Marion Ette

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Marion Ette

"For the last time, That's not my name- Oh, Whatever."

Relatives	Biological Parents: Ravenna and Calliope Adoptive Parents: Martin and Wick Atoll
Languages	Common, Infernal, Celestial
Affiliations	A Very big and cool school for magic
Aliases	Marianne Atoll
Species	Devil's Tongue Tiefling
Gender	Nonbinary
Height	6'7
Weight	175 lbs
Eye Color	Black, with the smallest hint of Purple

Marion Ette is a Celestial Warlock, who willingly chose to worship Beshaba, Also known as Lady Doom. She comes to Amusa from her home city, Rwendia.

Physical Appearance

Marion is a tall, rather quiet Tiefling. They often paint their horns with different bands or patterns of color, typically resorting to vibrant reds and purples. Their eyes are a glassy black. They dress well, the only pop of color being their short hair and the paint they had chosen for the day. She has a split tongue, being a Devil's Tongue Tiefling.

Besha's Visions (Downtime Summaries!)

May:

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A quiet breeze blows past you sending a slight chill down your spine...

"Hello......."

"Ah- Besha? I... made this Altar... I know the others are also making Altars for other gods... but you should have your own." She swallows, eyes closing.

"You did good, very good. I see you are making a lot of new friends, I have made yourself acquaintance to a few of them at this point. Paris really is nice isn't she... How would you gauge your luck as of late?"

"Well... not the best. So long as those who go against my friends and I face worse fates, though... I can't complain." Her shoulders relax.

"Its the ebb and flow of fate. Luck is the waves we face on the open sea. Sometimes the waves push you landward, and sometimes they pull you to the bottom of the depths... I hear you have gotten into, 'medication'?"

"...we... were gifted something to help ward nightmares." She frowns slightly.

“Have you been avoiding the dreams I have been sending you?”

She swallows, fingers tapping against eachother softly. "If... you ask, I...I'll stop taking the drops. I... thought perhaps you chose to allow me to rest easy, with the hardships around camp."

"Harships build character. But your right, maybe I could let up on the dreams just a little. But they are important, so please do your best to remember them..."

"Would you like a gift?"

Marion slowly nods, relaxing a bit. "I will.. and I would. If you're kind enough to offer, I wouldn't dare refuse."

"I will need you to do some things for me first though, alright? All of these things you should be able to find at camp. First, you must walk under a ladder, then, you must open an umbrella in an interior space, then you must get a black cat to cross your path, if you cant find a black one a normal cat will do just fine, and then you must bring back a mirror."

"Ah-y... yes, I can... Ill do my best- But... where would I find an umbrella? Or a mirror... just any mirror?"

“Ask about, all of these items can be found in camp."

"Yes, Besha."

"Come back when you get the mirror and I can give you your gift."

“One task down, three to go…”

“Two tasks down, two to go…”

Marion swallows, and with a heavy sigh, they sit before the altar and places the Mirror onto it. "Alright."

“You have done so well, I am so proud of you! Now for the final task before I can give you your gift. You need to break the mirror”

She hesitates for a moment, eyes flicking over a few of the items that are on the altar, before, with a sigh, simply picking the mirror up and hitting the glass against the edge of part of the structure. She flinches as mirrored glass shatters.

You watch as the glass shards hit the floor before they melt into a strange reflective liquid that moves and colossuses on the altar. The liquid forms into the shape of a silver bowl, solidifying, before filling with a strange bubbling pale liquid.

“There is only so much I can do from my domain, but if enough bad luck is acquired I can expand my capabilities to give gifts to those I choose. And don’t worry about any of the bad luck falling onto you, I have diverted it to someone else in this world. If you wish, you may drink this liquid to induce a divine vision to give insight into the past and future.”

"Ah... Th-Thank you. um...is it hot?" She asks softly, holding a hand over the bubbling liquid, as though testing to make sure it won't burn her tongue when she drinks it.

As you put your hand over it, it actually feels oddly cool.

Marion carefully lifts the bowl, tipping it slowly and taking a sip.

As you drink the liquid, it taste, sweet? Like milk and vanilla. But as you swallow it down, that sweet flavor is followed by a bitter after taste. But then, nothing. You wait for a minute expecting something to happen, but, things are still. When you start to think you must have been duped is when the walls start to melt. Flashing colors dart about as you hear a cacophony of voices, causing you to stumble back and fall back onto the floor, and then through the floor. You land softly is a large field of yellow grasses. Up above you hanging in the sky is the Sun, yellow and massive its light beating down oppressively on you. In the near distance you spot seven figures silhouetted in the light, a light shadow covering them, almost hiding them from the sun. Together they raise their arms and you watch as a jungle grows around them. You are then wretched somewhere new, into the center of a battle. Dragonborn fight bravely against paladins and cleric crusaders in brutal combat as woman and children dragonkind flee for their lives. You spot another figure fighting alongside the dragonborn though as well. A tall knight in dirty plate armor with a green cloak and a helmet sporting a set of large antlers. You then feel yourself falling, falling up into the deep starry night. Amongst the stars you can almost swear you spot a small white kobold in the palm of a being so large it is incomprehensible.

You blink and see yourself in a barren expanse where a massive rotting dog feasts upon a strange figure whose body radiates shadow before you find yourself standing In Front on a large imposing mountain from which the top billows white smoke. You spot some figures approach the mountain, and while you can not see their faces, you understand that they are friends, people you know. you then look on in horror as a massive mouth of teeth and fleshy tendrils opens in the face of the mountain and devours them whole. The last thing you hear before you wake up is in a deep gravely voice, "Praise, rejoice, and be glad. the king is dead, long live the king." You then wake up, finding yourself standing in the middle of the woods. Looking down at your hands you find them coated in a strange dark liquid. Looking up at the sun you surmise that you must have been in your trance for at least an hour or two.

You easily enough find your way back to camp.

TLDR: Making an Altar for Besha - Completes a series of tasks and is gifted visions of the seven, the Green Knight, and more.

June:

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(Traveling with Lambda and meeting Lorrie- Marion had an encounter with a burning corpse.)

You both enter the archway and descend into the structure. After many minutes of walking through ruined tunnels you come across a large open room, exiting through a secret door behind a gold sarcophagus into a massive dark space full of humanoid stone statues.

Lambda: He pans his optics around, staying in medium-alert

In the center of the room you find the skeletal remains of a Medusa like creature. Around the room are carvings of large dragons. One is of a large orange dragon on a hoard of food, one is of an old dragon beneath a smoking mountain, and one appears to have been defaced. Above you both is a massive statue of a two headed dragon, one blue one black. Each hold a crystal in their mouth, but only the crystal in the mouth of the blue head is glowing.

Around the open sarcophagus you find expired runes and carvings of seven figures.

You also find some paper carving charcoal rubbings, hunting that whoever made them is deeper in the structure.

Marion (Nin): Marion will carefully pick up the paper, as well as cast Comprehend Languages, in attempt to decipher the runes, if able.

The runes are a mix of draconic and primordial and we’re sealing runes, intended to have locked whatever was in the sarcophagus in. It appears someone on the outside broke them.

Lambda: He looks over the body, seeming to think of the creature’s abilities

Marion (Nin): Marion will relay the types of runes, before passing the paper to Lambda. "You should hold onto this. We can go deeper- Lorrie or someone probably is in there." She states, before casting light  on her staff, incase it gets darker deeper into the ruins.

Lambda: opens his chest and puts the paper within the compartment. He unholsters his blaster, and slips into the opening. Keep alert.

You continue to move forward and enter into the large circular space you had viewed from above, the massive hole. The room has 5 statues of chromatic dragons and most of the other tunnels leading off it have collapsed. You see one tunnel though where it seems the rubble has been removed.

Lambda: They’ve made more progress than I expected.

Marion (Nin): "Thats a good thing... just keep note of what we see. Stay close." She speaks softly, continuing to follow the opened path.

Lambda: It does mean they haven’t hit any traps. Yet.

He continues his cautious advance

You both continue down this tunnel and eventual enter a new space with seven large statues, their features lost, worn away by the ages of time. Marion you step forward and feel the stone slab under your foot sink into the ground.

Lorrie Haslo: “Look out!” You are suddenly tackled away by a small Halfling woman as one of the statues collapses on the spot you were standing.

Lambda: Dives forward instinctively, before standing and turning towards the shattered statue. Marianne!

Marion (Nin): Marion blinks as a small being runs into her, eyes wide as she looks at the statue. "Shoot- I'm  so sorry- I didnt mean to break anything-"

Lambda: The bot walks cautiously to where he can see the tiefling and the halfling.

Are either of you harmed?

Lorrie Haslo: “Whoo, that was close. Hello there, names Lorrie, Lorrie Haslo.” She stands up and dusts herself off before catching Lambda’s eyes. “Oh, Lambda, hey…”

Lambda: He holsters his blaster and extends both of his hands. Hello Lorrie.

Lorrie Haslo: For a quick moment you see she chokes back tears before returning to professional mode. “Uh, hey, uh. What are you both doing here?” You see behind her investigating the room are other members of her company as well.

Lambda: His eyes turn a soft yellow. We came to talk to you, and I came for this. As he pulls the two out of the rubble, he scoops Lorrie into a warm hug

Marion (Nin): "Its nice to finally meet you, miss Haslo. My name is Marion. I'm...technically working with Lambda, for the Tempest Brothers. He's told me a lot about you." Marion stands, bushing her clothes free of debris and dust.

Lorrie Haslo: For a second she is frozen in suprise before slowing putting her arms around Lambda. “I… I am glad you are ok.”

“It’s nice to get to meet one of Lambda’s new friends.”

Lambda: I’ve had my close calls. Tends to happen when you continue to take the hits for everyone else. Do you wish to continue your work here, or shall we talk at the surface?

Lorrie Haslo: “That was the last trap in this region, we should be good to talk here.”

Marion (Nin): "Miss Haslo, I cast a spell that allows me to understand languages a bit easier- if your team needs any help, before it wears off, I'd be happy to assist."

Lorrie Haslo: “Oh uh yeah, Frank in the back could use some help, there are some rooms we are still investigating.” I’ve had my close calls. Tends to happen when you continue to take the hits for everyone else. Do you wish to continue your work here, or shall we talk at the surface? “I like the green…”

Lambda: Good to know you’ve cleared everything. Of course you know I’m not exactly one for linguistics, or delicacy. Do you need any help?

Marion (Nin): "You two should catch up." Marion smiles, ducking her head before going to assist Frank.

Lambda: Thank you. It was Marianne here that added the paint.

Marion goes to see Frank who is this medium height half orc roguish type. “Hello newcomer. Would have been quite awful to see you get crushed.”

