Welcome to the Lands of Arda

Backstory

Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could be the same or different)

Ezekiel grew up in a large town on the continent of Darna. He spent much of his time in Darna at either the Evris Vineyard (where his brother and father worked) or at teh Eastside Medical Academy, where he trained as a surgeon.

Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now?

Evelyn and Michael Evris are the parent to Uriel and Ezekiel. Evelyn has passed away while Michael still lives at the Vineyard and operates it during his retirement.

How did your attribute scores affect your character?

Having a intelligence and low wisdom has made Ezekiel an unnecessarily serious and tightly-wound person. Because of his medical training, he takes every situation seriously because he knows how easy it is to get life-threatening injuries. Also through his medical training, he has learned how to lead and direct others during stressful situations, and, although he is not always tactful in the things he says, others trust him because of the training he has.

What made your character obtain the class they have now?

After "The Incident", Ezekiel carried guilt for not being able to save his mother from dying. After finding small amounts of the woman's blood, he took it to the medical academy. He conducted every experiment and combed every tome in the library at the medical academy, and all he could find is whispers of a strange occult ritual and otherworldly blood sucking humanoids.. Having nothing to lose, Zeke conducted the ritual. He could feel a sinister power pulling at his spirit, but nothing else happened, so Zeke turned his attention to searching for the woman himself. 

Later on, Zeke could feel the call of the Lord. He agreed to a deal with The Lord: in exchange for giving Zeke a sliver of his power, The Lord wanted Zeke to ensure the continued prosperity of the humanoid world. Zeke knew from the research he had done that The Lord was connected to this woman that attacked his family, so he agreed without a second thought.

What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start?

After earning his medical credentials, Zeke and Uriel have been traveling across Arda, looking for any trace of the woman that attacked them.

What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become adventurers?

Revenge mostly, but the promise of new knowledge also intrigued him

What people are important for your character?

His brother, Uriel
His father, Michael
Mileena Argo, one of Ezekiel's patients; Ezekiel used to treat Mileena for some suspicious wounds she had; he later learned that she was a thief attempting to steal drugs from the academy. Ezekiel did not turn her in

What connections does your character have to the other player characters?

-Uriel is his twin brother

-Trisha is an eladrin woman that has helped Uriel and Zeke look for traces of the woman that attacked their family

Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break.

I will never lie to my brother. Our bond is the most important thing to me.

He has promised that if I ever become a monster, then he has to stop me.

If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have?

Ezekiel would be a military surgeon or battle medic. 

What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing to have to risk their lives for?

While he can be stiff and serious, Ezekiel is loyal and helpful. He might come off as being too stuck-up or high-strung, but he has a naturally caring attitude. 

What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?

Ezekiel knew that Mileena was stealing medicine from the academy, but he did not stop her. Eventually, he learned that she was selling the stolen medicine to different groups across Darna. Because he was working to become a military medic, Ezekiel heard about a raid on a bandit camp (one that Mileena frequently traded with) happening soon. Some of the guards knew that Ezekiel was close with Mileena and they threatened to have him kicked out of the medical academy and have his father's military retirement revoked if Ezekiel warned her about the raid. He did not tell her, and she ended up getting arrested, along with the rest of the bandits.

Are there any people that would wish harm to your character and why?

Mileena
People from the academy that might have found out that he knew Mileena was stealing and didn't stop her

Overview/Backstory

Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could be the same or different)

Merna, a foggy, lush wetland, was home to towering ancient trees and bioluminescent fireflies, their glow mirrored in the marsh's waters. Life buzzed in this untamed wilderness, its sounds and scents encapsulating the cycle of life and death. Here, Hiyamano, a thoughtful member of the Crooked Claws lizardfolk tribe, was born and nurtured, showing early signs of a deep bond with the swamp's spirits.

Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now?

Many lizardfolk taught Hiyamano, but very few played an important role in shaping his upbringing.

Eldertooth, the elderly tribal shaman, was key in Hiyamano's magical and spiritual growth. He earnestly taught the tribe's youth about the arcane, swamp lore, and tribal rituals, fostering Hiyamano's respect for spirituality and unseen mysteries. Still serving as the tribe's shaman despite his age and declining health, Eldertooth provides wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insight, with a few young members now learning from him for the tribe's future spiritual needs.

