her enemies with white-hot frost.
Once, the young woman became a warrior, a defender. She fought alongside allies who wielded weapons of faith, of the unknowable, of steel and talon. Together, they struck down a crystalline queen and set a land to rights.
Now, the warrior finds her family, and returns home to her rightful hero's rest.
Soon, the hero is not ready to rest. She has not seen all she wishes of this world, has not yet found who she is beyond the traitorous ancestor who gave her hair as white as snow and power over winter.
Tomorrow, she will depart her home again, to find herself and then to find her old companions. Last time she searched for herself, she went south, out of the cold and towards warmer lands.
But she is not a creature of the warmth and sun. Cold is what nestles in her heart, and winter is what whispers in her dreams.
Jirel would start to buckle, curling in on herself as the weight of her emotions came tumbling down on her. Strong hands would flex, one contracting into death grip around the handle of her axe as she’d bring the delicate fabric to her chest with the other. The goliath would fall to her knees as she’d hug the items to herself, clinging to them desperately in fear they might vanish too.
Tilting her head back, Jirel would let out a shout of sorrow from the depths of her soul until there was nothing left of her voice. And then, the first time since that night, she’d sob.
Jirel didn’t care that Baba Yaga had been there, staring at her, waiting to grant some boon. This was no time for selfish wishes. You can’t protect them forever... You can’t just make them come back... You can’t make anyone stay by your side...
Jirel knew she needed to gather her strength to take her next step forward.
But whatever happened in your past? It doesn't define you. It's not nothing, either, but it's not all of you. Define yourself by what you can. - Sera
By those who inspire me to be better.
With a shaky breath and one last sniffle, Jirel would pick herself up. Collecting herself, she’d straighten her posture, lifting her chin high and puffing out her chest. She’d swallow back her pain and sadness before taking a step forward with Rose’s gifts in hand. Hesitating to present them, the barbarian would finally make her request.
“I ask for all the opportunities, experiences, lessons and memories I’ve gained, and well as the abundance of hope, love and joy that’s been shared with me, to become what fuels my power and protects me for what’s to come.” There was pride and determination behind her broken voice.
When she sees the other firbolg, nearly resembling her but with a lighter pink tone of hair, her bottom lip quivers as her eyes grow glossy with tears. Unable to speak with the knot that had built up in her throat, she nods her head to confirm who she was. Had he allowed her to, she shuffles close to him and wraps her arms around him, sobbing.
"I'm home."
(No need to continue this if you don't want Sass! It would be a good cinematic-esk ending for Rose <3)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Jirel: As you finish speaking your wish, Baba Yaga touches your heart and you feel all the love and the pride and the heroism you've experienced during this journey coalesce and you feel stronger. Like you could endure any pain that life has to throw at you. Then she teleports you and Nadya back to Waldsby, where Orm and Mjoli and the rest of the townsfolk have been waiting for several weeks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Footsteps crunch through the fresh snowfall. The wind blows, kicking large flakes up in dancing gusts between the dormant trees. Surrounded by the blanketed silence of these damned woods, the thudding sound of Jirel's beating heart engulfed her hearing. The closer she got to her destination, the more the hair on her skin would raise.
The echoes of Jirel's past began to greet her the further she went down the path.
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop. "She's so small." Snickering and childish laughter. "She's so pale, you'll lose her in the snow." Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop. "Just leave her behind." Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop. "The wild can decide the fate of this child." Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop. "A good axe is all she needs."
The barbarian would drum her fingers along the hilt of her gifted Greataxe, enhanced by Baba Yaga's boon. She'd keep walking.
Breathe Jirel. Centre yourself. Release. Another. Rush! Again. Jirel my darling, you are a weapon. My weapon. Again Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Every. Single. Time.
With a clenched jaw, she'd press forward through the gnawing cold.
Jirel, how dare you! I forbade it! Growling. You'll taint our bloodline- Snarling. Clashing.
Jirel, how dare you! I forbade it! You'll taint our bloodline! Snarling. Growling. And they'll clash. Again and again. You've always been weak Jirel. And I will never allow you to bare an heir!
