Aurelia Marwood
Aurelia Marwood (a.k.a. Lia)
Aurelia Marwood (Lia) is a half elf bard in the college of whsipers. She has an affinity towards dark magic due to being raised by a hag that stole her as an infant. Even after escaping, it is a deep source of shame for her and she is hesitant to reveal her powers and past. She is slow to trust, but fiercely loyal once she does. Her main goal is trying to discover the life that was stolen from her by the hag and to find her place in the world.
Physical Description
Facial Features
Light freckles with a scar on her left cheek
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Aurelia was raised by a hag named Belladonna Marwood. Aurelia grew up under tight supervision and was allowed very little agency. While her "mother" showed her love, it was very conditional and could be snatched away if she felt Aurelia was being disobediant. Since she was young, Aurelia was taught dark magic and expected to use her natural charm to lure people her "mother" deemed undeserving of their beauty or fortune, so she could destroy. As Aurelia grew older she started to question her "mother" more, especially how she claimed she found Aurelia abandoned in the woods. At 19 years old, she had the courage to search her "mother's" belongings and found a necklace that belonged to her birth family. She ran away, and for the past 5 years, has been earning money as a travelling bard. She constantly stays on the move to look for clues about her lost family and run from the lurking threat of Belladonna finding her.
Gender Identity
Aurelia identifies as female, but she's trying to explore parts of her identity she was never allowed to in her youth, so that may change.
Sexuality
Aurelia is pansexual, but very emotionally unavailable
Education
She was taught how to use magic by the hag that raised her. She learned how to disguise herself, create illusions and find and exploit the weaknesses of everyone around her. She was also taught several languages. She has no formal education and what she knows is heavily influenced by her "mother".
Employment
Aurelia worked as a travelling musician, playing her flute to earn money. She also charged small fees to heal minor wounds.
Mental Trauma
Aurelia is deadly afraid of becoming as manipulative and cruel as Belladonna was. She does not know what it means to be good due to the warped sense of morality that her "mother" taught her. She hates using manipulation and dark magic, but often doesn't know how to resolve conflicts without them. She is also scared of forming connections with others, as she is distrustful of their motives due to being lied to for her whole childhood. She found it so hard to break away from the toxic bond she had with the hag, that she is worried she will love another as fiercley and be led down an even darker path.
Intellectual Characteristics
Aurelia does not have a large knowledge of academic studies and is often not very wise when it comes to decisions, common sense or society due to being isolated from the world. She does have incredibley high emotional intelligence, which can make her very persausive, understanding and deceptive.
Morality & Philosophy
Aurelia wants to be a good person, but is struggling with unlearning the lessons of the hag. If she has time to think before a decision, she will weigh her choices and try to make a choice that fits the good moral compass she is trying to develop. If she has to make a snap decision, someone she cares for is in danger or she really wants/needs something, she will fall back on evil methods she is ashamed of. She will cut down, manipulate or mess with the minds of others. She also how numb she feels while hurting others and wants to learn more empathy, even for those she hates.
Taboos
She will refuse to hurt anyone she truly cares for, even the hag she was raised by.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Aurelia is driven by the will to find a place that she belongs in the world. She believes this is through finding her lost family, but she also wants to discover her identity as she was never allowed to have agency over that.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
She is incredibly good in social situations and has a quiet charisma that often helps her to get her way. She is also a talented musician and linguist.
She is bad at making decisions, as she gets scared she will make a morally bad choice due to ignorance or lack of self-control.
Likes & Dislikes
She loves playing music, especially the flute. Music brought her a lot of comfort in her past and it continues to be a way she relieves stress and finds joy.
She hates dark magic and has a distrust or even hatred of people who revel in using it. She also hates people that disrespect her boundaries.
Vices & Personality flaws
Aurelia gets overwhelmed by choices very easily, so will often choose the path of least resistence if she needs to, even if it is morally wrong. She also finds it hard to let people in.
Social
Family Ties
Belladonna Marwood- Adopted mother/kidnapper
Unknown family
Religious Views
She does not worship any deities, but respects their power enough not to fuck with them unless she has to.
Social Aptitude
She is incredibley charismatic when she needs to be, but is often quiet and reserved around people she is comfortable with.
Wealth & Financial state
She has very little wealth accumulated due to moving so frequently.
A troubled bard that is running from a past that haunts her. She doesn't have a stable sense of morality, but she's working on it. She swings a sword in battle and whatever way her crippling trust issues will let her in love.
