((This first post will be for you all to introduce your characters, and roleplay for a bit before we begin this campaign in earnest. Ready? Here we go!))
The setting is set. Five individuals find themselves i the same place, each with with their own personal intentions and goals. Whatever those are, they encounter each other here, in front of the forest. The scenery between where they are and the place they are headed is vast. They stand vibrant life, while the forest nearby is filled with ominous darkness...
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Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
For several days he'd been traveling on foot chasing after the man that had, in effect, ruined his life. Memories haunted him every night before bed and his sleep was filled with turmoil; the screams of the people he was forced to murder and the death he wrought on countless individuals. Worse than any of those however were his own screams, the torture relived every night as he watched the mad twisted face of his torturer work on him, those beady eyes gleaming with a sick fascination, the smile creeping ever wider with each cry for mercy. Rest in those days was only so that he could survive for another bout. To shape him into the perfect warrior the man had told him, that he would turn him into something monstrous. But a light remained despite all that he endured, in part because of one man. And alas, because of this hunt he had to leave the greatest man he ever knew.
A part of him knew that revenge would do nothing for him. Experience in war had told him that death was, in the end, meaningless. What was one more death in the countless others that fell daily? What sort of satisfaction would he feel from killing this one man? He contemplated the answers often during his travel to this location, sometimes even going as far as to almost turn him back to Neddy, but he remained. Despite the futility, or the futility that part of him believed there was rather, his torturer needed to die and he wouldn't be satisfied until it was by his own hands.
For years he thought about doing it, ever since he was contracted into the mercenary band; several ways of murder crossed his mind, each sicker than the last and even on his travel he thought about what he would do when he at last met this man, and even now he couldn't decide. Should he outright slaughter the man? Perhaps torture him as he was tortured and make him suffer and taste what he wrought on him? Perhaps keep him along, hobbled and useless. The last was the most appeasing to him, for now at least. To reduce the man into something barely human, whimpering and begging for mercy, mutilated beyond recognition.
With a grunt, he shook the thoughts from his mind and ran a hand through his dark hair. The forest approached. Finally, the dark treeline that held the promise of vengeance. Should he enter, he wondered. Or should he take the honorable path and turn back, but why would he do that? What use was honor now when he sold it off murdering for a living? And although he was forced into that life, it didn't at all change the things he had done, the atrocities he wrought on innocents all for the sake of war. There was no honor for a mercenary, that had escaped him early in his career, and so turning back would be hoping to gain something he could never have again. Besides, the treeline was already visible, what use turning back now?
Ryman spat to his side then bent down and grabbed a fistful of grass, stood straight once more and rubbed his palms together before throwing the crushed grass and dirt aside; then, he started making his way forward.
Arriving at the edge of the forest Weltschmerz wonders what is going to happen now. He arrived at what he feels like his destiny. A lot of rumors were about of the Dusk Queen having returned, her husband dying or parts of the mirror being found and reassembled. Not all of them were true of course but whatever spark of truth may lie in them the Dusk Queen mustn't return to her reign of terror.
He knows whatever happens here he will not get his friend back or return to his former life. That part of him had sadly passed away but maybe he will be able to forget and move on to a new life. No more nightmares just the joyful bliss of forgetfulness. Maybe madness and more nightmares. Or love and happiness. So many paths that might open up on this fateful journey that had started many years ago when his mentor decided it was his duty to confront the Queen herself and stop her wicked ways. That journey that so suddenly came to this tragic traumatic roadblock might finally get finished. That journey where Hope died and all that remained was Weltschmerz.
Grim determination has brought him here forcing him to forsake a bright future for the dark paths he was now forced to wander. He sends out his prayers to Hoar to grant him revenge and Shar to drown his memories in a sea of darkness so they might never resurface. He seems adrift for a while lost in his own thoughts.
Then he snaps back to the reality at hand. Standing tall surveying the country he notices a lone warrior also heading in the direction of the forest.
Weltschmerzs face is non-human being pale blue. Shoulder long thin white hair decorates his skull that is crowned by two rows of small horn like protrusions that run along its side. He puts his helmet back on and strides towards the warrior. A massive figure reaching 7' considering his armor approaches Ryman. He is glad in plate mail bearing a coat of arms depicting the two-faced coin of Hoar the Poet of justice, god of revenge and retribution. On his back Absolution his greatsword rests. He leads a draft horse with the rest of his belongings strapped to it. Most prominently to the trained eyes of a figther you see additional martial equipment a mace and a worn shield bearing the insignia of Lathander.
"Hey ye, traveller. What business do you have in yonder forest?"
He was walking towards the treeline, cresting a rather large hill when a figure called out to him. Turning, he saw a figure clad in plate armor leading behind him a horse laden with weapons and gear. A part of him wanted to ignore the figure, to simply move on and enter the forest, but he approached nonetheless. He hadn't had any true human contact ever since he left Neddy, barring the few occasional conversations he would have with strangers over drinks in the random taverns that his adventure took him to. He was apprehensive still, walking at a slow pace with one hand resting casually on the pommel of one of his sheathed scimitars, and as he approached closer he realized the figure was massive, wearing the surcoat of some god and he suddenly had the urge to spit again.
Ryman wasn't nearly as tall as the man he was approaching but he was tall enough, at six feet and two inches the last time he decided to actually measure his height, or rather when the mercenary band decided to measure his height. He was wearing a fine chainmail hauberk underneath a finer black leather surcoat that went down to his ankles and was more for aesthetic appearances than any sort of protection, trimmed in gold and tied off at the waist with his sword belt that carried his two curved and slim scimitars. Below the belt the front portion of the surcoat split down the middle into two halves to give him greater freedom of movement.
