Tales of the Heroes

[Asinjin]

Solaris (Windlbade, various)

The Divine Agent of Hemator, Solaris was a symbol of virtue in Pacyr.  Around the world, faithful of the faith recognized him as the embodiment of their deity.  It had been many years since one so closely aligned and resembling Hemator herself walked the mortal world.  In the nation of Hemator, none challenged his words.  Not even the president's words had more weight the Solaris.  It was a daunting responsibility.

Other than preach and practice the faith, Solaris searched the world for signs of the undead and planar evil.  Always in communication with the Guardians, he was vigilant for the threats.  On few occasions, he traveled out to combat and defeat such threats, but there were rare and his presence alone ended the confrontation quickly.

Solaris' existence changed in the years of Iott's reign, and never went back to the way it was.  Pacyr grew more isolated and exclusive.  Both by Iott's design and the governments directives, the nation had less and less to do with the outside world.  It was only Solaris' pleading that led a group of Pacyrans to take part in the attacks on the Day of Magic Deliverance.  In Pacyr, where the results of that effort were known sooner than elsewhere, the results were challenging.  The faith of Drunnbar, long allied in the nation with Hemator, pressed for arcane spellcasters to be removed from positions of power until Iott's ultimate defeat.  Mayor's, governors, and other officials were removed from office.  A month's long debate nearly ousted Clement from his position as high cleric in the nation.

Fear and resentment were Solaris' enemies now.  Preaching and speaking often, traveling the nation, he plead for understanding and engagement with the world.  His efforts held the line, but did not get more than a few to leave to help the world.  Those few that left dwindled more when reports came that renowned sorcerer Lynda Suncaller had been killed in a duel with wizards of Iott.  Solaris argued that if more effort was made, she would be alive.  The opposition argued that had she stayed home, she would be alive.

In 805, Solaris entered the world of politics.  He was loath to do so, and had avoided endorsing for decades, but there was little choice left.  Lodormus choose not to run, but his voice carried weight as the prophet had predicted the dangers of Iott and the cataclysm of the stone breaking in the eyes of most.  He baked the Perennial party, which looked to maintain the status quo, which in this case was not what Solaris wanted.  He backed the Austere party, which advocated for a more active role in the world and included the faiths of Stasis and Falan.  Solaris was certain this was better for Hemator's religion, so he campaigned on behave of the candidate.  The election was close.  In the last weeks, fearing the Austere party might win, the Happiness party, consisting of members of the faith of Quan Yin, advocated voting Perennial to avoid the nation going to war.  The switch was enough, and the Perennial party won the election.

[Asinjin]

Solaris part 2

Taking time off for a the public spotlight, Solaris traveled the smaller towns and shrines of Hemator in Pacyr and Icefia.  It took far longer than in the past, as travel to the planes via gate was bound to draw attention and Gales teleporting was at times non functional and at times also brought unwanted attention.  It was in these years that Solaris recognized before most the dangerous plagues coming.  For centuries, many had relied on magic to handle, process, and transport their food.  They relied on clerics to remove and prevent disease.  They used magic to clean water and items.  The realities had changed years ago, but behaviors had not, and what began as occasional issues was now exploding into disasters.

Solaris was a one man plague buster.  In any town he entered, within a week, things were fine.  Concerned about stopping the plagues where they were, he spent only a little time educating.  He knew in his wisdom that it was not enough time, but in the immediate, others were dying.  He would have to return.  Returning to the main continent, he arrived in Northut and began a path south to remove plagues.  But there, on the docks, waiting for him, was Vistrani Fell.

"Cultist, Cheater of Death, you will not cleanse this city.  Your efforts will do no good.  This purge is long over due.  The world has overfull after more than a decade of uncontrolled breading.  Quan Yin's foolishness continues unabated.  I appeal to your sense.  If this purge does not happen, then more will die in the years to come when the glut starves and makes war.  Better that there be balance now."  Solaris dismissed his words.

"I know that you will not fight me," Vistrani replied.  "But know that because you are not wise enough to see reason, nor courageous enough to fight me, if you continue to go from town to town, removing the purges, I will be behind you.  For everyone you heal, to balance the scale, I will kill three.  Two that would have lived will be dead on your head.  So choose."

