Aragir Norde/History

Origins

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Illerius, the city where Aragir grew up, is one of relative wealth. Clean and pleasing to the eye, with architecture that implements both arches and contrasting angles. Yet there is also space for nature, that seems to blend into it seamlessly, yet controlled with sculpted trees. Decorations are inspired from nature with designs that resemble leaves , vines and branches.

Though they were typically wanderers, the city was founded and mostly filled with moon elves after they distanced themselves from the rule of their old nation. There were a few other kinds as well, as was evident from the city's aesthetics, though they mostly isolated themselves to somewhat higher grounds. Unlike in many other moon elf communities, there are not many other races there, as it is mostly surrounded by thick forest land and rough terrain.

The only exception to this are the Ado Fields to the south of Illerius, which are generally described as vast open fields from which one can see the adjacent sea. Through these fields, one would find portal-like structures made from both marble and sculpted trees, characteristic for the city itself, that loosely form a pathway from Illerius to the open sea and ocean. Along the coast, four statues depicting the three Goddesses and their composite form Angharradh stand on the cliffside. With the Goddesses looking over the field, and Angharradh herself looking over the sea.

When a citizen of Illerius returns to spend their remaining days in their home, it is believed that when they pass their spirit will follow the path, where Angharradh will receive them and lead them back to their spiritual home past the Storming Expanse. There they will stay among their patrons until they are reincarnated.

The moon elves of Illerius tend to stick to a mostly pescetarian diet, where they live off what the land and sea provides them. This they believe to be the blessings of Angharradh.

Among most of the moon elves, including Aragir's family, the city was a safe haven to return to when one sought some familiarity in their adventurous lives. And thus the city has not changed in millennia.

Aragir's family, Ilphelnodel (Moonblossom), is comprised of humble but strong-willed individuals. He has two brothers named Erevan and Druindar and one sister named Gaelira, who is the youngest of the four.

Raised primarily by their father, Laucian, after their mother died during childbirth, the siblings lived a life of relative comfort. Through many stories of adventures and heroism, most of them were motivated into becoming the travelers they are today, just like their parents were before they settled to raise a family. However, Aragir was not one of them.

Born as the second-eldest child, Aragir's reclusive and shy nature formed a stark contrast with the excitement of his siblings. Where they enjoyed the occasional rough-play, playing of joyous music and challenging each other with bets, he mostly enjoyed reading, writing and sculpting and caring for the trees that surrounded their home. Laucian often thought this to be the result of the loss of his mother, to whom he was very close, but Aragir has always dismissed this notion.

Despite his personality traits, simple sibling rivalry and encouragement from his father helped him hone his fighting skills, among other skills that were essential for traveling.

Though emboldened by age and his successes in later years, Aragir is ever drawn to the calm and quiet, where he can put his energy into whatever new read he is drawn into. He is mostly withdrawn and quite horrible at small-talk, though his interactions can also be impulsive and come off as unintentionally rude. Especially when excitement of a new discovery or the thrill of an unsolved mystery gets the better of him. When he is not engulfed in research of some kind, he might toy around with sculpting plants through the use of magic.

He is not fond of fighting, and the sight of blood repulses him even when he does not show it. He can eat meat, but like his kin in Illerius he mostly sticks to a pescetarian diet. Good-quality fresh water reminds him of the sparkling, crystal clear creeks that ran just outside the borders of his home-city. He can also enjoy the occasional mead.

The start of an Adventure

It had been confusing indeed. One moment he sat quietly, peacefully, observing this strange new artifact that a retainer had brought back from his journey, and the next moment he found himself on the cold stone floor of what looked like a palace. And if that was not enough, its guards found him soon after.

Three of them were dwarves, and one looked human. Perhaps they had ties with the royal army, then. Though such a conclusion was rather brash and would be better left unspoken.

His initial questions only met with snappish replies, Aragir remained silent as the guards were about to escort him to the nearest dungeon for further investigation.

