The Old World Awakens
Characters
Kosef
At a young age Kosef was the sole survivor of a gruesome ambush in a forest. An old man found him amongst the carnage and raised him as his own, teaching him the ways of combat and living in the woods.
The old man lived alone in a secluded cabin surrounded by a beautiful nature scenery, Kosef grew attached to it.
The day Kosef came of age, he went out to gather food but noticed black smoke coming from the direction of the cabin. When he returned, The old man, the cabin,and the beautiful surroundings were no more. In a fit of anger he searched for who was responsible, when he managed to track them down in a burst of rage he took the lives of all them although it did not ease his pain. The old man's words rang in his head, "Don't allow anger and darkness consume you my son, it is better to forgive rather than give in to hate." So Kosef sought solitude in the mountains to gain enlightenment on what his next path would be.
After a decade traveling the mountains he had finally discovered the path to take. He would become a paladin and dedicate himself to preserving all that is good and beautiful, and to keep harmony in order to honor the generous man who took him in.
Almanathea
Almanathea is a Druid elf raised by her mentor Carkula.
Born in an elven city in the thick forest of Ilfornathyl neighboring an ancient temple faithful to the old gods, Almanathea lived a peaceful life with her parents. On a turn of events when she was merely 7 when her forest burned town along with her friends, family and home city.
Weeks after the fire, a raven soaring through the skies of a now devastated Ilfornathyl found itself looking upon a home of ash. The little girl walked up to the raven and despite her struggle for survival and the search for vegetation, the girl appreciated the purity of nature an offered the raven a leftover piece of bread. The raven shapeshifted back into a man. Alma, having been recounted of the ways of the druids by her parents knew instantly that the man before her was one. This man was known as Carkula.
That day Carkula was on a long journey searching for answers that led him to this now ashen city.
Carkula took Alma back with him. They both shared a passion for the living and a fear of the new world's advanvements, so Carkula raised Alma as his own and trained her to be the druid she always dreamt of being.
110 years later Almanathea embarks on a journey that will change her life.
"My little almond, how far you've come. You mustn't be afraid of the dangers that lay ahead, you are ready for them. I will soon have a large gathering to attend with the druids of the land. Forgive me for I will not be here to see you off...
Take this, I trust it will show you the way. (He hands her an amulet with a rune-like sigil engraved into its ebony wood). This amulet once belonged to my own mentor and I deeply hope it will be passed down to your own apprentice when the time comes. I was told it shows the way, a way even us druids have forgotten about. Be strong like the tree but do not be afraid of change like seasons and passing aeons...
Go on now, you must prepare for your journey. May the old gods be with you and may the light of the Evenguard show you the way. Go now Almanathea, I have much to think of."
Walder Barriston
Most in this land are born to their role, and Walder is no exception. Born just outside a major city in the central province, he was raised into martial prowess. It was the family profession, had been for generations. In a center for trade, there is always a shopkeep willing to pay for muscle, a caravan that needs guarding, or an unwanted suitor that needs roughing up. “People grow complacent in cities,” his father had explained, “fat and weak in their wealth. Once you got something worth losing, you’re always willing to pay not to.”
So long as he was in good health, his fighting arm and weapon at the ready, he could make a living, and he strived for little else. He trained in the ways of the bow, the sword, the spear and the shield, relying on none so that he could survive with any. He took any job of value, no matter its nature, and was as quick to spend his earnings. For him, frugality was a matter of principle, one of the few that mattered.
Eight years ago, he came across a band of marauders; mercenaries who bragged of the ease of their work, and the coin that it brought. Sensing an opportunity to venture abroad, he joined up with them. For five years he traveled with them, seeking out old sites, shrines, and sources of primordial magic, until his luck turned and he was attacked and left to die by his comrades.
He will not speak of those years, nor of those that followed. All he will say is that he has learned that there is always something left to lose, even when one has nothing.
Some months ago he met Almanathea, and has been travelling with her since. He’s bounced from one reason to another for this, so it’s unclear why he is following her, but he’s proven a good and useful companion, so the relationship has been fruitful nonetheless.
Skyla
Skyla is a ranger brought up by her only father out alone in the woods. At a very early age, her father left on a hunt and never returned. Having to fend off for herself solely with the skills taught to her by her late father, she quickly grew into a capable ranger although somewhat lacking companionship. One day while out on a hunt, she met a woman named Serayah who immediately noticed Skyla's reliable skills as a ranger and took her in as her apprentice. Serayah was found to be an expert hunter on a quest to rid the lands of the corrupting essence of the curse bells placed by dark otherworldy entities.
Skyla under the mentorship of Serayah took on this quest as her own, vowing that while she lived, she would fight the corruption of the land.
An adventure is best had with friends at your sides and companions near your blade. -Lysa "DeVig"