Solaris had no recourse.  A fight meant his death.  Solaris had no doubt that Vistrani would do what he promised.  Angered, with no options, Solaris summoned Gales and they fled to Pacyr.  Safe there, he made it a safe haven.  No where else that had population and civilization on the nation's scale was less touched by the plagues.  Solaris convinced the government to allow foreigners to come and spend time to safely recover and often give birth before returning home.

The election of 815 saw the second ever win by the Happiness Party.  With Kallark defeated and Iott on that path, no one saw the need for a more military president.  Pacyr was in better shape internally than any other nation, even if their foreign interaction was at its lowest point in hundred of years.  Solaris was revered as a practical, loving, noble figure.  Without ego and full of care for the people, there was no better living avatar of Hemator.

Cleric 6/ Paladin 2/ Cult Avatar 10/ Saint/ Divine Proxy 2

[Asinjin]

Isn't he the penguin guard?

Ding

[Asinjin]

Still 22 left, but some big names now off the board.

Most of the guesses on who will be last still out there.

[Zunder]

Still 22 left, but some big names now off the board.

Most of the guesses on who will be last still out there.

I tried to name all 22, only got to 12
Ajax is too old by the end.
Even money on the wizards, specifically Russel. 
Even money on Haas.
Even money on whomever is at " The Low Bar" and "The Red Sky" being the epic end.
But my money is on Claude and some ridiculous wish.

[whitesword]

I tried to name all 22, only got to 12
Ajax is too old by the end.
Even money on the wizards, specifically Russel. 
Even money on Haas.
Even money on whomever is at " The Low Bar" and "The Red Sky" being the epic end.
But my money is on Claude and some ridiculous wish.

Ajax has Slow Aging but I agree its unlikely . . .

[whitesword]

Rubius Humperdink (Part 1) (Malchia, Icefia)

After the Battle of the Broken Temple, Rubius returned to his family in the Guardian Vale. Understandably tired of battles with powers and dragons, Rubius took some time with his family to prepare for their life after his adventures were over. For the next year, as Iott’s ascent began, Rubius continued to assist Ari and Parker in their efforts against the dark powers, but by 792 there were no signs of the cult of Nilas’anor and the relationship between Icefia and Iott was tense.

Rubius’s keen instincts and good luck had always allowed him to overcome any challenge, and as he prepared to begin his new life in the Great Forest, he was sure this time would be no different. To his surprise he found himself faced with an obstacle no amount of good fortune or planning could overcome: his family’s opposition. Emelda and the children had become accustomed to the safety of the Vale, and the rapidly changing situation on the Main Continent made a move particularly unattractive.  However, consistent with the path of Rubius’ life, where one door closed another opened. Word of the exploits of the Halfling Heroes of Icefia had spread far and wide, and between 791 and 793 a small, but significant number of halflings emigrated to Icefia and founded a new settlement southwest of Colonye in the Midlands. Havenhollow it was called and in 795 Rubius and his family were comfortably settled there.  In 796, after the stones were broken, the people of the settlement petitioned King Oliver to appoint Rubius as Lord Mayor.

[whitesword]

(Professor) Parker Berko (Valdis, Icefia (among others)) (Part 1)

Parker
Following the Battle of the Broken Temple, Parker’s fame grew rapidly for both good and ill.  First, though few witnessed the use of City Cleaver in the destruction of the temple, rumors spread among the people of the city.  By the end of the year the rumors left out Emerius’ role and had Parker razing the temple entirely on his own.  This attracted many who wished to retain Parker’s services, rent City Cleaver for their own projects or “acquire” it from him.  This last group proved especially persistent, particularly after the ascension of the Collector to the Counsil.  Fortunately, Parker has always been a step ahead of his adversaries and has powerful friends so he and his household were never in any real danger. 
Parker’s renown as a scholar increased as well, and after Allanda’s ascension he was formally appointed as a full professor at the College.  There is little doubt that Parker accepted the position to assuage the worries of his wife.  Parker and Robyn married in 793 after the birth of their first daughter, Thera (named after Parker’s mother).  As Iott ascended, Robyn became increasingly nervous, almost paranoid and in 795, pregnant with twins, she prevailed on Parker to move to a residence on the College grounds.  This greatly alleviated her concerns, though she rarely left the grounds.  Parker continued to assist Ari and his friends in opposing the servants of evil in these years; while also keeping involved in his own interests as well.

