I have created this thread where you can share the lore to most anything you create in DND, to help inspire others and to show off your writing skills. It can be world history, character backstories, monster descriptions, pretty much anything. So, drop whatever lore you want! I'll start with this little bit I wrote up for a prompt in another thread:
They were originally a human male, a scholar of ancient traditions who studied the stars. They sought to learn all about the things beyond, and one day, while exploring an ancient crypt, they found a book. A book of eldritch lore, describing a great entity known as Gargengaulsh. The knowledge of this book drove him mad, and the hunger for contact with this 'wonderful' creature consumed the man's everyday life, becoming a dark and dangerous addiction. Sensing a corrupted and vile soul, an imp appeared to the man one day and offered him an infernal deal. The man said he would only sell his soul if he was given a link to Gargengaulsh. But the imp couldn't grant it, so the devil went on its way. Throughout the years, the man performed more and more vile acts, becoming the leader of a blasphemous, debased cult full of lunatics and the worst kinds of sinners. These dark acts, commited in the name of an alien evil, drew the attention of various devils time and time again. By the end of this man's lifespan, the devils hunger for his soul was so great that Asmodeous himself appeared to the man, and finally, offered the lunatic exactly what he always dreamed off: a direct link to Gargengaulsh for the rest of his life. The man was excited, but soon bemoaned the fact he wouldn't get to serve the eldritch god for long, since his time of death was near. So Asmodeous offered him something else in addition: a new, younger form, with wondrous powers, but Asmodeous would have power over the man when he so chose. The cultist accepted, and was transformed into a Non-binary Tiefling by the name of Discovery, a fiend warlock bound to Asmodeous, with a connection to the elder evil known as Gargengaulsh.
And with that, welcome to the Lore Collective!
~Raccoon_Master
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Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, a young genderfluid actor, writer, explorer, and bass vocalist. Pronouns They/Them/Theirs
My Characters: Brorminthe Devout Crusher; Morgrom the Cunning Summoner;Theathe Rebellious Beauty;
I have a bunch of PCs from my early days (1979-1985) that I didn't want to just shelve. One was actually me so I really didn't want to shelve myself. In the module Queen of the Demonweb pits he managed to actually kill Lolth and being the only other being around at the moment he absorbed her deific essence. so what do you do with a L20 PC that obsrobs the powers of a god and not someone you are willing to shelve? the spoilers below include some lore about what I did.
Dragonheart:
Dragonheart Started on Earth as a martial artist, survival camper and trained geologist. After arguing rules with a Dungeon Master in 1979 he found himself at the back end of a party of orcs attacking the characters he had been playing. He demonstrated what he would do to the DM and explained his background and after surviving the encounter found himself a level 3 monk/level 3 ranger switch class human. He has been playing (Adventuring) ever since. Since his player moved frequently he (and the other characters of his player) became world walkers very early in their careers. Over the next several years he rose to level 17 as a ranger finishing off with fighting a series of hill, frost and fire giants then descending into the Underdark to deal with the drow. This sent him and his party into the DemonWeb Pits where they found themselves facing Lolth. DH was off to one side and when Lolth killed off the rest of the party he shot an arrow of slaying at her head and surprising everyone (especially the DM) he killed her with one shot (he made 10 rolls of 1% or 5% in a row). Since he was the only one still alive the deific energies entered his body and started to convert him into a god. Sensing the event the Seldarine appeared and granted him a special suit of protection that would enable him to resist the tainted energies and slowly purify them over a period of 100+ years. This appeared as elven Mithril armor and was light enough and unencumbering enough that he could wear it much as a set of clothes. The Deific energies also activated latent Psionic talents which he chose to explore switching classes and rising to become an L13 Psion. Several times he tried to set down roots establishing domains allied with elven kingdoms in different worlds but each time the gods of fate would shift him to a different world to face new problems (i.e. his player moved again). During this time he further alerted/alienated the demonic powers when he destroyed a Balor in one round with a Psychic Crush. When he was comfortable with his psionic powers he decided to explore magic and switched classes again. Each time he switched classes the armor transformed into a set of equipment he could use in the new class. When he had reached level 15 as a mage he found himself shifted again – this time to an alternate Faerun from the one he had started in. He and his associated adventurers (friends and followers) entered Faerun in 1363 DR. They spent a year exploring trade routes (the fighters, thieves and Druids) and learning about the history, politics, religions and geography of Faerun at CandleKeep (the spellcasters including DH). After the first year they worked eastward into Cormyr and then north to Cormanthyr and the Dales. They Destroyed the Dracolich Dretchroyaster taking over his lair. They then explored Myth Drannor where he discovered Shaundukul’s Temple and Windsong Tower. After saving both from demonic and draconic attacks he became the Chosen of Shaundukul. He and his followers Borav and Haradur as well as his friend Herulad gained acceptance in Windsong tower and began a 21 year period of studying the Nether Scrolls kept there. He freed and settled Teshendale, helped Free Daggerdale and Scardale earning him the enmity of the Zhentarim. When Zhentil Keep was attacked he waited until the Giants and Dragons ended their siege then he took over Zhentil Keep renaming it Newport and adding it to Teshendale.