As he approached closer he realized the figure's face was hidden behind a helm, unlike his own which was bare for all to see. Thick black hair and a square face lined with stubble that held two flat brown eyes that belied the smirk that was now on his lips. "Ho, friend," he said stopping a few paces from the figure,"I'm hunting a criminal. A particularly nasty fellow, and last I heard of him he came here. What of you, what brings you to these parts?"
Flying for a few dozen miles now, Charlotte was growing hungry. If she knew the land would be so sparse of inns or roadside taverns, she would've definitely packed more rations. *Grrrumble*. Damn it.
For a few months now, Charlotte researched the exact location of the fabled forest. The task proved difficult, but no more than she had anticipated. It's the Dusk Queen we're talking about, after all; and artifacts, as far as Charlotte knew, weren't known for their lack of effort in hiding away from civilization. Although, right about now, Charlotte really wished they were. *Grrrumble*.
It was but a few hours later that, after flying past a particularly large hill, that the vast forest finally showed itself to the horizon. The dense, green woods sprawled endlessly across and beyond. This is unmistakably it, thought Charlotte. She had made it. After all these months, she had arrived to the legendary home of the Dusk Queen. Smiling to herself and forgetting her stomach pain, she pressed on her flying broom, clutching he spellbook tightly, and aimed straight for the treeline.
"Wait, what?"
About three hundred feet away now, she could see a few silhouettes gathered near the forest's edge. Who else could've possibly know about this place? And acted upon it? Charlotte's heart started to beat. She wasn't prepared for a confrontation. She wasn't prepared for company... This ought to be interesting, she thought, as she glided closer. Stopping at a hovering distance of about 30 feet in the air, holding her dark witch hat as she came down from the sky, her firm commanding voice utters:
"Oy!"
She soon realizes she did not plan for anything else, nor did she take the time to study the people she was demanding the attention from. Quickly, she tries to formulate a very general sentence:
"You seem like experienced travelers. Who do I have the pleasure to meet? To be entirely honest I did not think anyone else would have made it to these woods."
Kirra woke that morning in a nearby town, smiling and taking a moment to appreciate the sun and the birds and the life around her. She also had a small knot in her stomach that she did not normally experience, however. How had it gone so badly? Normally she was quite good at, well, most things, quite frankly, and had been a very successful diplomat on behalf of Titania and the Summer Court. This was her first large failure. Had she been too over confident? Had she simply been duped? It was more than a little of both, she presumed. How could she let all of those people down? Surely their trust in her was now shattered. Luckily, Titania herself seemed to still have faith in her, having swiftly dispatched her on this new mission. After hearing of the Dusk Queen and seeing this forest, however, she wasn't so sure. Had she been sent alone to such a dark place on such a vague mission, unlike her usual assignments, as punishment? Was it a test? These thoughts left the normally cheery Kirra quite troubled on this morning.
Here she finds herself, though, packed and ready to enter the forest and, as asked by her leader, her mentor, her God even, investigate the current situation with the Dusk Queen. Titania knew she had not been completely destroyed, but not much else. The rest would be up to Kirra... alone.
With these thoughts swirling in her head, the sight of three very unique adventurer's standing, or flying, near the edge of the wood struck a stark contrast with how she had pictured her morning starting off. Had Titania sent strangers to help her, when no others were available to help? Surely any other conclusion was folly, as she knew of Her power and wisdom all too well. At this, Kirra's smile grew wider than it had in days, and she approached the strangers. Two were standing facing one another, one large and the other massive, both looking up into the sky at a third, floating there on a broom!
Greetings, friends! What brings you all to the edge of the wood on this fine day, if I may ask? Where are my manners, though? I am Kirra Sunsinger, at your service! Kirra gives them a wide, sicere smile and a small, brief curtsey. She has a soft, angelic voice, at least while being this friendly and polite. The three are greeted by a pretty elf with long, green hair, thin leather armor and bracers ordained with silver and brown stitching depicting mostly leaves of various shapes, and an ornate brown traveler's cloak with similar detail. On her back is a very fine bow that seems to glimmer unnaturally, or at least like fine jewelry, when the sun hits it in a certain way. She is adorned with a few pieces of colorful jewelry but nothing overly fancy, just rings in her long ears, some sort of hair clasp with a few small gems in it, dangling earrings and a few other small items. It appears that the has several other things stowed away under her cloak including a satchel and sword, but either way she looks the part of an adventurer despite some of her flashier aspects and notable hair.
Mustering Ryman the man in front of him, Weltschmerz takes of his helm revealing his features. "A noble undertaking comrade. I'm Weltschmerz and I heard disturbing rumors about these woods pertaining the Dusk Queen. I need to make sure that they'll stay that way, just rumors. If you're looking to take down a criminal I can help you as long as our paths coincide and it doesn't distract me from my duty. Otherwise I fear you'll be on your own, but you seem like a man capable of handling himself."
Just as Weltschmerz was about to continue his conversation he gets disturbed by Charlotte flying towards them. "Oy, yourself. What business do you have in these woods? Be warned your appearance and ways of transportation are rather unsettling So your motives should better be true or we might need to have a conversation."
As a third stranger enters the fray Weltschmerz begins to tense and once again puts on his helmet. "Tymora be praised or Beshaba be damned, there's an awful lot of traffic around these remote woods. I wonder what your incentive for being here might be Lady Kirra."
