Xiulan is a soft-spoken herbalist, healer, and elemental practitioner shaped by a brutal palace upbringing that trained young girls to become obedient, emotionally controlled “dolls” for service and survival. Raised within a rigid system of discipline, punishment, ritual, and emotional suppression, Xiulan learned from childhood that her value depended entirely on usefulness, obedience, and the ability to endure suffering without complaint. Unlike her older sisters, who were admired for beauty, grace, or martial prowess, Xiulan was often regarded as weak. Small, physically unimposing, and socially quiet, she was underestimated by many around her. Yet beneath her gentle demeanor lies an exceptionally intelligent and observant woman with deep practical knowledge of medicine, herbs, salves, injuries, and spiritual rituals. She can treat severe wounds, identify medicinal plants, and endure hardship with remarkable composure. Xiulan speaks Common poorly. Her thoughts are far more complex than her vocabulary allows her to express, causing many people to mistake her for naïve or childlike. She is painfully aware when others misunderstand or underestimate her, but instead of reacting with bitterness, she compensates with warmth, patience, and kindness. She smiles often, projects calm energy, and genuinely tries to make others feel safe around her. Her emotional restraint is not natural innocence but learned survival behavior. In the palace, strong emotional expression invited punishment. As a result, Xiulan became highly skilled at masking fear, frustration, sadness, and loneliness behind tranquility and politeness. Deep down, however, she struggles with isolation and a longing to truly connect with people despite cultural and linguistic barriers. Xiulan’s elemental abilities reflect her inner self. Rather than using magic as spectacle or domination, she forms disciplined bonds with elemental spirits, especially fire entities, which fight alongside her almost like extensions of emotions she cannot fully verbalize. Her magic feels ritualistic and spiritual rather than explosive or theatrical. Through elemental control, Xiulan expresses strength, determination, protectiveness, and passion more clearly than she ever can through words. In battle, Xiulan becomes focused and ceremonial. Armed with spear and shield, she fights not out of rage or hunger for power, but from duty and the desire to protect others from suffering. Her herbal knowledge, spiritual discipline, and elemental summons make her a uniquely adaptable battlefield support fighter. At her core, Xiulan is a woman slowly learning what it means to be a person rather than a tool. Despite trauma, conditioning, and years of emotional suppression, she still chooses empathy over cruelty and healing over bitterness. Her greatest strength is not elemental magic, but her refusal to lose her humanity in a world that tried to take it from her.

(( On Maythor's behalf, who has troubles logging in to forums, writing a message: 'Story XP given by Maythor'. ))

[More Marty art] Marty in her "Beast Master" armour. (I asked Chat GPT to colour in the original pencil drawing. For some reason, it thought the sling was a "cat-shaped kettle".)

((//Making some updates with more accuracy)) Atlas Fullcrest seen wandering in the Giantspire Mountains Atlas is a young human man appearing around the age of 23 now, with pure snow white hair just long enough to cover half his bright ruby red eyes, with a scar still across his left cheek, and white scales are seen across his body that cover up to his chin and even parts of his cheek, these days Atlas is standing around 6 feet and 3 inches tall now with a physical physique trained and meant for fighting up close, defending until his last breath. Atlas's normal attire is still that of an old worn-out black scarf that he's never seen without as well as an amulet he carries under it, both he received at a young age when he still lived back in Norland, in the Moonshae Isles. Even though he was told that the amulet was to ward off evil and misfortune, that he still always accidently manages to find himself in either way. His clothes are a long sleeve shirt with another t-shirt like cloth over it, dark pants, a glove on his left hand keeping the arm and hand well out of sight with his scimitar sheathed close to it for him to rest his gloved hand their when he's anxious or on edge. Atlas is often seen with a grin and laughing, trying to have a good time with those around him, whither it be him sitting back to listen while maybe lightly teasing one of the people he his close to, or even with his face deep in his old worn notebook scribbling down who knows what about the things he; sees, thinks, feels, and learns. When he's not off training recklessly towards improving his skills in swordsmanship and thinking of strategies to cover short comings, you'll often see him either looking for his people or chatting with them and it always seems as if that group of people is growing by the day, even when some retired to a more peaceful life, Atlas wishes nothing but the best for them, even when he misses them dearly. Atlas's current RP titles (Mostly in order); """Insert back story Easter Egg Title""", Current leader of the knight order "Knights of the Sand Witch" in Peltarch, "Dragonslayer", "Starslayer" bestowed by; Peltarch, Norwick, and Oscurra. "Dragon-Man" is one thrown around title, "Turtle" is also a lesser known title, "He who Defends", "Apprentice to the blacksmith Gnarl Horst" who owns "The Edge" in Peltarch, "He who defends dragons", "Blessed of 'Old Iced Bones'" AND "Savior of 'Old Iced Bones'", "He who survived a surprise meeting with an Avatar of Death", "Norwick festival boxing champion" 3 times, "Norwick festival armed combat champion" 4 times. Atlas's rough list of "His People" past and current: Elliot (M.I.A.), Chea/Adeli (Current), Cormac (M.I.A.), Raazi/Rosie (M.I.A.), Reemul De'Costa (Current), Kay-tono (M.I.A.), Sebrienne/Rika/Noemi (Unknown/M.I.A.), Lence (Current), Varya/Esmeralda Tillers (Unknown/M.I.A), (((I'll edit some more in later, list isn't finished))) Atlas has a love for cooking and food, as well as learning, music, and trying to find some inner balance... Even when his inner balance is what he struggles with the most.