Silent Ripple, Hiyamano's mother and a proficient tribe huntress, taught him stealth, nature interpretation, and self-reliance, which proved valuable when he left the swamp. Since Hiyamano's departure, her role has expanded; she instructs the younger generation in swamp survival while her quiet resilience in her son's absence symbolizes tribal strength.

Shellback, Hiyamano's older broodmate, was his youthful mentor and protector, imparting survival skills, courage, and inspiring Hiyamano to venture beyond the swamp. Now a respected tribal warrior, Shellback uses his swamp expertise to protect the tribe, leads patrols, mentors young warriors, and contemplates what exists beyond their marshland home.

Tribe leader, Ridged Blade, taught Hiyamano and his peers about cultural rituals and survival. Ridged Blade continues to ensure tribal unity and tradition, teaching younger generations while maintaining Merna swamps' balance via rituals, spiritual consultations, and ecological problem-solving. Despite his concerns for Hiyamano's safety, he acknowledges the importance of his journey and awaits news of his welfare.

How did your attribute scores affect your character?

Hiyamano's high Wisdom and Constitution scores, indicating his deep connection to nature and robust health, laid the foundation for his druidic abilities and survival skills. His lower Charisma and Intelligence scores made him prone to deception and being less strategic, often making him a follower. 

What made your character obtain the class they have now?

While Hiyamano was serving on the Northstar, he was convinced to walk the path of a druid by Spyri Windrider.

What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start?

In recent years, Hiyamano has served aboard the NorthStar, using his druidic abilities to protect maritime interests from the Black Rock Orcs. Simultaneously, he delved deeper into understanding the mysteries of the cosmos and nature, refining his skills under the mentorship of Spyri Windrider. 

What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become adventurers?

From a young age, Hiyamano's curiosity set him apart from his tribe, the Crooked Claws. His fascination with the stars and their mysteries led him to an ancient druidic text within the tribe's treasure, igniting his obsession with celestial knowledge.

Encouraged by tribal leader Ridged Blade, Hiyamano left his tribe to seek a broader understanding of the universe. His first destination was the coastal realm of the Tritons, where he sought insight into the sea, an element relatively unfamiliar to him.

It was there that he met Hollow Raliven, a Triton who shared his respect for nature's complexities and held knowledge of the stars' influence on the sea. Through their exchange of knowledge, a strong bond was formed, leading Hiyamano further on his path towards becoming an adventurer.

Which people are important for your character?

Several people have played significant roles in Hiyamano's life, but two stand out the most: Spyri Windrider and Ridged Blade.

As a mentor and love interest, Spyri holds a special place in Hiyamano's heart. Her teachings have not only helped him understand his druidic abilities but also introduced him to the vastness of the cosmos. Her continued devotion to the NorthStar and her relentless pursuit of knowledge inspire Hiyamano to always strive for more.

As his tribal leader and early mentor, Ridged Blade has had a profound influence on Hiyamano. He instilled in Hiyamano a deep respect for nature and the principles of balance. Even after leaving the tribe, Hiyamano carries these teachings with him, applying them to his druidic practice and life in general.

What connections does your character have to the other player characters?

In the tranquil settlement of Greenview, Hiyamano crossed paths with Whisper, a cunning tabaxi rogue. Together, they duped a gullible merchant, Sho, in a profitable scheme. However, their actions caught the attention of Drath the Fearless, a righteous paladin. After a bit of begging to Sho for mercy, they ended up working for him to pay off the debt, and have plans to perform at a traveling circus in Owlreach to be completely forgiven.

Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break.

In their shared cunning and roguish pursuits, Hiyamano promised Whisper that he'd always be his partner in mischief, ensuring they'd always balance their cunning with fairness. "I swear to you, Whisper," he'd said, "As long as the stars guide us, our actions will never harm the innocent. We walk this path together, bound by the spirit of just mischief." 

If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have?

Hiyamano aims to refine his druidic skills, especially shape-shifting, to understand nature and the cosmic from varying perspectives. In the long run, he aspires to be a guardian of nature and explore the world's diversity. He dreams of gaining wisdom to guide his tribe like Ridged Blade once did.

