chaoticbard

[chaoticbard]

Wyll

Vinyl Cover Art Details

Art by Magdalena Katańska

[chaoticbard]

"Good," Alaara replied. "Because I wasn't going to stop talking. Not ever. And I hope you do the same."

Gale regularly got on the nerves of most of the other people in camp with how often he yapped, but Alaara didn't mind. She found the habit charming, especially when he began offering up facts in the creepiest of places. Intentional or not, it was soothing to hear something so concrete, so mundane, so firmly true, in a place that was so full of the unexpected and so full of danger.

When Gale grew nervous, Alaara's expression softened. She nodded at his question.

"Yes, dance," she repeated.

And then her heart skipped a beat. Was she really the first person he'd ever danced with? He hadn't gone to one of the numerous Blackstaff Academy events and swept someone off their feet? Surely, if only to flex his academic prowess, he would have learned the steps and showed off the talent? "...You've never danced with anyone?" She asked, voice soft and full of incredulity. So too did she dip her head and look at him over the bridge of her nose in an innocent, shy sort of way. It was such a trivial thing really, being someone's first dance partner, and yet it made Alaara exceedingly giddy. She couldn't suppress mirthful laughter.

"Consider me thoroughly flattered to be your first partner." She readily took his hand in hers, then put her free hand on his shoulder. "And intensely curious on where and how you will lead me."

He smiled and nodding as what she has said, chuckling just a bit before making the dancing mage hand disappear and out of sight. " I don't mind you talking my ear off actually. I do the same.. from what I heard from the others. " He was delighted that Alaara is here and enjoying her company as always. He always adored her and what she does for the people, makes it truly remarkable.

" Dance? " He asked as there's a bit of nervousness in his voice. He never usually dance, not with anyone, let alone the first. He takes a small breath and putting the wine down. " I never usually dance with anyone.. so you are my first.. " He said softly, then proceeded to take his out his hand in front of the bard. " Yes, I would like to.. "

The music started to start up once again as he saw the other tieflings were beginning to dance freely— even the tipsy ones. The others were cheering, and the others were singing along. It's a wonderful night by far.

[chaoticbard]

Stoats make great scarves (and friends) (ideally at the same time, okay?) prints | patreon

[chaoticbard]

your teens are for learning how to rp and your twenties are for the trial and error of rping around a rotating door of some of the most bugfuck unstable people you have ever met and your thirties are for finding contentment rping with somewhere between three and ten people who all came out of it stronger together 🙏

[chaoticbard]

Alaara had a goblet in her hand and a smile on her face. The tieflings had all gathered round one another and were making their own music now that she'd inspired them, giving her a respite from entertaining the masses. She'd already spent the free time thoroughly bothering the rest of camp including Halsin and now it was Gale's turn. She raised her goblet in a toast as she approached the wizard. "I'm happy to see you too," she replied. "I could not forget to stop by your tent to see you tonight; I've talked everyone else's ear off and now it is your turn!"

She laughed then and took a sip of wine from her goblet. Its warmth instantly coursed through her and made her feel tingly. What the hells proof was this wine anyhow? Had anyone said? Whatever it was, Alaara could tell that she was even more loosey-goosey and delighted than usual and that was saying something. She'd already flirted profusely with Halsin, letting him know just how handsome he was... And that wasn;t even mentioning the string of compliments she'd tossed to everyone else. The smallest part of her shuddered to think what might slip out of her mouth and reach Gale's ears. But all of the rest of her told her that she was being a stick in the mud. Live a little! What was the harm?

"I would not have thought you much of a partying kind, Gale; swaying to the music? Happiness and contentment look excellent on you."

"Shall we dance together? Right here? I promise not to step on your foot more than once."

[ TIEFLING PARTY. ] A starter where our muses approach one another at the tiefling party, to gossip, chat, dance, or hit on each other.

After saving Halsin and the Grove, the tieflings decided to have a party during camp, and it was bustling with music, the talking, the drinking, and all the above. It was good to get yourself let loose and having a good time instead of worrying about the next move.

Gale was near his camp as he was listening to the sweet music, slowly his body was moving to it. He casts a spell of mage hand and making it dance with him, until Alaara appeared.

" Oh! Hello! I'm so happy to see you. The grove and Halsin is back in one piece, thanks to you of course. "

He smiled as he took a sip of carafe of wine, letting out a deep sigh.

" Ooufh.. that was the spot. "

[chaoticbard]

A small redraw a year later

[chaoticbard]

So they were missing because she'd volunteered them to be taken away? But why? What could Shadowheart have possibly needed to keep secret from herself and everyone around her? Sharrans weren't so deep underground that their religion was never talked about; there was a decent amount of information running amok in tomes and through mouths passing gossip around.

"That seems like an awfully high price to pay for safety, even if Shar swears it necessary," Alaara commented. The more Alaara learned of gods and goddesses from their worshippers, the more she detested them (and she had already detested them a great deal). It seemed that her ancestors were right; trust no higher power. Serve no higher power. But this she kept to herself for the time being.

"That said you may worship whoever you wish to; I will not push you away for worshipping Shar. You have my word on that. I am curious though: do you remember why you worship her? I have never spoken to any Sharrans at length to understand why it is they choose her over other goddesses. I would know more of the Lady of Loss if you would speak of her to me."

Shadowheart sighed. She knew she shouldn't have said anything. Now Alaara had all sorts of questions that couldn't easily be explained away.