When Shade returned he was able to forestall their theft of the Nether Scrolls from Windsong tower. In the process he killed the Shade Hadhrhune. WildBill’s presence in the Dales blocked their efforts to move eastwards directly. When exploring Anauroch he battled the Dracolich Malygris that was the suzerain of the Blue dragons there and an ally of the ruler of Shade destroying it and its phylactery. He was able to claim the position of suzerain and establish a working relationship between the Blues and the trade costers he ran out of Teshendale.
his Church:
Dragonheart is the deity of several somewhat related portfolios and some that seem completely separated. His main portfolios are Mixed bloods (especially half-elves), mixed class, multiclass and outcasts (especially Dark Elf males but also including Dragonborn, Teiflings and Genesai), his second (related) portfolios are travelers, caravan guards, Rangers and Druids (shared with other nature deities and the Sendarine) (outsiders), his minor portfolios are swordmages, Psionics and Portal and Dimensional Magics. He is considered part of the Seldarine especially since his partner is Eillistraee (patron of dark elf females) by half elves and drow/dark elves. He is allied with Finder and Enlil (with whom he shares the Dragonborn), Mystra and Azuth (under whom he holds his magic and swordmage portfolios), Waukeen (whom he rescued from Hell and oversees travel and caravan guards with), Selune, the nature Deities, and the knowledge Deities. His foes include Lolth, Bane, Cyric, The archdemons and archdevils, and Probably Shar and her son Garagos as well as Malar. His Clerics normally chose from the Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature and Tempest domains. He champions individual freedom and respect, care for nature as well as civilized areas, a place for all folk free of oppression. He calls on folk to learn as much as they can since knowledge grants power and so the more you know the greater your ability to maintain your freedom. Because of his background as a ranger/psion/mage he sponsors swordmages and mixed warrior-spellcasters. He gained his portfolios of travelers and caravan guards as well as rangers from Shaundukul who he replaced with that deity’s blessing after acting as his chosen for many years. He gained the portfolio of drow and dark elf males when he killed Lolth and then absorbed her essence from one world. This was increased when he absorbed the essences of Selvartam, Sheverash and Vheraunn when they died or chose to join him as an Exarch. He surrendered the portfolio of Drow males to Vhaeraun at Ao’s direction allowing him to return to Faerun rather than function as an Exarch. He gained the subportfolios of portal and dimensional magics when he merged his knowledge of them from reading the Nether Scrolls on them fully and mastering 4 of the Imaskari Imascarna, absorbing the gatekeeper and holding Azuth’s Essence for a century.
I have a main PC that i enjoy playing in different games just to see how the DM adapts his lore into the overall campaign. He's a 34-year-old beastman (otterfolk) named Taeo who was forced into a pact with one of the two gods his tribe worships. The actual short story can be read here. hopefully, this gives inspiration to anyone having difficulty with a direction to go in with their own character.
Before this short story begins, please review the key terms that will give a better understanding of the upcoming events:
Lutrai- A race of beast people, Otter-like in appearance.