In a peaceful world, Hiyamano would deepen his connection with nature, learn from experienced druids, and share his tribe's teachings about natural balance, fostering mutual respect between different cultures and nature.

What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing to have to risk their lives for?

Hiyamano's deep empathy allows him to understand others on a profound level, cultivating a bond of trust and friendship. His unflinching honesty, even in difficult circumstances, further solidifies this trust. He brings the tranquility of his natural wisdom into every interaction, creating a calming influence that's both likable and reassuring, making him a reliable companion.

What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?

Hiyamano deeply regrets not trying to reform Lurktooth first. His decision led to Lurktooth becoming an outcast and a threat to others, a consequence Hiyamano hadn't foreseen, making him question his judgment and the essence of justice in complex situations.

Are there any people that would wish harm to your character and why?

The Black Rock Orc pirates bear a grudge against Hiyamano due to his involvement in thwarting their ambushes during his service on the NorthStar. Additionally, Lurktooth, a disgraced ex-member of the Crooked Claws, harbors a deep resentment for Hiyamano for exposing his cruel and destructive behavior, leading to his expulsion from the tribe. 

More optional plot hooks:

During an expedition on the NorthStar, he convinced the crew to venture into dangerous territories. The allure of ancient wisdom was too strong, and he risked too much. The expedition cost half the lives of Cynthia's crew, a loss that still haunts him. Cynthia, unable to forgive his recklessness, cast him off at Halcystor. Spyri chose to stay on the ship, her devotion to Cynthia and the NorthStar outweighing her feelings for Hiyamano. 

Story-Format Backstory: 

In the damp, mossy wilderness of Merna, a tribe of lizardfolk called the Crooked Claws carved their existence, their presence perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the untamed marshlands. Among this tribe was born Hiyamano, a quiet, thoughtful hatchling, who as a child, displayed an uncanny connection with the spirits of the swamp.

The tribe's leader, Ridged Blade, schooled him and his broodmates in the intricate cultural rituals and wilderness survival techniques of the Crooked Claws until Hiyamano was thirteen. That was when the call of the wider world and a dream of distant horizons, hidden behind the sea, beckoned him. A sense of curiosity mingled with the urgent whispers of the wild spirits led him on a path of adventure away from his tribe.

His initial wanderings brought him to the vibrant, rippling waters of the Swirling Streams, where he befriended Hollow Raliven, a triton of the Deepsea Guard. Hollow's lessons about the sea and its creatures broadened Hiyamano's understanding of the world, sparking a fascination with aquatic life and their spiritual counterparts.

With Hollow's aid, Hiyamano left Merna behind and began his journey to one of the bustling port cities of the Eratus Empire. There, he boarded the NorthStar, an exploration ship that went to undiscovered locations and dangerous territories in the search for knowledge, as a crew member commanded by Cynthia Mare. From the murky depths of the Blood Sea to the treacherous, stormy Forbidden Waters, and even to the wildly unpredictable Wild Waters, Hiyamano sailed, honing his skills, and gaining invaluable experience. All the while, he remained wary of the Black Rock Orcs, notorious sea pirates who often attacked supply ships and were feared enemies of both the Eratus Empire Navy and the Deepsea Guard.

In his years of service, he encountered Spyri Windrider, a sea elf with a strong connection to the stars. Spyri, an accomplished druid herself, saw in Hiyamano the same spark that she felt towards the natural world and guided him in harnessing his innate druidic powers. Their mutual passion for nature and the cosmos deepened into a strong bond, eventually blooming into a romance under the vast starlit sea-sky.

After a decade at sea, Hiyamano was cast off at Halcystor, a fortress city in Unified Caldar. Spyri stayed aboard the NorthStar, her thirst for knowledge of the stars and devotion to Cynthia Mare driving her to remain on the open sea.

Struggling to adapt to city life, Hiyamano moved to Greenview, a tranquil settlement nestled in nature's lap. It was here that he crossed paths with Whisper, a cunning tabaxi rogue. Together, they devised a lucrative scheme, duping the well-meaning but somewhat dim-witted merchant, Sho, giving him less money than the goods were worth. Their repeated heists eventually attracted the attention of Drath the Fearless, a righteous paladin. 