Weltschmerz carefully repositions himself so that he can keep track of these three strangers. His mind wanders just a few seconds. Those perceptive enough might here a mantra-like muttering 'This will not be the place where I die. Today won't be the day I die.'
Then he refocuses his attention towards the gathered party patiently awaiting their responses.
"Perhaps it is Tymora be praised, and Titania as well, as it seems as if Fate has brought us all here. I am a servant of the Summer Court, sent to investigate the presence of the Dusk Queen as she hails from our world and thus we have a part to play here. Her evils must be kept at bay. What about you, mighty one? Oh, and don't worry, I don't think any of us will be dying today." She gives him a sincere grin and a wink.
Since you said 'those perceptive enough' and she has good perception, I'm rolling with the notion that she heard you.
If this green bothers anyone, let me know. Trying to find a color that suits her but isn't too hard on the eyes. Unfortunately only the darker colors look sharp.
Weird, the lore online seems to refer to the queen of the summer court as both Titania and Tiandra, and of course it is called both the Seelie Court and the Summer Court. I may switch to Tiandra as I prefer that name.
"Like I said, I did not expect any strangers here." says Charlotte as she descends to the ground. "But fair enough; if this makes you more comfortable, and more prone to share some food with a starving lady, then so be it." As soon as her fine, dark leather boots touch the ground, Charlotte unsaddles from her broom which she keeps close to her, as now a fourth party joins the meeting. She brushes off travel dust from her black velvet dress, and readjusts the silver brooch and her short, dark cape. Before she can respond to the newcomer, the blue entity's reaction takes Charlotte by surprise.
"It's alright, holy man. I am under the impression that we are not here to cut each others' throats." She turns to Kirra Sunsinger. "Good day to you as well, lady Sunsinger, I..." Charlotte blinks, before continuing: "You're an elf." There's a beat. "I'm so sorry, where are my manners! The name is Charlotte Pissaro. I am here for... Well, let's say I am a partisan of knowledge and this here is a mere excuse to study the past events that had occurred in these particular woods." She thinks for an instant. "Kirra, how well do you know these woods?"
Ryman raised an eyebrow when he saw the features of a tiefling appear when the figure removed his helm. And from the way he was talking he seemed the type that was holier than thou. A type he despised. Turning to his side, he spit on the floor and turned away from Weltschmerz; he hated his type with vehemence; it was perhaps this man's same thinking that had driven his torturer to do as he did, that notion that what he did was right and that he could do no wrong. The arrogance, the self-righteous assertion that they were somehow better than everyone else. And just being near this Weltschmerz, he could already feel the numerous scars flaring throughout his body, which in turn flared his anger. It was a good thing that a flying witch came when she did, hovering on her broom some several feet from them, the spectacle strange enough to distract him from doing something stupid.
But the way he questioned the spellcaster was rubbing him the wrong way. That same authoritative tone, that same self-righteous zeal as his torturer. He ignored it however, or rather did his best to ignore it as he brought out a pack of rations and tossed it up to the spellcaster as she descended. "Forgive my friend's rudeness," he said, "it seems the both of us, me and this large one here, are going into the forest. For vastly different reasons but with all the rumors of this place, we could use all the help we can get."
And then another figure appeared from behind them and closed his eyes in frustration from Weltschmerz tone, taking a moment to calm himself. Was he really willing to travel with this man? To go and suffer the same arrogance and zeal that his torturer had, but a part of him wanted to in order to get used to what he hated most, and then there was the fact that he would perhaps need help in finding his target, and who better to find someone than another who thinks just like him. Or so his thoughts led him to believe. "Kirra Sunsinger," he said, "Ryman Drax at your service. A bit of a coincidence that we're all going into the same forest at the same time, isn't it?"
Barely having had the time to notice the black-leather-armored man, with all that went through her mind since she saw the forest from the sky whence she came, Charlotte was caught by surprise when a folded pack of ration was handed to her.
"Thank you." Her eyes laid on the man with genuine happiness, as she violently started unpacking the food.
Turning towards Kirra Weltschmerz begins to relax "Indeed it may be that fate smiles upon us as our goals seem to align. I hope that while the Queen may hail from your world you won't grow soft and interfere out of misguided pity should I be forced to do what needs to be done. There will be no mercy should she return. As long as we are clear on this I'm thankful for such unexpected gifts from the gods." continuing in Elvish and making a bow "May the gods of the Tel'Quessir always guide your way fair lady."
Also taking a bow towards Charlotte "Well I don't know your purpose in this yet, but there is nothing wrong in learning from the past. As long as you take it as a lesson for the future and not as a means to repeat past follies. For now I'm willing to accept that you are part of our destiny. Heck, by the will of the gods you even might be the key to my mission."
With that Weltschmerz once again takes of his helmet "So welcome I'm Weltschmerz." Adding with a grim sense of humor "Yeah, I feared I wouldn't die today. It didn't seem to be my lucky day anyway." and on a lighter note he smiles at Charlotte "You were right about me. I never intended to cut your throat. That's none of my business, I'm more of a head chopper guy. So lets get you something to eat, I should have one ration left. Not enough to last me through my travel. Might as well give it to a hungry damsel in distress as courtesy expects."
With that he rummages inside his backpack and pulls out some dried goat cheese and half a loaf of bread. "I hope you can stomach some spicy herbs. There is some firemint and pepper baked into it giving it quite a unique taste."
"Well looks like I'm too late. My friend over there was faster. To be fair to me I guess he has a higher flexibility. Anyway take it you seem to be really hungry."
