Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lostboy1701 04-07-05, 02:33 AM	This is the (revised and more detailed) backstory to my character. I would love to know your feedback: WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE SUBJECT MATTER An only child of winged elves, Charstin Graywater traveled the countryside with his mother and father, like gypsies, along with others that had been outcast from his homeland of Avariel. Nomads for generations, for reasons now long forgotten, they traveled the countryside seeking a place to call home. He was the youngest in his caravan, only forty-four years of age. Born and raised so freely, he was a happy child. He loved to fly to the tops of trees and mountains and look out at distant villages. "How sad", he thought, "to have to stay in one place". Then he would chase a poor sparrow from branch to branch or through the sky in a race. Charstin had no desire for anything else in his life. He was happy. It was during one night, while everyone slept around the fire, the camp was attacked by rouges. Nets fell from the darkness and ensnared everyone. His wings became more entangled as he tried to free himself and he knew there was no escape, but still he tried. Then he saw the men. Hunters and trackers filled the camp. They ran in and secured the nets tightly around those who were not as well trapped. Swords were drawn... Charstin closed his eyes. SCREAMS! More SCREAMS! The sound of metal through flesh. SCREAMS! And then his mother. He knew her voice, even as so much chaos ensued around him. He rolled on the ground, the net twisting his wings into pain as he did. He could now see her. His mother, bleeding, dying, her wings held by a hairy old man who spread them and examined each feather as she slipped away into death. He took no notice or concern for her... only for the wings. More death... more wings. Charstin looked into the cold eyes of his motionless mother. She no longer breathed. He rolled again, and saw his father, dead. Wings were piled onto a wagon. Merchants would pay highly for these "trophies". Charstin's heart sank. Everyone he loved in the camp was dead. He began to look forward to his turn at the hands of the butchers. But nobody came to drive steel into him. Nobody hacked at his wings. Hours went by, and the dead were freed from the nets and piled onto the fire. The wagons were looted and the hunters began to drink and smoke, and still he was not touched. Sunlight broke through the cracks of the crate and awoke Charstin. He found himself free of the net and in a large box, his wings, hands and feet bound. He had passed out at some time during the festivities of the hunters. He peered through a hole in his container and realized that he was traveling on the back of a wagon down the road. The wings of everyone he knew were piled beside his prison of wood. He began to sob and longed to fly high into the clouds and then stop, letting himself fall fast into the ground and die. The wagon traveled for many days and nights during which time he slept. Never was the door opened, and never was there any food. Now and then, one of the hunters would pour water onto the crate. He would suck at the water that dripped onto him. Eventually, the road turned to stone and the sound of the wheels on it marked and end to his journey. The wings were unloaded and then the container he was in. The top was pried off and he was pulled out and thrown onto the floor in a well lit parlor. Looking around, he saw three men. One was the hairy old man who had examined his mother's wings. The other two were obviously not hunters. One was old and frail, with a twisted face, and the other just as old, but younger looking. This second man was fat and wore too many jewels. The gems were costume and not precious. Charstin knew that. They all seemed to bicker for a while. Charstin had never heard common language before and could not make out what was being said, though he knew it had to be about him. The old man walked away from the dispute and approached him. He placed his wrinkled hands on Charstin's legs and then touched his face, examining the softness of his skin. Then the fat one came over and pried open Charstin's mouth. He pulled at Charstin's hair as if as a warning not to bite as he slid his plump, salty fingers around Charstin's mouth and inspected his teeth. Then he was thrown onto his stomach his robes pulled off. As he lay there, the old man began to examine other, more private areas. Terrified and humiliated, Charstin began to sob, but nobody seemed to care. Gold was exchanged and the hunter left with Charstin still bound and naked on the floor. More men entered and held down the young elf as his wings were released from the ropes and stretched out to be clipped with shears (to prevent him from being able fly for a few weeks - then he would be clipped again). After he was rendered flightless, the fat one called in two elfin youth who untied the rest of his restraints and took Charstin into a room containing a large pool of hot spring fed water. One of the elves began to speak to him in Elvish. "Don't fight us, please... or we will all be beaten. It's not so bad here. Just relax. Just do as we say. It will all be all right." The elfin boys stripped off their garments and led Charstin into the pool and began to wash him. The fat man and the frail one stood in the corner watching. They glared at him... studied his body... and smiled with a perverse thrill as the bathing ritual continued. The bath did feel good. After days in the crate, Charstin could think of nothing more pleasant at that moment. He sat deeper into the water allowing it to cover him completely. He stood and spread his wings and watched the water drip off them and his body. The fat man squealed with delight at the sight, and the frail one grinned with a certain satisfaction that made Charstin uneasy. After the bath, he was brought robes and taken by the elves to a large dinning room. There he saw more elves and a few humans. All were young males seated at a long table filled with fruits and breads and each was given a small plate of meat. Charstin feasted, as this was his first meal in days. He paid no attention to the others. All he could think about was filling his stomach. After so much food, he began to feel he could eat no more and for the first time, began to take note of those around him. The boys all at first glance seemed healthy, but as he began to watch them more, Charstin saw bruises and movements that indicated pain. He turned to one of the elves that had bathed him, the one who spoke to him, and asked "Who are you? Where are we? What is this place?" The elf glanced at the two men who were seated at a separate dinning table. They still watched Charstin with