That scream... Her own gut wrenching scream...
The goliath would adjust Rose's cloak that wrapped around her in protection.
I mustn't fail again.
Jirel would reach her destination. Her home village. And as she made her way through, she was not greeted. No. For she was an exile.
They glared. They spat at their feet. They shuttered their windows and doors.
The blonde would hold her head high, keeping her body tall, puffing her chest out as she'd march on towards a large clearing. It was a court, and there sat a large goliath on the throne.
Jirel would draw her axe, pointing it directly to the obvious ruler. "I, Jirel Nalakekali challenge you to trial by combat, Jethrow Nalakekali" Without dropping the momentum from her strides, she'd press forward. "For the right you wrongfully stole, little brother."
"You *****!" The much larger goliath would rise from his seat. "How dare you set foot back here!" With one swift motion, the man would grab hold of his greataxe that rest by his chair and charge his twin sister.
Image fluff:
Let the death match begin! Jirelinitiative: 18 Jethrow: 16
"I accept your foolish challenge!" Jethrow was not going to let Jirel get the starting advantage. Without hesitation, he'd close the gap, attacking recklessly.
With full intent to gore the smaller goliath, Jethrow was relentless on his opening attack. His speed cut away any attempt for her to put up her full defenses.
Jirel would spit blood into the snow. Regaining her bearings, she'd let out a harrowing battle cry before launching herself into her own pair of attacks.
R2: Jirel Jirel would clench her jaw tightly as she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry out in pain. He was so fast... "Again!" She'd push on despite her early wounds.
Both barbarians, big and small, poured crimson from their grievous wounds, soaking and splattering the snow covered battle field. At this point, it was practically impossible to tell which one was in worse shape.
The Nalakekali twins prowled in circling face off. Growls and snarls rumbled from their cores. Both would brandish their battle axes.
The pair would let out the loudest battle cry from the depths of their cores, sending their voices echoing through the cold winter night. They'd kick off, coming together in one last furry of blows.
R9: Jirel Attack 1: 32 Damage: 15 Attack 2: 18 Damage: 19 (Fails the face off!)
The mountainous barbarian was swift and viscous. Taking advantage of his sisters light weight heading straight for him, he'd glance her blade to the side, opening her up. Jethrow would strike Jirel down.
I-I want you to have this. Something to remember me by. I'm going to miss you.
All goes black.
Jethrow would throw his arms up in triumph, turning slowly to address the crowd with his bloodied axe. Turning back to Jirel, he'd kick her, rolling the bloodied mini goliath over.
ST: 13
But whatever happened in your past? It doesn't define you. It's not nothing, either, but it's not all of you. Define yourself by what you can.
Jethrow would bend down, reaching to pull Rose's axe from Jirel's death grip.
Using what last ounce of strength she had left, Jirel would jab with her booned axe, pressing its blade to sink into her brothers flesh, holding it until he takes his final breath.
Sera is quiet as she thinks. She winces as Jasun explodes, then her eyes widen as Zaf proceeds to...melt. With these two examples of boons, she's a little nervous, but takes a deep breath and steps forward, hoping she's not about to offend someone who can dissolve her into little bits of ice with a thought.
"I would like to meet my father," she says simply. "I don't care if you bring him here or send me to where he is. But I want to meet him."
(Once I know whether he's coming here or Sera's going there, I'll write the rest in a second post)
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Very well then." You are sent through a portal into a cell block somewhere. While you don't know for sure exactly, the fact that it's cold and dark in the cell block makes you think that you're back in Irrisen somewhere. You're currently outside of a cell with only one person, an old and wrinkled man. "Who are you? Are you one of Elvanna's followers, here to torture me?
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Sera takes a deep breath and shakes her head, slowly taking a seat in front of the cell. "No. I'm-" She takes a deep breath. She'd fought Elvanna, defeated jadwiga, traveled to other worlds and times, she shouldn't be this scared of an old man, dammit. "I'm Seraphina. Althea's daughter."