Leonid- Another race of Beast People, Bi-Pedal, and taking the form of different types of Felines.
Lao Islands- A series of islands varying in size. Home primarily to the Lutrai people, but also to scattered tribes of other types of best people, and some humans.
Fe'Rah Korda- One of the two Gods worshiped by the Lutrai people, taking the appearance of a giant aquatic dragon, and rules over the aspects of the Depths, Darkness, and the seasons of fall and Winter.
Spira Alto- One of the two gods worshiped by the Lutrai people. Spira, like Feh'Rah, Takes the form of a massive dragon, and ruling over the aspects of the heavens, Flight, Abundance, and the seasons of Spring and Summer.
The evening sun began to set behind the mountains of the Lao Islands. On the main island, populated mostly by the Lutrai people, a young otter is called into his father's home. “Taeo! It's getting late, son. Time to come in.” A tall Leonid, covered in white fur and black stripes stood at his doorway to the outside. “The fish will be there tomorrow, I promise.”
“Awww, just a few more minutes, Dad?” Taeo protested, holding a fishing rod made of bamboo in both his paws. His father shook his head from side to side, and Taeo began reeling in his line and made his way toward home. The young Lutrai moaned sadly.
“You've been outside all day” Taeo's father pointed out. “Go get cleaned up for the evening. I can see dirt spots on your white stripes.... actually, now that I think of it, your mother has been gone for some time. Have you seen her?”
Taeo shook his head as he placed his fishing rod in his bedroom. “Nuh-uh! She said she had some business in the marketplace and might be late getting home tonight. What's for dinner?” A slight look of concern came across the white tiger's face as he began preparing the evening meal.
Dinner passed as nighttime fell across the islands. Taeos mother still had not returned home. Taeo could see increasing worry in his father's eyes. “ Dad, this isn't the first time mom has been out late. It's a long trip to the marketplace. She probably stopped by Auntie's for the night.”
The white tiger took a deep sigh “You're right... I don't know why I'm so worried”. He then began to clear the table. “It's late though. We should head to bed”. Taeo smiled, knowing he had lessened his father's worry, and with the sound of small paws slapping against wood floors, the young Lutrai, only the age of Thirteen, laid down for a night's rest. His father also took to his own bed, muttering to himself “ Una... please be back by morning”.
Storms rolled in heavily that night. Rain poured down the stone and clay walls of the small home. Thunder rolled across the valley skies outside. Taeo lay peacefully in his bed. A clash of lightning abruptly made him rise up. He slowly started to observe his darkened room... Nothing out of place... rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Taeo made his way to his nearby window, grabbing both shutters and locking them shut. He turned around, yawning wide with his arms stretched out. As easily as he had closed the shutters to his bedroom portals, suddenly... he faded... lowered to the ground... the vague image of three hoods stood above him before losing total consciousness.
“Is he ready?”
“Yes, my Siress. All preparations are complete... The boy is cleansed and ready.”
“..... Verywell. To your places, all of you!”
Taeo slowly came to, His vision blurred into focus. Again he found himself surrounded by hooded figures, faces completely obscured. Low, ancient chanting filled the chamber the young Lutrai found himself in. Torches lined the walls from all around as Taeo took in his surroundings. He tried moving his limbs only to realize he had been wrapped up tightly in ornate garments decorated with seashells, proclaiming images of the tides and oceans. “Wh- what's going on?... Let me go! WHO ARE YOU!?”
The torches that illuminated the walls turned from radiant reds and oranges to deep blue and hues of purple as they flickered upwards. A piercing pain hit Taeo's right ear as the chanting grew louder. The hands of the hooded figure that stood above him held a chunk of flesh and bloodied, matted fur and placed it into a small bowl that sat to the right of Taeos face. Another of the faceless mages held the bowl to one of the deep, blazing torches. The mass of flesh inside ignited instantly.
