Dessik Nostramo
Dessik Nostramo
Few memories remain from before the marshes. Fragments of a life unmarked by devotion to the Wilds linger, but fade with each passing day. Only the Famine remains; once the gnawing pangs of a peasant boy, now a Hunger for the essence of those who oppose Unnature's Balance.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Emaciated and gaunt, with a bony frame that belies his speed and dexterity.
Body Features
Often concealed beneath his bracer, Dessik has a skeletal right hand, hinting towards his not entirely mortal nature.
Facial Features
Sharp cheekbones from decades of malnutrion.
Identifying Characteristics
Sickly yellow eyes.
Special abilities
Whatever power brought Dessik into the care of Mother Rozha also bestowed him with an unnatural grace and stealthiness in the dim places of the world.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Food enough for three, in a house of four. Would it have been crueler to let him starve, rather than take him to the Oldmarsh and leave him for the Wild?
The child cried. The creatures of the Wild heard, and came to feast. But something older heard too, and answered his cries in kind. Unnature found the child, and offered the embrace of Mother Rozha.
A choice was made, and here he stands. Whatever boy walked into those woods, never left.
Education
Following his acceptance of Unnature, Dessik was raised by Mother Rozhanitsy in the Oldmarsh. Though Dessik was never academically inclined, Rozhanitsy taught him dark tongues, and how he might bring his will to bear upon the world.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Nearly starving to death as a child.
Failures & Embarrassments
Nearly starving to death as a child.
Mental Trauma
Nearly starving to death as a child.
Morality & Philosophy
Balance must be maintained. Unnature mirrors Nature, and neither Good nor Evil may ever rise so far as to threaten that Balance.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To continue protecting the naive and uninitiated from the Wild in whatever capacity he can, and ultimately to uncover why he was returned from the brink of death and by whom.
Likes & Dislikes
Enjoys the serenity of Nature, basking in the scents and sounds of the Wild areas of the world. Also finds the novelty of meeting new people and trying to understand them entertaining.
Is not particularly fond of wolves.
Personality Quirks
Wants to learn how to dance.
Hygiene
Maintains himself as best he can, as disease festers where cleanliness falls short.
Social
Family Ties
Though a harsh teacher and strict disciplinarian, Dessik considers Mother Rozhanitsy a surrogate for the mother that condemned him to death in the Oldmarsh.
Religious Views
A devoted servant of Unnature, Dessik understands that the Spirits of the Wild permeate all, and the contest of their will with that of mortal-kind dictates reality.
Social Aptitude
The entirety of Dessik's adolescence was spent with Mother Rozhanitsy or alone in the Oldmarsh; hence, Dessik will approach those he does not know in order to learn their intentions before deciding on how best to deal with them.
Hobbies & Pets
Animals do not like Dessik, but he does enjoy woodcarving.
Speech
Measured and slow, as he lacks the cunning for trickery and guile.
Child of Oldmarsh, Vassal of Unnature
View Character Profile
Alignment
True Neutral
Age
23
Date of Birth
13 / 07 / 1385
Birthplace
Oldmarsh
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Yellow
Hair
White
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pallid
Height
5 ft 10
Weight
55 kg
Bed Wenches, Acquire Coinage
23 / 04 / 1409
The Goliath, Half-Elf and Kenku made for pleasant travelling companions and our travel through the wilds was unhindered by any chance encounters, though foraging for food was less effective than I would have hoped.
The falling star certainly made an impact on the events of our journey, but looked to fall many miles to our north. Something for another expedition I suppose. It fell so soon after our arrival that I suspect whoever called the rest of the Vanguard here must have known, which is slightly worrying if we are just to be pawns in another's game. It may hold the answers I am seeking, but is so far beyond our reach that it cannot distract from our present goals and establishing control over the region.
Our primary objective was met when we came upon a ruined structure in the nearby forest, six days of travel from our base of operations. The goblinoids infesting the upper levels of the site proved no match for our band, falling to spell, blade and bow and provided us with intelligence regarding something known as a Tower of Ragnarok. They had come to the ruin in order to train prior to whatever foul intent they have for this Tower, but were slaughtered to the last. Conferring with groups who explored other regions might help in ascertaining if a deeper mystery is afoot. The naval officer in our band was brought low by the creatures, but persevered and recovered enough to continue along our journey.
On delving further, we came upon further foes, though these seemed unrelated to the goblinoids above. One chamber of zombies was followed by another chamber of ghouls, who again, fell to our arcane and martial prowess. Knowing the undead as I do, I was wary of some deeper evil at play, but limited supplies forced us to return to the settlement without fully clearing the ruins of danger. Before we left, briefly scouting the next chamber revealed a Night Hag had taken residence there. I know little of these creatures save what Mother Ro told me about their more fairy-like kin, but it is not beyond doubt that this creature could be at fault for the scourge of undead at the site. I do not know if any of my fellow Wild-faring colleagues would know more, or if any of us have the strength of arms to slay such a creature, but it must be done for the good of our new realm.
On tallying my harvest, I slew four of the goblins, one hobgoblin, three zombies and one ghoul. Perhaps as we explore further greater challenges will present themselves, as so far the Hag is the only foe yet worthy of a true hunt.
First Contract
16 / 04 / 1409
Our first expeditionary group has been formed, and we intend to explore the swamps that run along our north and south. Perhaps now with this new company I will find the secrets that have thus far eluded me. Only time will tell.
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