Norlaith flew through the forest, getting smacked by branches and leaves alike, cautiously looking behind her after every pace. She knew she was far from the last town but she still couldn't get the picture of those people's faces out of her head, their looks from the sight of the scales that covered her body. She knew not every town was like that, some could be very accepting, but after what happened when she was a child she had always been so careful to stay hidden.
She stopped abruptly when she broke through a clearing and saw the sight of four complete strangers. There was no way they couldn't not notice her. She almost ran right into them.
Her silver eyes took in the situation as she brushed the stray orange hairs that had fallen out of her braided crown from her face and tucked them behind her horns with hands that had long nails, almost as if they were talons, on the ends. Quickly she pulled her cloak against her to try and hide her body. Never mind that it was obvious she had pale white skin and spots of scales on her face as well. Her cloak was bland and black as to not draw attention however her attire underneath was more ornate. At brief glance it was almost the exact color as her skin but looked leathery and had a more silver coloring. From the looks of it, it was a dress that flowed down to her knees. She also had a band on each arm that went from just above her wrist to her elbow. She had a bag attached to her back, but other than that there was no weapons on her that you could see.
She looked around and smiled to try and hide how scared she was, "I didn't think I'd run into anyone here."
"I doubt any of us did either, truth be told," he said with a smirk, a slight humorous frown at the way she flew through the forest to land in front of them. "Quite the entrance you made there. Or exit rather. Us four here are going into that forest there and seeing that you quite literally burst out of there, mind telling us what you saw in there? Anything to look out for?"
She laughed nervously, "Honestly, I didn't even notice. I was barely in there, I thought it would be a short cut through from a town I was recently at. I guess someone gave me bad directions."She shifted shamefully after mumbling the last part. "The second I heard a strange sound I literally flew out of there,"she shows you her cloak, which, upon further inspection, had no real sleeves but instead went straight from one wrist to the other giving the impression of bat's wings on either side of her.
"After awhile I had to start running and that's how I ran into you guys..." She trails off then continues quickly as if remembering something, "OH sorry for almost running into you by the way. It's scary in there." She smiles bashfully, and wonders whether this person being nice to her is real or not. She heard her mother's voice in her head telling her not to trust anyone, no matter how sweet a smile they show you
Kirra smiles widely and seems quite pleased with the sudden flurry of strangers arriving and conversations being had, as if she has just been blessed with a plethora of riches. "Very pleased to meet you, Weltschmerz, Ryman, and Charlotte!"
"I do not find it to be a coincidence at all, actually, Rymax." She gives him another sincere smile and a wink, vaguely referring to her faith.
"Do not worry, Weltschmerz, as we have no sorrow nor mercy for those of the other Fey courts that turn to evil, especially that which this 'Queen' has wrought. My bow will hold true."
"I know little of this forest, my new friend, but...ah... yes..." Kirra beams as yet another ally sharing their fate arrives. She seems like she was almost expecting it, as she has faith that Titania has indeed blessed her on this day. "...I bet she knows more than I." Kirra makes her way over to Norlaith. "Greetings I am Kirra Sunsinger of the Summer Court. Pleased to meet you, Ms....? I LOVE your hair, by the way." Kirra seems to be comparing the colorful nature of Norlaith's hair with the vibrant green of her own.
Before you is a dark forest with trees rising as much as a hundred feet into the air. Foreboding and Sorrow seem to emanate from within. Occasionally, shadowy creatures, only glimpsed, move among the trees. Slow, plaintive howls echo among the branches as a cool wind begins to blow, as if whispering barely discernible words...
"She has returned...She has returned...She has returned..."
The trees directly before you slowly part, forming a natural opening that leads into the shadowy woods beyond...
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Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
"Well met, miss. There is no need to hide your features. Be proud of your heritage. I understand it's a thing not learned easy." His face seems strained by the memories of lessons learned just a decade ago but what now seems so distant it might as well have been aeons.
He snaps back to reality. "So now we are five strangers drawn together by faith as you might call it. Maybe we should introduce each other. I'm Weltschmerz former courtier of the late Lord of Harringdale murdered by the evil that is known as the Dusk Queen." Weltschmerz also seems at ease with another arrival to the party. "Five is a good number symbolizing many gods. The fingered gauntlets of Helm and Torm, the hands of Illmater and Azuth or even Bane and the 5-pointed star of Gwaeron Windstorm all incorporate it."
Kirra watches the trees part for them. "Oh great, how welcoming! We're off to a good start!" After a second, however, she says very frankly "totally kidding, even I think that is a bit too ominous. What could go wrong though, right?" She takes a second to gather her courage. "You look like the brave, strong type, Weltschermerz, care to lead the way? I've got your back, I can promise you that." This last part sounds more sincere than the rest of her musings about their entrance to this forest. With that, the green haired elf draws her elegant bow and readies herself, elven eyes watching the forest closely for trouble.
She smiles brightly at Kirra's cheerfulness, she seemed like she'd make a good friend. "I'm Norlaith Qindove, and thank you. Your hair is quite beautiful as well."
Then she focuses her attention on Welterschmerz, " That's not a thing many people would agree with."
That's when the forest path opens and she hears the ominous noises. Her eyes go wide, "I'll stay somewhere in the middle please."
((This first post will be for you all to introduce your characters, and roleplay for a bit before we begin this campaign in earnest. Ready? Here we go!))
The setting is set. Five individuals find themselves i the same place, each with with their own personal intentions and goals. Whatever those are, they encounter each other here, in front of the forest. The scenery between where they are and the place they are headed is vast. They stand vibrant life, while the forest nearby is filled with ominous darkness...
