#it would have to be changed anyway when the paladin's name is known. hmm ..

[callistosconstellations]

happy yaoriween or something . oh plus something wdk if we'll finish

[angelicsky64817]

“One more story!” One of the children around Xilra begged with the well known puppy dog face that all the other children mimicked immediately.

“What? Another? Isn’t it past y’all’s bed time?” Xilra hmmm looking at where the sun was still very high in the sky no where near sunset.” Oh fine but what tale or you wishing to hear? I must say I believe I’m running dry of exciting tales.”

Or at least ones she could lie and make exciting after all tell a child the truth especially on theses stories would get her In trouble with both parents and her goddess.

“What about your family? Do you have a sibling?” A little girl asks laying on her belly kicking her legs excitedly.

“Hmm well you’ve met my family already.” Xilra hums.

“Nooo like your biological family your mom and dad?”the child argued then remembered the tale she had just told.” Didn’t you just mention a brother?”

Xilra flinched she hadn’t thought that would of been anything important that they’d recall.”well I guess we have time for one more story…” Xilra sighs she would tell them the true story. No there much to young for that but maybe this will heed them a warning to be careful with strangers.

“Come on Ra! We’re gonna miss it~” called out a blonde haired boy.” Don’t make me carry you Ra!l

“Oh shut up I’m coming! Someone just happens to be double my size.” Huffs a tuckered out small child hair pulled into braided pigtails.”mama said we shouldn’t leave the house this late..” she muttered catching up to her brother who was climbing a tree that looked into the training yard.

“What ma doesn’t know won’t kill her xilra,” Blondie rolls his eyes having settled in a branched hidden from sight:

“Ginko… she always knows she just knows… ITs like Leira tells her it’s creepy…” Xilra shudders getting to the branch her brother was on.” Exactly why do you want to watch this anyway? It’s the same thing every time?”

“Cause i Wanna do it one day.” Xilra nearly fell out of the tree at that thankfully Ginko caught her.

“I think I heard you wrong.”

“You heard me right,” ginko rolls his eye and pointed out an elf with dark hair.” See him? That’s Aust Meliamne.”

“Meliamne… isn’t that the name of the witch mom said that eats children?”

“Errr well yes but look no one’s beat him yet. It’s awesome watching him fight… I wanna be like him.”

“I thought you wanted to be a Paladin?” Xilra looked at the elf curiously he was just hitting a wooden post so it wasn’t exactly exciting.” He’s cute.”

Ginko snorted,”your 5 and already you think a guys cute. Yeah I did… but I don’t know I believe in Leira but I don’t think I believe that much… mom and dads always have to be so careful of their words.” He began fidgeting with one of the leafs.

“Duh Leira is the goddess of lies obviously they watch what they say.”Xilra claimed higher in the tree to get a better view of the training yard. She didn’t really understand stand where her brother was coming from yet it’s kinda obvious you’d have to lie if you’d serve a god of lies. “Why the watch or guard though did you actually meet them or something?”

“Well.. no…” ginko looked away sheepishly.” You know it’s starting to get late.” He lies changing the subject.

“Oh I’m sure it is.”

“Oh shh it is and we gotta get a bread for tonight anyway.” Ginko cringed he knew he’d forgotten something.

As they climbed down from the tree several eyes begun watching them.

Ginko helped his sister to the ground from the tree and they headed to the closing market in a rush,” any bread?” He asks out of breath matching the baker before they locked for the night.

Xilra was lying on ground behind ginko gasping for air from running the entire way. “ little legs can’t keep up with big legs.” she wheezes dramatically,” I see the light!”

The baker just looked at the two like they grew two heads,” what on earth are you to still doing out it’s dark out. Don’t you know nights when children going missin.” They scolded them. “ I don’t have any more loafs those are gone by evening kid.” The baker thought for a moment and sighed going into the shop and getting two rolls for them.” Now get home don’t think I won’t tell yer mother!”

Ginko paled if there was ever a threat to use that was one. If his mum found out he’d be grounded for well forever. “Yes ma’am headed straight home.”

Xilra finally got off the ground rolled her eyes,” thanks ma’am! Come on Ginko.”

And home they went. Once they got to the front door though it was unlocked.

Ginko frowned that’s weird he could a sworn he’d locked it. Xilra didn’t think about it and rushed past her brother thinking their parents got home.” Xilra wait!” But it was to late as soon as the door opened they’d been grabbed by several hands. Before they could even scream something on a cloth knocked them out cold.

-:-:-::-:-:-:

“Sela I’m going check on them I’m sure their okay worse case they start a fire. We used be left alone to.” Emmet responds rolling his eyes. His sister had just messaged him to check on the kids when he passed through the town. He feels she’s just paranoid. Ginko is 12ish years old he doubted theyed be in trouble this quickly maybe high on sugar but actually it trouble well he doubted. That being said… he himself got a bad feeling now. “Dammit Sela now you got me paranoid…”

Emmet before heading to the house checked a few spots they might be in the middle of the day it would be odd for them to stay in especially on such beautiful afternoon.

Finally he heads toward the home when he notices a horrible smog of smoke.” Shit I was joking they better not of started a fire.” He pulled out a handkerchief and held over his mouth going through the smoke.” Cameilla Lazuli!”

No response.

“Cameilla Lazuli! This isn’t funny!”

Silence.

Now Emmet was worried.

He’d finally found his way through the smoke to the chard house. “Cameilla Lazuli!… where the hell are those two…”

Suddenly he was pounced from behind.

“Grrrrr.”

Emmet flipped the creature and then glared.” Kali down!”

‘Kali’ at hearing her name jumped off Emmet and barked happily one of her humans. Kali is border collie with a pretty black and white coat at least she normally is. Currently she’s covered in blood and ash. She growled again grabbing emmets arm in an attempt to drag him where she wanted.

“Calm girl calm I’m coming you know where the kids are?” Emmet says getting up removing Kali from his arm.

Kali whined and started digging in a pile of rubbish. She pulled out with her teeth two garments.

Emmet was confused what Kali was trying to tell him but picked up one of the items maybe it’ll shed some li-.

Emmet dropped the item immediately. It was Cameilla’s mask.

Horrified he picked up the other item shakily.

It was Lazuli’s mask.

Emmet was gonna be sick. While the children didn’t wear the masks all the time they still never let them leave their person. Hell Cameilla but Emmet when she was 3 when he’d picked up her mask just to get it off the floor.

To make matters worse the masks were cracked and broke and scrawled horribly was: faceless nobodies liars trickster freaks doppelgängers.

[everlastingdreams]

Weeping Monk X Reader : The City Of Fey Chapter 7

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Notes: ^ my gif. 

Summary:  As a fey queen you are by now used to it that fey come into your woods seeking refugee or a place to hide. Things get complicated however when your knights have not just brought a fey boy but also the Red Paladins’ fiercest warrior into your city.  

Chapter Summary:   The atmosphere in the castle is festive as a couple has joined in marriage. But things take an unexpected sour turn when you head back to your chambers that evening. Lancelot discovers not everyone in the city has good intentions towards their queen.

Chapters:   7/ ?

Word Count: 3098 (in this chapter)

Warnings: Reader is faced with unwanted sexual advances.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Right before dark Lancelot had went to check on his horse Goliath. The loyal creature had been at his side all these years. It appeared that he was being well taken care off.

He was checking on Goliath when he heard footsteps approach. The scent reached his nose and he didn't have to turn around to know it was you.

You walked up to him and watched as he petted the horse "What's his name?" He turned his head a little in your direction "Goliath." "Has he been with you for long ?" You went to stand next to him and softly brushed your hand along the horse's neck.

Lancelot gave a nod "He's been with me for years." “Interesting..” you looked at him now.

He tried to keep his focus on Goliath as he felt that familiar nervous feeling rising inside of him again “Why is that ?”

"Most people I've known have many horses, yet you seem to be quite attached to this one. I admire that about you." You said and his eyes flickered to yours "Your loyalty to those who are important to you." He watched you in silence as you petted Goliath's neck. Then the horse nudged you with his nose. You let out a suprised giggle. "He likes you." His eyes were on you as he patted Goliath before turning to you. Your lips curved into a smile, your eyes moving from Goliath to him. His eyes were unreadable as he watched you. You felt as if he wasn't just talking about Goliath. "I like him too." You brushed a hand over Goliath's neck one more time before you stepped away.