Marion (Nin): "I'm sturdier than I look, thankfully. It wouldn't be the first time i was nearly crushed to death." She chuckles softly, smiling. "Not many people can say they've been stepped on by elementally and magical altered Dinosaurs, though."

Marion, you follow Frank behind one of the statues down a passageway into a strange room. In its center hanging from a noose is a body on fire, burned and blackened, the rope itself is seemingly untouched but the fire does not seem to cease. “You’re a magic user, got any idea what this is? It was burning when we got here the other day and has yet to stop.”

Marion (Nin): "I... don't deal with fire magic." she would stand for a moment, staring up at the form, before beginning to approach the figure. "It feels disrespectful to keep them there, though. Would your crew be opposed to me cutting them down?"

Frank: “You know more then I do. Take it away.”

Marion (Nin): "Thats a broad statement." She pulls off her jacket and folds it onto the floor, before pulling out her scimitar.  She carefully reaches up,  one arm prepared to catch the flaming body when it does fall, and the other pressing the blade against the rope.

(Marion is 100% planning on catching a burning corpse and laying it down to take the noose off.)

As you press the blade into the rope it snaps, the body falling, and landing on its feet.

Marion (Nin)឵: Marion swallows, watching it for a moment. "Nifty- alright, lets get this off you and put your body to rest-" she winces slightly from the heat, shifting the blade to cut the rope from around its neck. "My buddy Lambda is Really good at digging graves-" The body takes a step towards you… And you feel the mark on your back begin to burn.

Marion (Nin)឵: Marion swallows, taking a step back. "Hey- Frank, think maybe you should get someone else in here?" She laughs nervously, still holding the scimitar up. The charred figure lunges at you still wreathed in roiling fire. "Help me!"

Marion (Nin)឵: Marion blinks, eyes  widening as she stumbles back. Her fingers begin to glow. "I- I don't know how-! Just tell me and I'll try- I... can make it stop hurting-"

The figure grabs your hand and your mind is filled with images of flames and suffering, of burning buildings with children screaming for their parents, of homes going up in flames, of family members being burned at the stake, and one of a red feather falling into the fire, turning black.

The figure then crumpled to ash.

Marion (Nin): Marion blinks, staring at where the figure once was.  Slowly, she pushes herself up, frowning. "You'll rest easy... I promise." She  looks over her shoulder, walking past Frank, and towards Lambda and Lorrie. after a bit of talk with the others, Marion returns to the two. "So- if I may... Lorrie, can... you tell me about some of the artifacts your crew may have found?"

Lorrie Haslo: "Oh yes. Well you know about the statue. There were these strange animal pelts that, uh, that's a story for a different day. There was a tome titled "The Coming of the Kalishties that seemed to be written in blood. There was an odd bell that seemed to make no sound when rung but instead, uh, uh, yeah."

Marion (Nin): "Did you not...find anything out about the flaming body?" She swallows, giving a nervous bur curious smile.

Lorrie Haslo: “No it’s should still be hanging back there, did Frank show it to you? It’s quite strange.”

Marion (Nin): "It might be a bit too late for more studies on that now... I um... it may have burnt to ash after talking to me. We've come up with some research on other Items the Collector has been interested in, and....our two groups would definitely work better together, than separately, I think. You would be invaluable, especially since both of our groups have already been acquainted with the Collector. I'd be happy to tell you about the artifacts we've found."

Lorrie Haslo: “Oh yeah, what have you all encountered?”

Marion (Nin): "Many, Many things... the artifacts seem to have entities that cling to them, and tie themselves to those who interact with them in certain ways. The Collector seems to be aware of this, but won't give us details, and...we even have some of the artifacts stored away.  People who are claimed by these entities....tend to be plagued by nightmares." She doesn't go into detail, smiling softly. "I...hope you can understand, but...You coming to stay with us, even while working for the Collector, would be mutually beneficial. And...it means Lambda won't have a reason to keep missing you."

Lorrie Haslo: "Maybe I will try to come by more, now and again, but I dont think staying with you all will work. I think today might have been the final nail in the coffin for something i had been holding onto for a long time."

Marion (Nin): "Oh? What would that be?" Marion blinks, tilting her head. Absent-mindedly, she rubs her shoulder, partially trying to sooth the way the mark had been burning previously.

Lorrie Haslo: "Nothing, an old dream. It was nice getting to see you Marion, and Lambda."

Marion (Nin): "Don't let your dreams deceive you. As long as its yours, and not imposed by someone else- thats all one can hope for.... When you get the chance, We'd love to share notes, and show you what we've...collected. and... if you find anything out about the Daughter of the Setting Sun, or...anything Phoenix related... i would like to know."

Lorrie Haslo: “Yeah.”

Lambda: He seems to lose a bit of his enthusiasm or excitement with this statement. Not really making eye contact as directly as he had So…what now? Is this a farewell for the time being?

Marion (Nin): "Another four day trek, I suppose." She laughs softly. "Can... we maybe stay for a few days? Let you two properly catch up-?"

Lambda: I would….like that. If it is acceptable to Lorrie…

Lorrie Haslo: "You are both more then welcome."

Afterwards:

Here is what you each learn over the next few days:

The iconography of seven figures permeates the temple

The seven figures seemed to have been a part in sealing whatever was in the golden sarcophagus before it was opened

Depictions of the figures seem to have held a different reverence in this temple then the reverence held to Kavanmort or Tiamat

Some of these depictions still have detail. One figure appears to wear a cloak covering many tentacles, one has goat-like horns, and one has a maw of sharp teeth.

More bodies are discovered with strange afflictions. These include a body that seems to have been killed by vines growing from inside its body. Another seems to have its mouth unnaturally agape by about a foot with black tear stains from its eyeless sockets. Both of these bodies seemed to have been preserved but quickly fall apart when interacted with.

Some unknown force sunk this temple into the ground.

As the dreams persist, the firs burn away. all that remains are endless fields of darkened soul. The figure still in silhouette sits, seemingly molding small shapes out of the clay like earth. She asks you a question:

"What are you fighting for?"

"What are you fighting for?"

"What are you fighting for?"

"What are you fighting for?"

Marion would be. generally frightened. She doesn't know what shes fighting for- after a bit, she would find an answer shes happy with. "I'm fighting for them. Everyone I travel with is simply looking for a new life...They deserve to find that. I...Think we all deserve to have someone fight for us."  After speaking, she would slowly approach the figure, eyebrows furrowed. "May I sit with you?"

As you begin to approach, it almost feels as if you are moving through molasses. But as you do get closer you see what the figure is molding out of clay, a small figurine, that looks a lot like you. "To have someone to fight for us..." You wake up. Subsequent dreams are back to normal, those sent by Beshaba. Your mark over the next few days cools, but warms up randomly before again cooling. Even though your dreams are back to normal though, you still catch glimpses of that figure, and every so often, your dreams once again end in fire.

TLDR: Very Long. First half involves traveling with Lambda to the ruins from one of the first sessions in order to find Lorrie Haslo. Depictions of the Pumpkin dragon as well as other dragons are visible. Marion Speaks to a burning corpse, and Dreams given to her by The Phoenix persist.

July:

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Why hello again my dear Marion Ette. Its been a while since you came to me to talk..."

"Yes- It has... I've been trying to.... keep everyone safe as I can. Mr. Stacy has been more active, and...I suppose I'm looking for answers of what to do." She sighs, closing her eyes as she kneels before her altar.

"Mr Stacy... I always liked that one. My dear Marion Ette, we both know I cant give you answers, its just not m domain. But what I can give you is a chance, a roll of the dice, a flip of the coin. You want to keep people safe Your friends safe? I can maybe work something out."

"Thats an interesting new tattoo you got there. Are you cheating on my with another diety?"

"It wasn't of my choice, to be fair... but it seems this Phoenix character has taken a liking to infiltrating some of my dreams. I was hoping you knew about them...How cautious I should be with them, seeing how they've decided to brand me as theirs." She chuckles weakly.

"It is just my luck to be between two gods, I suppose."

Her tone of voice gets grim. "Phoenix.... what do you mean? What phoenix?"

"A statuette... There was an explosion that nearly wiped the camp, and... She was in the blaze. She branded me, and... had been in my dreams for the longest time. She still is. The daughter of the Setting Sun... She's....I believe she also came to be in the form of an animated body hanging from a noose, who gave me....some pretty terrible visions."

"I...Was hoping you'd know of her. She...seems to believe I'm working to help them in their goals, in...some way of odd miscommunication."

"Avoid them at all costs. Blot them out of you mind and strike their name from your tongue. Do not speak of them, do not think of them. For your saftey and others..."

"I... Yes, Besha. Can...You tell me why? Who they are-?" She swallows, looking up. "Nassir, He...He also has one of their artifacts, and...Kompi only ever speaks of falling into the void-beast whenever I ask of dreams."

Her voice turns from grim to worry. "I can't say much. They will know. Sometimes things that want to stay hidden should be allowed to stay hidden...."

Then the connection cuts off.

One note mechanically that Marion would understand and that Beshaba alluded to is that if Marion spends another month of religious practice as her downtime she can receive a permanent boon from Beshaba.

"But she's in my dreams-" Marion starts, before quieting. "How am I suppose to avoid sleeping, more than I already do..." She sighs, adjusting a few trinkets on the altar to look a bit nicer, before standing to head out. "Thank you, Besha."

TLDR: Marion Confronts Besha about the seven. Besha tells her not to speak of them.

September:

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Through your worship you receive whispers in your dreams. You hear Gnolls cackling, spread across the wilds. You reflect back when you saw Thinwhistle, destroyed and left to rubble. They had found something in Thinwhistle, something great and something powerful. Something that will change the wilds forever. You know Ripjaw is not working on his own accord, rather he is working with a purpose, for someone. There is a tangled web of alliances at play, Demons, Fungi, Gnolls, the Green Knight, Jim Stacy...  Long ago members of the company heard rumors of a King out in the wilds. Could that be the head of this snake?

TLDR: (Very short.) Dreams of Thinwhistle, the gnolls, and who may be leading them.

August:

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"Oh, havent you been a diligent and faithful little tielfing...."

"I do my best to please you, Besha. To spread your name in its best light, so others may know your grace..."

"I promised you a boon, didnt I. Here you go." *You feel a strange chill emanate from your token of Beshaba, feeling it grow with a strange energy."

Instead of a d4, your token of Beshaba now uses a d6

For both the die you subtract from others, and for the die that is subtracted from you

"Thank you for your gift, Besha... " (even if this feels like it hurts me more than helps me lmao)

"I sense... hesitation in your voice. Explain."

"Well... i feel like I try to use your gift whenever i know it will be of use to me- where as when luck turns sour, its much more likely to hurt me... I'm still appreciative of the gift, of course-"

"Luck is really a fickle thing......"