View Character Profile
Alignment
Chaotic Neutral
Age
24
Date of Birth
Unknown
Birthplace
Unknown
Children
Gender
Female
Eyes
Gold
Hair
White
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale with light freckles
Height
5ft 10
Weight
140lbs
The Journal Entry’s title
Begin writing your story here...
Epic Highs... But Mostly Lows
April 20th
After recovering from my injury, I headed out to explore the North West of this new land. Theadora joined me, along with some new companions. Captain Yearn Gracer, a suspiciously pleasant Paladin, Stefn Powerlimb who was a barbarian with a love of dinosaurs and Cob, a gnome rouge who yearned for caves. We walked through grasslands until we came upon a herd of Aurochs. All was peaceful until we heard Wilson cry out "I have an awfully bad feeling about this place!". Before we could react, three raptors burst out of nowhere and took down one of the poor beasts. They turned their beady little eyes on us and looked ready to pounce. I quickly ran forward, yelled as loudly as I could and released Thunderwave. The sound scared away the leader of the group and the other two quickly scurried after. Since we did not want the Auroch to go to waste we spent an hour dissecting it for rations. I also took a few pounds of wool in case I am in need of a coat. It does smell absolutely putrid though...
April 21st
We carried on, racing to get to the next area before midnight. Suddenly, I heard a scream and the sound of crumbling earth behind me. I whipped around, and saw the Captain holding Cob's ankles, who was desperately clutching Theadora who was wailing at the top of her lungs. He gave a quick yank and the two flew out of the hole. After a few minutes Theadora stopped screaming and we all examined the hole. It appeared to lead into a cave system head North and South. Eager to explore, we tied a rope at the mouth and climbed into the cavern. We decided to head North and ended up in a chamber with thick, stagnant water pooled in the center. We also saw the skeleton of a fallen warrior. The Captain and Powerlimb took its bag while I examined its helm. It appeared to be magical, but I was unable to decipher the ruins. Suddenly, an eery screeching noise erupted from the pool and it exploded upwards into a mass of horrifying wormlike creatures. Their dark, slimey bodies convulsed towards us in a swarm. None of our physical attacks seemed to do much damage to the creature. Only the psychic pain I inflicted on them seemed to work. In the blink of an eye they swarmed over Theadora, breaking through her skin in pin pricks and erupting out the other side of her body in large chunks. Cob scooped her up and carried her to the entrance of the cave. I managed to distract the swarm while my companions escaped but not before receiving a few blows of my own. I can't forget the feeling of those disgusting beings burrowing through my skin. As I dashed out of the cave, the creatures rose up like a wave and crashed through the tunnel after me. I yelled to my party to hurry up and Cob skillfully scaled the way up to assist us. We barely made it out before the monster caught up. Luckily, I still had the helmet, which turned out to grant me some extra awareness of my surroundings...wish I'd had that sooner. The Captain had secured the bag and we split the coins and spell scrolls between us. We were utterly exhausted and collapsed there for the night.
April 22nd
The next day we set off again and noticed more shrubbery in the terrain. We all felt a deep chill run through us when we came across the carcass of an Auroch. This poor beast had been stripped to the very bone, even its marrow was scooped out, making it barely recognisable. With the help of my new helm, we recognised this was the work of a pack of Gnolls, and the bloodthirsty band of hyena hybrids were still prowling around the area. Since we knew the way to a Gnolls heart (or at least their mercy) is food, we decided to cook them an Auroch steak. Unfortunately, I am no chef and ended up burning the lump of grizzly meat. We did plate it up nicely which made it look far more appealing. We bravely (or stupidly) walked straight towards the pack of Gnolls. The largest in the group approached us, licking its blood stain maw. I claimed we were sent by their god, Yeenoghu, to offer this meal to the strongest Gnoll. Unfortunately, this was not enough to satisfy the leader's hunger and he turned his greedy little eyes onto us. As the pack surrounded us, we quickly exclaimed only the strongest would be worthy. Luckily, a slightly rabid Gnoll took the bait and rushed to attack his leader. The monsterous 7 foot tall Gnoll easily crushed the skull of his disobedient subordinate and threw his corpse on the fire to cook. Luckily, he did not seem as interested in eating us and invited us to sit by the fire. He ripped a chunk of half cooked hide off the beast and tossed it at our feet, telling us to eat. The Captain, Powerlimb and I managed to choke down the foul meat, but Theadora and Cob gagged and spat there's out. With a growl, the leader chased them away and they hid in the bushes, watching the exchange from afar. The leader suddenly held his blade to my throat, asking what I was looking for in exchange for our flattery. Knowing how egotistical Gnolls are, I praised his beastliness and asked for whatever the great leader wished to give us to remember him by. Unfortunately... I think I flattered him a bit too much...