interest. The elf became uneasy and replied. "My name is Rekiva. And you are in Tier Dalics. It’s a business of sorts. And we work here. And now you do to. Just relax. Someone will explain everything to you." Then a bell rang and the room came alive with chatter and movement. The two men started to yell and shout as the boys filed out of the dinning hall and into the parlor. Charstin followed but Rekiva pulled him aside. The rest of the boys formed a line as the fat man unlocked a door leading to another small room with a door. The first door was pulled shut and locked behind him. Rekiva motioned for Charstin to follow him and started up the stairs. Charstin followed but stopped half way when he heard the door opening again and saw the fat one escorting a merchant dwarf with him. The dwarf walked the line and then glanced at stairwell and spotted Charstin. He pointed but the frail one interrupted in a kind and professional tone. They began to debate something as the fat one yelled at Rekiva and Charstin was pulled away, up the stairs to a sleeping chamber. Rekiva explained that Charstin had nothing to fear from that horrid dwarf. He said that Charstin wouldn’t have to deal with the likes of him for some time. Then Rekiva laid out the whole story. He explained that Tier Dalics was a brothel. He explained what would be required of Charstin. Charstin began to cry at the thoughts of what that dwarf wanted to do to him. He sobbed as Rekiva held him and continued with the story of what was to come. The events laid out that night did come to pass. Charstin was forced to do many things for, to, and from many visitors. Most were rich merchants and nobles. Some were commoners with enough gold to get in the door. Some were passionate and others cruel and rough. Humans, Dwarfs, Halflings, and many other races entered. Never an elf came, though it was realized that elves were the favorite in this by the patrons. Over time, Charstin learned many of the languages of those who came to Tier Dalics. He was the prize of the house. "The Avariel." The winged elf" and cost the most. Only the richest could afford him. That is not to say that was a good thing. The rich seemed to value life less. They were rougher than most in their actions. Many tore at his wings during the act. His wings were little more than decoration now. They were kept clipped to prevent his flight. This went on for three years. One night, as he slept in pain after being with an overly aggressive and abusive customer, he was awoken by an angel-like creature at the side of his bed. He looked up and saw an Astral Diva, who identified himself as Terel. Terel explained that when the events of his abduction took place, he was nearby but resisted helping due to a sense of evil from within the camp. He had since watched the events of Charstin's life and had seen all the terrible things that have been done to him. Never able to rest with the decision to not help three years before, he had decided to now help free the young winged elf and hoped to set right the path of Charstin. He believed that, although he could not change the past, he could no longer bear to watch Charstin's abuse continue. Terel called upon the god Kertaba. He asked for her help. The Astral Diva began to shimmer in white light as Charstin felt something stir within himself. He felt energy... power like he had never known. Terel stepped forward and said "You are healed. Your wings will allow flight again. Come let us leave this place forever." Charstin rose up and went to his bedroom door and found it unlocked. He entered the hall and made his way to the stairs. He spread his wings and found that Terel had not lied. His wings allowed him to glide down the stairs without effort. He landed and began to head towards the front door to see if it too was unlocked. Before he could reach out, the fat man, who he now knew as Shan; and the frail one, Zobin; called to him. He turned to see his captors standing in bed gowns with needles in their hands. He had seen these needles before and knew they were dipped in a sleep agent. They were used to sedate the boys when needed. Shan stepped forward and Charstin backed up as an energy blast shot out from Charstin's hand and hit Shan, who fell to the ground and dropped the needle. Zobin looked horrified. Charstin was confused. He looked back toward the stairs at Terel who seemed to be processing what just happened. Zobin Yelled and ran at Charstin who blasted him to the ground as well. Charstin looked down at them and began to smile. He raised his hands and began firing blast after blast into them. He continued until both were dead one-hundred-times over. Still he fired into them. Terel pulled him off of them and Charstin began to laugh. Terel was in fear now. He had come to realize that the evil presence he felt so long ago at the camp was actually running through Charstin's bloodline. There were ancient evil pacts with demons generations past. His magic had awoken the power that had lied dormant for all this time. That explained why the caravan was in exile. That was the secret that nobody knew any longer. Charstin still laughed. He then took off back p the stairs. He blasted at all the locked chamber doors until they were all opened. With each new room, he peered inside and as he saw patrons, he would target them with his new power. Terel begged him to stop the killing, but Charstin did not stop. Not until all of the boys were free. Not until all the guards and patrons of Tier Dalics were dead. Terel realized he may have made an even greater mistake, but swore to Kertaba that he would watch after Charstin and try to guide him. Terel continues to watch over the young Avariel. Despite Terel's constant (and often annoying) appearances, Charstin has yet to follow the path desired for him. He is by no means evil, but his since of right is skewed by the events of his life. Feeling that the world owes him, Charstin now sells his magic talents to adventure parties that are willing to pay him gold and a cut of treasures acquired. He still seeks a place in the world, and hopes that someday he will find it. Adventuring, for him, is like traveling the way he did with his family. It is hard for him to trust those around him, but still tries to connect with people in his party. He wants to still find a place in the world for himself and hopes that in his travels he will find what he seeks. He still sees Terel now and then, who still tries to control the young and ambitious elf, but fails more often than not. Charstin just doesn’t see himself as the kind of person to be "paladin-like" perfect. He views himself as less stuffy than his Astral Diva friend. Though he does care what Terel has to say, he just doesn’t feel it all is so cut and dry in the world.