"Is there anything else you desire...."

"No, Besha. Thank you, for your gift." She hums softly

TLDR: Upgraded Boon. End.

October:

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"Is something wrong Marion Ette? You seem nervous."

"Well, things always have a chance of going wrong, Besha...I just want to do my best to fulfil my duties. Taking on the role of not just serving you, but advocating is a leap- Especially considering Lux's.... will to avoid change."

"Well, things always have a chance of going wrong, Besha...I just want to do my best to fulfil my duties. Taking on the role of ...

“I can understand your trepidations. Taking up the clerical cloth is a big step, and I am proud of you. I can confirm I made the right choice of reaching out to you. How do you feel about… our relationship my darling Marion Ette?”

“Not feeling tempted  to leave me for any spider goddess I hope.”

"No, No... I don’t think I should outwardly speak of any gods with negativity, but I can confidently say that no matter how the web of fate were to be pulled- I could trust you to keep me on your path. I am thankful to be under your guidance."

"And I am thankful for your faith. Lolth is like all spiders, they are sneaky, deceiving, venomous, and by no means not a danger. But hey, if you get a big enough boot... I have felt the balance of luck fluctuate in these wilds. Something is changing, no, something has always been here and has only now revealed itself. Its horrifyingly familiar. If you accept my blessing my dutiful cleric, I can share you the guise of the scales of luck and balance..."

Marion blinks, and simply nods. "Of course, My lady. Just tell me what to do, and I will follow."

Marion begins to feel unseen scales shift and sway before their mind leaves their body. Instead of seeing visions of the future or of other locations, she appears to see visions of the past:

The first is of Nassir fighting alongside Rina and Lambda against a large black scaled titanic dinosaur that breathes lightning.

The next is of a basecamp not unlike their own in the wilds of Amusa, on fire and overrun with gnolls, all looked over by a figure she recognizes as the Green Knight

The next after that is two scenes at the same location. The first is of a group of Tempest brother expeditionaries blowing up a large factory like operation in an underground Gnoll warcamp, freeing the trapped Efreeti inside.

The next shows that warcamp again, now larger and filled with Gnolls arming themselves with weapons. From the center of the camp she feels the thrum of a powerful arcane energy and sees the Gnolls constructing massive machines of war.

The next is in what appears to be a museum in Galik as a new exhibit opens, titled "The Heart of Kavanmort, the Twin Doom." The heart lets out a single beat before Marion moves to her next vision.

Marion sees what appears to be an underground lab as robed figures oversee a living person become suddenly covered in mushrooms and fungus. Their screams are cut short by the mushrooms covering their entire being.

She sees the Gnoll Talon on the ground, appearing to be dead before their is what appears to be a sudden release from spores from his body. At this moment his wounds crust over with fungus and he sits back up alive.

The last is a figure in a dark room crying. All she can make up is a helmet with antlers on a table nearby.

TLDR: Anxiety of being a cleric- Talk of Lolth - Kavenmort, Gnoll Talon, Ripjaw, Green Knight, Mushrooms, Efreet freedom.

November:

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We find out the dryads are Old World Dryads, Marion is able to help heal the Dryads with celestial magic, bringing new life back into their forms

- Using your Warlock magic you are able to permanently disarm the traps to prevent them from coming back on and possibly harming you, Lupine Lucas, or the Dryads.

- You sense the presence of the orange eye of the Ramskull figure as fully abandoned this place.

- You find Lord Bellaphon's personal study which shares with you much information.

--- He referred to "The Seven" as The Sepexilium which means the Seven Banished in Elvish. He references the Sepexilium as his true patrons and the true embodiment of the wilds. The Green Knight viewed them as their patron.

--- He writes on how he detested the Gnolls and Demons, but saw working with them as a means to an end. Refers to a location he calls Camp Emberclaw, which you can identify as the Gnoll war camp your fellow expeditionaries discovered (Session Smoke Signals). He also writes about the Gnolls plans to reach their "prize" in The Kobold city of Thelrya.

-- He writes about a weapon called the Zephyr Blade which he refers to as "the map of the wilds."

-- His sword Oathsbane, which in description resembles the weapon wielded by Nassir, he says was a gift from a Sepexilium member, the Wild Desolation.

--- He refers to the Ramskull being as the most outgoing of the Sepexilium, but that it is not their leader and far from the strongest. Bellaphon refers to the entity he calls “The Lord of Beneath” as the physically strongest, but that does not compare to physical strength though.

--Lord Bellephon had notes that the Collector seemed to be collecting artifacts with specific ties to the Sepexilium.

The Seven

The Twilight Phoenix: A figure in a cloak of feathers wearing a blank mask standing on a flaming pyre.

The Endless Expanse: A muscular monk like figure with a featureless face whose visage gives the viewer vertigo

The Lord of the Beneath: A figure in a tattered cloak covering up a mass of tendrils and worms with a maw of sharp teeth.

The Former Green Knight claims The Lord Beneath is the strongest Physically.

The God Ravager: A thin and rotting figure with the head of a hairless wolf

The Mother of the Lost Parade: A figure in a heavy cloak with to many arms and hands to count

The Great Reclaimer: A tall creature made of twisting vines with branch like horns

He who watches alone: A figure with a ram-skull for a head with orange glowing eyes

TLDR: Marion and Lupine Lucas go to the Green Knights Lair- she discovers Lore about the Seven, the zephyr blade, and the gnolls camps and kobold cities.

December:

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Downtime: Researching Quote: Finding the Collector and trying to...exchange information on artifacts and the Sepexilium and anything else about the wilds he may know

She Chose to look into the two Members of the Sepexilium that she knows the least amount on- He who Watches Alone and the Mother of the Lost Parade

1. General Things Learned:
   • To the intentions of the marks, whether they be purposeful or random, you think it is a little of both. Sometimes one may just get to close to something dangerous, or that something may also reach out.
   • The Collector has done some work gathering info on those who may have been marked in the past. These people all could display some level of strange ability. Some of these marked include:
     • A druid who could summon worms inside your body
     • A widow who was related to a string of disappearances near a mountain before disappearing over a cliffs edge
     • A cannibal able to take on the forms of those they had eaten
     • A soldier who could incite violent murderous rage in others
     • A doctor whose touch was said to turn you blind
     • A man who was said to have roots under his skin
   • Less is known about how to remove a mark, though one tells of a Paladin who was marked by the God Ravager who disappeared into the wilds only be found years later normal and living a life as a blacksmith in Xender.
   • The Collector has notes of some of his attendants who got marked receiving strange visions of figures he believe to be the Seven goading them to use their abilities on other people.
   • The Collector has bits and pieces connecting the Seven to the fungus and Gnolls but has been unable to get the bigger picture.
2. The Mother of the Lost Parade:
   • The Collector has acquired some of her other titles
     • Imperious Dream
     • She of Black Tears
     • Hundred Hands
     • You Know Not Who You Are
   • Many of her artifacts relate to music, statues and hands
   • Those marked by her demonstrate the abilities to cause madness and deceit.
3. He Who Watches Alone:
   • The One you identified as Ram Skull Ancient
   • The Collector has acquired some of her other titles but believes they have no actual name
     • The Warmonger
     • The Weaver of Strife
     • The Horned Reaver
   • Many of his artifacts relate to weaponry and items from bloody and brutal battles and violent events as well as items that relate to being watched
   • Those marked by him demonstrate the ability to scry on others and cause great bloodshed

"It is to be noted, As I have been exposed to more of the Twilight Phoenixs' artifacts, there has been a surprising difference in behavior than how we had anticipated initially. I....also have noticed more sightings of her. Where my dreams had become quiet, with a severe lack of flame, I've begun seeing glimpses of her once again. Usually, she is merely in the peripheral- However with each test, I've noticed her begin to grow nearer within these dreams, and occasionally, (hopefully) hallucinations. I believe it to be crucial to speak with Beshaba before pushing my luck with these items. I will continue to write notes on each artifact that I happen to come across, though."

TLDR: Marion is now Part of the Collection.

January:

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Beshaba: "Greetings Marion, its been a while since we last talked."

Marion (Nin): "I'm Sorry, Besha. You're always with me, though. It's been...an interesting last few months, to say the least. Lambda's been...well, I'm sure you've seen at least part of that situation. And working with the Collector has been an adventure on it's own."

Beshaba: "Yes the Collector, are, are you being safe with them? They arent treating your poorly?"

Marion (Nin): "They've been kind, And I do my best of being safe...A few of the artifacts have...caused a big of a reaction, when relating to...her." Marion swallows, reaching up to tap her shoulder gently. "I've been avoiding interacting with too many of her artifacts because of it."

Beshaba: "What is your fascination with them even after I warned you to stay away?"

Marion (Nin): "I mean...can you really expect me to not be interested? My loyalty is to you, but that doesn't mean I don't want to learn everything I can about them -Especially when their artifacts could alter the fate of anyone unfortunate enough to stumble upon them."

Beshaba: "I guess I cannot fault the very curiosity that helped to draw me to you...Is there any guidance or assistance I can share with you?"

Marion (Nin): "Anything would help. I'm out of my depth- i feel like there's so many threats to those I wish to protect..." She holds the necklace that hold Lambdas emotion crystal, grimacing. "Whether it be with the Collector, Lambda, or circus... even something about the seven- Im just... I need to know where I'm heading. What I need to prepare myself for, or just... a way to prepare. Please."

Beshaba: "Well, you have been a devoted little church mouse, and I can't let harm come to my favorite worshiper, so I bout I boost up that token there of yours. Would that seem favorable?"

Marion (Nin): "Of course. I'd happily honor you, with whatever gift you offer to me. I am Thankful."

Beshaba: "But before I share this gift, I do ask for one thing in return..."

Marion (Nin): "Yes?"

Beshaba: "You are not just my warlock, but my priest. While people fear me and know me, bad luck is a natural part of life, few do worship me. You only found me because I found you first. Without followers, a deity will almost certainly fall into non existence. I want you to head my church in Galik, be my prophet, my saint you can say. Are you willing?" "You can still work with and for the Collector, but this can be your second side project if you so wish."

Marion (Nin): "I...yes, of course Besha. I'd be honored to be regarded as such, and appointed by you." She blinks, before bowing her head.

Beshaba: "Then my saint you should be, a title that comes with great power..."

Marion (Nin): "A role I dare not dishonor. Thank you for entrusting me with it."

Token of Beshaba's Saint Rare, Religious Focus, Requires Attunement

This religious focus of Beshaba has three charges. As a reaction when a creature they can see makes an attack roll, skill check, or saving throw, the wearer can use their reaction to subtract 1d6 per charge spent from their roll. These charges are only regained after a long rest or after the DM subtracts a d6 from the wearers roll.