The hood at the head of the alter Taeo laid upon held the scorching bowl high above them. The chanting came to a loud crescendo... and then stopped all at once. Taeo watched as the mage's hands released the bowl. Instead of falling, it levitated in mid-air, spinning as the purple indigo flames seemingly danced in celebration... or warning. Suddenly, a whisper, heard from the same ear that had felt so much pain a few moments ago, almost comfortingly stated “ The dragon of the cross-tides now holds your fate in its claws.” all of the hooded figures placed their hands outward towards the bowl, still spinning in its place above the altar. In unison, almost in a voice that was not present before, they proclaimed “ Feh'Rah Korda”.
The deep indigo flame living within the bowl erupted, even more furious than before. At the same moment, Taeo began to scream in pain as scars, illuminated by the same light that covered the surrounding walls, began to cascade across his body as if they took the place of his very veins. The cloth used to strap Taeo down erupted away in an explosion of power that cast the mysterious figures against the walls behind them. His eyes lost all semblance of normalcy as they too began to flow with power, and his screams now sounded otherworldly.
All at once....
Silence....
Darkness....
Quiet.
The fires that once kept the echoed cavern lit were now huffed out, leaving only scorch marks on the walls. The only light that could be seen was from the full harvest moon hanging ominously in the sky above. The mages immediately began to take their leave as Taeo lay sprawled out across the altar. The head hood gave one last command. “ The boy is to be returned to his bed.”
“But, Siress, moving him now could disrupt the entire contra--”
“He needs to think this was nothing but a nightmare!” They interrupted. “Besides... his coming years will reveal all he needs to know...” With the explanation, Taeos limp body was placed over the shoulder of one of the seemingly larger culprits, who nodded to the rest of them, making his way on foot to return the young otter to his bed.
The morning had come. The sunlight of a new day woke Taeo from his sleep. “uuuunnngh... what... kind of dream was tha-- Nnnngh!” He growled, pressing a paw against his right ear. He felt around it as he realized a chunk was missing from the top.
“Taeo? Sweetie, are you awake?” Asked a rather feminine voice approaching his door. The door opened as a female Lutrai with long, white hair that lay over her shoulder looked at her son wincing in pain.
Taeo forced a fake smile as he continued to hold his ear under his paw. “Y-yeah, sorry mom... just had a bad dream. Left me with a headache, thats all.” His mother smiled as she backed out of the room with a nod. “A good breakfast will make you feel right as daylight! Don't take too long or your plate will get cold. I made your favorite-- Catfish!” With that, She closed the door gently. She stood outside her son's room...
a deep sigh escaped her as a look of concern glazed over her eyes.
“Please forgive me... Dearest Taeo. It'll make sense later on. I Promise.”
One of my characters holds a special place in my heart for being the one that got me into my current D&D group.
Once, there was a sorcerer. He was skilled in magic, a thing he'd been blessed with since birth and honed throughout his years. But while his power soared, it didn't quite make him satisfied. For while he could conjure beasts, rain down the fires of hell, and decay anything with a touch... he was lonely. His personality was toxic, caustic, he pushed people away or they left him first. So he was lonely, and it ate at him. He desired a wife, someone to stay by his side no matter what. So he figured he would make one himself.
He lived in an old tower in the forest, as a fair amount of magic users tend to do. No one but an old wizened cat and some conjured servants graced those halls. And outside his lair was a pond. He'd occasionally feed the waterfowl there, and for years, a flock of swans had migrated to the pond like clockwork. So when he wanted to make himself a wife, he had an option. And he took that option.
The sorcerer lured in a few swans, and selected one he deemed best. An adult female swan, one of the most beautiful ones in his opinion. He took the bird into his tower, and proceeded to cast True Polymorph on it. And in moments, the swan was a human woman. A human woman he dubbed Loreley, his new wife.
Loreley looked at herself with her new conscious mind. She recognized herself and her new form, her feathers exchanged for hands and fingers. She did not like it. She looked at the sorcerer, who called her his 'wife' and said they would be married. She did not know what 'wife' or 'married' meant, but she did not like this man. So she did what any reasonable swan would do when stuck in a place with someone who had done something wrong to you.
She charged at him and beat the unprepared man until he stopped moving.
Loreley wanders now. She seeks a way to turn 'back to normal', for she detests this form she was unwillingly given. She wishes to fly again. Maybe she will, one day.