(Althea is Sera's mom)
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Seeing Elvanna get taken down by Jirel (though having to look away for the more gruesome parts of it), Rose feels like she could finally fully breathe again. This nightmare was finally over and now the group stood in front of Baba Yaga, willing to grant them a boon. Rose gnaws at the bottom of her lip, never truly thinking of anything she would want.
One by one, the group lessened, one exploding, the other one melting, and another being teleported away. Each one hurt, just a little bit, and all that was left was the firbolg and the barbarian. Her eyes flicker over to Jirel then back down to her feet. She had an idea of what she wanted, but she didn't want to do it without wishing her other a goodbye. With a breath, the cleric turns to Jirel. "We're the last ones, huh?" She asks sheepishly. "S-sorry. Dumb question... I just didn't want to wish for anything without saying goodbye. I... I didn't get to do it with the others, but... At least I get to say it to you."
The firbolg reaches for Jirel's hands and takes them into hers. "I wanted to thank you for everything. For protecting me in battles, to defending me in some social interactions..." She smiles on the memory. "To always being kind to me. Believe it or not, I think I've grown stronger because of you. I grew a backbone I didn't know I had. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, Jirel, truly." There's a glossy look in her eyes.
With the smallest of sniffles, she lets go of her hands to bring them to the buttons of her cloak to take it off. Carefully, she folds the cloth and hands it to her. "I-I want you to have this. Something to remember me by."
Had Jirel accepted the gift, she gives her a gentle smile and after a moment of silence, she leans forward to give the barbarian a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to miss you."
Had she not, she is a bit heartbroken and it reflects on her face, but she accepts her decision and retracts it. She still does lean forward to at least kiss her cheek though and say she would miss her.
With a slight nod, she looks to Baba Yaga. "Please take me home. To my real home. Not the temple, but the place I should have grown up."
Just before she is teleported away, she gives the barbarian a smile. "Goodbye, Jirel."
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Seraphina: "After all this time?" The old man is in disbelief. "I never intended for this to happen to you. When you were a baby, I looked into your eyes and saw joy. Innocence. I could not allow you to grow up in an Irrisen that was ruled by the Winter Witches any longer. I left home and joined a resistance group. As you can see, we failed."
Rose: Baba Yaga casts another spell, teleporting you in front of a large log cabin in the north. You look through the window of the cabin and you can see it being lit up by a fireplace. Looks cozy.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Sera nods slowly, puzzle pieces falling into place. "Elvanna's dead," she says simply. "It's a...long story, but yeah. So, um," she takes another deep breath, cursing herself for being so damn...tongue-tied. "You wanna get out of here?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Rose's smile fades when she is teleported elsewhere, her eyes going from where Jirel had stood over to the cabin she stood in front of now. Her nerves were all over now. She was nervous and kind of scared. Was this truly her home? Were her parents inside? Had they been waiting for her? She had so much she wanted to ask them, and so much to tell them, she wouldn't even know where to begin.
Be strong. Don't be afraid. With a deep breath of cool air, she carefully makes her way towards the door and gives it a gentle few knocks.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Seraphina: Your father is momentarily rendered speechless by your news of Elvanna's demise. "Thank Milani. I never thought this day would come. Yes, please, get me out of here."
Rose: You knock on the door and after a few moments, it's answered by a firbolg male with short pink hair that's lighter than yours. "Rose? Is it you?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Sera nods and goes about tracking down a key/breaking the lock/whatever needs to happen to get the door open and get her dad out of there.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
I'll say that since Seraphina's a 16th level character and is only minutes removed from helping to kill Elvanna that she can curbstomp some guard and find a key, as well as curbstomp any guards in between you and the exits.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Sera proceeds to do said curbstomping and take her dad out of the prison...and home.
Many happy reunions later...
Sera leans against the doorway of the apothecary, letting the noise of the voices wash over her ears from behind her as she faces into the snowy yard. It's been a quiet year. Which was nice, at first, but...well, she'd left home in the first place because she wasn't happy just staying here and mixing potions. Her dreams were no longer filled with icy blades and cruel laughter, but battered coats, scattered feathers, shy pink smiles, and blond hair. Her hand brushed along the pommel of the greatsword hanging at her back, fingers tracing the etching on the pommel as she thought. And slowly, she came to a decision.