“I should head back to the castle, I have to take care of some preparations.” you started to walk backwards.

“Preparations ?” Lancelot picked up on the mysterious tone.

You smirked at him “You'll see.”

He had never dared to dream it, but as the days passed he noticed how the other fey became less fearful of him. One had even greeted him on the way to the training field today. Often children would come up to him to ask him how to use their swords in a better way, as they had watched him teach Percival. Lancelot wasn't sure how Crillan would react to it but it appeared the knight appreciated his input. A mutual form of respect had formed between him and the knight along with a healthy dose of competition.

Crillan knew that Lancelot's fighting skills were impressive, and he knew for a fact that Lancelot could best Raphael if he'd want to.

A fact he had discreetly shared with you later that evening.

“I knew it !” you had exclaimed loudly.

Lucky for you there was music in the castle today, and the atmosphere was festive. A fey couple had joined in marriage today and it called for a celebration.

The room was filled with people who were drinking and dancing.

Young children ran between the tables as they played.

Lancelot stood to the side as he watched over the room, his eyes more then once looking for you in the crowd.

Until he couldn't spot you in the room anymore.

His eyes scanned around the place, you had been sitting next to Crillan just a moment ago.

But you had felt his eyes on you, and you couldn't stop thinking about those eyes.

How they had stared into yours when you had sparred together.

“Not a crowd person, eh ?” you appeared next to him suddenly.

It took him off-guard and his eyes snapped to you, silently impressed that you had managed to get so close to him without him noticing it.

“I don't think the crowd would feel very comfortable around me.” he confessed.

You nudged him with your shoulder “The children would disagree with that. And I have recieved no complaints since you helped me rescue the people in the woods.”

The news suprised him.

You started to whisper “Don't tell Raphael, but Crillan just confirmed my suspicion that you would be able to best Raphael.” you quirked a brow at him, trying to communicate that you found the fact impressive.

He chuckled at the information.

You narrowed your eyes at him “If you can best my two knights then it makes me wonder why you didn't disarm me when I held the dagger at your throat ?”

The smirk was wiped from his face right away.

“You bested me.” he tried.

“Hmm.” you hummed, not believing it.

He could have disarmed you, should have, but didn't.

You held out a tankard to him, he looked down at it curiously.

You held back a laugh “If you don't like the taste, just put it on a random table. Someone will surely drink it. Trust me.”

He cautiously took it from your hand trying not to spill it, he smelled it for a moment.

It smelled sweet but he could tell it contained some alcohol.  

Lancelot didn't care much for it, it made him less alert.

“Staying focused ? I get it.” you guessed his train of thoughts and he put the tankard down.

It was picked up only moments later by another fey who went to toast on the couple.

“See ?” you smiled at him.

He nods his head amused.

“I think I'll be retreating to my room. You ?” you say without thinking and immediately regret it when your brain catches up and realises the ambiguity in it.

He wasn't looking at you but you noticed his expression chance anyway.

“I meant to ask if you want to walk with me considering your room is just a hallway away from mine and you seem tired I-” you scrambled for words.

“I will.” he stops your desperate attempt “I'll walk with you.”

You breathed out in relief, but still felt the heat rise to your cheeks.

“Crillan will keep an eye on Percival. ” you told him as he walked with you.

The corner of his mouth turned up “With respect, I think we both know that that is an almost impossible task.”

He thought back to the night he had believed Percival was in his room only to be found sneaking around in the castle halls by you, the night he had heard you sing softly to the boy.

You laughed softly at his remark, knowing he was right

“I am glad I convinced you to stay then. Crillan feels very responsible for every young one here, he'd go mad if he would have to search the castle for the boy every night. Percival seems to listen to you.”

“Only because I tell him I won't teach him anymore if he doesn't.” Lancelot confessed with a light scoff.

You weren't really thinking when you spoke next “So the boy's reward for good behaviour is having your attention ? Sounds like a good deal to me.”

The ambiguity in your words were deliberate and he caught on to that.

You stopped at the corner of your hallway and the wheels in his head were turning as he stopped and faced you.

“I..suppose.” at this point he had no idea how to interpret your words.

He didn't know he had gotten under your skin. And gods, you had no idea how to even admit it to yourself. Let alone to him. Chances were high that he just doesn't think of you that way.

“I'm glad you're here. Not only for Percival. I find myself enjoying your company.” you confessed.

His eyes settled on yours and you see him try to find the words. "I share the sentiment." Lancelot admitted after a brief silence, his voice softer then you had expected from him. In fact he found himself craving for your company at times.

The people here were polite to him but he felt like you were one of the few who were truly accepting him.

Yet everytime you were close to him he felt anxious and it confused him why that was. You looked away and changed the topic.

"How are your wounds ? Dahlia works wonders but I've seen them, they must be painfull." Lancelot was still not used to others showing genuine concern for his well being. Partly because he still felt like he didn't deserve all this kindness. "They are much better. The burning sensation has stopped. It won't be long before they are healed now." He spoke from experience. He noticed how you looked concerned at the cut on his head that was almost healed. "Good. That's good !" A smile krept on your face. But he could see there was something you still wanted to say as you showed no intention to walk away just yet. He waited patiently for you to speak, searching for eye contact to encourage you. You looked at him apologetic "If I had know how bad your wounds were, I never would have allowed you to come with me to help those people." He couldn't believe his ears, were you feeling guilty ?? Now he understood why you were focused on the cut on his head. A red paladin had struck him there during that fight, causing the wound to open again. "I volunteered to come, y/n. I don't regret doing so and will do it again if the situation calls for it." He immediately wanted to get rid of the guilt you felt towards him. He couldn't stand the thought. You looked at him at the mention of your name, noting how his voice had been firm. "Not as long as you are not healed." You instantly countered. The tone of your voice left no room for doubt that you were serious about it. "Y/n..." Lancelot wished to explain that he was used to fighting when wounded.

It was how he was raised. "You will not fight unless you are healed first. You can train Percival but that's it. That is a command." You used your authoritative voice. One you rarely ever used even as a queen. He scoffed but not in a way to offend. He rather enjoyed seeing you like this. "I am not one of your knights or soldiers. I do not have to follow your command." Gods, he wished he would have kept quiet as he saw your eyes darken. You took a step closer to him "Sorry, what was that ?" For someone so kind you sure could be intimidating. You had heard him loud and clear, but this was not up for discussion. He looked at your darkened eyes, noting how close you were standing.

He couldn't avoid your eyes even if he tried to. "As you wish." He breathed out, feeling his defence crumbling under your unyielding glare. For a moment he held his breath until you stepped back. You felt the need to explain why this was a serious matter to you. "If you are healed and still wish to help, then we can talk. Perhaps you truly are our greatest fighter. But I will not endanger your life." Lancelot couldn't help but think back to all the times he had been send to fight by Father Carden while his wounds were still bleeding from the previous fight. He nodded in understanding and so did you. "Get some rest. I think Percival is expecting you at dawn ?" The corner of his mouth turned up "He is. But he is never pleased to see me. It takes some convincing for him to wake up." A laugh fell from your lips "He's still just a boy. Even if he acts grown. Young ones are..." You searched for the right word. "Unpredictable." Lancelot sighed, earning a laugh from you. Unpredictable was an understatement he thought.

He was alert at all times but it still was not enough. Percival sometimes escaped from his sight as if the boy had disappeared in thin air. A comfortabe silence fell between you. You took a step into the direction of your hallway "I will see you tomorrow ?" He tilted his head down, a gesture of respect. A gentle smile made it's way to your features before you turned to head down the hallway.

You walked to your room and you're suprised to see one of the new people that were rescued in the forest standing near the door. "Hello.." you approached him.

The man looked up at you and he pushed himself from the wall and approached you.

The smell of alcohol reached your nostrils.

“Your highness.” he bowed before you.

You took a small step back when he did so he wouldn't notice “Forgive me, I believe we haven't officially met. I don't know your name yet..”

He straightened his back and introduced himself “My name is Isich.”

“It is nice to meet you, Isich.” you replied politely.