There are warlords in this world. 400 years ago, ulnown to the public, a group of adventurers ventured into an ancient temple, long forgotten by man. As they descended, they realized long too late that it was a one-way gateway to the abyss. They were stuck within the depths of the abyss for 300 years, and when they returned, they were altered. The abyss granted them abilities far greater then any normal person can have, but the experience there altered their mindset. They used their power to ravage the world, to a point where the world government begged them to stop, tried to convince them to join the government. Initially, the group refused. But, they accepted the offer. The are now known as the warlords, and they have free reign to do what they please In the various villages that roam the north, as long as they answer the governments call and avoid major cities.
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Hello all,
I have created this thread where you can share the lore to most anything you create in DND, to help inspire others and to show off your writing skills. It can be world history, character backstories, monster descriptions, pretty much anything. So, drop whatever lore you want! I'll start with this little bit I wrote up for a prompt in another thread:
And with that, welcome to the Lore Collective!
~Raccoon_Master
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, a young genderfluid actor, writer, explorer, and bass vocalist. Pronouns They/Them/Theirs
My Characters: Brormin the Devout Crusher; Morgrom the Cunning Summoner; Thea the Rebellious Beauty;
Check out my EXTENDED SIGNATUR and don’t forget to join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
"I don't make sense to you, and I don't make sense to myself. Maybe the only one I make sense to is God" ~ Me, trying to sound smart
I have a bunch of PCs from my early days (1979-1985) that I didn't want to just shelve. One was actually me so I really didn't want to shelve myself. In the module Queen of the Demonweb pits he managed to actually kill Lolth and being the only other being around at the moment he absorbed her deific essence. so what do you do with a L20 PC that obsrobs the powers of a god and not someone you are willing to shelve? the spoilers below include some lore about what I did.
Dragonheart:
Dragonheart Started on Earth as a martial artist, survival camper and trained geologist. After arguing rules with a Dungeon Master in 1979 he found himself at the back end of a party of orcs attacking the characters he had been playing. He demonstrated what he would do to the DM and explained his background and after surviving the encounter found himself a level 3 monk/level 3 ranger switch class human. He has been playing (Adventuring) ever since. Since his player moved frequently he (and the other characters of his player) became world walkers very early in their careers. Over the next several years he rose to level 17 as a ranger finishing off with fighting a series of hill, frost and fire giants then descending into the Underdark to deal with the drow. This sent him and his party into the DemonWeb Pits where they found themselves facing Lolth. DH was off to one side and when Lolth killed off the rest of the party he shot an arrow of slaying at her head and surprising everyone (especially the DM) he killed her with one shot (he made 10 rolls of 1% or 5% in a row). Since he was the only one still alive the deific energies entered his body and started to convert him into a god. Sensing the event the Seldarine appeared and granted him a special suit of protection that would enable him to resist the tainted energies and slowly purify them over a period of 100+ years. This appeared as elven Mithril armor and was light enough and unencumbering enough that he could wear it much as a set of clothes. The Deific energies also activated latent Psionic talents which he chose to explore switching classes and rising to become an L13 Psion. Several times he tried to set down roots establishing domains allied with elven kingdoms in different worlds but each time the gods of fate would shift him to a different world to face new problems (i.e. his player moved again). During this time he further alerted/alienated the demonic powers when he destroyed a Balor in one round with a Psychic Crush. When he was comfortable with his psionic powers he decided to explore magic and switched classes again. Each time he switched classes the armor transformed into a set of equipment he could use in the new class. When he had reached level 15 as a mage he found himself shifted again – this time to an alternate Faerun from the one he had started in. He and his associated adventurers (friends and followers) entered Faerun in 1363 DR. They spent a year exploring trade routes (the fighters, thieves and Druids) and learning about the history, politics, religions and geography of Faerun at CandleKeep (the spellcasters including DH). After the first year they worked eastward into Cormyr and then north to Cormanthyr and the Dales. They Destroyed the Dracolich Dretchroyaster taking over his lair. They then explored Myth Drannor where he discovered Shaundukul’s Temple and Windsong Tower. After saving both from demonic and draconic attacks he became the Chosen of Shaundukul. He and his followers Borav and Haradur as well as his friend Herulad gained acceptance in Windsong tower and began a 21 year period of studying the Nether Scrolls kept there. He freed and settled Teshendale, helped Free Daggerdale and Scardale earning him the enmity of the Zhentarim. When Zhentil Keep was attacked he waited until the Giants and Dragons ended their siege then he took over Zhentil Keep renaming it Newport and adding it to Teshendale.