As a reaction the wearer can choose to add a d6 per charge to a creature's roll. But in return this charge is only regained after a long rest or when the DM subtracts 2d6 per charge from the wearers roll as the luck in the universe balances out.

Beshaba: "I will do my best to keep the robot safe, but I cannot protect him if he goes to seek out trouble himself. Maybe you could one day bring him into the fold. As for the Collector, I know little except to what he does and holds for his Collection is warded so heavily if evades even my eyes."

Marion (Nin): "It's...unknown if Lambda has a soul of his own. Whether he was given one in creation, or if something has taken it from him. I don't know how such devotions would come across to you. Do you know if he had one origionally, when I had first met him?"

Beshaba: "He did."

Marion (Nin): She nods, looking a little troubled by this news. "Can souls be taken by force like that...? I always thought it had to be given."

Beshaba: "There are some creatures able to take souls, though they are exceptionally powerful and require a vulnerable mortal, but in most cases they must be given."

Marion (Nin): "Do you have any insights on how to reclaim a soul that was stolen, other than confronting the being directly? It sounds like a deathwish to do that."

Beshaba: "Most soul dealers have a place or a vessel where they keep their souls. The only way to reclaim one is to claim and destroy this vessel or to kill the one who took it in the first place."

TLDR: Marion Prayed to Beshaba over the Ancients, and asked about Lambda's soul.

Powers and Abilities

Marion heavily relies on simple magic as a warlock, focusing on different cantrips in order to aide them. Marion has been seen sparing with Reedy, where they had vanished in thin air. Marion had also claimed victory in a spar consisting of themself, Wiggler, Jim Stacy, and Idi, despite becoming the target of all members fairly quickly after casting the Hunger of Hadar.

Marion is the proud owner of a Quarterstaff, a Sickle, one Dagger, a shell fossil pendant and part of the Behil scale from Kompi, 14 cigarettes from Jim Stacy, 4oz of Netra'gal and a Sentimental box from Nassir, a deactivated Frost Rune from Groth, a two Tokens of Beshaba, with one being made by Paris Hilton, 10 Wild Magic fruit, and a winter blanket, apparently.

Personality

Marion is a quiet and introspective person who has learned to keep her emotions and thoughts to herself. She has always felt like an outsider due to her Tiefling heritage and the constant bullying she has faced. As a result, she has developed a reserved exterior around strangers, and tries to keep her guard up, only revealing her true self to those she trusts deeply.

Marion has a deep well of compassion and empathy. She feels keenly the pain and suffering of others, which is what drew her to the goddess Beshaba and her offer of warding against bad luck. She is fiercely loyal to those she cares about and will go to great lengths to protect them.

Marion is fiercely independent and values her personal freedom above all else. She has a strong sense of self and is not easily swayed by the opinions of others. At the same time, she craves deep connections with those she trusts and is fiercely loyal to those she considers to be part of her inner circle.

At heart, Marion is an optimist, doing their best despite all the ways god is testing them; However, They tend to have a rather explosive personality. When interrupted from certain tasks, have been known to snap suddenly or emotionally shut down all together. She is aware of this tendency in herself and has been working on developing better coping mechanisms to manage her emotions. When growing stressed, she can often be seen tapping her fingers together in a frantic counting fashion. She finds the idea of being underestimated appealing, and is ever worried about giving away too much, or disappointing those around her. Despite the challenges she has faced, Marion is determined to make the most of her life and find her place in the world. She is tenacious and resourceful, always looking for a way to overcome obstacles and make things better. At the same time, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, constantly questioning whether she is truly worthy of the blessings and protections she has received from Beshaba.

Upon arriving to help on this Expedition, Marion has opened up significantly. Greeted with open arms, it became apparent that She has little to no knowledge on Tiefling culture, the stigma against the fae, or much other history of the world around her.

History

As a young child, Marion had never been granted the chance to grow close to her parents. They struggled financially, and had suffered homelessness after a house fire. Her family had chosen it would be best to put up for adoption while she was still young enough that she wouldn't remember them, let alone remember her original given name.

Marion's Tiefling parents were a couple who had fallen in love despite the difficulties they faced due to their race. They had struggled financially and had to move from place to place to find work, often facing discrimination and mistrust from those around them. They had a daughter, whom they named Narali, but when their home caught fire and they lost everything, they made the difficult decision to put her up for adoption to give her a chance at a better life. They knew that as a Tiefling, she would always face challenges, and they hoped that a family who could provide for her would be able to protect her from the dangers of the world. They never forgot about their daughter, but they knew they could not provide for her as she deserved.

Marion's adopted parents were a kind and loving couple who had always wanted to have children of their own, but were unable to conceive. When they decided to adopt, they chose Marianne because they were drawn to her sweet and innocent demeanor. They wanted to give her a new start in life and shield her from the hardships she had faced before. Her new family had done everything to erase the hardships of her past, going as far as changing her name. They also cut her hair short, wanting to make her look more like their own daughter, who had passed away as a child. They were very protective of Marion and did everything they could to make her feel safe and loved. However, they were not prepared for the challenges of raising a Tiefling child. They did not fully understand the discrimination and stigma that Tieflings often faced. They encouraged her to focus on her studies, hoping that if she excelled in magic, she would find acceptance and validation from her peers.

Her parents had come to terms with the fact that, as a Tiefling, they would always stand out, and sent her to schooling for magic to protect herself from the world around her. Throughout school Marion had tried to focus on learning magic, however, they had often been teased constantly for seeming as lifeless as a doll due to their skin, eyes, and mannerisms. Their name, because of this constant teasing, shifted from its adopted 'Marianne Atoll' into the cruel nickname of Marionette. Their studies suffered as even teachers began to misname her, and soon the taunting became commonplace. Marion only managed to focus on simple spellcasting, unable to properly study the spells expected of her. Because of the constant taunting that slowly began to creep its way into her home, Marianne felt that the only option was to take it in stride and ask the very being whom had cursed her what she had done to deserve it.

They wandered deep into the library, speaking lowly to themselves. They had been more than surprised when books had begun to fall from their shelves, and Marion received an answer from the goddess Beshaba, offering to ward bad luck in exchange for worship. Now, Misfortune follows Marion, often claiming the young tieflings dreams, but the young warlock does all they can muster to keep their head held high despite this.

As Marion's interest in Beshaba and the darker aspects of magic grew, her adopted parents became increasingly concerned. They did not understand why she would seek out a goddess of misfortune, and they worried that her choices would lead her down a dangerous path. Despite their concerns, they loved Marion deeply and wanted only the best for her-- They did their best to support her and hope that one day she would find a way to reconcile her ties to her past with her current identity as their daughter. After many of the bullies from their school had sudden and inexplicable accidents, they decided the best course of action would be to send her with a capable group into the center of Amusa, so that she may find a sense of self and perhaps grow as an individual. Having been raised by humans, her knowledge on Tiefling history is limited, however a terrible curiosity had led her to read everything she could with the limited information the school had on the Underdark.

Living in Rwendia, a terrible plague had befell the city once again, as it had returned continuously, and inevitably led to more Quarantines to be put in place. This had become another factor into her failing to learn more controlled magic, and Marion had been left to only focus on what they had already been taught. After two years, as the quarantines have just begin to lift, and Her parents had jumped at the first chance to send Marion somewhere safe away from the city, unsure how the Dragonscale Virus would possibly affect the young Tiefling, and unsure if her worship of Beshaba had somehow led to the sudden outbreak within their home city.

Notes on Others, In Character:

The following can be found in her journal, written in Celestial. This includes notes of her journeys, Notes of other characters she's met, as well as notes of her dreams and nightmares from Beshaba.

Reedy:

A red Tiefling, believes Asmodius is all tieflings' fathers, however my dad’s name is Martin. Friends with Helli. Has a severe distaste for anyone who isn't Daq, her pet, or another tiefling. 21 years old. An exceptional Bow user, who almost never misses their shots after forming a Hunters’ Mark on her prey. Their arrows will be covered in acid or poison by Daq in a typical fight. Close range combat has been unseen, however most likely still hurts. She's been nice enough, buying me a drink after the fight, and accepting a small claw necklace from Kompi. A strong ally, but A stronger foe. Seems to be nervous about fighting Lambda.

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As noted from Lambda: "Reedy is a great threat when kept at range. Her melee capabilities are unknown as of now. Truthful about skilled fighting up close."  

Reedy seems to be attached to an unknown Tiefling named Helli, and during our spa trip, had mentioned her birthplace to simply be 'Hell', followed with the clarification of 9th level, Nessus. Despite their life in hell, their father, an elf, taught them to praise a god(?) named Corellon, who helps them Mark prey, move quickly, and deflect elements. They seem to have a severe detachment from their mother, wanting nothing to do with her. Seems to believe that Eedryll is looking for more lovers to add to their heartsworn, and seems to dislike the idea of having a lover during the course of the expedition, stating their previous relationship to be an 'entanglement' of sorts. Was kind enough to offer to help me learn more about my heritage, and possibly which level of Hell I may be from, with the help of Sabbatical.

Apparently a good cook, having been tutored by the best their father could afford, before being homeless for an unknown amount of time. Has the ability to disguise themself magically, and apparently had a fling with the Tanners wife. This isn’t the first time Reedy has mentioned messing around for fun. They’ve displayed being worried for Sneeze, and will occasionally take bounties for coin.

Reedy has openly shown an interest in Sabbatical, and I gave the best advice I possibly could that they take their relationship gradually.

Wiggler:

A suit of armor that is filled with worms. Unknown origin, but likely fae. Enjoys offering the candied corpses of themselves as a way to act friendly. I haven't spoken to them, but they've been seen to throw gummy worms at people in retaliation. I was advised not to eat fae food, but even if I hadn't been, I have no intention of eating a gummy worm from this thing. I feel like eating one would open a whole new Can of Worms. ;)

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Apparently fought with Sneeze, and lost terribly. All of their Magic seems to be entirely based off worms.

Has the ability to shape change, seen taking the shape of a cat in order to comfort me while Mr. Stacy had been out of commission for a short time. In fighting, He summoned a worm, and mostly screamed in fear.

Doesn’t really know too much from their past. His earliest memory is being in the home of a kenku druid. Their name was Talyth, and according to him, Wiggler says he was almost eaten by fey birds before he saved them. He lived there for most of his life, under Talyth’s watch and care. Eventually, he made Wiggler his suit that “protected him from the birds” so Wiggler wouldn't have to rely on him everyday. Mentioned that now they can weave tapestries, and showed off an unfinished piece. Wiggler can use nature magic, which lets him Wild Shape into a cat or shark. Most other spells involve worms or wiggling, however Wiggler seems to hold back to the off putting nature of his magic. It's been almost three years since he was awakened. A few months after, Talyth disappeared. Claims that the Feywilds are fun, but eventually lost favor with most of the other druids due to his naivety. He left over half a year ago on his own behalf. Stated that “Talyth seemed to be the only person who understood and truly cared for me." Wiggler has gotten tokens of Talyths after being attacked by feywilds birds. An individual from the First Expedition named Wren seems to know Wiggler, and had quit and left upon hearing about them, and rushed off to presumably find them.