You gestured at him kindly “Is there something you need ?”

He flashed you a smile, one that alerted you that he was not here to talk about a problem.

“I was waiting for you, my queen.” He took a step closer to you.

He was clearly drunk and came here with the intention to flirt with you.

“I see...” you tried to think of a way to handle this awkward situation.

You could handle him if he tried something but you had to remind yourself that a queen should not resort to violence if it can be avoided.

“It has been a long day, Isich. Can this wait until morning ?” you tried to remain casual.

Now he moved even closer, a sly grin on his face.

He went to place a hand on the wall behind you and leaned closer.

“Are you tired, my queen ?”

You greatly disliked how those last words came out of his mouth.

You moved to the side but he followed your move, you resisted the urge to roll your eyes.

“Let me pass.” your voice was firm and you looked him dead in the eye.

A low chuckle came from Isich “I know of a way to help you relax..”

The meaning behind his words were blatantly clear to you.

You moved under his arm, escaping from the corner he'd created.

“You're drunk, Isich! Leave before I lose my patience! ” you warned.

The message didn't get through to him as he tried to close the distance between you again.

He was only a few steps away before he was stopped in place by a hand on his chest.

Lancelot grabbed onto the man's shirt, forcing Isich to step back.

The fey looked at him in disgust before mocking him “What is it weeping brother ? Are your old habits catching up to you ?”

Lancelot glared daggers at him in return, his jaw clenched.

Gods, he wanted to punch the smirk from the man's face.

His boiling anger was threatening to spill over.

But he knew he was at a disadvantage, this bastard would love to spread the news about how he was 'going back to hurting fey'.

You could have easily interfered and told Lancelot to stop but you didn't, this moment was important.

“You're scum !” Lancelot seethed at him, his voice dangerously low.

He gave Isich a shove, away from him and away from you. Placing himself between you and the drunk.

The man grimaced, most likely disappointed that he wouldn't have leverage on him now.

“Funny coming from you.” the man replied angrily.

“ENOUGH !” you finally snapped and it startled them both “Isich, LEAVE !”

It was loud enough for the guards around to hear and upon seeing them approach, Isich retreated.

“Keep an eye on him.” you commanded to the guards who escorted Isich out of the castle.

You looked at Lancelot who watched as Isich was lead away by the guards. The fury in his eyes remained until Isich was out of sight.

Then he closed his eyes as he composed himself. Rage still flowing through his veins. Seeing the man bother you was enough to set his blood to boil.

“Lancelot ?” you call out to him.

He opened his eyes again, hoping he appeared calmer then he truly was.

“Ignore him. He is drunk. I am certain he will regret it in the morning.” you looked at him knowingly.

“I hope he does.” A hint of hidden anger audible in his voice.

“As a queen, I cannot just resort to voilence. I am glad you didn't either.” you were impressed with how he had managed to control his anger towards Isich.

He wasn't ashamed to admit that he would have loved to teach the man some respect.

“Did this happen before ?” he couldn't shake the feeling that this has happened to you before. You reacted quite calmly to the whole situation.

You sighed before admitting that that was indeed the case “I am a queen with no significant other, Lancelot. People try to gain my affection all the time, they aren't all so..persistent however. You don't need to feel obligated to help me."

The last thing you wanted was for him to think he owed you something "I can handle things alone."

"I know." There was some frustration in his answer "It doesn't mean you should." His eyes searched for yours. As if they were pleading with you. And inside his mind he was, he needed you to know that you didn't have do go through these things alone. He knew you could have easily dealt with the man if it was necesarry. He'd seen you fight. But the man acting like that towards you made his blood boil. He had interfered before he knew what he was doing. You were at a loss for words, never expecting him to act so protective of you. The more time you spend with him the more you realised how much he actually cared about things. How much he kept burried beneath the hard exterior. His next question only added to that. "Are you alright ?" You nodded, not looking away from him "I am. Do not worry." Lancelot let out a breath, letting go of the remaining anger he had felt. You stepped towards your chamber's door and opened it. "Goodnight, Lancelot." His mouth curved into a timid smile "Goodnight, y/n." He watched as you closed the door. Even though you had told him not to worry about you, Lancelot did. He cared that people would treat you like this and he made a mental note to inform your knights to do what is necessarry to prevent this from happening again. Or he would.

Taglist:

@linkpk88​ @5am-cigarette​  @beananacake​ @mogothepogo​ @tanyaherondale​ @witchything​ @lancelotapricot​

[returnn-of-the-mac]

Want some angst? Probably not, but I'm giving it to you anyways! Imagine if Sosu was actually affected by the radiation in the wasteland. So, basically, I'm requesting companions (And whoever you want to add in there) reacting to Sosu getting radiation sickness. Not turning in to a ghoul or anything, just, fumking suffering.

Oooh man this one was fun! I’d forgotten how much I liked writing angst! I hope you like it! (Also: I’m on mobile right now, so pardon the large gaps and the lack of a “read me.” I’ll fix that once I get back home😊)

Fallout 4 Companions React Headcanon: Sole Critically Ill From Radiation Poisoning

Sole and their companion had been venturing out toward the Glowing Sea when the pair stumbled upon a building apparently known as the “Electrical Hobbyist’s Club.” The place looked small enough, so Sole insisted that their companion stand guard outside while they scavenged around the decrepit building.

Danse: Danse shifted around uncomfortably in his power armor. “I have a premonition that something terrible is going to happen in there,” the Paladin muttered to himself, “I shouldn’t have let them venture in there alone. I was negligent of my duty as their commanding officer. Maybe I should-“ before he could finish his sentence, he saw a sickly Sole slowly crawling down the building’s ramp. “Soldier!” He bellowed, running up to his partner. “What’s…what’s going on? You look so frail.” Sole struggled to raise their head to look at their concerned companion. Then everything went black. Danse, now fully alert, promptly scooped up Sole’s limp body in his arms and used a Vertibird signal. He knew he needed to get Sole to Knight-Captain Cade as soon as possible. As he held his sickly companion close and waited for the aircraft, he verbally released his pent-up self-disappointment “Goddammit! Why didn’t I follow my instincts? I knew this would happen. If I had just accompanied [him/her], this could have been prevented. I’ve failed [him/her] just like all of the others who have fallen under my command.”

Piper: Piper was casually smoking a cigarette when she saw Sole crawling down the ramp. “Well there you are! I was beginning to brainstorm some catchy headline for a missing person’s article!” When she saw that Sole was unresponsive, she sensed that something was wrong. She immediately stomped out the remainder of the cigarette and rushed to her companion’s aid. “Blue! Oh Blue! What happened in there? Are you okay? Look at me Blue. Look at me.” Sole fainted. Piper gasped in alarm and held her companion against her, shaking them gently. “ [Name]? [name]? Say something. Anything! Please!” She desperately gave Sole all kinds of food and medicine in an attempt to help them.

Strong: Strong was standing with his arms crossed and pouting. “Bah! Why human leave Strong behind. Human not care about Strong. Strong leaving back to tower.” Before Strong could walk away, he noticed Sole crawling down the ramp. “There you are! Strong angry! Strong leaving!” Strong stopped yelling when he noticed his partner facedown in the dirt. “Human?” Strong flipped Sole over and realized that his partner was in critical condition. Strong picked Sole up and threw them over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, human. Strong help. Strong bring you to medicine man.”

Ada: Ada was rummaging for junk when she detected movement nearby. She scanned the area and noticed Sole crawling down the ramp. “[Sir/Ma’am]? My systems have detected that your functionality levels are critically low— a mere 2%. I will now run a mandatory diagnostics scan.” Ada scanned Sole and analyzed the findings. “The troubleshoot has indicated a dangerously high level of Radiation in your body. Immediate medical assistance is required. I shall send out a distress signal for help.”

Hancock: Hancock was taking a hit of jet when he saw Sole crawling down the ramp. “Hey there, pal. You ain’t lookin too hot.” Sole tried to look at Hancock, but failed to raise their head more than a few inches. Hancock frowned. “What happened in there? Take in too many Rads? When I suggested you to go ghoul I didn’t actually mean it.” Sole passed out. Hancock sighed. “I am not high enough to deal with this shit right now.” After popping a few Mentats, Hancock directed his attention back to Sole. “Now. Let’s see if I can work some magic here with the year of medicine I was forced to study back in the Diamond City days.”