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
Ryman Drax
For several days he'd been traveling on foot chasing after the man that had, in effect, ruined his life. Memories haunted him every night before bed and his sleep was filled with turmoil; the screams of the people he was forced to murder and the death he wrought on countless individuals. Worse than any of those however were his own screams, the torture relived every night as he watched the mad twisted face of his torturer work on him, those beady eyes gleaming with a sick fascination, the smile creeping ever wider with each cry for mercy. Rest in those days was only so that he could survive for another bout. To shape him into the perfect warrior the man had told him, that he would turn him into something monstrous. But a light remained despite all that he endured, in part because of one man. And alas, because of this hunt he had to leave the greatest man he ever knew.
A part of him knew that revenge would do nothing for him. Experience in war had told him that death was, in the end, meaningless. What was one more death in the countless others that fell daily? What sort of satisfaction would he feel from killing this one man? He contemplated the answers often during his travel to this location, sometimes even going as far as to almost turn him back to Neddy, but he remained. Despite the futility, or the futility that part of him believed there was rather, his torturer needed to die and he wouldn't be satisfied until it was by his own hands.
For years he thought about doing it, ever since he was contracted into the mercenary band; several ways of murder crossed his mind, each sicker than the last and even on his travel he thought about what he would do when he at last met this man, and even now he couldn't decide. Should he outright slaughter the man? Perhaps torture him as he was tortured and make him suffer and taste what he wrought on him? Perhaps keep him along, hobbled and useless. The last was the most appeasing to him, for now at least. To reduce the man into something barely human, whimpering and begging for mercy, mutilated beyond recognition.
With a grunt, he shook the thoughts from his mind and ran a hand through his dark hair. The forest approached. Finally, the dark treeline that held the promise of vengeance. Should he enter, he wondered. Or should he take the honorable path and turn back, but why would he do that? What use was honor now when he sold it off murdering for a living? And although he was forced into that life, it didn't at all change the things he had done, the atrocities he wrought on innocents all for the sake of war. There was no honor for a mercenary, that had escaped him early in his career, and so turning back would be hoping to gain something he could never have again. Besides, the treeline was already visible, what use turning back now?
Ryman spat to his side then bent down and grabbed a fistful of grass, stood straight once more and rubbed his palms together before throwing the crushed grass and dirt aside; then, he started making his way forward.
DM - GA's Baldur's Gate
Weltschmerz Ekahokad
Arriving at the edge of the forest Weltschmerz wonders what is going to happen now. He arrived at what he feels like his destiny. A lot of rumors were about of the Dusk Queen having returned, her husband dying or parts of the mirror being found and reassembled. Not all of them were true of course but whatever spark of truth may lie in them the Dusk Queen mustn't return to her reign of terror.
He knows whatever happens here he will not get his friend back or return to his former life. That part of him had sadly passed away but maybe he will be able to forget and move on to a new life. No more nightmares just the joyful bliss of forgetfulness. Maybe madness and more nightmares. Or love and happiness. So many paths that might open up on this fateful journey that had started many years ago when his mentor decided it was his duty to confront the Queen herself and stop her wicked ways. That journey that so suddenly came to this tragic traumatic roadblock might finally get finished. That journey where Hope died and all that remained was Weltschmerz.
Grim determination has brought him here forcing him to forsake a bright future for the dark paths he was now forced to wander. He sends out his prayers to Hoar to grant him revenge and Shar to drown his memories in a sea of darkness so they might never resurface. He seems adrift for a while lost in his own thoughts.
Then he snaps back to the reality at hand. Standing tall surveying the country he notices a lone warrior also heading in the direction of the forest.
Weltschmerzs face is non-human being pale blue. Shoulder long thin white hair decorates his skull that is crowned by two rows of small horn like protrusions that run along its side. He puts his helmet back on and strides towards the warrior. A massive figure reaching 7' considering his armor approaches Ryman. He is glad in plate mail bearing a coat of arms depicting the two-faced coin of Hoar the Poet of justice, god of revenge and retribution. On his back Absolution his greatsword rests. He leads a draft horse with the rest of his belongings strapped to it. Most prominently to the trained eyes of a figther you see additional martial equipment a mace and a worn shield bearing the insignia of Lathander.
"Hey ye, traveller. What business do you have in yonder forest?"
Ryman Drax
He was walking towards the treeline, cresting a rather large hill when a figure called out to him. Turning, he saw a figure clad in plate armor leading behind him a horse laden with weapons and gear. A part of him wanted to ignore the figure, to simply move on and enter the forest, but he approached nonetheless. He hadn't had any true human contact ever since he left Neddy, barring the few occasional conversations he would have with strangers over drinks in the random taverns that his adventure took him to. He was apprehensive still, walking at a slow pace with one hand resting casually on the pommel of one of his sheathed scimitars, and as he approached closer he realized the figure was massive, wearing the surcoat of some god and he suddenly had the urge to spit again.
Ryman wasn't nearly as tall as the man he was approaching but he was tall enough, at six feet and two inches the last time he decided to actually measure his height, or rather when the mercenary band decided to measure his height. He was wearing a fine chainmail hauberk underneath a finer black leather surcoat that went down to his ankles and was more for aesthetic appearances than any sort of protection, trimmed in gold and tied off at the waist with his sword belt that carried his two curved and slim scimitars. Below the belt the front portion of the surcoat split down the middle into two halves to give him greater freedom of movement.