Paris Hilton:

Honestly, I had no idea that we would have the incredibly famous Paris Hilton here, on this trip! She seemed to like me, and called me pretty at some point. Unfortunately it seems like others are somewhat put off by her. Just meeting her is an honor at this point. She's almost always wearing pink, and she can somehow speak emoji fluently. She is a bow user, and has limited healing abilities, but is very good at playing Magic the Gathering. She tried to bring me on an impromptu shopping trip because I was apparently the best dressed person in the room, which I appreciate, however it had been a bit overwhelming.

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They have introduced me to their dog, Princess Platinum Paw, and explained the history they have with their pet, and how the current version is unfortunately a separate entity than the original. They claim to know six languages, and learned penmanship from Wyndham Academy for Galvanized Girls. (Including Infernal and Draconic, I think.)

We've managed quite the friendship, and genuinely I see Paris as a close friend of mine. She understands a lot of my struggles, and relates how she managed to move past her own bullying. She stated that shes spoken to Beshaba, which is never a good sign.

Lambda:

An informative droid, giving mostly correct assessments from what I can tell. He doesn't seem to account for when an individual is thinking of another, (ie, Me wanting to paint him what he would most enjoy, rather than what my preference would be) However this may be because of his unit many years ago. He has a blaster, which he is willing to give to a kobold for some reason. He seems to have had siblings, and despite statistics being everything he stands for, he believes in the Luck sisters. He's a decent at range fighter, although he had lost to Mr Stacy. He seems to have become sentient, and occasionally does do things that would be considered bids of attention. He seems to want to be friends, and currently is the only one guaranteed to call me by the correct name. Currently my drawing is stashed inside his chest cavity. He had the following inputs about my own combat, which will be useful for improving, however dangerous if told to the wrong people for any reason.

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Stated, "Powerful magic abilities, including invisibility. With your electrical grasp, this can be a very powerful combination if the enemy is not expecting it or is preoccupied. You can also take far more damage than my original calculations suggested. Correct idea to close into melee against a ranged opponent [Reedy], however she was prepared when you came out of invisibility. It is very difficult to improve your magical accuracy, especially when your opponents will vary so wildly, and perhaps should an attack miss, seek cover against the ranged attacks."

I will continue to utilize Lambda in order to improve myself, as well as assist in combative assessments on others. Unfortunately, Mr. Stacy has already blocked information on himself. Lambda is completely waterproof, and paint sticks to him exceptionally well. He isn’t very good with lying, as is expected from a robot, however he doesn’t seem to realize when to stop speaking, even when doing so only makes things worse. This is very prominent with the Eladrin. Lambda doesn’t wish to fight the Kobold Sneeze, but was willing to attempt to throw a fight in order to make the Kobold Sneeze believe he’s won. A fight was entirely avoided and a friendship was forged.

Describes an adventurer named Lorrie Haslo, who seems to be a close friend; He was buried for over 100 years in an inactive state,During the Dragon wars. She managed to find where he was and reactivated me. After being ambushed by a group of Dragonborn, he bought time for his brothers until one hit him over the head and deactivated him. Lambda was built to kill Dragon born, when crusades were at their most volatile. Many of his directives have been reset.

I saw a letter that Lambda had been writing to Lorrie on details about the expedition. He refers to me as a close friend, as well as discloses some of the other members that he’s met thus far.

I will begin Writing letters back home, as Lambda does. It’s only fair to my parents. Lambda has been seen after running for 24 hours straight, being at less than 25% battery. Using Shocking Grasp seems to give him a boost, however he does need to rest. Has offered to help me paint my horns, like I had painted him.

He seems to be alright with allowing others to use him as though he were a training dummy, even despite the severe damage dealt to his outer plating. He is, overall, a very good friend. I worry about him, and he seems to have been fairly busy with training and the like for the last few days. I should check on him… Lambda Seems to have been incredibly stressed the last few days, after receiving news of Miss Lorrie Haslo’s latest findings- He has been wandering into a nearby field, which reminds him of where his brother had been buried, as well as had what one can only describe as a melt down as he literally overheated due to so many variables coming into play all at once. He’s terrified of being seen as a monster, but I find it hard to believe anyone could hold his actions against him.

Lambda was diagnosed with Depression, just like me! He had also helped me come up with a plan to give Nassir a gift, however I fear I may simply have to resort to a non-alcoholic version of Netra'gal (which may be good for Nassir at this point, if he keeps drinking as heavily as he has been.) Nassir, Lambda and I all had worked together in order to build a little 'home away from home' so to say- And Lambda had a big hand in actually getting me and Nassir to talk to eachother.

The War of the Forged:

When Asked, Lambda recounted the War of the Forged, year 744. This war had led to an uprising of war forged against their makers, wherein the war forged goal was to attain self-consciousness and act for themselves. Amusa had been less affected, however some parts of Troverth’s Warforged Program had desired their own agency. Lambda had believed these war forged to be traitors, however his brother Theta had managed to convince them otherwise. Theta had begun to show signs of being autonomous, and a group of adventurers had decided in that moment to put Theta down, for lack of better words. They had then turned to Lambda, who had no choice but to run.

Mr. Jim Stacy:

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Jim Stacy is a human that wishes to be seen as mysterious as well as threatening. He can often be found in the corner painting, or napping. He has beautifully crafted prosthetic limbs that seem to be made for those who are warforged, his original limbs lost to a shark in some kind of accident. Lost to a fireball when he was four years old (Or six years old?). He had been orphaned in the accident, although it is unknown why someone sent a fireball at a child. Whether this story is true or not, it seems that the Monastery that had taken Mr. Stacy is indeed real, and raised him. He mentions something called Mechanicus.

He frequently smokes cigarettes and cigars alike, and offered one to me as a gift of friendship. In fighting, Mr. Stacy has dozens of knives that he'll throw, Typically launching three at a time. He isn't incredibly likely to hit, however when he does, it hits hard. He also has a crossbow attachment, equally as deadly. He's a little bit awkward, dislikes physical touch. He is incredibly sneaky, able to pass into and out of rooms undetected. For some reason, when seeing me hug Lambda, immediately challenged him to a spar. Grew incredibly awkward when I had offered him a token of friendship myself, so it's questionable whether he has any friends at all that he wasn't actively attempting to befriend. He has gotten both a bracelet, and a shell necklace from me. He promptly left both times after receiving the gifts, even stating ‘[he] hates them, that's why he’s keeping them.’ He has however returned the gesture, offering a cigarette as well as his knife collection to me. Jim Stacy seems to be a chronic liar, however little glimpses of truth can often be seen in his art. I’ve seen two paintings of his, one being of a woman, through a crack in the wall, and the other being him sitting on a bench watching a group of children on a playground. He stole some poor woman’s scarf today. Jim Stacy seems to have had a bad run in with the fae at some point, heavily disliking the Eladrin.

Mr. Stacy Lost a fight to Lucinda, Some commander lady that I have neglected to meet so far, and Asked for a carrier pigeon because spells can be 'hacked', and he doesn't trust them. Ironic, Now has the ability to speak telepathically. In losing, he divulged that he is here under the orders of a "Dr. Moss," The Director of Operations from site 27. Dr. Moss is 'like 90', and Mr. Stacy is a failed recreation of this doctor, however an Anti-Foundation member had thrown a fireball at him when he was 6 (or four). His adoptive family died in the accident, and he had been brought back to the foundation and bounced between multiple homes, due to the fact that he had been severely scarred and still has issues using the mechanical limbs. Incredibly talented in acrobatics. Mr. Stacy does not take good care of themselves, and seem to have spent days straight training.

He came and spoke to me after Sabbatical had requested a private meeting, and attempted to comfort me to the best of his abilities. He’s a better friend than he realizes, I think. He came to my room, and even when I said he didn’t need to stay, he insisted, even going as far as sleeping on the floor. I understand that by being his friend, I’m risking myself, however he’s made a point of defending me when others speak poorly of me, and it’s only fair that I do the same should I have to do the same. He even taught me how to properly smoke one of his cigarettes, as silly as it had been.

Used to work for a drow, claiming them to be artists at their crafts. Maybe I can ask Mr. Stacy to make a small drawing for my notebook? Has confirmed that they doesn't know how to speak the Drow language, and simply worked with a group of professionals. He didn’t even make up a story, and simply asked me if I truly hadn’t figured it out. He then admitted to killing people for a living, Being a clown, and that it had been his job for a long time. I told him that I would simply call him a professional clown in my notes. It’s not like he’ll read them and know any better- Besides, It feels wrong not being honest to him. according to him, I’m one of his first friends, by choice. All of his siblings had been wizards, and he doesn’t seem to feel any remorse for his past actions (Clownery). I almost feel bad that I can’t divulge anything interesting of my past to him. Mr. Stacy, when working for the drow, had been set up on a six week covert mission to kill a female Eladrin. He failed, and fell in love instead. She had stabbed him in the back, after discussing how they would run away together. Eedryll’s eyes apparently look just like hers. Mr. Stacy had perished, however was brought back by Dr. Moss. When he awoke, he was first greeted by Dr. Moss, and the corpse of the woman he loved. Jim Stacy seems to have considered Groth'Vellian to be like a brother, the minotaur having some of his prosthetics.

He's gone. It doesn't Matter what I write about him. No one wanted to give him a chance. He doesn't deserve a chance.

Groth'Vellian

A Minotaur who claims to be Mr. Stacy's older adoptive brother.

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He seems kind, and doesn't seem to understand his own strength. Him and Mr. Stacy seemed to have rough housed, and Groth had kept Mr. Stacy's prosthetics from childhood. Although Groth seems aware of Dr Moss and their relationship with Mr. Stacy, he seems to believe Mr. Stacy is actually dead... Which means my hopes may be in vain. Despite this, Groth had been kind enough to give me a Rune of Protection before my first expedition, and had offered to travel to the caverns in order to read anything written in Giant. Groth occasionally begins talking about Mazes, and seems almost transfixed on this as a topic.

Dr. Moss

An older Individual, Apparently had Cloned himself and in the process, had created Mr. Stacy.