But then a familiar voice called out to him; Between the threatening gazes of the men that surrounded him, stood his older brother Druindar, officer of the Golden Garde. This all but confirmed that the royal family was in some way involved.

Druindar quickly bade the guards to resume their stations, and took it upon himself to lead Aragir back outside, where they spoke about what had happened.

"A strange artifact," the older brother repeated after Aragir had finished, "It seems almost appropriate for you to meet me again this way."

"I suppose it has been a little while," Aragir responded, "How many years, exactly? Thirty or so?"

Druindar laughed and gave him a nudge. "Double that, and we're close. You stick your nose into your books so much that you forget to look up from time to time. Do you even know what year it is now?" He shrugged. "But at least you still write. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Is that so?"

"You do not belong down here, brother. This city may look warm and inviting from where we stand, but one need only take a short trip away from its center to see the reality that lies hidden underneath this veil of prosperity. This land, like many others, is troubled. Your talents are better spent within the safe walls of the Academy, where you might find the answers that the rest of us can’t reach."

"Yet I do not think I can forget the feeling I had when I first arrived here," Aragir said as he looked down the palace stairs and into the plaza. Though it had changed quite a bit over the years, some key elements remained. In his mind he followed the path he had once walked before, up until the wizard's guild. "My very own adventure."

"I believe I have spotted the wizard’s guild," He then added as he started his descent towards the plaza, "I will make sure to visit you again soon, hopefully at a more appropriate moment. Thank you again for saving me from those brutes."

"They are not brutes."

"Let's agree to disagree."

It was surprising to find that the wizard's guild let him in so easily, since his sudden displacement had left him woefully bereft of any documents. Perhaps it was the Academy symbol that he wore on the back of his coat, even though he imagined it could easily have been forged had he been an intruder.

On his way to the teleport chambers, the young mage that escorted him insisted on making small talk. Gods, but he hated small talk. Especially with strangers. They would ask about the weather, or about his day or some other trivial matter; None of which was not already obvious from observation alone. And they never truly wanted to hear the details. It was custom, if nothing else. He never quite found the right words in moments like these either.

But there was a particular string of words that caught his attention amidst this sea of trivialities.

"Are you here to follow Alduin's footsteps?"

Aragir stopped in his tracks, and finally looked towards the young man. "Say that again?"

"Alduin, sir," the mage answered, "Did you come here to visit the Adventurer's Guild like he did?"

Aragir's lips parted, but no words passed through. It was sudden that his mentor left, and no one in the Academy had ever seen or heard of him since. He had told himself that he was at peace with the knowledge that Alduin had made a conscious decision for himself, and that he was proud to take up his mantle as a leading scholar. But there was still something in him that yearned to know more.

"Why was he here?" He finally asked, "How long ago was this? Where did he go?"

The mage tilted his head slightly. "A good couple of years. Somewhere before my time. But with how well-known his name is within the guild... Of course people talk. All we know is that he went to the Adventurer's guild, so maybe their guildmaster could tell you more."

With a turn Aragir grabbed hold of the other man's shoulders, unaware of how it made him slightly uncomfortable, and grinned at him. "I thank you for escorting me, but I believe I will be staying in Brassdorf a little longer." He gave him a determined nod. "I will find my way out."

It was as if he had stepped into another world once he passed through the doors of the Adventurer's Guild. One parallel to his own; the same but different. Their logo, proudly hung from the ceiling in the main hall, depicted a hand that seemed to be surrounded by a circle of flowers. Around him were people of different kinds, some quite unique compared to the average citizen of Brassdorf or even those within the Academy. But they all worked to better the world they lived in, one way or another. The guild's judgement seemed to be one of principle; As long as one was willing to work with them and showed good character, looks or social standing did not matter.

Aragir found that there was honour in this, and for a moment he could feel a hint of excitement. One that felt almost nostalgic, for it was that same feeling he had felt so many years ago, when he first entered this city. Would Alduin have felt it too when he passed through these doors?