Caught by Drath the Fearless, Hiyamano and Whisper faced Sho, admitting their theft and proposing repayment through service. Sho agreed, adding they should also perform at the Owlreach circus. Thus, they began serving Sho and preparing for their performances. Hiyamano showcased his druidic abilities, while Whisper displayed his agility. Despite the hard work, they found joy and growth in their tasks, making amends. They awaited their Owlreach performance with anticipation and excitement.

Events

Status

Currently visiting a tavern in Owlreach for a circus performance.

Entry Date

Friday, October 20th, 1365 4th Era

Backstory

Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could be the same or different.) [75 words max]

Ava grew up in her family's castle and had a very sheltered childhood. The closest neighbor was miles away. It was in the beautiful countryside, a lot of rolling hills. Ava enjoyed reading in the garden. She still considers her family's castle home, but is unwilling to go back until she finds answers to why she was abandoned at the altar.

Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now? [75 words max]

Ava was raised by her parents, and has an older brother, Jack. Her parents preferred Jack, as he was the heir, and so she spent a lot of her childhood with tutors, with her governess, and reading. Her parents are still nobles, but with a significantly diminished reputation since Ava was abandoned at the altar, and then ran off. They are unhappy she is gone, but Ava doesn't know that.

How did your attribute scores affect your character? [175 words max]

Ava always knew she was intelligent, however her parents didn't ever really try to push her. She got an education-a noble girl's education. She saw all the things her brother got to learn and was upset. Her parents told her a noble lady didn't need anything Jack was learning. She tried very hard to prove she could do more, but her parents were firm. As intelligent as Ava is however, she lacks street smarts. Often in her youth she didn't think things through very much. She hasn't gotten much better at this, and lacks any form of street smarts.

What made your character obtain the class they have now? [75 words max]

Ava has always loved magic-however it was deeply forbidden for her study in her family's home. She figured, if she was going to run away, she might as well do what she wants, and learn magic. She loves being a wizard and wants to create her own spells at some point.

What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start? [75 words max]

Ava was studying magic. She truly enjoyed her studies because it was the first time she ever felt challenged at learning. She had also been trying to investigate Alastair's disappearance, but had never really made much headway due to the strain of her studies. 

In the last 2–3 years, what had your character been doing?

What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become adventurers? [120 words max]

Ava had been set up to marry the son of another noble family, Lord Alistair. Despite her reservations about the arranged marriage, Ava trusted her parents' judgment and believed it was her duty to fulfill their wishes. She spent months preparing for the grand wedding ceremony, hoping that love would grow between her and Lord Alistair over time. However, on the fateful day of the wedding, Lord Alistair failed to appear at the altar. Ava's heart shattered into a million pieces as she stood before the crowd, abandoned and humiliated. The shock and heartbreak she experienced that day left deep emotional scars that she still carries.

Which people are important for your character? [75 words max]

Anders and Night. She has worked with them and considers them both friends. She is excited to adventure with them more.

What connections does your character have to the other player characters? [175 words max]

Ava met Anders on his ill fated last smuggling trip. Anders wasn't aware of the danger of the magical artifact he was carying. Ava informed him of the nature of the object.

Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break. [75 words max]

Ava gave Night information on a magical object. She later found out that item was stolen, but swore not to tell anyone. 

If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have? [75 words max]

Besides finding out what happened with Alistair, she would like to be learning more about magic. She would also like to one day marry and have kids.

What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing to have to risk their lives for? [75 words max]

Ava is an optimist, she is the first to try and cheer someone up if they are down. She is a very social person, and is comfortable talking to people. She's very easygoing, and finds it easy to cool a situation down. She is very trusting, and cares deeply for her friends.

What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?[75 words max]

When Ava was young, 10-11ish, she had a fight with one of her history tutors. Ava felt that he, a commoner, shouldn't be yelling at a daughter of nobility, and so she complained to her parents. Her parents fired the tutor-(not what she wanted at all, she just wanted him to be talked to), and when Ava explained this her parents refused to rehire him. It made her realize the power she holds, and she's regretted it ever since.

Are there any people that would wish harm to your character and why?

Ava's brother Jack might harm her. He feels that Ava's personality is the reason why Alistair abandoned her, and the family's reputation is poor because she ran off as well. He feels it might be better if she was gone.