As he approached closer he realized the figure's face was hidden behind a helm, unlike his own which was bare for all to see. Thick black hair and a square face lined with stubble that held two flat brown eyes that belied the smirk that was now on his lips. "Ho, friend," he said stopping a few paces from the figure, "I'm hunting a criminal. A particularly nasty fellow, and last I heard of him he came here. What of you, what brings you to these parts?"
DM - GA's Baldur's Gate
Charlotte Pissaro
Flying for a few dozen miles now, Charlotte was growing hungry. If she knew the land would be so sparse of inns or roadside taverns, she would've definitely packed more rations. *Grrrumble*. Damn it.
For a few months now, Charlotte researched the exact location of the fabled forest. The task proved difficult, but no more than she had anticipated. It's the Dusk Queen we're talking about, after all; and artifacts, as far as Charlotte knew, weren't known for their lack of effort in hiding away from civilization. Although, right about now, Charlotte really wished they were. *Grrrumble*.
It was but a few hours later that, after flying past a particularly large hill, that the vast forest finally showed itself to the horizon. The dense, green woods sprawled endlessly across and beyond. This is unmistakably it, thought Charlotte. She had made it. After all these months, she had arrived to the legendary home of the Dusk Queen. Smiling to herself and forgetting her stomach pain, she pressed on her flying broom, clutching he spellbook tightly, and aimed straight for the treeline.
"Wait, what?"
About three hundred feet away now, she could see a few silhouettes gathered near the forest's edge. Who else could've possibly know about this place? And acted upon it? Charlotte's heart started to beat. She wasn't prepared for a confrontation. She wasn't prepared for company... This ought to be interesting, she thought, as she glided closer. Stopping at a hovering distance of about 30 feet in the air, holding her dark witch hat as she came down from the sky, her firm commanding voice utters:
"Oy!"
She soon realizes she did not plan for anything else, nor did she take the time to study the people she was demanding the attention from. Quickly, she tries to formulate a very general sentence:
"You seem like experienced travelers. Who do I have the pleasure to meet? To be entirely honest I did not think anyone else would have made it to these woods."
A thought crosses her mind.
"Does any of you have extra rations to spare?"
Kirra Sunsinger
Kirra woke that morning in a nearby town, smiling and taking a moment to appreciate the sun and the birds and the life around her. She also had a small knot in her stomach that she did not normally experience, however. How had it gone so badly? Normally she was quite good at, well, most things, quite frankly, and had been a very successful diplomat on behalf of Titania and the Summer Court. This was her first large failure. Had she been too over confident? Had she simply been duped? It was more than a little of both, she presumed. How could she let all of those people down? Surely their trust in her was now shattered. Luckily, Titania herself seemed to still have faith in her, having swiftly dispatched her on this new mission. After hearing of the Dusk Queen and seeing this forest, however, she wasn't so sure. Had she been sent alone to such a dark place on such a vague mission, unlike her usual assignments, as punishment? Was it a test? These thoughts left the normally cheery Kirra quite troubled on this morning.
Here she finds herself, though, packed and ready to enter the forest and, as asked by her leader, her mentor, her God even, investigate the current situation with the Dusk Queen. Titania knew she had not been completely destroyed, but not much else. The rest would be up to Kirra... alone.
With these thoughts swirling in her head, the sight of three very unique adventurer's standing, or flying, near the edge of the wood struck a stark contrast with how she had pictured her morning starting off. Had Titania sent strangers to help her, when no others were available to help? Surely any other conclusion was folly, as she knew of Her power and wisdom all too well. At this, Kirra's smile grew wider than it had in days, and she approached the strangers. Two were standing facing one another, one large and the other massive, both looking up into the sky at a third, floating there on a broom!
Greetings, friends! What brings you all to the edge of the wood on this fine day, if I may ask? Where are my manners, though? I am Kirra Sunsinger, at your service! Kirra gives them a wide, sicere smile and a small, brief curtsey. She has a soft, angelic voice, at least while being this friendly and polite. The three are greeted by a pretty elf with long, green hair, thin leather armor and bracers ordained with silver and brown stitching depicting mostly leaves of various shapes, and an ornate brown traveler's cloak with similar detail. On her back is a very fine bow that seems to glimmer unnaturally, or at least like fine jewelry, when the sun hits it in a certain way. She is adorned with a few pieces of colorful jewelry but nothing overly fancy, just rings in her long ears, some sort of hair clasp with a few small gems in it, dangling earrings and a few other small items. It appears that the has several other things stowed away under her cloak including a satchel and sword, but either way she looks the part of an adventurer despite some of her flashier aspects and notable hair.
Weltschmerz
Mustering Ryman the man in front of him, Weltschmerz takes of his helm revealing his features. "A noble undertaking comrade. I'm Weltschmerz and I heard disturbing rumors about these woods pertaining the Dusk Queen. I need to make sure that they'll stay that way, just rumors. If you're looking to take down a criminal I can help you as long as our paths coincide and it doesn't distract me from my duty. Otherwise I fear you'll be on your own, but you seem like a man capable of handling himself."
Just as Weltschmerz was about to continue his conversation he gets disturbed by Charlotte flying towards them. "Oy, yourself. What business do you have in these woods? Be warned your appearance and ways of transportation are rather unsettling So your motives should better be true or we might need to have a conversation."
As a third stranger enters the fray Weltschmerz begins to tense and once again puts on his helmet. "Tymora be praised or Beshaba be damned, there's an awful lot of traffic around these remote woods. I wonder what your incentive for being here might be Lady Kirra."