When Shade returned he was able to forestall their theft of the Nether Scrolls from Windsong tower. In the process he killed the Shade Hadhrhune. WildBill’s presence in the Dales blocked their efforts to move eastwards directly. When exploring Anauroch he battled the Dracolich Malygris that was the suzerain of the Blue dragons there and an ally of the ruler of Shade destroying it and its phylactery. He was able to claim the position of suzerain and establish a working relationship between the Blues and the trade costers he ran out of Teshendale.
his Church:
Dragonheart is the deity of several somewhat related portfolios and some that seem completely separated. His main portfolios are Mixed bloods (especially half-elves), mixed class, multiclass and outcasts (especially Dark Elf males but also including Dragonborn, Teiflings and Genesai), his second (related) portfolios are travelers, caravan guards, Rangers and Druids (shared with other nature deities and the Sendarine) (outsiders), his minor portfolios are swordmages, Psionics and Portal and Dimensional Magics. He is considered part of the Seldarine especially since his partner is Eillistraee (patron of dark elf females) by half elves and drow/dark elves. He is allied with Finder and Enlil (with whom he shares the Dragonborn), Mystra and Azuth (under whom he holds his magic and swordmage portfolios), Waukeen (whom he rescued from Hell and oversees travel and caravan guards with), Selune, the nature Deities, and the knowledge Deities. His foes include Lolth, Bane, Cyric, The archdemons and archdevils, and Probably Shar and her son Garagos as well as Malar. His Clerics normally chose from the Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature and Tempest domains. He champions individual freedom and respect, care for nature as well as civilized areas, a place for all folk free of oppression. He calls on folk to learn as much as they can since knowledge grants power and so the more you know the greater your ability to maintain your freedom. Because of his background as a ranger/psion/mage he sponsors swordmages and mixed warrior-spellcasters. He gained his portfolios of travelers and caravan guards as well as rangers from Shaundukul who he replaced with that deity’s blessing after acting as his chosen for many years. He gained the portfolio of drow and dark elf males when he killed Lolth and then absorbed her essence from one world. This was increased when he absorbed the essences of Selvartam, Sheverash and Vheraunn when they died or chose to join him as an Exarch. He surrendered the portfolio of Drow males to Vhaeraun at Ao’s direction allowing him to return to Faerun rather than function as an Exarch. He gained the subportfolios of portal and dimensional magics when he merged his knowledge of them from reading the Nether Scrolls on them fully and mastering 4 of the Imaskari Imascarna, absorbing the gatekeeper and holding Azuth’s Essence for a century.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
I have a main PC that i enjoy playing in different games just to see how the DM adapts his lore into the overall campaign. He's a 34-year-old beastman (otterfolk) named Taeo who was forced into a pact with one of the two gods his tribe worships. The actual short story can be read here. hopefully, this gives inspiration to anyone having difficulty with a direction to go in with their own character.
Before this short story begins, please review the key terms that will give a better understanding of the upcoming events:
Lutrai- A race of beast people, Otter-like in appearance.
Leonid- Another race of Beast People, Bi-Pedal, and taking the form of different types of Felines.
Lao Islands- A series of islands varying in size. Home primarily to the Lutrai people, but also to scattered tribes of other types of best people, and some humans.
Fe'Rah Korda- One of the two Gods worshiped by the Lutrai people, taking the appearance of a giant aquatic dragon, and rules over the aspects of the Depths, Darkness, and the seasons of fall and Winter.
Spira Alto- One of the two gods worshiped by the Lutrai people. Spira, like Feh'Rah, Takes the form of a massive dragon, and ruling over the aspects of the heavens, Flight, Abundance, and the seasons of Spring and Summer.
