Welcome to the Lands of Arda
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Thirteen fragments, beings with vast power, originating from the Divine Realm, traveled to this newly found planet. These fragments, later known as the major gods, live in the Divine Realm together with other fragments. They called themselves fragments as they believe they all originated from one, all powerful being, that created all universes, but then split. The thirteen fragments were close like siblings and always did things together. The planet when it was found was barren, without life or magic, but it had potential. The one that was first to spot this new planet, named Arda, did not hesitate to detach herself from the Divine Realm and imbue with the planet to give it life and magic. That was seen as a great sacrifice by the other twelve, who knew that their sibling Arda would not be able to return until this planet is no more.
The twelve gods split into three groups, which were later known as Gold (Good), Silver (Evil) and Emerald (Neutral). The groups stayed the same, except from three changes. Dominaria switched from Gold to Silver, Iskar from Emerald to Gold and Oromne from Silver to Emerald. The exact dates of those changes are largely unknown but they are approximated at the end of 1st Era or the early centuries of the 2nd.
From that change and onwards no shifts have been reported. The groups are as following:
| Gold (Good) | Silver (Evil) | Emerald (Neutral) |
Besides the twelve major fragments, lesser fragments travelled to the world of Arda for various reasons. Other seeking to gain followers, other intrigued by events, other simply by curiosity, others banished from their previous worlds or other seeking refuge from forces that want them perished. These Lesser fragments are not as powerful as the twelve gods and cannot sustain themselves by feeding from multiple plains. They are also referred as "local gods" and such local communities or events is what feeds them. They full extent of their power varies, but many estimate them to be equally strong as the first dragons. Lesser fragments are not widely known, even though they'd wish to be. Even if they could be amassing a large amount of followers, they prefer to be more subtle, to not incur the wrath of major fragments for stealing their energy. Some of the Lesser Fragments work as Patrons, offer power to individuals known as warlocks, in exchange of tasks or worship.
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Backstory
Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could
be the same or different.)
When Cornelia was little, she was raised by her parents in a small cottage in the forest. After her parents died, she went to a boarding school where she learned her skills as a wizard. Now she is a wanderer and does not have anywhere she considers "home."
Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now?
As a small child, she was raised by her parents. (Her father was an elf, and mother a human). After they were killed, she was raised by the teachers at her boarding school. Now, she is on her own.
How did your attribute scores affect your character?
She was at the top of her class in school, due to high intelligence. She also has confidence due to her high intelligence/wisdom that she will be able to solve the mystery of who killed her parents, and that she will know what to do at the time to bring justice and avenge their death. She has a lot of trust in her intuition.
What made your character obtain the class they have now?
She became a wizard by chance, because the boarding school that took her in after her parents death was a school specific for wizards.
What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start?
My character has been traveling around, trying to find information about her parents murderers. Prior to that, she was attending a school for wizards.
What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become adventurers?
Cornelia's main goal has always been to find out who killed her parents and avenge their death. After graduating from school, she had no place she considered "home" to return to, so set out on her journey and has been looking for clues ever since.
Which people are important for your character?
Her parents, although no longer alive, are the most important people to Cornelia. Second to them
What connections does your character have to the other player characters?
Cornelia met Vigo Mortanion shortly after graduating school and beginning her journey. He tried to recruit her to his Cult of Beauty, and also requested that she perform a spell on some old Cleric (Sister Teddy). Cornelia them to find her once she was able to learn the right spell and slipped away into the night.
Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break.
She made two promises to Vigo Mortanion - the first that she would try to learn a spell to help beautify Sister Teddy, and the second that she would do everything she can to help find his parents' murderers. She would be willing to break the first promise, but would never break the second promise.
If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have?
She is looking to find who murdered her parents and avenge their death. Once she completes that goal, she hopes to find someplace that she'll love enough to eventually call home, along with a group of people that will become her family.
What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing to have to risk their lives for?
Cornelia is truly a good person (chotic good). She would never think of harming anyone who didn't deserve it. She is also on an honorable mission to find out who killed her parents and bring justice to the world. She is also pretty charismatic, and knows (or will know?) spells to make her even seem even more charismatic and be able to win people over and gain information, and be someone people really want to help.
What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?]
She regrets wandering off too far as a child. It was while she was out adventuring in the forest that her parents were killed. She came back to find them murdered and feels as though she could've helped prevent their death if she was there.
Are there any people that would wish harm to your character and why?
Possibly whoever killed her parents, but who they are and why they killed them is a mystery to her.
More optional plot hooks:
- My character's lineage might not be what I think it is. -This one will be unknown to you as player as well. Do not add details-
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
Overview
Orthus is a half-elf male in his early twenties, with a lean athletic build. His eyes are silver and his hair is white with a slight hint of blue. His skin is tough, like the underbelly of a dragon, with a pale-grey hue and a blue tinge. His sorcerer's power awoke in combat, when faced with true dread in the Forest of Many Colours. He seeks to grow stronger, learn more about the world, and build a life where he is independent and not beholden to anyone.