Desidera is one of Quelmar's many reclaimed populations of creatures, monsters, and beasts.
Everything on this page was invented by the attendees of Awesome Con 2023, who visited the Quelmar Table and world-built on a shared story using the rules of The Deep Forest.
About
Desidera was founded during The Arctic Autumn, a great freeze which enveloped the realm. Many monsters in the region were forced to find a warm clearing to live in together, after killing and displacing the human settlers inside it.
A good omen was found in Desidera early on: A human skull, meaning that the humans would rather die than be caught sneaking back into Desidera. This omen came true, as humans would be gone from the region for nearly a year before their sudden return in the Winter.
If someone in Desidera misbehaved, they were made the town's leader, as it is truly a punishment to have to be in charge of a bunch of chaotic monsters. The town's "Throne" featured a pointy crown built into the seat of the chair, on which the butt of the leader was poked.
The Desidera denizens (or Desidenizens) entertained each other every weekend after being inspired by similar shows done by humans: they would do comedy sketches on a stage in the town like SNL and laugh about current events to keep warm and happy.
The Desidenizens also wanted to become stronger and more competetive as they evolved new powers and claws and abilities, and founded an Olympics of Desidera, in which monsters could play sports competitions against each other and win metals (not medals).
The Beginning of the End
When rumors of humans were afoot, the town's monsters dug up an old sword-based mortar and other army defenses left behind by humans. Setting it back up, they were sure humans wouldn't come near the site. However, during a misfire event, a sword was shot straight into Dex's toe, angering the dragon. As such, a new law was set up: YOU CAN'T FIGHT.
The monsters, respectful of the law, did their best not to fight each other even when angered. However, a loophole was discovered when a group of monsters discovered Grimlet the Brood had been hoarding all the candy. Rather than fight Grimlet over this development, they "accidentally" left "bombs" in Grimlet's house...marking the end of that problem. Though it introduced death into the colony, it technically was not a fight, and no one got in trouble over it.
Residents
John from Accounting (with Horns)
Works in Accounting.
Ell 🥰from Accounting
A fun lithe spirit, Elle spent most days watching John from a distance, doing nearly nothing else except working opposite John at the office, even as the world grew and collapsed around them.
Dex from HR
Upper management. A powerful dragon, Dex (they/them) loved mochi filled nuggets and 3 XL venti espressos. On their days off they could be found singing karaoke and k-pop
Percy the Talking Clocktower
Percy hated being late and was always keeping the town on alert of what the hour was. Until one day percy disappeared and where he once heralded the hour stood a tower. Now the town's streets ring with a strangely eerily sounding high pitched "bell" every hour.
The Bird of Despair
Protects the Hope Tree (see below) from harmful wishes that are cast under it's canopy. Any bad or harmful wishes are instead eaten by the bird, who steals the wish's soul.
Grimlet the Brood
Uses drums and clocks to turn the tides of realms. A 3 eyed monster to be more enlightened and a foreseer. Grimlet's blood burns when it tou After a mutation event in the town, ches sunlight, turning him evil. Grimlet's curse took effect at one point, causing Grimlet to turn evil and steal and hoard all the town's candy. As a result, Grimlet mysteriously "disappeared" after other monsters "accidentally" left "bombs" inside Grimlet's house.
Oni of the Darned
FFriend of Grimlet's, the Oni of the Darned ediinto a fearsome demon like their friend Oni. Grimlet grew big horns and sharp claws to attack s the protector of the Magic Shrine, and likes long walks on the beach. They are a fearsome and gruesome fighter, but are really a big ole softie.
The Carbon Golem
Can harden like a diamond and can turn to dust to fit through any space.
Landmarks
The Magic Shrine
Dedicated to ancient magical witches
The Dag Yam
Perhaps named for the Dryad who was attached to the Tree of Hope, Daghan, the Dag Yam was the name of the massive lake in the clearing. The fish mysteriously disappeared after the monsters moved in, but it's proximity to the magic shrine meant that it could be used like a wishing well.
The Adventurer's End Inn
A rest stop for all. Had nearly as many employees as it did patrons, including John and Ell from accounting, as well as Dex the HR Dragon.
The Hope Tree
A bastion of hope in a land of dispair, when under the canopy of the tree, life is bearable.