The evening sun began to set behind the mountains of the Lao Islands. On the main island, populated mostly by the Lutrai people, a young otter is called into his father's home. “Taeo! It's getting late, son. Time to come in.” A tall Leonid, covered in white fur and black stripes stood at his doorway to the outside. “The fish will be there tomorrow, I promise.”
“Awww, just a few more minutes, Dad?” Taeo protested, holding a fishing rod made of bamboo in both his paws. His father shook his head from side to side, and Taeo began reeling in his line and made his way toward home. The young Lutrai moaned sadly.
“You've been outside all day” Taeo's father pointed out. “Go get cleaned up for the evening. I can see dirt spots on your white stripes.... actually, now that I think of it, your mother has been gone for some time. Have you seen her?”
Taeo shook his head as he placed his fishing rod in his bedroom. “Nuh-uh! She said she had some business in the marketplace and might be late getting home tonight. What's for dinner?” A slight look of concern came across the white tiger's face as he began preparing the evening meal.
Dinner passed as nighttime fell across the islands. Taeos mother still had not returned home. Taeo could see increasing worry in his father's eyes. “ Dad, this isn't the first time mom has been out late. It's a long trip to the marketplace. She probably stopped by Auntie's for the night.”
The white tiger took a deep sigh “You're right... I don't know why I'm so worried”. He then began to clear the table. “It's late though. We should head to bed”. Taeo smiled, knowing he had lessened his father's worry, and with the sound of small paws slapping against wood floors, the young Lutrai, only the age of Thirteen, laid down for a night's rest. His father also took to his own bed, muttering to himself “ Una... please be back by morning”.
Storms rolled in heavily that night. Rain poured down the stone and clay walls of the small home. Thunder rolled across the valley skies outside. Taeo lay peacefully in his bed. A clash of lightning abruptly made him rise up. He slowly started to observe his darkened room... Nothing out of place... rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Taeo made his way to his nearby window, grabbing both shutters and locking them shut. He turned around, yawning wide with his arms stretched out. As easily as he had closed the shutters to his bedroom portals, suddenly... he faded... lowered to the ground... the vague image of three hoods stood above him before losing total consciousness.
“Is he ready?”
“Yes, my Siress. All preparations are complete... The boy is cleansed and ready.”
“..... Verywell. To your places, all of you!”
Taeo slowly came to, His vision blurred into focus. Again he found himself surrounded by hooded figures, faces completely obscured. Low, ancient chanting filled the chamber the young Lutrai found himself in. Torches lined the walls from all around as Taeo took in his surroundings. He tried moving his limbs only to realize he had been wrapped up tightly in ornate garments decorated with seashells, proclaiming images of the tides and oceans. “Wh- what's going on?... Let me go! WHO ARE YOU!?”
The torches that illuminated the walls turned from radiant reds and oranges to deep blue and hues of purple as they flickered upwards. A piercing pain hit Taeo's right ear as the chanting grew louder. The hands of the hooded figure that stood above him held a chunk of flesh and bloodied, matted fur and placed it into a small bowl that sat to the right of Taeos face. Another of the faceless mages held the bowl to one of the deep, blazing torches. The mass of flesh inside ignited instantly.
The hood at the head of the alter Taeo laid upon held the scorching bowl high above them. The chanting came to a loud crescendo... and then stopped all at once. Taeo watched as the mage's hands released the bowl. Instead of falling, it levitated in mid-air, spinning as the purple indigo flames seemingly danced in celebration... or warning. Suddenly, a whisper, heard from the same ear that had felt so much pain a few moments ago, almost comfortingly stated “ The dragon of the cross-tides now holds your fate in its claws.” all of the hooded figures placed their hands outward towards the bowl, still spinning in its place above the altar. In unison, almost in a voice that was not present before, they proclaimed “ Feh'Rah Korda”.
The deep indigo flame living within the bowl erupted, even more furious than before. At the same moment, Taeo began to scream in pain as scars, illuminated by the same light that covered the surrounding walls, began to cascade across his body as if they took the place of his very veins. The cloth used to strap Taeo down erupted away in an explosion of power that cast the mysterious figures against the walls behind them. His eyes lost all semblance of normalcy as they too began to flow with power, and his screams now sounded otherworldly.