[whitesword]

(Lord, Governor,) Sir Arishimoto Udinaru (Hero, Icefia) (Part 1)

For Ari, the years immediately following the Battle of the Broken Temple were very frustrating.  Months of effort to clear the wilderness of the undead yielded little.  Attempts to find a path into Greysnows by land to pursue Uscis and Marius, proved fruitless.  In 792 the High King authorized an attempt to infiltrate by sea.  Ari, Kerkly, his friend Moebius, and a company of Guardians and elite soldiers sailed aboard a frigate into the perilous waters along Icefia’s northwest coast.  They scaled the cliffs of black glass and for two days made their way inland.  On the third day they found the edge of the snow-wall and what seemed like a passage through it.  As they made their way in Ragorous, the Snowserpent, the white draco-lich that had ruled the lands of the far northwest for nearly one thousand years, attacked them from below.  Ragorous drove them back and slew many of the party.  Ari and Kerkly might have prevailed, but the snow-wall swept down on them and nearly buried them in the pass, but Moebius was able to force a path through the snow back to the cliffs.  They found the ship sunk and the shore party gone.  After that there were no attempts to force entry into Greysnows.

From then until after the Day of Broken Magic, there was no sign of Nilas’anor’s servants; but that did not mean Ari was idle, for the other evil powers were not idle.  As the world struggled to adapt to Iott’s reign, the servants of Dresta and Sutyr sought to exploit the strife.  In 795 Ari uncovered a plot by a group of wealthy men in Phiam, Sutyr worshippers, to betray the Kingdom to Iott.  Arion ordered a purge of Sutyr’s church with Ari and his followers at the lead.  During this time Ari gained a new counselor, Uljorn, an Ursinal Guardinial, who sought Ari out after word of his deeds spread among the servants of the upper planes.

[Windblade]

I tried to name all 22, only got to 12
Ajax is too old by the end.
Even money on the wizards, specifically Russel. 
Even money on Haas.
Even money on whomever is at " The Low Bar" and "The Red Sky" being the epic end.
But my money is on Claude and some ridiculous wish.

I'm starting to lean towards Claude and not one of the wizards as the last one.

[Asinjin]

Gnax Redleaf (Whitesword, various)

The skilled gnome made his way around the world.  Sailing on ships of all types, he made his way from Kathow-tio-Horari to Layraedia to Port Talp to Yellowia and Icefia.  Looking to make his way as profitably as possible without running afoul of the law or getting into bed with particularly unsavory figures, Gnax found a good living during the Iott's reign.  There were many groups that needed to get things moved from place to place without any Iottan entanglements.  Not having a ship of his own, nor being a long-standing member of any crew, he took to the job of a bodyguard of valuable shipments.

Knowing his way around a ship and having a good idea of keeping things hidden in plain sight, Gnax got things where they needed to go.  Magic components the Iottians didn't want anywhere; people the Icefians didn't want on the continent; and all manner of things the Yinites forbade.  While he was notable for his talent, he managed to keep his name out of the books.  Often a person at one of the ports he frequented would call him, Ignoagnom.  Not the first gnome to use the moniker.

He used his relationship with the guild with no name to get things in and out of Port Talp.  He used his relationship with the Guardian of the Tides to avoid a couple close calls.  This successful formula continued for two decades.  If it isn’t broke, don't fix it.  He racked up a healthy savings and outfitted himself nicely, but not too much to draw the attention of the many looking for 'magic gluttons'.

His long lucky streak came to an end in Layraedia.  What should have been an easy task turned into a nightmare.  Unloading a pretty harmless case of wine, waiting for the buyer, he was approached by a curious Horarian.  The Horarian looked at him strangely and asked questions in a dialect and accent that was unfamiliar.  Gnax did his usual best to deflect and redirect, but the Horarian was insistent that he know what was in the box.  No matter what he tried, Gnax could not shake the strange man.  For him, the worst thing had arrived, lots of attention.