[[A report shared with both the Legion and Peltarch Defenders]] NAME: Pvt. Matoushca Leaffall LOCATION: Giantspire Mountains - Valley of Red Mist - Boneyard. LEGIONARIES PRESENT: Private Shade (Panther) OTHERS PRESENT: A summoned fire elemental. (briefly) ENEMY FORCES ENCOUNTERED: Valley Hill giants Dire wolves Boneyard Patchwork Giants (undead) Giant necromancers Undead summoned by giant necromancers. Subterranian area Undead Dwarves Animated giant skeletons Blood Giant NOTES: While conducting a patrol of the Valley of Red Mist, I took note of a freshly cut pathway through a densely wooded area, northeast of where the road bends before ascending into the mountains. Beyond the woods, I found what could only be described as a boneyard. The bones and remains of fresh corpses had been collected, presumably from the beach and the valley, and many of them appear to have been subjected to necromantic rituals. I engaged the giants in the area, and at least two of them were spell casters, summoning skeletal undead to fight for them. Toward the Northwestern edge of the clearing, I discovered a passageway cut into the rock, with stairs descending into horrors I have not before witnessed the likes of, and of which I am unlikely to witness again. Mountains of bones and rotting flesh. Vast pools of blood. In the darkness, I fought against ashen dwarves. After a few blows, it became obvious they were undead. I also encountered towering skeletal abominations. During a lull in the fighting, I cast an ultravision spell upon myself and investigated the area as thoroughly as I could. Among the blasphemous shrines and altars, I noted markings venerating a frostgiant deity Kostchtchie. Peering down a long corridor, I could make out the figure of a giant. Unlike the rest of his kind, this giant possessed a tight, athletic body. It clistened crimson from head to toe, as if freshly coated in blood. I moved closer to gain a better look, but despite my camouflaging magic and the cover of darkness, he was able to spot me. He also continued to launch magical attacks against me after I had used a scroll to become invisible. Points of concern: With my magic and weapons, I was unable to defeat the patchwork giants. I suspect that Peltarch defenders would likewise have difficulty taking them down should they be turned against the city. The Blood Giant appears to be a formidable specimen. This giant and his necromancers pose a formidable threat to Peltarch and her people. ((the report includes a highly detailed description of the "Blood Giant", including size, muscle tone, holy symbols, speed, balance etc. ))

Asked Chat GPT 4 to colour it in for me. Actually turned out pretty good. Thanks robots!

