#Val'eth

[0ccuria]

new bio-cards! used @tav-dex's template as a base to build off of.

[redseeker]

like. so. this durge has just remembered who he is, that he's the son of the god of murder and that orin is his 'sister' and that he and gortash used to be friends?? and that he was one of the guys responsible for starting the whole absolute thing in the first place -

which is a LOT to deal with even when you're not fucking brain damaged and living every day with a splitting headache and a generally muddled mind AND everyone seems to be looking to you to save their asses despite you being the LEAST qualified person to do so -

but the woman he's been in love with since the nautiloid is suddenly only interested in some prince she's never even spoken to, and she yells at him until he SIGNS HIS SOUL AWAY TO A DEVIL so that she can get what she wants. and afterwards she's so happy and excited about orpheus this, orpheus that, meanwhile durge is quietly panicking because he just SOLD his SOUL, whatever is left of it, and why was this on him anyway? he loves her but isn't this asking a bit too much? he doesn't know, he doesn't remember how relationships are supposed to be, if he's ever even had one -

so he tries to talk to her about maybe not releasing the guy who hates all illithids and might behead them all on sight, not to mention betraying the guardian who's the ONLY reason none of them are already mindflayers, but all she wants to talk about is the prince of the comet and how she's sworn her life to this guy meanwhile durge, the guy who has actually given her everything he has to give, is left feeling confused and frightened and honestly a bit angry about this entire thing.

so he goes and sleeps in the barn away from the rest of the camp and doesn't understand why his chest hurts now too and water is coming out of his eyes?

the next morning he tells lae'zel that he's breaking their bond, and her response is cold as the astral plane. 'the wounds you inflicted will heal'. and that's that. he's not even worth fighting for, it seems. she just accepts this change and moves on, because she has more important things to think about now and if durge isn't behind her 100% then she doesn't have time for him.

and he desperately wants to talk to someone about all these confusing emotions he doesn't know what to do with, but everyone wants something from him and everyone is so wrapped up in their own shit, and durge is so big and strong and stoic and he's always all right anyway, why would he ever need reassurance? except when he tells astarion, one of the closest friends he's ever had, that he's bhaalspawn the vampire actually looks at him and is afraid, and somehow that's more isolating than anything else.

so now all he's left with is a worm in his head and a hammer he doesn't even want, and a pact with a devil that will see him hanging in the house of hope for eternity if he doesn't deliver.

i just. my little guy is making me feel things okay ;_;

[0ccuria]

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━┓

Who are you? ┗━✦❘༻༺❘✦ ━┛

[0ccuria]

Talking with Gale / Talking to literally anyone else

[0ccuria]

This is Val'eth, Captain of the spelljammer that Qi'zyr'ra lived on... as well as her past situationship 🫢

[0ccuria]

"I am nothing but a granule in the ever changing sands of time. The particles that bind together to create my physical form are barrowed. Once I've had my use of them, they will find their way to another soul - I can only pray that soul harbors more patience than I when listening to you speak... "

[0ccuria]

Gale mentioned Val'eth would look less threatening without his face paint.

[0ccuria]

He let his hair down/grow and I am obsessed

[0ccuria]

2, 6 & 14 for Val'eth <3

[30 Questions for your Tav]

2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside?

His tent would be a hanging type with a makeshift platform underneath it, tethered to trees or anything that could hold it securely. He doesn’t like sleeping on solid ground. He’s too used to the rocking of ships and weightlessness within the Astral Sea. It’d be made of canvas, dyed a dark maroon, adorned with golden spiritual baubles and other effigies. Hanging on a wooden dowel by the entrance flap would be cured meats along with various creature parts and hides that he had processed himself.

Everything is in its place inside the tent. A vanity with a wash basin and his accessories would be sat towards the back, topped with meticulously organized skin and hair products – both mass produced and homemade. His bedroll is tucked and smoothed out every morning, with his folded sleepwear resting on top. There is a small meditation corner, circled with various herbs and Zerth prayer idols. He also keeps his knives neatly aligned on his weapon rack, going from shortest to longest, but setting his best and sharpest beside his bedroll.