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Has knowledge of all of our names, and likely anyone who’s sparred with Mr. Stacy’s abilities. Wishes for Mr. Stacy to be sent deep into the  Jungle, because they “don’t have the heart to fix their mistake.” Constantly observing Mr. Stacy by using the Scrying Spell, So be cautious of what is said in front of him. After taking Mr. Stacy, Sent a letter via Dimension Door, And seems to be able to cast this ability without any effort.

“To Whom it may concern,

Mr. Stacy is recovering, and should be fit for duty within the next day or so. I will return him post haste as I do not want him in my care for any longer than is necessary. The anomalous nature of his prosthetic is however my business, and that has now been rendered neutralized. Please send him far into that jungle for me.

Dr. Moss”

The letter burned away after being read, So I was unable to keep it. Perhaps it’s better that Mr. Stacy doesn’t see the original, though. Hopefully Dr. Moss saw what I’m capable of, should they attempt to act as a threat. It may have been silly to show any real power, however Always being Underestimated doesn't seem like the correct move against someone like Dr. Moss. A different scientist is often seen talking to Groth, likely connected to Dr. Moss.

Sabbatical:

Another tiefling, analytical. Invited me and some other girls to a sauna. Is offering to supply wine, which I've never had before. Seems to deeply dislike things that do not go according to plan. Also has a notebook-- I wonder what she's written about me? Seems to have an incredibly intensive training routine, and enjoys reading books of high quality, however poorly written books can be excused. They seem to be strong, however have stated that they would prefer to avoid fighting, and would happily fight in less reputable and fair fashion. Sabbatical recommends using magic in order to sleep better at night, without dreaming, however with my luck, I’d be trapped in a never ending nightmare.

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Sabbatical offered to assist me with finding my place from Hell alongside Reedy. They seem to be wealthy enough to rent out an entire section of a sauna, and during our talk, revealed that they work with Legal issues to some degree, mentioning that they lead prosecutions. They come from somewhere with many Tavern, Theatres and opera houses. Sabbatical comes from Hell, Plegethos specifically. Sabbatical learned by studying on their own, and underwent rigorous tutoring under their mothers supervision. They state that they typically use magic for simple mending of pages. Sabbatical also, almost religiously, checks their food for poison, due to the fact that food in Abriymoch is typically laced with addictive substances.

Sabbatical also is very protective of their 'Real' name, as apparently True names are a serious weakness among fiends. By knowing their true name, you can bind it to your will. She claims that a true name being revealed is more private than actually being in the nude. It's apparently a heritage thing that I should have known about. Offered to write a contract about sharing secrets with me, as well. They are incredibly skeptical of Dr. Moss, finding them to be far too powerful to trust.

Despite going on about how they view many others to merely be companions due to work, and even discrediting me due to my age, Sabbatical does seem to care about others to some degree. After essentially telling me that I hadn’t been a friend, and was merely a child, They had pulled me away to both tell me that I had been correct in my assessment of the Eladrin, followed quickly by dismissing my friendship with Mr. Stacy, warning of how he could disappear at a moments notice, and that by simply being his friend, I would risk possible death because of how his past may catch up to him.

Sabbatical writes in an encoded runic book, consisting of Celestial, Infernal, and at least one other language I don’t recognize. It seems to be nonsense. Sabbatical seems to know how to Silence an area for ten minute long intervals. Sabbatical also has noted a possible 'infatuation' towards me, coming from Idi, Nassir, and Lambda (Reedy voted for Lambda,) However as far as I'm concerned, all of these are easily explained as making new friends. Sabbatical has seemed to pursue a romantic relationship with Reedy (Yay!). They got married, and are very happy.

Finnegan Warbler:

An odd little bird who greatly dislikes the fae. They often play music, and at night, their lullabies help me sleep.

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Wards away the nightmares. Has two younger siblings, twins.  An almost 6 foot tall puffin with arms. Keeps a charm weaved into his plumage in the shape of an 8-pointed star. States:

“It is well known that a bird who cannot fly is considered a thing of numbered days,”  Before going into a story about one of two younger sisters, Taurlin. Taurlin is a bird with what appear to be ‘ever frosted white wings’, who had been born without the ability to fly. Having a flightless offspring is apparently of great shame in his culture, due to past migratory patterns. During a flight test, she was unable to get herself into the air, and that failure had Finnegan’s clan tell them to clip their wings, to simply mark her as a commoner. Teeneah, the other sister, had been the youngest flyer, and had refused to fly if this clipping were to go through. Unable to fly, his sister turned to books, and now crafts prosthetics for those who may need them.

Sir Yewvane Eedryll and his Court of Seasons:

Alright, So they're a bit pompous of a group, but they're not terrible! They're all very pretty, and Eedryll himself seems well intentioned, seeming to represent Fall. Eedryll gave me probably the sweetest apple I’ve ever eaten. Apparently, the group has no problem treating Eedryll like a king of sorts, and I've seen almost no affection other than pet names towards an angry sounding woman named Taya. Most of them seemed annoyed more than anything, but they're all apparently in some sort of Harem. Whether or not it's healthy relationship wise, is unknown, and honestly I would be able to provide little insight on. He provided human foods to share, and seems to enjoy watching fights as entertainment. Eedryll himself kept complimenting me, although Taya was rather insulting, I think, about how 'we as mortals would wither.' I'd love to talk to them more, just out of curiosity. Maybe I could make some of them bracelets?

Eedryll has proven to care for the others fiercely, refusing to let anything happen to the group of them. It had been somewhat touching to see such genuine worry for his lovers. He’s a bit scary when he’s upset, however doesn’t seem to let anger override his abilities. He is incredibly kind, and would never put his lovers through suffering on purpose. He ensures that all of the others enjoy my company, which is reassuring. The group of them often dance, sing, and enjoy life's pleasures. He smells of freshly fallen leaves, and has some sort of illumination spell.

I’ve snapped at him twice now, and both times he’s forgiven me.

The Heartsworn, Expanded:

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Ojai, The Feast of Summer

Seems to be standoffish, wanting simply to go home. Had been offered the chance to be a knight, however turned this down in favor of being Eedrylls lover. Often is only wearing a flower crown, and seems closest with Olla. Very honest about his feelings, and won’t hesitate on making very direct eye contact. Probably not a hugger, but if Olla likes him, I assume there’s some kind of soft spot that he doesn’t let on to. I saw them holding hands when we had fed the orphans, and he smiled when Olla kissed his cheek. It was sweet. He took the blame for their outing, according to Eedryll, he did this because he had been embarrassed. Ojai was kind enough to give me a flower crown. According to Eedryll, he’s an incredibly competent fighter, however would much prefer to enjoy life and avoid resorting to violence. Seems to have the ability to Charm individuals. I think he had been the one to start dancing with me, but it may have been Olla, or both of them combined. Either way, after dancing for hours, even with exhaustion taking over, I can admit that I haven’t felt that relaxed in ages. We all had eaten honeyed apples and rejoiced, dancing until I had fallen asleep.

Olla, The Folly of Spring

Incredibly kind, and almost more sweet than Eedryll. I don’t know how anyone could wish harm on this woman, and when offered snacks, she and Ojai brought me to feed orphans. I don’t know what better people could physically exist than this. Kind, Gorgeous, and sweeter than honey. Definitely the type to hug, and maybe kiss both your cheeks when excited. Apparently somewhat naive, considering how much Eedryll worries about them.  I intended on taking full blame for the fact that they had been in town, even if it is just to lighten whatever punishment is in store for them from both Taya and Eedryll, However Ojai took the blame first.  Seems to have the ability to Charm individuals. Seems to have the ability to Charm individuals. She smells of honey and flowers. Olla would happily give all her belongings to those she deems worthy, even at her own downfall.

Taya, Shieldmaiden of Winter

An incredibly scary woman who is cold as ice. Would probably break me in half for looking at her wrong. Doesn’t even soften when called ‘Love’ by Eedryll, and a nickname like that would melt my heart. I don’t believe I would survive being in a room alone with Taya, as I think the amount of cold shoulder would literally freeze me to my core. Still, She is very pretty, and apparently incredibly talented as a Bloodhunter, whatever that may mean. She managed to track the other two down with relative ease, at least. Taya is kind, however we’ve had minimal one on one interactions. Eedryll states that she likes me.

Therrin Flare:

Another Celestial Warlock, seeming to worship Pelor. They're very protective of their job as a healer, even healing me after I had said that it had been fine. Unfortunately met me after a fight, where Besheba was watching over my shoulder the entire time. I had underperformed, and even my own healing abilities had suffered.  Seems fairly young, and is far too bright in the morning. Is incredibly devout to Pelor, and wakes up too early. I would join them at the temples, however I fear Beshaba’s wrath if I were to walk into a different holy place.

Sneeze:

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Sneeze is a loud little kobold, however he seems a bit sad. Sometimes, he’s a bit difficult to understand, however it seems that his siblings had bullied him quite a bit, and he had lived underground the majority of his life. Despite being taken advantage of dozens of times, he attempts to hold his head high, and looks to be respected. He’s terrified of being seen as weak, and will do anything to protect himself that he is able to. He feels that he must be strong, or else he will never be able to prove that he is strong. He is not a child, nor is he stupid. It’s best to ask if he wants to initiate things like being carried or hugged, as he likely struggles with maintaining a sense of control of the world around him, due to his upbringing as the ‘runt’ so to say. Sneeze sees surrendering as a sign of weakness, and weakness may be considered a dishonor to his ancestors, which he cares deeply about maintaining the status of. When upset, he can grow about a foot taller, for some reason.

Despite all of this, Sneeze seems to be incredibly kind hearted, and will make both a strong ally and friend. He enjoys Reedy’s pet, Daq, as a friend and playmate.  Enjoys being read to. He does not understand silverware and I do not believe he is able to swim. He owns a house that is somehow connected to the Fae. Sneeze overall is incredibly friendly, and dare I say compassionate. When he drinks Caffeine, he becomes weirdly Well-spoken.

Lately, He's been much more refined, seeming to have grown anxious when it comes to bothering people.

Kompi:

A pale little kobold with striking red eyes. Has a fascination with magic, and is incredibly skilled at finding fossils. They Enjoy being Tall. Surprisingly skittish, for a kobold. Enjoys being read to. Apparently challenged Nassir to a duel. It can be surmised that they lost. Falls asleep on my lap with ease, so I think that means they trust me. Kompi has recently disclosed a fear of not being strong enough to protect those that they love. I feel guilty that I had caused them distress after the second expedition. They apparently are learning infernal, and consider me and Nassir to be family, at minimum.

Obsidian:

Odd Individual who goes by Ida. They were kind enough to lie me out of an impromptu shopping trip, and showed me their notes on some kind of unnamed Lost city.