Entry 33 I crossed the Icelace River to wander the ruins of Jiyyd, a place I had not yet explored. I was hoping to find remnant signs of any faithful in this area. During my exploration I encountered scavenging animals and some orcish scouts. I wandered to what seemed like old farmlands being reclaimed by the forest. Rounding a stand of trees I came upon a large troll! It was as startled as I, and I fired arrows into its throat before felling it with my axe. However, the noise of the encounter drew others nearby. One moving with other-worldly speed, closed upon me. Its claws tore at my armor, and I fled—desperately searching for a potion of invisibility. My foot caught on stone, my pack spilled, and before I could rise the troll was upon me. Its weight crushed me, and with its great strength sank its claws deep into my torso. I braced for blood’s warmth but instead came cold. A searing, biting cold, like the winds upon the ice floes, like plunging into a frozen lake. A single word entered my mind: Endure. I lay still in the forest, frozen between life and fugue, numbed yet clinging to that thought. Then, like a sudden gale upon a mountain cliff, the coldest wind I have ever known tore through me. My lungs filled with air and pain, wrenching me back from the brink. I awoke sprawled upon the earth. The trolls, indifferent to my remains, had already turned back to their den. I gathered my scattered belongings and retreated. Now, upon the ferry crossing the river to Norwick, I reflect. E-N-D-U-R-E The closest I have felt to such presence was shivering in rags at the Luskan Ice Palace’s courtyard, when the blizzard stripped me bare and broke me down to that one core thought. My lungs still burn with rawness; my breath offers no warmth to my hands. When the wind came, it was not gentle. It was a blast, a force that cut through me, filled my lungs with pain so raw it dragged me back into life. I am in shock. I am quiet. I feel less inclined to speak than ever before. Could it be? That I was brought back to life by... the Frostmaiden's breath? We approach the ferry-berth. A dwarven courier waits. I am reminded of a prior meeting, which now feels so inconsequential. Before crossing to Jiyyd, I had approached the new clan of dwarves settling in Aura Runedar. I simply conveyed a thought: how harsh the season could be without the roaring hearths of a mountain refuge. Perhaps an offering? Perhaps aid in return? I left word of my presence with their attendant, to be carried to their “herald.” But now, as we dock, I see the courier waiting for me. I expect I will respond in time. I am still awe-stricken.

Grimvug sits at the Defender barracks contemplating and confused. Mending his wounds and recovering from a resurrection at the Peltarch temple. He woke up at the altar of Mystra with the Priestess and Marty watching him open his eyes. Marty tells him, she found him near the Gypsy camp and he's been missing for a week. Lt. Arniss put out a call for a search party to find him after not returning from patrol. He does not remember much. He does not remember why he was out there or why Marty showed him an amulet of a devotee to Hoar. Apparently he had four more of the same amulets on his person after being resurrected. Rest and light duty will be needed for some time to recover from such a lengthy stay in the fugue, but that will give him time to read old reports and speak with either Lt. Arniss or Sgt. Everard.

A fight for alight. Dear Journal, Been a while since I had some time for my 'personal' pursuits. Among the Cerulean Ranks, they treat me like a doll. 'Do not put yourself into a danger', 'You have great calligraphy', 'It would be a shame if something happened to your beautiful robe', ... and so on. Reports & papers they give me to fill with corrections are numerous, to put it mildly. This evening, however, I've set things in motion, or at least attempted to do so. I've decided to pursue fight against the darkness that inhabits the land, and started with a 'Light' cantrip spell. My boy-friend, Anheim, told me once: 'With weapons one can defeat terrorists, but with education one can defeat whole terrorism. Those who practice terrorism are often desperate, unable to help their families in their poor plight. So they sacrifice themselves in a fight against those whom they believe to be oppressors, causes of their families poor living'. I will use my charms and wisdom in this fight, educating and acting as a diplomat. ... my pet-peeve is so called 'cause for greater good', where priests of some so-called 'good deities' educate their followers to not hesistate to sacrifice the meek when the numerous majority needs to prevail, and there's no other way. I'll try to be like one of more famous of eastern geishas (women companions), who had a smile and kind words even for the meekest and worst. ... I'll not let myself be abused, however. ... We'll see how things will unfold. -- Yours, Chea Allin, a Witch and a Seeker of Enlightened Energies. P.S. I'll try to create some enlightening arts. One could question how Art can bring enlightenment... but well, we are Mind and have Bodies... and looking at the Art can change one's Mind State. I've heard that sometimes Mind State changes can completely alter one's perceptions, and in effect - the whole world in which one lives. People should not underestimate meaning of the Arts, I think.

Attentus's Character Portraits: Chea Allin: click to download. Anheim: click to download. Kenna: click to download. (warning: this will overwrite one of narfell's default portraits, taken from steam workshop). Adeli: click to download. Ken of the Woods: click to download.