Gage: “Damn. What the hell are they doin in there? We ain’t got all day!” Gage muttered. “Hey boss! Hurry the hell up in there!” Gage then noticed Sole crawling down the ramp. “You okay? You ain’t lookin too hot.” Sole managed to drag themself to the bottom of the ramp before blacking out. “Wha— shit!” Gage jogged over to Sole, crouched down, and started shaking them. “Wake up, boss. This ain’t funny. I’m serious. I swear, I’ll kick your ass if you’re messin with me right now.” When Gage realized that his partner was in critical condition, he rummaged through his inventory to find anything that would help. His search was unsuccessful. “Ain’t got much of anythin useful on me now, but I’ll get the good shit. Hang in there for a little longer, boss.”

Longfellow: Longfellow was eying a radstag when he heard movement coming from behind him. He turned around to see Sole dragging themself down the ramp. “Hm, what’s wrong, [name]? Throw out your back? That happens with old age. One day you’re a strapping, young buck, the next your a feeble, old goose.” Sole passed out. “Christ almighty! You’ve seen better days, haven’t ya?” Longfellow gently picked up Sole’s limp body. “Time to get you to a medic. You’ll be okay.”

Codsworth: Codsworth was humming to himself when he saw Sole crawling down the ramp. “[Sir/Mum]!” He cried as he rushed over to his limp companion. “What on earth happened to you?” When Sole was unresponsive, Codsworth activated medicine mode. He immediately got to work tending to Sole. After a few moments, Sole regained consciousness and was able to recover.

X6-88: X6 was sitting on a rock when he noticed Sole crawling down the ramp. He walked over to his partner. “[Sir/Ma’am], you do not look well. I am cutting this mission to the Glowing Sea short; we can resume it at a later date. You need medical attention right away.” X6 picked up Sole and teleported then to the Institute.

Cait: Cait was polishing her shotgun with an old dishrag she found nearby when she saw Sole crawling down the ramp. “There ye are. I was beginin to think you were gonna spend the night in there. Now quit fumblin’ around and let’s get a move on.” Sole suddenly fainted. Cait rolled her eyes. “Oh come on, quit fuckin with me. It’s not funny.” When Sole didn’t move, Cait began to worry. She walked over to were Sole was lying and crouched down. “Seriously, drop the act. You’re scarin me.” Sole didn’t respond. Cait began violently shaking Sole. “Wake up, god dammit! Please!” She the picked up Sole and tossed them over her shoulder and began her quest to find the nearest doctor.

MacCready: An annoyed MacCready lazily kicked a tin can across the dirt while waiting for his companion. “Hey, you know, if you had maybe told me you were going to be taking your sweet time in there, I wouldn’t have agreed to be the sitting duck!” He called out in frustration. Just then, he saw Sole slowly crawling down the ramp. “Finally. Jeez next time you search a place for a century and a half, you should-“ MacCready paused, sensing that something was off about his partner. “You good, [Name]?” Sole fainted. “[Name]!” MacCready ran over to his limp companion and sat them upright, using his arms and body as support. “No…no no no no. This can’t be happening. Not again. Tell me this isn’t happening again.” MacCready fought back tears as he frantically searched his bag for something to help Sole. “Hang in there, please. I can’t lose you too. Please stay with me, [name].”

Curie: Curie was examining a patch of carrot flowers when she noticed Sole slowly crawling down the ramp. She instantly sensed that something was wrong and rushed to their aid before they could even fully make it down the ramp. “Oh non [Madam/Monseiur]! Please, relax, stop trying to move. You will surely faint if you continue to expend energy in this state.” She got two purified waters out of her bag: one for Sole to drink, and one to hold on Sole’s forehead to cool them down. She gently held Sole as she injected them with a concoction of carefully selected medicine. After a few minutes, Sole was able to recover.

Deacon: “Hmm…do I want to go for the dreamy surgeon, the hunky park ranger, or the kinky fireman look for my next disguise?” Deacon wondered aloud as he waited for his companion. Just as he was about to change his disguise, he noticed Sole weakly dragging themself down the front ramp. “Hey! What do you think my next disguise should be? Maybe Angsty Teenager?” Sole fainted. “Too much? Yeah I don’t really want to wear a spiked choker, to be completely honest. Not my cup of Nuka.” Sole didn’t respond, and Deacon nervously scratched his head. “Earth to [name]! Hello? Anyone home?If you can hear me, say ‘Deacon is the coolest guy in the Commonwealth!’” When Sole remained silent, Deacon realized the gravity of the situation. He crouched down next to Sole and say them up, using his body as support. “Hey, I’m going to contact the HQ and get you some help as soon as possible. Hang in there, pal.”

Nick: Nick was reading a book when he noticed that Sole had been taking a really long time. “Wonder what’s holding them up in there? Maybe I should check on them.” Just as he started making his way to the entrance, Sole pushed themself through the door and started crawling down the ramp. “Oh my God, are you okay?” Nick asked, rushing over to his weak companion. He sat them against the wall. “You’re burning up. Here,” he said, giving Sole a purified water and some crispy squirrel bits. “I’ll contact Ellie and see if she can send out a distress signal out. Don’t worry, pal. We’ll get you fixed up.”

Preston: Preston was pacing around anxiously, waiting for Sole to emerge from the dilapidated building. “The General is taking way too long in there. [He/She] might have gotten into trouble. I have to check-in.” Just as Preston was about to enter the building, Sole weakly pushed themself through the door. “General!” Preston shouted as he rushed over to his struggling companion. He knelt down beside them just as they blacked out. “Goddammit, I’ve done it again!” Preston harshly whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks. “General, I’m so sorry I let you down. But I’m not going to let you die. I’ll contact the nearest settlement and get you treated.”

Dogmeat: Dogmeat patiently waited for his best friend to come back outside. Suddenly, his ears perked. He sensed movement coming from the direction of the building and knew it was Sole. Something was off though. He whimpered and sprinted over to the building at full speed just as Sole weakly pushed through the door. Before Sole could hit the cold, metal ramp, Dogmeat jumped in front of his friend and caught them on his back. Dogmeat widely whimpered as he sensed how critical Sole’s condition was. He didn’t want to leave Sole alone, but he knew they needed help. He began to bark as loud as he could in the hopes of catching someone’s attention. When that failed, he decided to take to the road to try to find someone who could help.

[cresity]

1, 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 32, 33

Thanks Celia, I’ll also put this under the cut since this got longer than intended..........

1. A favorite character you have played.

I haven’t played too many characters (Or at least for long campaigns) but the one i’m playing now in my main game is probably my favourite or more developed anyway. His name is Heldain Veslar (don’t really like his last name but couldn’t think of anything else that fit/that i hadn’t already used) and as of now is a paladin oath of devotion/ fighter eldritch knight (6/3). He is a protector aasimar and solider background. 

Backstory wise (Short version) is that he was inducted into an order known as the Dawn Seekers after his home was invaded and after some trials and rising through the ranks his order was invaded from the inside and most of them either died or became corrupted and changed sides/lost their minds. Leaders of this force were a multicoloured scaled humanoid and a dark humanoid specter. In short Heldain was captured and was tortured for 4 years at the hand of one of hs turncoats which he knew, in which a curse was placed on him with black veins appearing over his chest and shoulder. He managed to escape, went back to his order’s HQ which was destroyed and managed to find some things from his mentor like a codex which had unusual text. He then left and lived in the wilds for 6 or 8 years. Then got a vision from Tyr, Who he serves, to restore his holy sites (Cause in this world he has grown weak/ not many worshipers/ forgotten) So he reentered the world and helped out how he could. 

But yeah things haven’t exactly gone well for him as there was an incident when he got disintegrated by an undead beholder which then the rest of the party made a deal with a locked up fey creature in the prison to bring him back by releasing her into the world. Also more ptsd when one of his party members gave him his own ashes to keep. But yeah it’s more so playing the wounded/broken knight and working his way back into something else, self sacrifice is on the table for his personality or at least doing what needs to be done at the right time.