Lostboy1701 04-12-05, 02:35 AM	sad... not even 1 comment about this?
Harrow Blade 04-12-05, 09:48 AM	As the title states I think it is an interesting background. There are a few similarities with a character of my own Char Soulburn (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=394824) However I have a few Questions. How long ago was his family cast out and by whom? Did either of his parents exhibit any sort of power from this pact or is it one so far in the family history it has lain dormant until now? If the pact was really that ancient then why are his family still outcasts and are you the last of your bloodline? Are you playing him as an evil character with no intent to listen to his guide or will he eventually turn to good? other than those questions I think it is a great start for a character back ground.
Lostboy1701 04-14-05, 06:47 AM	There are a few similarities with a character of my own I do see some common ideas. VERY different in other aspects. Loved where you took yours and hope you like this one too. How long ago was his family cast out and by whom? Did either of his parents exhibit any sort of power from this pact or is it one so far in the family history it has lain dormant until now? If the pact was really that ancient then why are his family still outcasts and are you the last of your bloodline? Are you playing him as an evil character with no intent to listen to his guide or will he eventually turn to good? I think I answered almost all your questions in this revised (and overly extended) version. As for the 1 unanswered: Q: Are you the last of your bloodline? A: He wouldnt know that. He is the last that he knows of.. but his family history is a bit obscure because of the traveling and secret past. That might be something a DM can explore. (Enter: a distant relative warlock NPC)
Lostboy1701 04-14-05, 09:53 AM	Lets hope this works... you should be able to see Charstin! http://image1.connexion.org/ph/001/072/10520-VF.jpg
Lostboy1701 04-14-05, 09:56 AM	One more of him... http://n00089.myspace.com/00089/82/59/89259528_l.jpg
Faramir154 04-14-05, 09:57 PM	Interesting tale....and such a horrid beginning of life. Were any of my characters to see this, they would have done the same thing, or died trying. What are the exact stats for him? Like what level and class is he? What has happened since his ordeal with the brothel? Has he learned anything else of his past? What kind of weapons does he use? I might have more questions later, but these are all for now
Lostboy1701 04-14-05, 10:19 PM	What are the exact stats for him? Like what level and class is he? His Basic stats: Race: Avariel (Races of Faerun) Class: Warlock (Complete Divine) Align: Chaotic Good - [trust me... works with his history] Deity: Kertaba Level: 1 (will be 2 by end of next group) ABILITY SCORES after racial adjustments: Str: 11 (modifier =0) Dex: 22 (modifier =6) Con:13 (modifier =1) Int: 20 (modifier =5) Wis: 12 (modifier =1) Cha: 18 (modifier = 4) What has happened since his ordeal with the brothel? Has he learned anything else of his past? I've just started playing him... so not much has happened to define more yet. He does hate Undead! The scars on his face are magical unhealing scars caused from a run in with one while on an adventure. Thats gonna be interesting seeing as how he has some undead Invos being a warlock. I think for Character sake, he will never use any of them (despite how powerfull they are) He also looses it now and then cause he, every once in a while, encounters people who used to come to Tier Dalics. So far he has killed people that he remembers as patrons of the brothel... but DM's could have a lot of fun ussing them as NPCs. (Enter: someone who used to abuse Charstin in the brothel who outside he learns has a wife and kids - could make for some interesting roleplay) What kind of weapons does he use? For the most part, he flys up and use Eldrich Blast, but he carries a mace. Never used it tho... cause he's never stuck on the ground in melee combat! (yay for wings!)