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They have an axe that they’ve claimed after an unfortunate deal with a god, able to make it disappear and reappear in thin air. They’re a Warlock who has a pact with the Raven Queen, A goddess of Death. They made their bond after their adoptive parents had perished (I should really write a letter…) Seems to have a connection to Lorrie Haslo, as the expedition they had been on when their parents passed had been theirs. Neither Ida or the Raven Queen has fulfilled either end of their deal, however both seem to be lively enough, I assume. They don’t seem to enjoy talking about the Raven Queen, and refutes their pact as ‘worship’. He seems to speak Primordial, however in combat, Jim Stacy downed him with ease. They’ve seemed to improve in fighting since then, Taking on Nassir and hitting them fairly hard, nearly defeating the other.

Changeling (Name Unknown):

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A problematic individual who charmed Sneeze. Seems to have little to no control on their own magic, often creating terrible outcomes for themselves. Seems to have four forms established thus far, being a guy, a girl, a frog, and a child. They have been speaking to Kender Tassa, tricking them into believing themselves to appear like a dragon. Made note of me being uncomfortable by being related to being ‘lifeless, like a marionette.’ Mr. Stacy was kind enough to warn them off of such actions. I believe that subtle protection spells on those likely to be affected may help.

Nassir:

A dragonborn who is taller than me- They have massive horns, and are INCREDIBLY COOL LOOKING. I tried to shake his hand, but he was too cool. He had later come up to us while I had been tending to repainting Lambda, and we discussed his home Clan and how they create Blood Marks to signify past battles. He let me paint his horns, and we talked a bit about Lambda's abilities. He seems like a friendly individual. It’s nice to be able to look someone in the eye,  without having to look down at them to some degree. Nassir seems to have little knowledge on certain customs and groups, like the fey, however I’m no different in that aspect.

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Either way, I hope that we can be considered friends. He seems to care, checking on me after some odd behavior that I could have done better with hiding.

After some orange peel flinging had gotten out of hand, the group inn-members had decided to go to a nearby bathhouse. Nassir had taken to throwing me into the water, but otherwise we had a good time splashing one another and failing to relax.

After our day at the bath house, he had described a memory of when he had been nine (year 875, Making him 27, I think?), and allowed to use proper weapons for fighting. Arven, his brother, had often been a sparring partner. After the second trial, there had been some unresolved anger, and Arven ended up putting rocks in his gloves before a fight. Their Mentor, Kurta, had stopped them, and the group of them had gone to a nearby spring that had fed their village with fresh water. They had played, despite the prior brawl, and claimed it to be one of his happiest memories, of him and his brother being able to act like children.

He also shared that painting on one another with bright colors had been a celebratory custom, and often parents or partners would paint the other. He said that being an orphan, this had never happened, but also said that “It had been a long time since he’s done this” after he had painted himself varying shades of blue. I hope I hadn’t invaded any personal boundaries when I had painted his horns before, but…he never said anything, so neither will I. His second favorite color is green. Believes in the ‘Gods’  Ba’jur, Ara’nov, Aliit, Tycho’a, and Tych’alor, however these are closer to beliefs and ways of life than gods. His clan has trials, the second of which being to bring back large prey. Nassir had also gone into detail of he and his Brothers 'Blooding.'

Recently we managed to talk, and discussed moving forward with a proper relationship of sorts- Being around him helps with my nightmares, and Kompi looks at the two of us as parental figures. It's been nice. He paints my horns, and trusted me to give his brother an heirloom of sorts.

Nassir often uses words from his own dialect, many of which go over my head, but I Think I’m getting the hang of.

Tycho-Translations:

Thus far, I’ve Surmised the following words and Meanings; Please see Expanded.

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Vor entye; Thank you

Ki'parjai; You’re welcome

Vod; a brother or sister in arms.

Ner’Vod; which could be an adjective, or lesser form of vod? (However that depends on using Ner under the guise of common, relating it to ‘not’ or ‘non’)

Cyare; Says this to people he cares about, more than a typical friendship.

Cyar'ika; Essentially likened to calling someone darling, or sweetheart.

Ad'ika; Essentially likened to little one.

Oya'tsad;  Hunting Party;  inner circle, or close friends.

Vor’e ner’vods; Thank you, my friends

Agyk;  Pet

Ret'urcye mhi; (ret-ursh-ee me); as some kind of goodnight or goodbye.

Gehat’ik; (When talking to finny about how stories are best when based off reality; “Such is the way of the gehat’ik” (Such is the way of the world? Of the story?)

Jate’kart’a; Good heart

Vaar’tur; Good morning

Ca; Evening,

Su'cuy gar; Estimated “For fucks sake,”(Being interrupted by Paris Hilton)

Taung; …war? Fight? Battle?

Ni aalar kaysh aaray; “That poor soul?”

Kyramud; Type of person (Insult to Mr. Stacy.)

hu’tuun:Type of person, (derogatory) (Insult to Mr. Stacy.)

Mir’sheb;  (after I was teasing him, so its probably rude) Asshole.

Dar’manda; which could be translated to ‘outsider’(Respectfully)  Nassir stated it to be “an acknowledgement that you are not blooded in the traditions of his Clan.” He followed this up with insinuating that one day, I may be. Lambda has taken to painting my horns, which feels like a less extreme version of his clans bloodmarks.

Ni su’cuyi, gar kyradyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum; "Oh my god, I’m so sorry, are you alright?”

Akay haar kyr: until the end

Aliit; Clan. Also one of the ‘gods’

Alor; Hierarchy role in Clan- voted in by a council of elders

Epar jahaala: Eat Well/Feel better

Lek; Yeah/Yes

Mesh'la; beautiful

Netra’gal; Incredibly potent Booze drank during gatherings. Spicy and warm. Nassir almost chokes on it, but it wasn’t that bad.

Tiingilar: Food or Beverage; Spicy. Offered to make it for me sometime, since I enjoy spicier food.

Vii'dar; Some kind of spice his brother used to put in his food in excess

Haashun; sweet food from his home; Mooncakes reminded him of it.

Bo’tenn leaves; Used to relax before battles, or during hardships.

===Tassa Brightfox:===

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A naive little being called a Kender- which is not fey. Mr. Stacy claims them to be thieves, however they adamantly state against them. She is playful, and had been pretending to be a dragon when I met her, stomping about and swinging her tail. Quite childlike, but very sweet over all. Very trusting. They would love Olla, I’m sure.

Amaris:

A Satyr that appeared after Lusters disappearance. Seems to be a doctor, or therapist of sorts. I likely will not go back to their tent. They have magic paint that stays permanently, and has been helping Lambda extensively. They seem to be going through a lot, right now, and I can only hope that she finds joy in her upcoming marriage.

Marion's view of Beshaba and her Nightmares:

Marion has stated the following:

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“Beshaba is the goddess of Misfortune. The opposite of luck. I turned to her a few years ago for answers of why I had such a terrible stroke of luck, and...I never really got any. I was just wandering through an old library when I met her. She said that if I worshiped her, my own life wouldn't be as pathetic, and...those who were cruel to me would occasionally find themselves meeting Karmatic Justice a bit quicker than normal. After a few months of worshipping her, and- well, being taunted, more than anything, A few of my school bullies got into accidents. One of them died. One went missing and was never found...I stopped looking into them, once they stopped bothering me. I don't know what happened to any of them after that- Another quarantine had started in my city. When I asked her how to worship her properly, she just laughed at me- And... That's when the nightmares got really bad. She claims my dreams, showing me whatever she'd like, putting me through anything she could imagine...But I like to think of them as lessons, more than anything. Teaching me what I need to learn...How to fight without being strong, I suppose. Sometimes I'll hear her laugh...She's always around, causing something to go wrong.

Besha is my friend. She... She's the only one who listened to me, for years. I tried talking to other gods- They...They don't want someone who barely knows magic. They want someone strong. Capable. I was never that, Until Besha...I couldn't betray that. I... tried to make friends for years, Sabbatical. I was called a demon, I... I had people carve nooses into my desk, and I was called lifeless daily. Even my parents called me Marion, because the teachers wrote it on official papers to them. Beshaba... She's the only person I could talk to, while being fully honest. She told me secrets, so I had a choice to help people, and...She let me pick my own path, Sabbatical. And now I'm here, and... this is the happiest I've been in a very long time. Yeah- It...She's A little scary. Um... I mean, Shes very pretty. She has white hair, and... A tiara of black pearls. She...has yellow eyes, and pinprick pupils. Shes almost as pale as I am- She... She's pretty angry usually. Everyone likes her sister more, and she hates it- People say that they're lucky even when Tymora has nothing to do with it. As for her voice...? It's... nice. When she laughs, it's a terrible taunting kind of laugh, though. She knows that something bad is going to happen, and...Sometimes all you can do is laugh. As for being tired after meeting her? Um... Well, I'm Usually tired in the mornings, considering the nightmares...She isn't super chatty, but, honestly, I would be concerned if she spent all her time hovering around me. 

She has followers all over the world- If she just followed me around all the time, I'd... be concerned that something terrible were going to happen. Symbols or images? Oh- Um... Dice, I suppose. She's tied to fate... and Antlers. I Don’t know much about altars or clergies. There weren't any in Rwendia, But she told me that I would find one when the time was right. Of course, I'm sure when I find one that nightmare's won't be how she has me worship her."

———

In another conversation with Reedy and Sabbatical:

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“Beshaba knows what my choices are, before I even make them. I mean... she's watched  my reactions to whatever she's wanted to- she probably knows my motivations better than I do...I'm... I'm almost sure that I'm just entertainment for her. It's not that my agency doesn't matter...I don't have any. if I wasn't content with that...what would I do? Everyone has a streak of bad luck- it's inevitable.  It's part of day to day life...I would be insane to scorn Besha. If I did that, she'd make my nightmares a reality. She'd ensure that anyone I ever called my friend came to hate me- she'd ensure my horns were sawed off and put on someone's wall as a mantelpiece, and I.... would be alone again. No magic. No power. Just...me. It would be just me, and a very spiteful god.

Fate. That's all I know. That's all I've come to believe. Without luck, good or bad, everyone is content. I don't want to live my life simply being content, but... I have no control over it. Have you never had a close call, Reedy? That's the hand of Luck. They don't care about worship- they're here to make sure things change, for better or for worse. Fate is everywhere, else... there's a standstill. I... I'm happy being Beshabas infatuation for my lifetime, if that means my friends are safe for theirs.”

———

Beshaba gives me the same dreams, over and over again. They're good dreams, at the beginning. I learn houses, and figure out tricks that no one else in the dream knows about...I try to save everyone, and all is well- but at some point... it's not a good dream. Something has been let free, and... it's hunting me. And... I have to remember everything I learned in order to escape it, and keep everyone safe. It's like a puzzle. It's not quite a nightmare, but... Beshaba has been playing tricks lately, and didn't let me prepare this time.