5. Favorite NPC.

Hmm none really jump out as being favourites, mainly cause most of the ones i have written in my notebook we haven’t encountered in a while. But there’s a character named Elisabeth Moonspell who’s a paladin in the Silver city who worships Mishakal, my character has been becoming close friends with her, with some side benefits. There was also a red dragonborn named Addos who had a planar travelling ship who was married to a githyanki named Urah who is very protective of her husband.

There was also an encounter with some orcs which somehow we convinced them to become a bodyguard service for travelling to and from the silver city. Which were then named the Happy orcs, which they were then employed by someone who was extorting them but they didn’t know cause they weren’t exactly bright.   

9. Your favorite thing about D&D.

Probably just the creativity behind it and creative freedoms to make different types of characters and worlds. 

11. How often do you play and how often would you ideally like to play?

I play once a week depending on availability of course. I would like to play more but you know schedules and other things to work out/things coming up that i’ve had to focus on more. But yeah at the moment we’re doing the same thing that tends to happen with starting other games rather than finishing our main ones, which is a bit annoying but at the moment the dm is experiencing a little burnout or rather wanting to be a player but yeah, still working on my world as well just have had other things to work on/figure out. 

13. Introduce your current party.

I’ll go into details on my main game and will just mention the other couple games. 

In our main game I play Heldain as mentioned above, but my other compainions are a Eladrin elf warlock named Auri who is 11 (or what she appears to be)who has a lot of mystery around her and her changing forms, there’s an air genasi monk, named Nim (Nimbus Stormbringer), who had lost his memory and has managed to get some of it back now, he’s a bit brash and somewhat immature character but is what he is and proves to be difficult at times, we have an elf rouge assassin, named Leia, who is also pretty guarded and has some sort of damaged tissue from vampires which has only recently come up as a plot point to explore. We also have a half elf fighter arcane archer, named Elban, who had some arcane experiments done on him and his troop but don’t really know too much about him cause the player is hardly involved asides from making dumb jokes which just gets annoying at this point which reminds me of a previous player we had.

One of the other games that has started to give the current dm a little break is in a world previously played by a couple of the players in my group but has some rules in terms of classes and such. But in that one I’m playing as a Minotaur fighter/wizard, others are a fallen aasimar fighter/warlock, another warlock, a monk/fighter Tiefling and a sorcerer/bard Dwarf i believe. 

Also as of last week we did a little prep work for a level 18-20 one shot or two shot but in that I’m playing as another paladin fighter (Character name is Anora Vilarim, old character i never did anything with), there is also a forge cleric Goliath, a glamour bard half elf, a deep gnome druid and one yet to be decided.  

15. Do you have snacks during game times?

Yeah one of the players in my group goes out and gets some stuff from the supermarket but I try to not to eat anything due to trying to lose some weight. 

17. What are some house rules that your group has?

We have some similar ones to the first campaign of critical role (i.e bonus action spell level 2 or lower and drink a potion on a bonus action). Other than that not really asides from allowing homebrew stuff or allowing some items.

32. What role do you like to play the most? (Tank/healer/etc?)

I suppose tank or damage dealer. Sometimes healer if that role is put on me due to party make up but yeah. 

33. How do you write your backstory, or do you even write a backstory?

I pick race, class and background first and then work with what I have. Mostly it’s just focusing on one idea and adding more to it. Or looking into other media and trying to bounce ideas from that and change them up a bit. But yeah it varies on length and detail. Sometimes I add stuff later but yeah, also just drawing the character helps me out a bit too.

Think that’s it, took way longer than I thought it would.

[boenafterdark]

Non-cannon Fun times with Ettna~

((The following is an RP I started with a long time friend. Her character is a shadow priest named Ettna! Enjoy!))

Boen Dark: The night air of Dalaran seemed to whip past more than usual as he walked slowly about the dormant streets. His head tilted slowly to one side as he waited to hear anything or anyone; though he knew better. It was far too late within the night for anyone sane enough to be wandering around these parts. Most laid within their beds this evening while the man simply paced the streets on his own.

 He too yearned to be settled within a bed; pressed against one of affection..though these days his affection was spent towards either a Paladin that was off doing her own thing most of the times and a crazy nympho priest that only wanted him for his power. All and all? He preferred it that way..but when they were busy? He was by himself..one thing he always hated.

  Ettna: The wind around him picked up dramatically, the smell of a perfume he knew wafting on the senses. In the same breath, the air grew cold and hard to breath. The sudden change was just that, sudden. In a whoosh and burst of Shadow magic he wasn’t alone. Quite an entrance in a city, yes, but that just showed how much she didn’t care. The soft click of a heel was heard before an arm was left looping around his, being treated like some manner of escort.

 “Alone on such a night, surely you could have charmed something into your bed.” Her hood was drawn but those golden eyes and black lips were a dead giveaway. Claws latched onto his arm as she walked side by side with him, “Are you brooding? Surely I'm not interrupting anything.” A slow, deep inhale was taken of the chill night air before she looked away from him, “Kill someone for me, hmm?” A small nudge of her hip was given.

  Boen Dark: His gaze settled upon the woman as a smirk drifted over his covered lips. His hues flickering slowly over the woman at that very moment as he tilted his head to one side. "Mm..well. I don't sleep. Well I do..but I have to force myself." He muttered forth towards her as they would continue to walk. He was heading towards the Filthy animal; for a late-night drink and possible bed to lay upon. "Kill someone? This late in the evening?" He muttered forth towards her as he stopped within his steps.

 He would gladly kill someone if it meant he would no longer be bored; but why so late? A shoulder shrugged briefly. "If I must..simply give me a name and a lead of where to start." he stated towards her. "It would be fun, regardless."

Ettna:  A smile spread across her lips a little more, “Yes, this late. I want the family to wake up and find him.” She sighed softly, “A noble of...Sorts. Ill gained power, weakness, someone who attempted to steal from me. Thinking they could get away with it.” She shook her head slightly, “You won't need a name. You’ll just need to see the front door.” She nodded as she pulled him away from the direction he was heading.

 “I don’t much abide those who attempt to stab me in the back, usually unaware of the eyes in the back of my head.” Anyone who knew her closely may have known how painfully realistic that statement was. “You needn’t harm anyone else, less their be guards.” She came to stop in front of a door. A simple one, the name of the owner across the top. Just another run of the mill asshole with opinions and money. “He should be upstairs to the right...Are you capable?”

  Boen Dark: Boen had stopped with Ettna in front of the door as his hues drifted over it. Something would be off about this..it sounded to easy. His gaze shifted once more towards Ettna and tilted his head carefully to one side. "I am." He muttered forth towards her as his gaze centered upon her. Boen pulled back from the woman as he pressed his hand to the door's handle; giving it a gently shake to see if the poor fella had left it unlocked.

 "Just a simple breaking in? Taking care of business and that is it?" He muttered towards her; making sure there was nothing else that she had required. "I have a feeling their is more to this than you are letting on.." He stated with a tilt of his head. "What exactly has this man stolen from you?"

  Ettna: A quick shake of her head, “No. No. He -tried- to steal from me. No one steals from me successfully.” She hissed her words before looking at the locked doorknob, her lip curling back. “It is easy. I promise you this...I wouldn’t be asking you if I could do it but…” She reached out and touched the door her hand snapping back almost instantly with a spark, fingers left twitching, fighting off whatever blast of magic she had taken, “He’s aware I’m upset. I cannot enter his home.”

 A hiss, a shift, a sway, she was not happy and now her hand stung, “You see he’s a talented enchanter, hence why I attempted to make...Friends. But he got a little too nosy and plotting to take things that were not his own.” Man she was unwilling to say what this man had taken. “I am sure this place it littered with enchantments...Even more so to ward of me and mine...But you..” her hands flicked out to him, one of them shaking, “You...Are not me or mine...You’re separate from this worlds connections as is. Enchantments that bar you are few and far between…”

Boen Dark: Boen peered towards the door once more as a nod of his head was gestured. He reached into his pocket and pulled forth a simple lock picking kit and knelled down. He would shift his attention once again towards Ettna and smiled. "Anything you need while I am inside as well?" He muttered forth once more; letting the tools go to work.