The next two hours were a nightmare.  Gnax thought he had the misfortune of encountering the most obtuse Horarian he ever had, or possibly the most genius thief.  Either way, and Gnax eventually came to the conclusion it was the former, that night he was in a Layraedian jail cell.  The accommodations weren't terrible, and his wealth remained safely in the bank, so as long as nothing terrible happened, he would be out in not too long to go about his life.

Fighter 2 / Rogue 4 / Marksman 4

[whitesword]

Kerkly Andest, Keeper of Avoreen and Hero of the Light (DmD, Icefia, late of Dakon) (Part 1)

As the veteran of numerous battles with Nilas’anor’s servants, the events at Portet were not as dispiriting as they were for some of his allies.  There were undead to hunt and a city in chaos to aid, and for several weeks Kerkly was in his element; his long years of military service making him a natural choice to lead the reclamation of the city.  For the rest of 790, into the spring of 791, Kerkly, along with the Knights, clerics and Guardians set about purging the city, and immediate surround, of undead.  The army and constables, under High General Rosetree’s command, found shelter for those that would stay in the city and saw the rest safely out of the area.

After the city was cleared, a similar effort was made in the wilderness but with less success.  The undead were too dispersed and fled in all directions.  The Guardians left small groups of hunters in the wilderness for several years.  Kerkly’s friends Isolder and Alysa were placed in command of these groups.  During the following five years, as Iott ascended, there was no sign of any of Nilas’anor’s servants.  Kerkley made a pilgrimage to Mount Celestia and was revitalized in his devotion.  Before he departed, Kerkly became aware that he, Rubius and Benlin had become famous.  For Kerkly, this was nothing new, but for Benlin it was a shock.  Benlin spent as much time in the Vale as possible, though life in Havenhollow held great appeal.

[Asinjin]

I tried to name all 22, only got to 12

There are at least two that there is little chance you'd get because they were either not often played or played long ago.

[whitesword]

Shaar, Captain of the Red Guard (Zunder, Icefia) (Part 1)

Following the Battle of the Broken Temple, Shaar remained in Portet with Ari and the Knights hunting the undead.  As they departed north to continue the hunt, Shaar was recalled to the Layraedian embassy to help with the evacuation.  After the delegation was safe, she sailed to Olan with the ambassador for an assessment of the situation.  In 792, Layraedia moved the embassy to Fort Pinceer, formally recognizing the former elven lands as part of the Kingdom.  Shaar returned with the delegation and was appointed commander of the embassy guards and deputy ambassador.

Shaar was required to spend much of her time in Fort Pinceer, but ambassador Mason recognized her skills were wasted merely guarding the delegation, and assigned her to assist Ari or the Guardians on many missions against the forces of Greysnows.  However, he also assigned her as a liaison to the Whiteknight family, the royal family of the Kingdom of the West. Many in the Kingdom, particularly in the Westlands, expected the elven lands to be added to the lands of the Kingdom of the West.  The Whiteknight family had served the Kingdom since its foundation, protected the borders in the north and west, and sacrificed greatly in all three conflicts with the Scaled Elves.   Furthermore, the elven lands were thousands of miles from Castle Gemblade, the elven leadership that remained were sharply divided, Syoinise Etch had disappeared, and the lands were becoming more dangerous than ever before.  The people abandoned their villages and resettled closer to the cities and towns.   The current King, Cyrus, was over 90 years old and had ruled the Westlands for nearly 60 years.  Cyrus was a legendary figure in the West, who had held his Kingdom together in the face of many challenges. He greatly admired those that had overcome adversity in their lives.  He would regularly summon Shaar and the ambassador, at first to try to improve his Kingdom’s position with Layraedia, but later just to regale Shaar and Mason with tales of his life and family. 

[Asinjin]

I will be editing most of the post to add level.  This is the level at the end of the post story, whenever that may have been in the timeline.

This is serve both as entertainment and practical for those characters that may show up as PCs or NPCs.  Don't feel obligated to level them out, but feel free to do so.