Long ago, a little girl was born with ice in her heart. She could move the dead after they fell.
Once upon a time, the little girl became a young woman, and traveled south, running from her home and her ancestry. But she could not run forever.
Years ago, the young woman was drawn back to her homeland, to restore its balance. The cold in her heart grew and blossomed, and she learned to wield fire and ice in tandem, striking out with cold flames and searing her enemies with white-hot frost.
Once, the young woman became a warrior, a defender. She fought alongside allies who wielded weapons of faith, of the unknowable, of steel and talon. Together, they struck down a crystalline queen and set a land to rights.
Now, the warrior finds her family, and returns home to her rightful hero's rest.
Soon, the hero is not ready to rest. She has not seen all she wishes of this world, has not yet found who she is beyond the traitorous ancestor who gave her hair as white as snow and power over winter.
Tomorrow, she will depart her home again, to find herself and then to find her old companions. Last time she searched for herself, she went south, out of the cold and towards warmer lands.
But she is not a creature of the warmth and sun. Cold is what nestles in her heart, and winter is what whispers in her dreams.
Tomorrow, she goes north.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
One by one. They were gone.
Just like that. Jirel stood alone.
And struggled to breath.
She didn’t want to say good bye.
Confused honeyed eyes blinked.
She wasn’t ready.
’I-i already miss you...”
But the barbarian choked the words out too late.
It all happened so fast.
She started trembling like a leaf.
Jirel would start to buckle, curling in on herself as the weight of her emotions came tumbling down on her. Strong hands would flex, one contracting into death grip around the handle of her axe as she’d bring the delicate fabric to her chest with the other. The goliath would fall to her knees as she’d hug the items to herself, clinging to them desperately in fear they might vanish too.
Tilting her head back, Jirel would let out a shout of sorrow from the depths of her soul until there was nothing left of her voice. And then, the first time since that night, she’d sob.
Jirel didn’t care that Baba Yaga had been there, staring at her, waiting to grant some boon. This was no time for selfish wishes. You can’t protect them forever... You can’t just make them come back... You can’t make anyone stay by your side...
Jirel knew she needed to gather her strength to take her next step forward.
But whatever happened in your past? It doesn't define you.
It's not nothing, either, but it's not all of you.
Define yourself by what you can.
- Sera
By those who inspire me to be better.
With a shaky breath and one last sniffle, Jirel would pick herself up. Collecting herself, she’d straighten her posture, lifting her chin high and puffing out her chest. She’d swallow back her pain and sadness before taking a step forward with Rose’s gifts in hand. Hesitating to present them, the barbarian would finally make her request.
“I ask for all the opportunities, experiences, lessons and memories I’ve gained, and well as the abundance of hope, love and joy that’s been shared with me, to become what fuels my power and protects me for what’s to come.” There was pride and determination behind her broken voice.
just an unstable unicorn.
When she sees the other firbolg, nearly resembling her but with a lighter pink tone of hair, her bottom lip quivers as her eyes grow glossy with tears. Unable to speak with the knot that had built up in her throat, she nods her head to confirm who she was. Had he allowed her to, she shuffles close to him and wraps her arms around him, sobbing.
"I'm home."
(No need to continue this if you don't want Sass! It would be a good cinematic-esk ending for Rose <3)
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Jirel: As you finish speaking your wish, Baba Yaga touches your heart and you feel all the love and the pride and the heroism you've experienced during this journey coalesce and you feel stronger. Like you could endure any pain that life has to throw at you. Then she teleports you and Nadya back to Waldsby, where Orm and Mjoli and the rest of the townsfolk have been waiting for several weeks.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Footsteps crunch through the fresh snowfall. The wind blows, kicking large flakes up in dancing gusts between the dormant trees. Surrounded by the blanketed silence of these damned woods, the thudding sound of Jirel's beating heart engulfed her hearing. The closer she got to her destination, the more the hair on her skin would raise.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
Pick up. Place. Chop.