Faramir154 04-14-05, 10:59 PM	Hmmmm.....if ever his Arcane powers fail, a crossbow or bow could be useful. If you did find a former patron of the brothel that you've had the pleasure of killing and they did have a wife and kid, the person deserved it for the crimes he's commited, I think this way because I usually use Lawful Good characters (none of them Paladins though.) What kind of reasons does Terel show up for? Is he interested in finding any more of his kind? Will he go on a personal vendetta to kill former Patrons of the Brothel?
Lostboy1701 04-14-05, 11:31 PM	First let me Thank you for these questions. It's nice seeing an outside perspective and finding out what area's of the character's past will others look at and see possible flaws that I would miss. What kind of reasons does Terel show up for? Terel is a total NPC at the DM's discression. In my history (however) Terel in very "paladin like". Astral Divas are lawfull good. This one happens to worship a Chaotic-Good god (Kertaba). Terel wants Charstin to be Lawfull good. He often pops up at dificult times (like battle) and wants Charstin to go rescue a cat in a tree or not something outr of the ordinary. Terel has difficulty prioritizing things. He knows what is good... just doesnt see one good and more important than another. To him, good is good. To try and consider one task to be more relivant than another is chaotic to him. Kertaba on the other hand is much more patiant and tollerant of Charstin's actions. Often Terel gets upset at Charstin and gets upset that Kertaba doesnt seem as concerned as he is. Is he interested in finding any more of his kind? Will he go on a personal vendetta to kill former Patrons of the Brothel? His only interest is in finding a place in the world now that he is "alone". He doesnt seek out the former "johns", but does run into them now and then on the road. He (as of now) only has one view of them, and thats of how they were to him in the brothel. I think if he met one that didnt recognize him and tried to get in close (maybe to kill him) he might (on accident) see another side to them that might make him question his vengance. Again... thats something for the DM to explore. On a final note: In the campaign we are in right now, none of the rest of the party knows his background. The other adventures met up with him on the road and do not know about his time in the brothel.
Harrow Blade 04-15-05, 12:09 AM	I really like the expanded back story. the pictures also help to create a full character profiile. Congrats on a well developed character.
Faramir154 04-15-05, 12:12 AM	Thanks for the thanks for my critisism. I'll think of more questions later. Update this forum from time to time, tell me about how he is progressing. I'll have more questions as he goes, haha.
Lostboy1701 04-16-05, 04:13 AM	Glad everyone enjoyed the story (and pics). I was a little afraid that it might be a bit dark for most's tastes... I was kinda forced into playing a "good" alignment, but still wanted a dark character and thought of this. It gives me the chance to do some F'ed up stuff and get a way with it... hehehe.
Faramir154 04-17-05, 02:28 AM	You definatly got dark with his past, no doubt about that. Though, I'm not sure if his past could have kept any good in him intact, especialy after he realized his inate abilities and ruthlessly killed patrons of the Brothel.
Lostboy1701 04-17-05, 01:43 PM	I think Charstin is a good guy. He sees those that entered the brothel as evil. He thinks he is doing the world a service. Sort of vigilante... but not evil (hence Chaotic). Perhaps he will come to regard the former patrons with more understanding in the future... but for now I dont think what he is doing is an "evil" act... at least not in his eyes. I'd like to know more of what everyone else thinks on this. Alignment is still a little tricky for me at times. I think I have him pegged right at CG. but I could be wrong.
Lostboy1701 04-22-05, 06:21 AM	http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/lostboy1701/Charstinart2.jpg
Faramir154 05-21-05, 12:53 PM	So, any updates?
Lostboy1701 05-22-05, 05:35 AM	Work has been schedualing me on my game nights (bastards!) so I have had to adjust by going on a solo adventure and meeting with the DM alone while the party continues. So far my DM has been focusing the story around one of the other chracter's and the rest of us are just kind of tagging along. Really sucks too. My history hasnt had a chance to come up at all. As a form of revenge against my DM for neglecting the rest of our characters, I made out with one of his NPCs to spite him. (A teifling boy that was our tour guide in a town.) That was a good "reminder" of my past. I figured I would just RP my character the way I wrote him even if he doesnt use it's flavor in the campain. PLUS: Because we are playing in his own created world... he has alter my backgroud to "fit in". According to him... All Avariel have a history with demonic pacts and thus Warlocks are not uncommon. This means my family was not traveling as outcasts, but rather just killed while traveling. He did keep that rest of it... just changed how I got my powers. Makes me a little sad... cause I feel like Im playing a character in a story he is writing, rather than as a character in a game I am playing. I'll let you know if this changes.
Lostboy1701 03-28-06, 07:09 PM	http://fs5.deviantart.com/i/2005/120/f/2/Charstin_by_Lostboy1701.jpg