All at once....
Silence....
Darkness....
Quiet.
The fires that once kept the echoed cavern lit were now huffed out, leaving only scorch marks on the walls. The only light that could be seen was from the full harvest moon hanging ominously in the sky above. The mages immediately began to take their leave as Taeo lay sprawled out across the altar. The head hood gave one last command. “ The boy is to be returned to his bed.”
“But, Siress, moving him now could disrupt the entire contra--”
“He needs to think this was nothing but a nightmare!” They interrupted. “Besides... his coming years will reveal all he needs to know...” With the explanation, Taeos limp body was placed over the shoulder of one of the seemingly larger culprits, who nodded to the rest of them, making his way on foot to return the young otter to his bed.
The morning had come. The sunlight of a new day woke Taeo from his sleep. “uuuunnngh... what... kind of dream was tha-- Nnnngh!” He growled, pressing a paw against his right ear. He felt around it as he realized a chunk was missing from the top.
“Taeo? Sweetie, are you awake?” Asked a rather feminine voice approaching his door. The door opened as a female Lutrai with long, white hair that lay over her shoulder looked at her son wincing in pain.
Taeo forced a fake smile as he continued to hold his ear under his paw. “Y-yeah, sorry mom... just had a bad dream. Left me with a headache, thats all.” His mother smiled as she backed out of the room with a nod. “A good breakfast will make you feel right as daylight! Don't take too long or your plate will get cold. I made your favorite-- Catfish!” With that, She closed the door gently. She stood outside her son's room...
a deep sigh escaped her as a look of concern glazed over her eyes.
“Please forgive me... Dearest Taeo. It'll make sense later on. I Promise.”
One of my characters holds a special place in my heart for being the one that got me into my current D&D group.
Once, there was a sorcerer. He was skilled in magic, a thing he'd been blessed with since birth and honed throughout his years. But while his power soared, it didn't quite make him satisfied. For while he could conjure beasts, rain down the fires of hell, and decay anything with a touch... he was lonely. His personality was toxic, caustic, he pushed people away or they left him first. So he was lonely, and it ate at him. He desired a wife, someone to stay by his side no matter what. So he figured he would make one himself.
He lived in an old tower in the forest, as a fair amount of magic users tend to do. No one but an old wizened cat and some conjured servants graced those halls. And outside his lair was a pond. He'd occasionally feed the waterfowl there, and for years, a flock of swans had migrated to the pond like clockwork. So when he wanted to make himself a wife, he had an option. And he took that option.
The sorcerer lured in a few swans, and selected one he deemed best. An adult female swan, one of the most beautiful ones in his opinion. He took the bird into his tower, and proceeded to cast True Polymorph on it. And in moments, the swan was a human woman. A human woman he dubbed Loreley, his new wife.
Loreley looked at herself with her new conscious mind. She recognized herself and her new form, her feathers exchanged for hands and fingers. She did not like it. She looked at the sorcerer, who called her his 'wife' and said they would be married. She did not know what 'wife' or 'married' meant, but she did not like this man. So she did what any reasonable swan would do when stuck in a place with someone who had done something wrong to you.
She charged at him and beat the unprepared man until he stopped moving.
Loreley wanders now. She seeks a way to turn 'back to normal', for she detests this form she was unwillingly given. She wishes to fly again. Maybe she will, one day.
There are warlords in this world. 400 years ago, ulnown to the public, a group of adventurers ventured into an ancient temple, long forgotten by man. As they descended, they realized long too late that it was a one-way gateway to the abyss. They were stuck within the depths of the abyss for 300 years, and when they returned, they were altered. The abyss granted them abilities far greater then any normal person can have, but the experience there altered their mindset. They used their power to ravage the world, to a point where the world government begged them to stop, tried to convince them to join the government. Initially, the group refused. But, they accepted the offer. The are now known as the warlords, and they have free reign to do what they please In the various villages that roam the north, as long as they answer the governments call and avoid major cities.