The echoes of Jirel's past began to greet her the further she went down the path.
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"She's so small." Snickering and childish laughter. "She's so pale, you'll lose her in the snow."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"Just leave her behind."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"The wild can decide the fate of this child."
Pick up. Place. Chop. Pick up. Place. Chop.
"A good axe is all she needs."
The barbarian would drum her fingers along the hilt of her gifted Greataxe, enhanced by Baba Yaga's boon. She'd keep walking.
Breathe Jirel. Centre yourself. Release.
Another.
Rush!
Again.
Jirel my darling, you are a weapon. My weapon.
Again
Again. Again. Again. Again.
Again. Again. Again. Again.
Again. Again. Again. Again.
Again. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Every. Single. Time.
With a clenched jaw, she'd press forward through the gnawing cold.
Jirel, how dare you!
I forbade it!
Growling.
You'll taint our bloodline-
Snarling.
Clashing.
Jirel, how dare you! I forbade it! You'll taint our bloodline!
Snarling. Growling. And they'll clash. Again and again.
You've always been weak Jirel. And I will never allow you to bare an heir!
That scream...
Her own gut wrenching scream...
The goliath would adjust Rose's cloak that wrapped around her in protection.
I mustn't fail again.
Jirel would reach her destination. Her home village. And as she made her way through, she was not greeted. No. For she was an exile.
They glared. They spat at their feet. They shuttered their windows and doors.
The blonde would hold her head high, keeping her body tall, puffing her chest out as she'd march on towards a large clearing. It was a court, and there sat a large goliath on the throne.
Jirel would draw her axe, pointing it directly to the obvious ruler. "I, Jirel Nalakekali challenge you to trial by combat, Jethrow Nalakekali" Without dropping the momentum from her strides, she'd press forward. "For the right you wrongfully stole, little brother."
"You *****!" The much larger goliath would rise from his seat. "How dare you set foot back here!" With one swift motion, the man would grab hold of his greataxe that rest by his chair and charge his twin sister.
Image fluff:
Let the death match begin!
Jirelinitiative: 18
Jethrow: 16
"I accept your foolish challenge!" Jethrow was not going to let Jirel get the starting advantage. Without hesitation, he'd close the gap, attacking recklessly.
R1: Jethrow
BA: Charger Attack: 34 Damage: 8
Attack 1: 20 Damage: 11
Attack 2: 17 Damage: 16
Brute Crit: 10
Total Damage: 62
With full intent to gore the smaller goliath, Jethrow was relentless on his opening attack. His speed cut away any attempt for her to put up her full defenses.
R1: Jirel
Reaction: Stone's Endurance Reduce Damage: 6
Jirel would spit blood into the snow. Regaining her bearings, she'd let out a harrowing battle cry before launching herself into her own pair of attacks.
BA: Rage
Attack 1: 31 Damage: 13
Attack 2: 19 Damage: 18
Damage: 34
Her blade would find its target, but nothing compared to the injuries she sustained. Though it wouldn't shake her resolve.
R2: Jethrow
The big barbarian would grin maniacally. He'd let out a beastly roar before trading blows with his sister.
BA: Rage
Attack 1: 29 Damage: 16
Attack 2: 22 Damage: 20
Double ******* brute crit: 13 | 2
Damage: 66/2 = 33hp
R2: Jirel
Jirel would clench her jaw tightly as she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry out in pain. He was so fast... "Again!" She'd push on despite her early wounds.
Attack 1: 18 Damage: 22
Attack 2: 32 Damage: 15
Damage: 34/2 = 17
R3: Jethrow
Jethrow's cackling would only continue.
Attack 1: 29 Damage: 16
Attack 2: 25 Damage: 20
Damage: 32/2 = 16
R3: Jirel
Jirel still refused to waver. "I will end your tyranny!"
Attack 1: 30 Damage: 21
Attack 2: 18 Damage: 13
Brute crit for our blonde bombshell: 14
BA GW Master: 19 Damage: 21
Brute crit 2 *****!: 17
Damage: 99/2 = 49.5
Her passionate words fueled her calculated strikes, hammering in on Jeth's weak points, bringing him down a peg.