6. How would the player go about meeting them in Act 1? What is their introduction?

Very early around the Nautiloid crash site, pinned on the water’s edge under one of the tentacles along the beach. As you pass him he calls out for help, struggling to free himself. You can either roll a strength check to help lift the tentacle so he can slide out, or if you fail that, he will point to his knife that is out of reach in the sand. You can then hand it to him so he can hack away enough of the meat to wiggle free. Once standing, he explains that he had seen you on the ship and becomes hostile, pointing the knife at you (he will reach for it instead if you passed the strength check). He demands answers that you can’t give.

Suddenly – your tadpoles twinge and make a connection. You see through his eyes, burning from smoke and ash in the air – you’re on the docks of Creche K’liir, currently under attack by the same Nautiloid that abducted you. Caught between fighting Ghaik and your own kin, you call out a name you can’t quite understand due to the chorus of battle around you. Your eyes frantically dart in every direction in search of someone, until you finally lock eyes with them climbing onto the ship. You halt, lowering your knife as the fighting drowns out and slows into a waltz of bloodshed.

She stares back, remorseless, as she hangs off the side of the ship before disappearing into an opening. You call out to her with poison on your tongue and the heavy weight of utter betrayal on your heart. Everything then speeds back into reality and finally – darkness. The connection wanes.

You can either explain your situation and mention that you had actually come across another Gith to talk him down, or you can threaten him back – to which he will respond with respect and sheath his knife. He agrees to join you if you help him find the other Gith, clearly having had unfinished business with them.

When that other Gith turns out to be Lae’zel, he is utterly defeated – she was not the one in question. Allowing a moment of disappointment and mourning to pass, he suppresses his emotions and gets straight to business by sticking by your side to find a cure – having lost everyone under his wing, you're the next best chance he has at not becoming a Ghaik thrall.

14. Where are they from? What was home like?

Despite identifying as a Githzerai, he was originally from Tu’narath and matured on Toril – specifically within a small Creche on the eastern realm of Kara-Tur. He had been raised and indoctrinated like most other Githyanki – strict education and physical training that left him beaten, bloodied and, quite frankly, mentally damaged. His love for ships and sailing, both ocean and astral, manifested very early on during his excursions to The Celestial Sea. It had eventually led him to come across Githzerai travelers that accepted him into their faith.

[0ccuria]

Val'eth and Gale - What was their first kiss like? and if they get married, who proposes? :)

[ Ship Questions ]

Val'eth has lived a fairly long time thanks to the Astral Sea. He's done and seen many things that it's hard to surprise or get any reaction out of him now.

He's loved Qi'zyr'ra for a large chunk of that time, he's not shy when it comes to intimacy and is very open with his advances.

But it was different with Gale. It had to be done right, done perfectly.

They're laying beside each other in a patch of grass late one night, and while Gale is looking up at the stars above, rambling on about their beauty, Val'eth is instead looking at him with adoration. He's bored of the stars. Centuries spent sailing within them had dulled their luster.

Yet this istik - Gale - looks upon them with pure awe and wonder. There is a touch of whimsy in his soul that Val'eth thought he'd never experience ever again.

It begins with a light brush of the hands, initiating the physical contact. He interlaces their fingers and snuggly grips to lock the hold in in.

"Gale," he speaks gently - nervously - and The Wizard turns to his side, giving Val his full attention, looking at him expectingly. The scent of their perfumes and oils mixed into the air, creating an amalgamation of expensive taste.

"Our time may be short," he begins, "to not follow through with my feelings - to deny myself, and you, the opportunity to express what we both know to be true..."

Val'eth presses his lips against the knuckles of Gale's pampered hand before pulling themselves together, closing the gap that was between them. Then, a moment spent to gaze into The Wizard's Astral veiled eyes - he saw home within them.