To his regret, the guildmaster was more difficult to reach than he had anticipated. The man had too much to do to be able to meet with just about anyone, or so he was told. But perhaps he could keep track of his availability if he established a connection with the guild itself. And the one surefire way to do this was to enlist.

He smiled as if he had just gotten the excuse he needed to examine the quest board. In his mind he pictured his mentor standing where he stood. Could there have been something that piqued his interest upon seeing it?

After a quick scan over the various advertisements, his eye fell upon one note in particular; There had been some strange activities in Whispertale, a rural village towards the east. He could recall there had been some interesting finds for his and his mentor's research from that area in the past.

Perhaps this could be his first step towards solving a new mystery...

Religion & Family

Like his family and most of the moon elves in his community, Aragir was raised as a worshipper of the Seldarine, and in particular the goddess Angharradh, whom moon elves identified as a composite figure made of Sehanine Moonbow, Aerdrie Faenya, and Hanali Celanil. While he had never sought to communicate with them as an adult due to his focus on the more scientific side of magic and realms, he views these deities as the protectors of him and his kin. In his understanding, deities live within a separate plane of existence that is not necessarily impossible to reach with the right knowledge.

His siblings, being less acquainted with the academics, are in their own ways more religious (traditionally) than he is. They all went separate ways in early adolescence.

Druindar, the eldest of the four, served the Golden Garde as a paladin, though he has recently given up his title and left to reunite with his brother Erevan. His goal is not to enforce anyone's will, but to play his part in the protection of the weak.

Personality: Noble, gentlemanly and resolute. Does not shy away from humble tasks. A little stiff towards those he is unfamiliar with. Cares about rules, and would throw his life on the line to protect those he cares about.
Occasionally overprotective. Would lecture people for being careless. Likes to tease his siblings with innocent jokes. Feels responsible for all of them. - Lawful Good

Erevan, Aragir's younger brother. Is the most youthful in character, despite not being the youngest of the four siblings.
Somewhat impulsive, he never stays in one place for too long and lends his services as a ranger mercenary (though his skills can be used for hunting as well) to finance his unending travels.
In his spare time, which he tends to create when he pleases if his job is not on a specific time constraint, he likes to go to bars to drink and play music with the locals.

Personality: Generally carefree, but cares more about others than he lets on. Likes challenges and gambling. Smooth talker. Loves the outdoors. Does not like to sit still for too long. - Chaotic Neutral

Gaelira, the youngest, has a soft personality and is the most devoted to her religion. As a Cleric, her travels serve both as a pilgrimage and to grant succor to the ill and unfortunate through her healing abilities. She does not typically ask coin for these services, but occasionally receives donations or accommodation from thankful villagers or town leaders.

Personality: Gentle, selfless and humble. Occasionally puts morals above her own (basic) needs. Secretly judges 'selfish' actions and may show disdain towards things that (strongly) go against her religion. Has strong maternal instincts towards children and small animals. - Lawful Good

Aragir's parents were both adventurers in their younger years, who had decided to help the Eastern Kingdom during the hundred year war. They met each other roughly halfway into the war, and had bonded since. Afterwards, they had taken to finishing their journeys together until they eventually returned to Laucian's home city Illerius where they settled.

Laucian & Eliyen Ilphelnodel

Laucian is a larger than average moon elf with long, straight, black hair, alabaster skin and green eyes flecked with gold. He was only just past his 100th year when the war started, and had previously been traveling the Eastern Kingdoms as a paladin and cavalier, specialising in fighting with a lance or spear.

He had always been interested in politics, and kept close relationships with the Eastern Kingdoms, but he mainly stayed true to his faith and the morals of his home as a guide for his decisions. Having a strong moral compass in this sense, he was unable to abandon the kingdom when the war began.

Though naive and optimistic as a young adventurer, his travels soon made him more cautious of the world around him. By the time he was already several decades into the war, one could even say that he had grown cynical.