 Boen made quick work of the lock for that matter; hearing a small 'pop' come from the lock to assure that the handle would move with ease and slowly pushed the door open. Boen peered towards Ettna once more and smirks. "We fucking after this by the way?" He muttered towards her with an arched brow. It was his sort of payment after all..

  Ettna: Ettna kept her eyes on him, her head tipping slightly to the side, “Just kill him. Anything else I would need of his life I will be able to take once he is gone.” She muttered something about enchantments. She really wasn’t a fan of how powerful some of these spells were getting. People were learning how to fight back against the darkness, this was upsetting, this needed to be stopped. One of the reasons she had planted such a firm target on this man’s head. She didn’t like what he knew.

 “If sex is what you want afterwards then that’s what you’ll be getting. That is our deal no? You make with the stabby.” She pointed to the house. “Then get to have fun stabby.” She pointed to herself. “Now.” Fingers wiggled, “Before we pull any unwanted attention or before someone else wakes up.” She really wouldn’t care if others died though she was looking towards their unfortunate morning of finding a dead father figure. “You should be fine in there...I don’t think he even has guards..”

  Boen Dark: A nod of his head was gestured as he parted through the threshold into the house; slowly and silently closing the door behind him. His form dropped into the shadows almost instantly as he cloaked himself from sight. Boen took a slow look throughout the inside of the house; simply taking a survey of what had laid inside. Possibly make his own pockets a bit heavier; knowing enchantments could go for quite the price.

  Ettna: Ettna vanished once he was inside, her frame melting into the Shadows of the night, waiting, listening. The house inside was any normal house, though the buzz of magic in these halls was almost overwhelming. Ettna had sent him into the home of a very skilled enchanter. Anywhere Boen looked there was something of value. Golden this, silver that. Some trinkets and gems, coins, books. Your run of the mill magical collection, even some fancy looking weaponry. The house was mostly silent, there were footsteps, slow, pacing. Perhaps a guard? Perhaps someone was awake after all. Hard to tell, but whomever it was upstairs from where Boen had come in.

Boen Dark: The man started his way up the stairs; taking it slowly as he attempted to give off nothing but silence. He was quite skilled in what he did; though if he rushed it..well that could not end well for him. Boen might have been immortal; and would always get a second chance. But, the element of surprise would make it certain for an easy job. Or so he hoped anyways.

 As he reached the top of the stairway; his gaze shifted back and forth; listening to where the sound would come from and approach it; staying rather close to the wall and not within the opening. He may have been covered with his cloak that concealed him; but when it came to those that practiced Arcane..well; Boen knew better.

  Ettna: The pacing was coming from a room, the door cracked, a bit of the light coming through. Someone wasn’t sleeping. Judging by the figure who passed the doorway he was not a guard. The flow and shuffle of fancy robes heard as he weaved back and forth across the opening of his room. Upon growing closer Boen could hear the muttering of a spell, or at least words of a spell. Practice? A work in progress? Hard to tell. But his target was awake with a spell book in hand. Though seemingly unaware of no longer being alone.

  Boen Dark: Boen pressed his body close to the partially opened door, letting one eye peer through the opening as he studied the mage. Waiting for him to face away from the door for he might be able to slip inside without being noticed. He might have been in stealth; but for the door to swing open? That would be a dead sign of someone intruding. Boen watched him pace away and his back towards him; giving him the perfect opportunity.

 He had to be quick; making sure the enchanter didn't turn his back in time to see the door closing once more to its original position. Had he succeeded? He hoped so; or else this would be more awkward than he had hoped it to be. 'Please don't be a squeaky door..' He muttered silently to himself.

  Ettna:  Boen was able to sneak in without the mage seeing...At first. He spun around rather quickly though seconds too late. His eyes narrowed at the door before he moved to close it lightly with his fingers. A heavy sigh coming from his lips, worry written across his features. It was late, he couldn’t sleep. Ettna may or may not have threatened his life in a very vulgar way, which would explain the enhancements made just for her.

 Right as his fingers touched back to the page he paused, seemingly mid step even. His eyes narrowed at the book, “Who’s in here? Show yourself.” Aware of someone, yes, but he had no idea where or who or how. His jaw tightened as his fingers pressed more tightly against the page. Spells coming to mind as he waited. Perhaps he was just paranoid? Hopefully.

Boen Dark: Boen froze mid step as he looked directly toward the mage; the cloak still hidden over his form as he nearly cursed out. The mage even happened to cast a look directly at the rogue; but had yet to witness him. Should he continue to remain settled in place? No..why spoil all the fun of a good fight.

 Boen slowly stood up as the cloak dropped from his form and appeared before the man; weapons drawn as a wicked grin flowed over his lips. "Howdy." He muttered forth towards him as his head dipped to one side. "Quite the windy day we are having eh? Figured I would come in. Ask for a spot of tea and a warm fire. Also, got to say. Love what you did with the place. It is going to be a shame when I decorate the walls with your guts." He added in at the end as he continued to beam towards the mage.

  Ettna: As soon as Boen showed himself the mage whipped around. Eyes narrowing at the sight of a rogue. Seconds passed before a hand was flicked out. Blasts of fire from his palm directly at the rogue. This mage was not worried about his home, he could pay to fix it. He really wasn’t going to let Boen run his mouth. He wasn’t going to let him even finish his sentence before he was flicking spells at him like a madman. These were no amateur spells either. If they hit, they were going to hurt, there was a lot of fear fueled power behind each flick of his wrist.

  Boen Dark: His hues went wide within that moment as the spells started to connect. Sending the rogue spiraling backwards as he took them like a chap. Though when he casted the fire ones, it would aid him healing factor; absorbing them quickly as he raised his arms to cover himself the best he could. "Ow! Hey! Stop it!" He yelled forth as his vision would start to be obscured smoke starting to lift into the air as he let forth a few hacking coughs.

 Boen threw up his cloak of shadows as the spells would bounce off of him and fizzle out; letting him have a few free moments to get out of the way of harm as he shadowstepped through the smoke and behind the mage. Boen would slam his daggers forward as he attempted to stab him directly in the back; hoping to connect. But Magisters; they were always the hardest to take down. "I wanted tea and a fire damnit!"

  Ettna: Those daggers would sink into ice. A solid block of ice. Locked in there until Boen gave it a good tug. The mage within the ice slowly turned his attention, “You really didn’t ask nicely for tea.” Seconds passed and that ice block shattered, sending razor sharp bits of shrapnel throughout the room. More or less ruining the decor in the process but he was trying to make a pin cushion out of the rogue. And trying to keep him away, out of arms reach, away from the sharp tips of those daggers. Robes only protected so much.

Boen Dark: His eyes went wide as the ice shattered in front of his face. Sending the rogue soaring backwards as shards of ice would press into him. Some were big; and wouldn't cause serious damage. While the bigger ones..welp; those hurt like a bitch. Boen would hit the floor with a thud as he laid upon his back; slowly lifting his head to attempt to peer upon the mage. Though between him and the mage was a large spear like piece of ice sticking out of his chest as he tilted his head to one side. "Well you tricky fuck." He muttered forth as his head leaned back. "It will be easy she said..you can impale me with your cock she said..sure." He muttered forth as both hands came forth and tugged upon the spear; slowly jerking it upward as he forced it to dislodge from his chest. Boen sat up as he peered towards the mage. A literal giant hole sat within the middle of his chest as he seemed to simply sigh. "Tea..please?" He muttered forth with a shake of his head. Boen would slowly get to his feet once more as what seemed like molten fire started to form in the giant hole in his body. Slowly swirling together until it closed. His skin black for a few moments as it resembled ash; than his normal skin color returned back to normal. "You know how to entertain your guests; I will give you that. Now isn't it my turn for the grand finale?"

  Ettna: Of course watching Boen get back up after that nearly made him wet himself. That wasn’t normal by any means and how he closed himself back up, even worse. “Wait! Wait! You say...She. Do you mean the witc- Eloraine?” The mage shook his head, “Ettna?! Did she send you?! Do not listen to whatever she told you...She’s only using you to further her means! I can give you anything you want.” Though he was talking that spell book was clutched tightly. Arcane magic sparked around him, waiting for the next shot forward. Waiting for the next spell to be cast, “She lies...She whispers with the gods. I can pay you more than she ever could!”