He brushes loose hairs back and tucks them behind Gale's ear, "may I kiss you?" He finally asks, a shiver in his voice.

Gale raises a brow and smirks, "do you need my answer in writing? Quit with the formalities, we're clearly past that threshold..." He chuckles before leaning into the Gith's embrace as he finally joins their lips - an explosion of adrenaline along with the release of tension spread throughout their bodies, ending in a buzzing tingle at their fingertips.

Val'eth would cup the nape of Gale's neck, ensuring that they couldn't part as his tongue was accepted into the growing intensity of the kiss - expectedly tasting of the wine and fruits still lingering on their breath.

Just as the rising heat of desire within their cores overtook them both, Val'eth stops, pulling back as he comes to a sudden realization. Gale looks at him with rightful confusion - did he do something wrong?

Val'eth sits up and sighs heavily, "I'm sorry... I..." he then stands up, brushing away the dirt from his clothes.

Gale follows suit, "is everything alright?" He frantically asks. "I've never been so intimate or... anything with a Gith before. If I've offended-"

"No," snaps the Gith, "you could never... but this feels almost cruel - to pluck our heartstrings so." He states, going against everything he had just confessed.

"I can't..." he added.

"Can't what?" Gale asks.

Val'eth inhales sharply, "I can't."

He storms off, disappearing into the darkness of the trees that lead to camp before Gale can get an answer, leaving him to worry in confusion.

Val'eth's heart had been wounded far too greatly once before. It could no longer bear the sting of another, should things turn dire for them both.

It was better to cut the stem now rather than let this flower blossom.

************************************

Did not mean for that to turn into a tiny ficlet lmaoo, but there you have it. A real mess of emotions and some angst.

I can't say for sure if they will get married or not tbh. I've yet to finish Val's run and idk if I want to make it end on a happy or even more tragic note 🥲

[0ccuria]

For the weirdly specific questions: 1, 15, 17, and 53 for Val'eth and Qi'zyr'ra

[WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS]

1. What’s the lie your character says most often?

Qi’zyr’ra: She’s usually pretty honest with herself and those around her, but honestly it would probably be old reliable: “I’m fine/okay” Val’eth: “I’m listening”

He was not, in fact, listening.

15. What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone? We’ll say that this is back when the two were together on their Spelljammer. The two were primarily professional in their relationship when not behind closed doors. Most others never even realized that they were partnered. Both understood that there was a time and place for any kind of display of their affections and they would only address each other as colleagues, rather than any cute pet names.

But when alone behind closed doors, you best believe they be nasty and unprofessional in many different ways. (Not always sexual, either)

17.What do they notice first in the mirror versus what most people first notice looking at them?

Qi’zyr’ra: Growing up in a monastery she was taught that physical vanity was a waste of one’s energy. She only see’s herself as she is when she looks into a mirror. If there’s anything noticeably different, she just accepts it as a new addition. Aside from the obvious that people have never or rarely ever seen a Gith, I think other’s would notice her posture and overall demeanor, the scowl on her face that has no real emotion or malice behind it.

Val’eth: Val, on the other hand, likes to keep up appearances. If his hair is a mess or he has an unsightly blemish or wound, it will instantly stick out to him. (The scar on his face is something that took a long time to accept) He’s lived long enough to have gone through several different phases and stages of self expression, but he will always make sure he looks put together and clean.

Someone might look at the tattoo on his arm and wonder what the meaning is, or if it was just because he liked it. They might also be drawn to his fantastically groomed beard. 53.Who would / do they believe without question? Qi’zyr’ra: For decades it was Val’eth, of course. But I think it’s safe to say Halsin claimed that throne now. Val’eth: In return, it was Qi’zyr’ra. Until she shattered his belief and trust with such a crushing blow that he now only believes he will never feel that for anyone else in his life again.

[0ccuria]

Val'eth would stop in the middle of what he was doing to check himself in a reflective surface

[0ccuria]

Val'eth went through all that effort to help Rugan with the gnolls, and then cut him free from being beaten to a pulp, and as thanks, he just runs off, never to be seen again. Doesn't even offer a handy like...