R4: Jethrow
Jethrow was beyond maniacally cackling now, as if the damage unleashed against him only fueled his madness.
Reaction: Stones endurance reduction: 16
"You have always been weak Jirel! You'll never succeed."
Attack 1: 30 Damage: 18
Attack 2: 23 Damage: 19
Damage: 21/2=10.5
In his blind fervor, Jeth got sloppy. Jirel was able to dodge a swing!
R4: Jirel
Hoping to use her momentum from her last attack and dodge, Jirel would continue to press her attacks.
Attack 1: 22 Damage: 14
Attack 2: 31 Damage: 17
Damage: 31/2=15
R5: Jethrow
A hint of annoyance would flash across his face before he'd lash out once more.
Attack 1: 22 Damage: 16
Attack 2: 24 Damage: 18
Brute Crit: 17
Damage: 56/2=28
R5: Jirel
Jirel's chest would rise and fall, beginning to show some physical exertion, but her eyes remained ahead on her target.
Attack 1: 28 Damage: 15
Attack 2: 26 Damage: 20
Damage: 26/2=13
R6: Jethrow
"Oh how I've missed cutting you down sweet sister!"
Attack 1: 19 Damage: 17
Attack 2: 29 Damage: 21
Damage: 24/2=12
R6: Jirel
Jirel never backed down then, she wasn't going to back down now.
Attack 1: 28 Damage: 21
Attack 2: 32 Damage: 19
Damage: 33/2= 16
R7: Jethrow
"Common Jirel, I thought you wanted to play!"
Attack 1: 29 Damage: 18
Attack 2: 20 Damage: 11
Damage: 35/2=17
R7: Jirel
Jirel would swallow, feeling her energy drain away with each drop of blood spilled. She'd press on.
Attack 1: 23 Damage: 17
Attack 2: 33 Damage: 23
Damage: 38/2= 19
R8: Jethrow
Jethrow would bellow a laugh when Jirel's strike would just catch him. She'd almost missed, giving away her fatigue.
Attack 1: 23 Damage: 21
Attack 2: 31 Damage: 14
Damage: 35/2= 17
R8: Jirel
Despite her exhaustion, she almost slipped away from one of his blows. Hoping to harness that breath of luck, Jirel would push forward.
Attack 1: 25 Damage: 23
Attack 2: 23 Damage: 23
Damage: 45/2=22
Both barbarians, big and small, poured crimson from their grievous wounds, soaking and splattering the snow covered battle field. At this point, it was practically impossible to tell which one was in worse shape.
The Nalakekali twins prowled in circling face off. Growls and snarls rumbled from their cores. Both would brandish their battle axes.
The pair would let out the loudest battle cry from the depths of their cores, sending their voices echoing through the cold winter night. They'd kick off, coming together in one last furry of blows.
R9: Jethrow
Attack 1: 20 Damage: 12
Attack 2: 30 Damage: 16
R9: JirelAttack 1: 32 Damage: 15Attack 2: 18 Damage: 19
(Fails the face off!)The mountainous barbarian was swift and viscous. Taking advantage of his sisters light weight heading straight for him, he'd glance her blade to the side, opening her up. Jethrow would strike Jirel down.
I-I want you to have this. Something to remember me by.
I'm going to miss you.
All goes black.
Jethrow would throw his arms up in triumph, turning slowly to address the crowd with his bloodied axe. Turning back to Jirel, he'd kick her, rolling the bloodied mini goliath over.
ST: 13
But whatever happened in your past? It doesn't define you.
It's not nothing, either, but it's not all of you.
Define yourself by what you can.
Jethrow would bend down, reaching to pull Rose's axe from Jirel's death grip.
Honeyed eyes would fly open, enraged.
Other: Relentless rage = 1hp!
Attack 1: 33 Damage: 21
Attack 2: 26 Damage: 19
Using what last ounce of strength she had left, Jirel would jab with her booned axe, pressing its blade to sink into her brothers flesh, holding it until he takes his final breath.
just an unstable unicorn.