  Boen Dark: Boen frowned for a moment as he lifted his hand upward and tugged upon his mask. "Hrm..her speaking of the old gods is a bit unsettling." He muttered forth towards him. "Tell me.." He stated for a moment. "Her cunt is tight enough to keep me entertained..but still." He shrugged a shoulder as he lowered his weapons; looking less threatening than he did to say the least. "Why you though? I tried to figure that one out..she seems rather pissed at you. Well..she did send me in to kill you after all. But why?" Boen still seemed a bit puzzled by the entire ordeal as he peered about the room they were in; as if his interests had simply no longer lingered upon the Magister. Boen even turned his body as he moved to a table that held interesting runes and potions upon them. "Oh..does this one change you into a female? I have always wondered what I would look like with bo--" He cut himself off and shook his head. "Sorry..I get distracted easily. So why you?"

Ettna: The mages fingers twitched when he watched Boen near the potions. “Honestly...that one would make your brain melt, the one beside it will...Make you a lady.” The mage was very tense, very uneasy but clearly trying to keep himself calm, pick his words. “She’s evil. She wants to see the world burn, she wants my research and my powers. I’ve managed to keep her away from me and she doesn’t like it.” His eyes didn’t move from the rogue, “I choose to go against her. She...Was part of a council, before we knew of her real intent. When people from said council started vanishing, being replaced with….Shades of themselves we needed to remove the problem.”

Boen Dark: His hand slowly reached for the potion that would turn him into a lady; as if trying not to be noticed. Though he was in plain sight of the mage as he slowly picked the vial up and let forth a sharp whistle. Boen would pocket it within that instant as he started walking back to where he had been stabbed at. "My my..this is a nice place." He muttered as if trying to make it out that he hadn't just stolen from him as his hues slowly shifted back towards him. "Hehe..yeah." He muttered as he raised his left hand; bringing his blade upward and gently scratched against his head with the point. Cutting through the flesh upon his head. His hand lowered within that instant as the fresh wound healed up almost instantly. "She is a bit unsettling to say the least; I don't care much for buying into her power. But..she is my current supplier for pussy. It is quite good? Have you tried it?" He muttered as he continued to stall the mage.

 Boen would wait for any opening he could find; wanting the mage to drop his guard. If he was going to get close enough; he needed to make sure he was open. "So..anything else?" He muttered forth. "I wouldn't mind having something to hold over her head. I figured once my usefulness is done she will try to get rid of me as well; so..anything at all? Like I am pretty sure she wants something from within her..but not sure what."

Ettna: The mage wasn’t stupid, so he saw the potion go missing but he wasn’t about to care. He could make more if need be, hell he had more in his basement. One potion was nothing compared to his life. “Why exactly would I share information with someone who clearly intends on killing me? Judging by how you speak, I can assume nothing I can saw will change your mind.” Lips grew thin a moment contemplating his next choice of words, “If it’s…Female companionship you’re looking for. I have daughters, two, both beautiful.” Willing to lend his daughters to a murderer to save his own skin. Really was he any better than Ettna at that point? “If that’s the only reason you’re working with her...I can buy you women. More beautiful than she...That doesn’t take much though.” The mage’s lip curled, his guard wasn’t about to be dropped. His eyes didn’t move from the rogue. He was almost waiting for the same thing. An opening to split the man in half and make a run for it.

  Boen Dark: Thought for a few moments as his back sudden started to turn towards the mage; letting his hues trail upon the trinkets that lined the wall as he faced away from him. "Tempting offer.." He muttered forth; in truth? It was really fucking tempting. But Boen wasn't quite ready to go against Ettna. He might be immortal; but the woman would make him suffer dearly.

  Ettna: “We...We can make a deal. Find her weaknesses for me...And I will give you whatever you ask of me. All you need to do is win her over. Find out how to kill her...we can stop her from becoming a serious issue to the both of us. She’ll kill you if she deems it fit. If you stop meeting her needs she’ll throw you out….You’re just a pawn.” As boen’s back was turned the mag was working on a spell, one that took a while to cast. His fingers trailing the book in runic patterns. “We can...even make it seem like you honestly killed me...I’ll vanish to make your job seem done.”

  Boen Dark: His back continued to set towards the mage as his hands rested infront of him. His arms as still as possible as was simply messing with something. His gaze continued to set forward; seeming to admire what was in the room. "Hrm.." He muttered forth as his hands continued to mess with something that was settled infront of him; though kept it away from the Magisters gaze. "I don't know. I mean..her killing everyone and the world burning? It doesn't sound like a bad thing." He stated with a chuckle. "Think about the bright side..Oh wait..thats right.."

  Ettna: That was not the answer he wanted. So this was the response he gave. A finger sliced along the edge of one of the pages in his book, giving himself a deep paper cut before flicking blood forward. The line thickening in the air and flying at the rogue with the sharpness of a blade. Granted this kind of magic took a lot out of the mage, seeing as he was using his own blood. AS thick as that crimson blade got the less blood he had in his person. Needless to say, he didn’t let it get out of control. He merely wanted to cut the man down and run before he pieced himself back together. Would it even work?

  Boen Dark: Boen knew the mage was up to something; he didn't live thousands of years on this earth for nothing. He could read people so easily; and the mage had been trying to stall him; though Boen was faster. He turned just in time as he pointed what looked like a gun at the mage. Any engineer would know it to be a Swapblaster; something that people tended to annoy others with. But in this case? It would do wonders for Boen's survial.

 The magic was souring towards Boen as he activated the device; sending a sudden wave outward as he hoped to hit the mage. If he succeed; the two of them would be suddenly teleported. Not very far; they simply switched locations. But the spell that was directed at Boen; it was now directed towards the mage.

  Ettna: Seeing the gun there was fear, he had no idea what it was and closed his eyes, expecting to get blasted in the face. Nope. he felt the switch and opened his eyes just in time to be sliced through the middle by his own spell. The mage's body crumpling to the floor in the puddle of his own blood. Silence would fill the room, despite their fight no one had woken up.

 Second passed before two arms looped around Boen out of nowhere. Ettna’s claws interweaving across his midsection, “You’re a pristine blade…” She coo’d in his ear before slipping away from him. She seemed very pleased as she hovered over the mage's body. Reaching down to steal up his spellbook, shaking some of the blood from the pages. “I could buy you whores as well you know…” She looked at him, “If you ever get bored with...My pussy.” She smirked at him, “Just tell me your type and they’ll be at your feet.” She stared at him in adoration, he was going to work out very well.

  Boen Dark: His gaze shifted to the spell book for a moment before looking once more towards Ettna. 'Holy shit, that worked' He muttered within his thoughts as his gaze peered towards the mage. "I mean..in truth though." He muttered as he moved over towards where the potions laid upon the table; picking each one up as he started to stuff them in his bag. "I didn't exactly kill him. He committed suicide. His own spell and everything." Boen said with a sudden chuckle as he gently peered down to the gun that rested within his hands. "Good ole blastie" Be muttered forth as he lifted it; gently kissing it along the barrel. "Also, I am good without any whores." he muttered forth. "You are plenty." He stated as the gun lowered and hooked onto his belt. "So, what now?"

 Ettna: Ettna stared down at the body as she clutched the spell book. She paid Boen no mind as he filled his pockets. Ettna slowly knelt down before trailing her finger about in the blood, drawing something. Some manner of magical spell or rune written across the floor by the body. Nothing happened beyond that, perhaps a gift for whomever finds the body, perhaps it would kick in later. Maybe she was just drawing smile faces. She said nothing about it. “You get paid.” She looked up at him before standing back up and stepping over the body. Extending her arm to him to take, “I’ll buy a room with a nice bed and a big bath...Surely you could one.” She leaned and sniffed him, “You smell like burnt flesh.” She recoiled a little, giving him a judgmental look.

Ettna: [ and we'll need to pause here.]

Boen Dark: Okie!))

[nerdarchy-blog]

Your stalwart old lady grognard finished her first fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons campaign last night! And my character survived!