Rude. 😒

[0ccuria]

specific asks: 4 for janis, 57 for valeth and 37 for qi

[WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS]

4. What’s a hobby they used to have that they miss?

He loved playing music in taverns or on street corners, as is his class. Able to change into many faces, he would become a “new aspiring bard/artist” looking to make it big. It worked as a scam act for a time. He would fake that he didn’t know how to play until he miraculously was able to produce the hardest slapping tune Faerûn has ever heard.

It also worked the other way too, where he would advertise his expertise to teach in order to lure in unsuspecting newbies that came to Baldur’s Gate with the same ambitions. Normally he’d just swindle them, but a growing list of names would never be seen or heard from again (that's a surprise foreshadowing that he'll use later😉) They often became the subjects of his own songs.

Aside from that, dancing. He is always dancing to some degree. If there was even the slightest sound of a melody you bet he would be tapping his feet.

57.What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?

Not really much, to be honest. He was built on a strict schedule and regimen that he adheres to every day.

If it had to be anything, just plain old communication. He either won’t speak to you or respond if you speak to him. He’ll hear and understand you, but he won’t immediately let you know that. Not even so much as a nod or “thank you” if you tell him directions or a useful piece of info. It’s not necessarily out of intended rudeness, he’ll often just respond within his own mind and feel that’s sufficient enough. 37.What’s a secret they haven’t told serious romantic partners and don’t plan to tell?

She tries to be as transparent as she can with anyone. Especially with any lover she partners with. There hadn’t been much that she had been ashamed about until she landed on Toril. Now that she’s found Halsin, I think she would have a hard time telling him that she purposefully put herself on the Nautiloid because of her selfishness, which resulted in the deaths of a lot of her friends.

[0ccuria]

He's just photogenic ✨

[0ccuria]

ask meme: 1 for qi'zyr'ra, 17 for val'eth, 24 for janis and feyrien

[30 Questions for your Tav]

1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)?

Low Approval: "Tsk'va - what is it?" (said with a bored, enervated tone)

Neutral Approval: "Oh, it's you, hello!" (said in a skittish manner, as if she got caught doing something)

High Approval: "How may I aid you, Ra'stil." (very dignified tone, politely bows to greet you)

Romantic Approval: "The stars above will never outshine your presence - I stand ready to obey."

17. Do they have any enemies outside of the main plot? Any friends?

Val'eth has racked up quite the list of enemies in his 400+ years. Many he had felled, or escaped their ruthless hunts.

Several were Kith'raki and Ch'r'rai under Vlaakith's command to stop his influence over those second guessing Githyanki society. But most were pirates from wildspace that have been on his ass for decades over personal quarrels.

But of course he's made friends along the way. Other than Qi, the crew he had assembled for his ship were the closest of his comrades, having been considered family, even. He's also made a network of allies within different planes.

24. What does your Tav consider to be their own biggest character flaw?

Feyrien understands that his sense of vengeance has been a difficult thing to control. He's easy to succumb to the intensity his anger holds against those who have wronged him or others, and often allows for his personal vendettas get in the way of the right solution that benefits everyone. This, at times, has led to devastating consequences that had cost him greatly in the past, as his reactionary nature proved more severe than the actual act he was reacting to.

Janis is a bit of a "Yes-man". He's willing to accept whatever is in front of him most of the time, and the drive to experience life and what it has to offer far outweighs his lust for its bloody annihilation. He's abused shape-shifting to exploit this with others - why keep the same face, when you can be anyone else and not have the repercussions follow your name? Except when they did. His excessive shifting has created confusing knots within his relationships to others in the past.

He's a terrible Bhaalspawn in this respect, since he had been able to refuse the urges long before the tadpole/amnesia (though it goes without saying that he still bathed in pools of blood and viscera, amongst executing other reprehensible acts.)