However, it was at one particular battle that he spotted something that seemed to melt the cold exterior that had formed around him like a protective wall; Amidst the atrocities was a beautiful elven maiden. Delicate as a flower, with skin pale as the moon itself and wavy bronze hair flowing like the finest silks in the wind. There she was singing a beautiful song that could cure wounds and invigorate the weary. As she looked in his direction, he could see that her eyes were a pure ice blue that seemed like the Storming Expanse and Moon rejoined.

Had it not been for the imminent threat of the ongoing battle he would have approached her right there and then, but it would have to wait.

As he eventually got to know her better, he learned that her name was Eliyen, and she was only a few decades younger than he was. Unlike him she had never lost her optimistic nature. Kind and soft, she soon reminded him of what lay at the heart of moon elf culture; Never give up. Spread love. Spread joy. There will always be better times.

As an adventurer herself, she had traveled the Eastern lands starting with nothing more than basic necessities, her harp and her voice. But through her beautiful songs she had soon won herself a party of devoted allies. By this time during the war, she was granting succor to a small division of the Kingdom's army with her potent magic, which she mainly controlled with her voice. Silently devoting himself to making sure that the both of them would come out of this war alive, Laucian had not left her side on the field since.

When the war did eventually end, only a few of their respective groups of adventurers remained, and together they formed a new group to continue to explore the now liberated lands. For about a century they had journeyed together, learning about the world and helping those in need, until they finally returned to Laucian's home city Illerius, where they married soon after.

As a father, Laucian was often concerned with making sure that his children would grow up strong and independent. Though he still believed that they one day, too, should travel and see the world to become their best selves, the war had still left its marks on him. On occasion he would push them a little too much in fear that they would not be ready when the time came.

Eliyen was always near, however, and when it was needed she would remind them to not only think of battle and survival. After all, it was in their very nature to revel and enjoy life.

His somewhat stern determination and her calm but cheerful demeanor formed a perfect balance.

Where Laucian would often excite the children with heroic stories and legends of the many adventures the couple and their loyal allies had, Eliyen would sing them songs and introduce them to magic.

She had also taken a keen interest in the unique art of arborsculpture that was the trademark of Illerius, which she had tried to pass on to her children. Though only one of the three brothers seemed to have had inherited her love for the delicate and beautiful. The somewhat more reserved boy would often rather enjoy sitting at her side practising his magic than join his father in melee sparring. His two brothers however never failed to encourage him to play and revel with them, and their rivalry would motivate him to keep up his fighting skills.

Until Eliyen passed away unexpectedly but a decade later.

Though her pregnancy and labour had been going well, a quick turn of events had her spirit leaving the family behind shortly after her daughter was born.

Grief stricken but yet determined, Laucian vowed to never let her kindness and optimism be forgotten. He named the little girl Gaelil, a name Eliyen had always liked, and raised her as gentle yet strong as her mother had always been.

Ara had become more withdrawn ever since his mother passed away, and though Laucian still encouraged him to hone his survival skills, he allowed him the freedom to specialise in his magic and to expand his theoretical knowledge instead.

Laucian eventually gave him the crystal that once belonged to Eliyen, and explained that as long as he carried it, her memories would always be with him.

A harmful Artifact

Soon after the breakout of Mor'kiin, Aragir, then yet oblivious to what was going on in Esuna, received an artifact from a tomb for his ongoing research. Only 117 years old at the time, he was one of the first who fell ill. The artifact would soon be quarantined, preventing others at the Scarlet Academy from contracting the spores.

Hovering on the brink of death for some time, Alduin would visit him daily, encouraging him to keep fighting. He would eventually survive, though not without being weakened substantially. To help him start to move around again, his mentor gifted him the quarterstaff that he still carries with him today. Over time when he regained his strength, he would no longer need it, but he continued to walk with it out of habit.

Though he picked up his weapon skills again later, his stamina would forever be impacted, and he remains cautious with physical exertion to prevent a flare up of the lungs.

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