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Hushbringer’s lake:

Its a place I dream of often. You start off following a guide, leading you down a path and into jungle. The guide will always hush you, as the lakes are at the bottom of a mountain. If you speak too loudly, the rocks will fall, and splash you with water. There’s a massive tree, and dozens of ponds with the smallest of paths between each one. Under the surface of the water, you see things crystal clear. Mushrooms, that would be as tall as this tavern, and jellyfish, floating along... You have to stay quiet though, because the water will burn through your skin like acid. Well... the tour guide always leads us up to the tree in the middle. It has a sign, naming the place, and wooden rungs nailed into it. She always tells us to climb the tree, but I was always afraid of falling into the water. Something massive had begun climbing down the tree, making this horrible noise that caused rocks and people to fall- and... then I woke up.

The Depth:

This dream often begins with me walking with someone I refers to as a friend. We're outside, and we walk out towards this sandstone desert. While walking, we come across these small, narrow caves that seemingly wind and twist deep into the world. Eventually, we find a small, metal built research station with two individuals inside. They seem nervous about telling us what they're studying, however my friend is incredibly excited to explore. Against my better judgement, in order to keep them happy, I accept the researchers offer to give us a tour. They guide us through a decontamination, and down endlessly long, uneven stone stairs that lack any sort of railing. As we descend, we are brought into this massive, perfectly carved square of a room. There are lab tables, and seemingly tests actively running, however I notice the distinct lack of anyone else. The only person here seems surprised to see us, and simply stares at us as the two researchers guide us down more naturally formed caves. These caves continue to narrow, and all at once, we find ourselves squeezing between stone just to continue, only to slide into the darkness with no way to return to the surface.

The Watcher:

This dream always has a common enemy. I find myself leading a group through multiple hallways and rooms of what appears to be houses that have been pressed together unnaturally. The entity chasing us is entirely invisible, with no way to tell how close it is unless one's' eyes are closed. This is not the only entity, however; In one of the rooms, there is an easy to dodge humanoid creature crawling in circles on the floor. It is slow, and typically makes no move to attack any individual that doesn’t directly impede its movement. In this dream today however, this entity was jittering, clicking and twisting. As I attempted to move past it, it grabbed and bit me. Upon being bitten, suddenly I could see hundreds of images on the walls– all of which images had depicted a closed eye, and all of them had gradually began to open the longer we as a group had stayed in place. As the invisible entity grew closer, the images of eyes surrounding us would open, as though to view it.  I suspect this to be Beshaba attempting to teach me a lesson that what may be interpreted as an enemy may have un unforeseen use, or that what may be interpreted as an enemy may be more necessary of an ally.

First Expedition:

05/01/23

Dear Besha,

Being sent on our first expedition, more things had gone poorly than we had anticipated.

Those traveling with me on this expedition had consisted of Dothand Raki, Kompi, Dragonett, Juno, Nester Spitemore, and Black Jack.

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Upon being hired by The Collector- A man in an owl mask that had occasionally hooted at us- then talking to Cookie and boarding our skiff, we had been given a fairly straightforward mission.

Our group had been given a key as well as a map, told that we would be traveling past the Great Scar, towards a plateau where a cavern had been formed, within which is where our prize had lain. The Collector wished for us to find the first edition of the Cosmos Compendium, an incredibly common textbook in most universities catering to magic and it's uses. (A notably odd request, but it makes sense for the first edition to be sought after.) Upon landing on the other side of the Great Scar of Amusa and beginning our trek through the forests, I had lit my staff to act as a guiding light for party members who hadn’t had excelled vision in low light conditions.

After a few hours of travel going into the night, We had spotted a fire a distance away, and I had extinguished my light. Some of our members snuck off in order to investigate, and observed the other group without alerting them. Kompi reported that Theta-- Rather, 'Looks like Lambda, not Lambda,-- had been among the members; Ultimately, hearing of Theta's presence is the main factor that had led me to the decision to speak with them. Many of my party members had been hesitant. The strangers had extinguished their fire and approached us, and many of my party members had resorted to hiding. Me and one other waited to be greeted, waiting to see what had been in store. Their apparent leader- Jack of Hearts- had claimed that their group consisted of Nine; Himself, Two Pendelton Brothers, Malakar, Wren, Titan, Tini, CRU Theta, and Yellana Eedryll, 4th Knight of the Court of Seasons.

They had managed to steal a map and key from us, despite the members carrying such items still being hidden. This implies that they knew exactly where hidden members had been, despite them being entirely hidden. We had managed to catch up with them before they had gotten to the Cavern, which had a multitude of already triggered traps, as well as both Primordial (Which Kompi stated had said ‘Sky, the Fallen’ and ‘Earth’s Cave, Tar-are-us.’)  as well as Giant runes, that had reacted and glowed a blue tint as I held Groths’ rune of protection up to them. Kompi had found a Behil scale at the mouth of the Cavern. We entered a main room with a two hundred foot drop, the Compendium in the center, embedded in a stone pedestal, and the other group. We had fought briefly, before the Behil had made itself known as a threat by killing off one of the two brothers. We continued to fight, despite the danger, and thankfully, no one had perished. We found common enemy, and both groups had chosen to slay the Behil. We made a deal with the other group that they may keep whatever gold they found, so long as we kept the book. Jack of Hearts wished us the best with the Collector, and told us to tell him they wished him well. The other group simply left, Titan, Theta, Wren, and Yellana all aware of their connections to the Tempest Brothers Expedition, but unsure of the total amount of members.

The Collector paid us 300 gold each for returning the book. Kompi, who had looked at the pictures within the book, has had continuous nightmares of falling since the mission, as well as continuing to speak of the ‘Creature behind the Stars’.

I have made all group members as aware as I possibly can about the possibility of a threat.

Jack of Hearts

is a gentleman(?) who seems fairly charismatic, with two rapiers and winged shoes. They wear a full face mask.

Malakar

A spellcaster, and seems to be second in command. They wear a full face mask.

Wren

had almost instantly quit and left upon hearing of Wiggler’s name.

Titan

An eight foot tall brass dragonborn, with heavy scarring around his neck. We had gotten along, and even wished to remain friendly with one another outside of necessary battles. Likely Nassir’s deceased brother, Arven, seeing how he had recognized Netra’gal. Immune to ingesting some kind of drug that makes others incredibly tired.

Tini

A friendly green kobold who is capable of healing magic. They ride on Titan’s shoulders while he causes destruction. Saved Kompi’s life.

CRU Theta

Lambda’s brother. He is heavily damaged, has a rifle, and is practically falling apart. He stated that he had missed Lambda, however was unable to answer if he had been autonomous.  The Sixth day of the Fifth month, in the year 710 is his creation date.

Yellana Eedryll

Nearly died. She is tenacious, however stated that she couldn’t face Yewvane after what he had done. Fights with a Greatsword.

The Pendelton Brothers

Two had died, after one was eaten by a Bahir and the other was shot in the back of the head by Theta while they attempted to flee. Spoke of having other brothers.

Second Expedition:

05/10/23

Dear Besha,

Being sent on our second expedition, even more things had gone poorly than the first.

Those traveling with me on this expedition had consisted of Helli Aliosh, Hermes Purrnes, p'Rahp, Sabbatical, Neru, and myself.

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The expedition began with us speaking to 'Arc,' And them explaining how they've sent multiple groups westward in order to study plants in the area that have been imbued with magic. They revealed that we are currently sitting atop a Leyline, which has been imbuing plants with unknown magical energy. Animals in the area have been eating these plants, then likely being eaten by larger animals and also being imbued with powers. We took a path that began to veer northwest, and half of the group had separated to keep watch. Hermes and Myself had busied ourselves with picking pieces off of a massive, glowing plant. I had managed to hook my sickle over a branch and simply sheer it off, to which, the plant began pulsating in its bioluminescent glowing. Despite feeling fairly confident, I...have no idea what kind of magic was present. I was unable to study it for long, as a gust of wind from behind me had caught my attention, and I turned around to be face to face with a massive, spikey dinosaur. It seemed to have quills coming out of it. It attacked me, and in order to protect the specimen, I encapsulated myself in Ice. Thankfully it lost interest in me, and moved towards some rocks, however after a frightful roar, a second beast made itself known, coming from the trees, undetected. It didn't take long for it to also come for me, although Neru had managed to deal a fair bit of damage to it while it was distracted with me. I was... unfortunately preoccupied during the entirety of the battle. I had fallen, and each time I was healed, The beast would snap at me again. At some point, I thought I had managed a moment of respite after Sabbatical had healed me, and I had finally been able to move- I managed to turn invisible, and I scrambled to get away from the beast, however...it saw through it. I had clawed at the dirt in order to get away, but claws had dug into the back of my leg, and simply pulled me back. My body had given out again, and...I had accepted my own death.

I had felt the weight of the creature simply disappear- The ground had even changed. I stood, and found myself in a wide, open field, blanketed in thick fog. As I looked around myself, I found that despite everyone being missing, I was not alone. A woman with horns and wings had stepped out from the mist- She was almost entirely skeletal, and had stark, white eyes. I didn't recognize her, but something about her had seemed surprised. When she spoke, her lips didn't move- The words simply came from the air around her.

She asked me if I wanted to be remembered.

I Hesitated.

She simply smiled, and told me to think about it, That I had time, because she 'didn't want to cut her vacation short.'

I wanted to ask her about Mr. Stacy, but...When I woke up, the beast was dead, and was being harvested. I simply stood and began to help. Sabbatical suggested we rest in the woods, as it were more dangerous for us to continue in our state. We rested, and delivered the specimens to Arcane. I kept some plants and fruit to myself.

Trivia:

• Wick didn’t want her painting on herself, and instead taught her how to weave bracelets as decoration.
• Martin often took her on boating trips during her birthday.
• Marion is 20 probably. She doesn’t know when her birthday is, really, considering the adoption, or if human age and tiefling age are different.
• Marion was accused of being a scaleless dragonborn by the boys at school. This rumor spread like wildfire, and students began using illusionary spells to leave messages of how she should be exiled like the rest of them the dragonborn in Rwendia.
• Marion simply assumes that their birth parents are alive. They’re both tieflings- It would be incredibly bad luck if they died in a fire.
• Marions birth father smoked– this is how her original home burned down.
• Marions Adoptive Parents may or may not believe that her worshipping of Beshaba had brought the Dragonscale Virus, and had sent her away as soon as Quarantine had opened up.
• After deciding to change her stats from point buy to roll, Her body was found with tendrils of black smoke surrounding her….This had caused more concern than I had foreseen, however, it managed to work out. Now she's actually journaling her dreams, rather than simply remembering them.