"Got your eye on me, do you?" he growled out, his hot and foul breath hitting my face. I tried not to gag as he leaned closer.
"I'll give you something to remember me by" he chuckled licking his lips and leaned closer. I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting the worst.... Then the Gnoll ran his blade down my left cheek, which would leave a jagged scar. As he pulled away all I could think was "THANK THE GODS THAT DID NOT GO THE WAY I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING HALLELUJAH I'LL TAKE A SCAR ANYDAY".
The Gnoll lazily pointed to a heap of objects strewn in the corner of his camp, saying it was from a crazy wizard and they didn't need them. He said we could take our pick. I have a strong suspicion they belong to Hom Tanks, but I wasn't going to chance my luck by asking the Gnolls about him. We grabbed what we could and skiddadled. We all took our pick of the treasure. My choice was a small grey bag filled with powder. Against my better judgement, I dipped my pinky finger in the dust and the most delectable, moreish, scrumptious flavour hit my tongue. I don't remember much after that.... Theadora informed me I was having a lovely conversation with a daisy for an hour, begged everyone to let me munch on their rations, told everyone I was "5'10" when they asked how high I was and then proceeded to lay face down on the ground like a plank of wood for the rest of the night. At least it took my mind off the strange and horrifying encounters of this journey.
Foul beasts and footballs
16th April - 18th April
April 16th
Today was the start of my first excursion in this new land, and I am already questioning the leadership of the Vanguard. Whoever decided putting five spellcasters in a group and throwing them into the wilderness unprepared needs to be fed to an Owlbear. We headed North East at a fast pace. We did not interact much due to the breakneck pace, but I made some observations about my companions while we travelled. Ivy is a good natured Druid and appears to have an affinity with nature that will be useful as the terrain gets rougher and food gets scarcer. Theadora, a sorcerer that is brimming with both enthusiasm and magic. She is also a half elf. Questioning her may give me some leads on my past. Cass is a Warlock, which makes me uneasy. They are an investigator and have knowledge of the arcane, so I worry they may figure out the true nature of my College. Finally Wog, a little wizard lizard with a love for dragons. We covered a large distance, but unfortunately Cass and I pushed ourselves too much and suffered from exhaustion. Just before we set up camp, we had a close encounter with a Manticore. Luckily, it left us alone, satisfied with a deer it had snatched up. It flew to the North, so we should be cautious while exploring that area. Manticores' are incredibly territorial, so it may not be as hospitable next time we enter its home. We quickly found another place to set up camp and Theodora took watch so we could rest which I greatly appreciated.
April 17th
We went at a medium pace today as we were tired and entering a dense forest. Theodora initiated conversation, but when I questioned her she was unable to answer any questions about her culture or upbringing. Perhaps she is as disconnected as I am? I learned Cass is looking for their friend, but when they started to ask me about my past I shut down the conversation. I fear I was too defensive which will only draw more suspicion onto me. We saved a horse from a watering hole with the help of three octipi that Wog called on for help. Perhaps old friends of theirs? Ivy has formed a bond with the animal and named it Berry. Cass was willing to stay awake all night to keep watch to ensure we did not get attacked, despite their exhaustion. This was admirable, and while I am still cautious, I feel I may have judged them too quickly.
April 18th
Today was disastrous, but at least we made a friend while exploring an abandoned camp. His name is Wilson and he appears to be a sentient... ball? He has taken quite a liking to Theadora after she ripped him open the box imprisoning him with the force of a great typhoon. He is searching for the powerful wizard that animated him, called Hom Tanks. If he is still alive he could potentially make a great ally due to his emense power... or a great hindrance as he appeared to have been raving mad. We also managed to gain a huge burst of strength from a nearby stone circle. We named it after Hom to gain future favour or avoid future wrath. Thank the gods for that blessing as we had an encounter with a Displacer Beast shortly after. In my panic I did not recognise it and put Wog to the back of the group to protect them. This lead to them being gravely injured by the beast. I feel an emense amount if guilt about this. Prehaps mother was right to always call me foolish. I did manage to get a good hit on the beast as vengeance, but it retaliated twice as hard and knocked me unconscious. Thank the gods Ivy nursed me back to health. While I was out, a meteor fell. If only I could have such a soundless sleep every night...
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