First, a little backstory. A little more than a year ago, I read about Nerdarchy on Facebook and watched some of their videos. I learned they were right across the river in New Jersey! At the time, I hadn’t played (as a player) a D&D game in decades, and I’d never played 5E D&D. However, the popularity (it seemed everyone was playing it) and my desire to play D&D again caused me to reach out to the Nerdarchy guys. But how to make myself stand out from the thousands of emails, comments and fan mail they received each day? Hmmm. I know! I’ll rattle off my gaming resume! (TSR, GW, etc.) And they responded!

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After some initial texts and such I was invited to a game forming that would be played once a month. I’d never met any of these people, and for all I knew Nerdarchist Ted (who was hosting) was actually a serial killer who had chained Nerdarchist Dave in his basement to make the videos. (Is Nerdarchist Dave blinking “T-O-R-T-U-R-E” in Morse code in that video?) In any case, I drove from the Philly ‘burbs to meet the guys and sit in on a game in an edition that was far different than the one I knew. Damn millennials. Get off my lawn.

Fortunately, the other players as well as Ted (henceforth DM) were very patient with me as I fumbled through character creation, etc., and humored me when I insisted in *gasp!* actually rolling my character stats instead of taking the standard frame thing. *clutches pearls!* The rest of the group looked on bemused as I rolled the 4d6 method from ages past, with the condition that I get one shot at this and must accept the character as rolled…

7 11 16 13 18 16 (not in that order)

Holy crab! Best character I’d ever rolled! I, of course, played it cool, extolling the virtues of the Old Ways while, inside, celebrating like crazy. As it stood, I had the best stats in the party. So of course I decided to play…

A cleric.

I was going to play a human cleric (WTF is a “warforged” anyway?) but Dave suggested an aasimar. A what??? That’s a human with divine blood who gets really powerful boosts and stuff to start, and progressively gets more powerful. Hmm… cleric with angel, I mean “celestial” blood? I could work that. I’d heard 5E D&D had wildly overpowered characters but… wow. The DM allowed us use of D&D Beyond, which was an immense help to this novice. I found a suitable picture online that fit the character description.

So was born unto the table, Emerald of the Light. She was a Light Domain cleric (duh) as this fit the idea I had for her. She was going to be young, drop dead gorgeous and very good at ministering to the flock and converting others to the Light. The DM even allowed me to design her deity, whom I named Selah, commonly the known as “the Light.” I designed the priesthood, the paladins (the Service of the Light,) the temples, relics, etc. In addition, I designed a beggar deity in the pantheon: NohWhey.

The rest of the group were a motley crew (cue ’80s music) and we spent the first session deciding on our group backstory (we started at 3rd level), and between the DM’s two campaign ideas. We even were able to name the big bad — a generic wizard name from my old campaigns: Zoltar. Our group named itself the Seven Who Stayed (as we were the only seven desperate enough for a job to stay for that first quest, which was to rescue a family from a cult of goblins who worshiped an owlbear. It got far more complicated, but that’s the basics). It bears mentioning I was the only female character, and the only woman at the table.

In March 2019 we began the campaign. Over time we fought giant stirges, settled a town dispute without bloodshed (thanks to my… Charisma and Wisdom) encountered Ipskig Fizzletop, genasi, an invincible undead dwarf, a booger flying across the table and landing on my character sheet (really!), various monsters made from pieces of multiple beasts (that was Zoltar’s bag — making combination monsters that steadily became more Lovecraftian and bizarre) including a tentacled two headed T-Rex, got gold teeth for a shriveled goblin shrunken head, discussed scaly lizard nutsacks, traveled through multiple planes and, in the end, saved the city-state. During that time, Emerald healed the party while dispensing Holy Justice. Oh, and she never died.  Her stats at the end?

7 STR, 11 INT, 16 CON, 13 INT, 20 WIS, 18 CHA

The players (I’m not naming them as I don’t have permission) were wonderful roleplayers, much to my character’s chagrin. They did so many frustratingly stupid things that were so in character I was fascinated. Emerald was often the straight woman to their jokes. I don’t think we had a true party leader but the group often did what I suggested. Not always. Sometimes.

Okay, I loved the campaign itself. Now… I’m removing my emotion hat and am now looking at the system objectively from the point of view of a person who’s been playing D&D for over 40 years.

Pass the Geritol.

I’d heard from many Players of Experience that the new edition was very simplified, didn’t resemble the original game in most ways and had overpowered characters.

They are correct. Aside from the monsters and the class names, there really isn’t much of the original game left. Character generation is oversimplified to the point of being generic, as are character hit points and experience (your characters gain a level every two sessions — no experience points). Also, occasionally when levelling, a player could add two points to an ability score (or a feat). (Max: 20.)

Math has been completely eliminated from the game. The other players were again shocked I always insisted on rolling my hit points when we leveled instead of taking the average. Usually it worked out in my favor (praise the Light!) but not always. In the end, Emerald’s hit points were 10 points higher than if I’d taken the average (plus Constitution bonus).

Okay, even with the generic stats the characters are far more powerful than back in the day. They start with feats, which give them incredible abilities. The races also have jaw dropping abilities to start as well. I can’t speak for the other classes but the cleric spells and abilities were also incredible. By the end my 10th level cleric was throwing fireballs (previously a wizard only spell) while flying over the battlefield with wings of light created by divine power, and had a 10% chance of calling for Divine Intervention once a week! And I was far from the strongest character in the party! (Best spellcaster though. Hee hee.)

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Zolar, the big bad of Nerdarchist Ted’s campaign

The terrible two-tentacled T-Rex

The DM compensated by throwing monsters (like the aforementioned T.T. T-Rex) that we really had no business defeating. Zoltar ended up as a lich with two beholder eye stalks (damn clever if you ask me, and yes, the DM converted the model!), which was immune to fire. Also to compensate, magic items were exceedingly rare for the players, but not for the monsters who, when defeated, often had their weapons vanish or such.

Combat with the large group sometimes dragged, as it will with a large group, but… I felt it lacked the flavor of previous editions. Weapons did damage, but were really interchangeable. Emerald’s mace may as well have been a broad sword. Or a wooden club. While slightly more complex, the old versions’ damage by weapon type and bonus/penalties vs. certain armors really added to the flavor of the game. Oh, and forced the player to *lightning and thunder crash* do math!

In the new edition’s favor is that with all the computer programs, companies churning out amazing play aids (like Nerdarchy’s Out of the Box Encounters) and YouTube videos helping people learn the game, as well as just videos of people… just …playing… zzzzzz… Oh, sorry… really helps.

D&D was definitely a niche thing back in the day: nerds and outcasts only, even during the heyday of the early ’80s. Now it’s chic and all the cool kids are playing it. Is this because it’s so streamlined? Probably. It plays like an online video game, which I’m sure helps with recruitment.

Older editions were more complex, required math and deductive reasoning (due to the books being poorly organized in the original edition — yes, I’m looking at you, first edition DM’s Guide!), but had an air of wonder. Everything was new then and as a player one felt like part of something special. I felt that way working for TSR in the ’90s, even though the company was becoming very corporate. Fifth edition is falling into the trap that second edition did — there’s so much material and rules out there that things are becoming convoluted and hard to follow, even with computer assistance.

Or maybe that’s just me. Maybe part of my memories of first and second editions are tinted with the golden light of memory and nostalgia — of old friends, great adventures played in unfinished basements or cramped cinder block dorm rooms.

I DMed a second edition campaign briefly last spring, which ended when one of the players (a Gen Z) said the game was boring, and two of the players went back to fifth edition gaming. The scenario wasn’t boring, she said (Keep on the Borderlands, if you’re curious) but the system was. I was deflated. And hurt. Took it personally.

I’m not here to piss in anyone’s corn flakes — if you enjoy fifth edition then play it! Enjoy the camaraderie, enjoy the settings and making the DM curse when your unexpected action completely derails their plans (that hasn’t changed in any edition!). I’ll play if offered a seat (which as a transgender woman is rare — but that’s another column for later) sure. But to DM?

My heart will always be in the early editions.

Get off my lawn! I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids! *passes out Werther’s Original candies.*

Be well!

With her first 5E D&D campaign complete now that Nerdarchist Ted's game ended, a longtime player compares the experience to earlier editions of the game Your stalwart old lady grognard finished her first fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons campaign last night! And my character survived!