Weltschmerz carefully repositions himself so that he can keep track of these three strangers. His mind wanders just a few seconds. Those perceptive enough might here a mantra-like muttering 'This will not be the place where I die. Today won't be the day I die.'
Then he refocuses his attention towards the gathered party patiently awaiting their responses.
"Perhaps it is Tymora be praised, and Titania as well, as it seems as if Fate has brought us all here. I am a servant of the Summer Court, sent to investigate the presence of the Dusk Queen as she hails from our world and thus we have a part to play here. Her evils must be kept at bay. What about you, mighty one? Oh, and don't worry, I don't think any of us will be dying today." She gives him a sincere grin and a wink.
Since you said 'those perceptive enough' and she has good perception, I'm rolling with the notion that she heard you.
If this green bothers anyone, let me know. Trying to find a color that suits her but isn't too hard on the eyes. Unfortunately only the darker colors look sharp.
Weird, the lore online seems to refer to the queen of the summer court as both Titania and Tiandra, and of course it is called both the Seelie Court and the Summer Court. I may switch to Tiandra as I prefer that name.
Charlotte
"Like I said, I did not expect any strangers here." says Charlotte as she descends to the ground. "But fair enough; if this makes you more comfortable, and more prone to share some food with a starving lady, then so be it." As soon as her fine, dark leather boots touch the ground, Charlotte unsaddles from her broom which she keeps close to her, as now a fourth party joins the meeting. She brushes off travel dust from her black velvet dress, and readjusts the silver brooch and her short, dark cape. Before she can respond to the newcomer, the blue entity's reaction takes Charlotte by surprise.
"It's alright, holy man. I am under the impression that we are not here to cut each others' throats." She turns to Kirra Sunsinger. "Good day to you as well, lady Sunsinger, I..." Charlotte blinks, before continuing: "You're an elf." There's a beat. "I'm so sorry, where are my manners! The name is Charlotte Pissaro. I am here for... Well, let's say I am a partisan of knowledge and this here is a mere excuse to study the past events that had occurred in these particular woods." She thinks for an instant. "Kirra, how well do you know these woods?"
Ryman Drax
Ryman raised an eyebrow when he saw the features of a tiefling appear when the figure removed his helm. And from the way he was talking he seemed the type that was holier than thou. A type he despised. Turning to his side, he spit on the floor and turned away from Weltschmerz; he hated his type with vehemence; it was perhaps this man's same thinking that had driven his torturer to do as he did, that notion that what he did was right and that he could do no wrong. The arrogance, the self-righteous assertion that they were somehow better than everyone else. And just being near this Weltschmerz, he could already feel the numerous scars flaring throughout his body, which in turn flared his anger. It was a good thing that a flying witch came when she did, hovering on her broom some several feet from them, the spectacle strange enough to distract him from doing something stupid.
But the way he questioned the spellcaster was rubbing him the wrong way. That same authoritative tone, that same self-righteous zeal as his torturer. He ignored it however, or rather did his best to ignore it as he brought out a pack of rations and tossed it up to the spellcaster as she descended. "Forgive my friend's rudeness," he said, "it seems the both of us, me and this large one here, are going into the forest. For vastly different reasons but with all the rumors of this place, we could use all the help we can get."
And then another figure appeared from behind them and closed his eyes in frustration from Weltschmerz tone, taking a moment to calm himself. Was he really willing to travel with this man? To go and suffer the same arrogance and zeal that his torturer had, but a part of him wanted to in order to get used to what he hated most, and then there was the fact that he would perhaps need help in finding his target, and who better to find someone than another who thinks just like him. Or so his thoughts led him to believe. "Kirra Sunsinger," he said, "Ryman Drax at your service. A bit of a coincidence that we're all going into the same forest at the same time, isn't it?"
DM - GA's Baldur's Gate
Charlotte
Barely having had the time to notice the black-leather-armored man, with all that went through her mind since she saw the forest from the sky whence she came, Charlotte was caught by surprise when a folded pack of ration was handed to her.
"Thank you." Her eyes laid on the man with genuine happiness, as she violently started unpacking the food.
Weltschmerz
Turning towards Kirra Weltschmerz begins to relax "Indeed it may be that fate smiles upon us as our goals seem to align. I hope that while the Queen may hail from your world you won't grow soft and interfere out of misguided pity should I be forced to do what needs to be done. There will be no mercy should she return. As long as we are clear on this I'm thankful for such unexpected gifts from the gods." continuing in Elvish and making a bow "May the gods of the Tel'Quessir always guide your way fair lady."
Also taking a bow towards Charlotte "Well I don't know your purpose in this yet, but there is nothing wrong in learning from the past. As long as you take it as a lesson for the future and not as a means to repeat past follies. For now I'm willing to accept that you are part of our destiny. Heck, by the will of the gods you even might be the key to my mission."
With that Weltschmerz once again takes of his helmet "So welcome I'm Weltschmerz." Adding with a grim sense of humor "Yeah, I feared I wouldn't die today. It didn't seem to be my lucky day anyway." and on a lighter note he smiles at Charlotte "You were right about me. I never intended to cut your throat. That's none of my business, I'm more of a head chopper guy. So lets get you something to eat, I should have one ration left. Not enough to last me through my travel. Might as well give it to a hungry damsel in distress as courtesy expects."
With that he rummages inside his backpack and pulls out some dried goat cheese and half a loaf of bread. "I hope you can stomach some spicy herbs. There is some firemint and pepper baked into it giving it quite a unique taste."
"Well looks like I'm too late. My friend over there was faster. To be fair to me I guess he has a higher flexibility. Anyway take it you seem to be really hungry."
Norlaith Qindove
Norlaith flew through the forest, getting smacked by branches and leaves alike, cautiously looking behind her after every pace. She knew she was far from the last town but she still couldn't get the picture of those people's faces out of her head, their looks from the sight of the scales that covered her body. She knew not every town was like that, some could be very accepting, but after what happened when she was a child she had always been so careful to stay hidden.
She stopped abruptly when she broke through a clearing and saw the sight of four complete strangers. There was no way they couldn't not notice her. She almost ran right into them.
Her silver eyes took in the situation as she brushed the stray orange hairs that had fallen out of her braided crown from her face and tucked them behind her horns with hands that had long nails, almost as if they were talons, on the ends. Quickly she pulled her cloak against her to try and hide her body. Never mind that it was obvious she had pale white skin and spots of scales on her face as well. Her cloak was bland and black as to not draw attention however her attire underneath was more ornate. At brief glance it was almost the exact color as her skin but looked leathery and had a more silver coloring. From the looks of it, it was a dress that flowed down to her knees. She also had a band on each arm that went from just above her wrist to her elbow. She had a bag attached to her back, but other than that there was no weapons on her that you could see.
She looked around and smiled to try and hide how scared she was, "I didn't think I'd run into anyone here."
Ryman Drax
"I doubt any of us did either, truth be told," he said with a smirk, a slight humorous frown at the way she flew through the forest to land in front of them. "Quite the entrance you made there. Or exit rather. Us four here are going into that forest there and seeing that you quite literally burst out of there, mind telling us what you saw in there? Anything to look out for?"
DM - GA's Baldur's Gate
Norlaith
She laughed nervously, "Honestly, I didn't even notice. I was barely in there, I thought it would be a short cut through from a town I was recently at. I guess someone gave me bad directions." She shifted shamefully after mumbling the last part. "The second I heard a strange sound I literally flew out of there," she shows you her cloak, which, upon further inspection, had no real sleeves but instead went straight from one wrist to the other giving the impression of bat's wings on either side of her.
"After awhile I had to start running and that's how I ran into you guys..." She trails off then continues quickly as if remembering something, "OH sorry for almost running into you by the way. It's scary in there." She smiles bashfully, and wonders whether this person being nice to her is real or not. She heard her mother's voice in her head telling her not to trust anyone, no matter how sweet a smile they show you
Kirra smiles widely and seems quite pleased with the sudden flurry of strangers arriving and conversations being had, as if she has just been blessed with a plethora of riches. "Very pleased to meet you, Weltschmerz, Ryman, and Charlotte!"
"I do not find it to be a coincidence at all, actually, Rymax." She gives him another sincere smile and a wink, vaguely referring to her faith.
"Do not worry, Weltschmerz, as we have no sorrow nor mercy for those of the other Fey courts that turn to evil, especially that which this 'Queen' has wrought. My bow will hold true."
"I know little of this forest, my new friend, but...ah... yes..." Kirra beams as yet another ally sharing their fate arrives. She seems like she was almost expecting it, as she has faith that Titania has indeed blessed her on this day. "...I bet she knows more than I." Kirra makes her way over to Norlaith. "Greetings I am Kirra Sunsinger of the Summer Court. Pleased to meet you, Ms....? I LOVE your hair, by the way." Kirra seems to be comparing the colorful nature of Norlaith's hair with the vibrant green of her own.
Before you is a dark forest with trees rising as much as a hundred feet into the air. Foreboding and Sorrow seem to emanate from within. Occasionally, shadowy creatures, only glimpsed, move among the trees. Slow, plaintive howls echo among the branches as a cool wind begins to blow, as if whispering barely discernible words...
"She has returned...She has returned...She has returned..."
The trees directly before you slowly part, forming a natural opening that leads into the shadowy woods beyond...
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
Weltschmerz
"Well met, miss. There is no need to hide your features. Be proud of your heritage. I understand it's a thing not learned easy." His face seems strained by the memories of lessons learned just a decade ago but what now seems so distant it might as well have been aeons.
He snaps back to reality. "So now we are five strangers drawn together by faith as you might call it. Maybe we should introduce each other. I'm Weltschmerz former courtier of the late Lord of Harringdale murdered by the evil that is known as the Dusk Queen." Weltschmerz also seems at ease with another arrival to the party. "Five is a good number symbolizing many gods. The fingered gauntlets of Helm and Torm, the hands of Illmater and Azuth or even Bane and the 5-pointed star of Gwaeron Windstorm all incorporate it."
Kirra watches the trees part for them. "Oh great, how welcoming! We're off to a good start!" After a second, however, she says very frankly "totally kidding, even I think that is a bit too ominous. What could go wrong though, right?" She takes a second to gather her courage. "You look like the brave, strong type, Weltschermerz, care to lead the way? I've got your back, I can promise you that." This last part sounds more sincere than the rest of her musings about their entrance to this forest. With that, the green haired elf draws her elegant bow and readies herself, elven eyes watching the forest closely for trouble.
Norlaith
She smiles brightly at Kirra's cheerfulness, she seemed like she'd make a good friend. "I'm Norlaith Qindove, and thank you. Your hair is quite beautiful as well."
Then she focuses her attention on Welterschmerz, " That's not a thing many people would agree with."
That's when the forest path opens and she hears the ominous noises. Her eyes go wide, "I'll stay somewhere in the middle please."