"Yes, they're missing, but it's not the tadpole." There was a beat, and then she let out another sigh, regarding the dragonborn for a moment. "I had certain memories voluntarily suppressed, to keep my goddesses secrets a, well, secret. You can't speak what you don't remember."

And if Alaara didn't put it together from that, well, it would only be a matter of time. "I worship Lady Shar, Mistress of the Night and the Lady of Loss." She paused a moment. "There. Please don't make a big deal out of this."

People could be... odd, about Shar worship. They didn't truly understand what the Nightsinger had to offer. Of course, that could probably be said for many gods. Shar was just the one she happened to know the most about, for obvious reasons.

[chaoticbard]

⤷The Road Home to Baldur’s Gate [10/?] - The Remains of Moonhaven

[chaoticbard]

❛ you okay? caught you staring off into space again. ❜ (from Keyleth? her crit role and bg3 verse are basically the same, she's just tadpoled in bg3 XD)

"Hmm?" Alaara blinked. Oh. Maybe she'd been checked out mentally from the world after all.

"I- Physically, yes," she answered with a nod. "But much weighs on my mind. How could it not when the whole world rests upon our shoulders?"

She shrugged and slumped, her elbows coming to rest on her knees.

"I find myself ruminating over our companions' issues today. It is more than enough to be occupied with tadpoles and the Absolute, but to have troubles on top of that as they all do..." Alaara looked to Keyleth with surprisingly raw, pained eyes. "I want to help them all. Right now, this very second. That is impossible of course. What is realistic is to help as we go. But wouldn't it be nice if I had a book full of Wish spell scrolls to fix things?"

[chaoticbard]

&. 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬.

( this is basically just a very self indulgent list of various fluff, angst, and suggestive themed dialogue sentence starters. )

❛ i could keep you safe. they’re all afraid of me. ❜

❛ i’m trying to fix your hair, so hold still. ❜

❛ your heart is beating so fast right now. ❜

❛ promise me you’ll still be here when i wake up. ❜

❛ you’re not as bad as everyone says you are. ❜

❛ i thought you’d like some company. ❜ 

❛ clean yourself up. you're getting blood all over the place. ❜

❛ here, give this a try and tell me what you think. ❜

❛ you can kiss me, you know. ❜

❛ come back to bed. ❜

❛ you look good like this. ❜

❛ working together again, it’s just like old times. ❜

❛ how is it you always know what i need, huh? ❜

❛ you’re lucky you got away with only a scratch. ❜ 

❛ i can’t imagine losing someone like that. i’m sorry. ❜

❛ you know you can always talk to me. ❜

❛ the only one who gets to kill you, is me. ❜

❛ so, what do i owe this pleasure? ❜

❛ ah, so you aren’t heartless after all. ❜

❛ may i have this dance? ❜ 

❛ it’s okay, you can touch me. i won't break. ❜

❛ enemies make the best lovers, you know. ❜

❛ hold still. this might sting a little. ❜

❛ we can't keep doing this. ❜ 

❛ you look like you've got something to say. ❜

❛ just relax and let me take care of you. ❜

❛ thought you’d be lighter without all that blood. ❜

❛ i had it under control. you didn’t need to do that. ❜

❛ everything looks so beautiful from up here. ❜

❛ you treat all your ladies like this? ❜

❛ well? how do i look? ❜

❛ can’t sleep? ❜

❛ do you mind if i smoke? ❜

❛ i’m scared of ending up alone. ❜

❛ i don’t think i’ve ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ how long has it been since you've slept? ❜

❛ you are losing my interest, and that’s very dangerous. ❜

❛ i’d suffer hell if you’d tell me what you’d do to me tonight. ❜

❛ you look really pretty right now. ❜

❛ i’ve never cared for anyone the way i care for you. ❜

❛ i’m not wearing any underwear. thought you’d like to know. ❜

❛ just a few more stitches and you’ll be as good as new. ❜

❛ i’d say we make a pretty good team. ❜

❛ i want you to forget this ever happened. ❜

❛ i'm here for business — not pleasure. ❜

❛ if i didn't know any better, i'd say you were jealous. ❜

❛ you'd look better down on your knees. ❜

❛ fine, keep acting like you hate me. ❜

❛ kiss me again. ❜

❛ are you asking me out on a date? ❜

❛ just sit there and look pretty and let me handle this. ❜

❛ you okay? caught you staring off into space again. ❜

❛ well, i do feel better now that you're here. ❜

❛ i'm not drunk enough for this. ❜ 

❛ why is it whenever we see each other, you’re covered in blood? ❜

❛ i was wrong about you. ❜ 

❛ the first time i met you, i had no idea you'd mean this much. ❜

❛ you gonna be a good girl / boy for me? ❜

❛ i’m not afraid of you. ❜

❛ books mean more to me than people anyway. ❜

❛ i just wanted to say thank you for protecting me. ❜

❛ how about a kiss goodnight? ❜

❛ i don’t have time for distractions right now. ❜

❛ you shouldn’t be out here by yourself. ❜ 

❛ if i have to think about one more thing today, my head will explode. ❜

[chaoticbard]

Not Alaara snickering because Haarlep just told Raph to 'git gud, scrub' in bed.

[chaoticbard]

A hero at heart ❤️‍🔥

[chaoticbard]

"It would have been a great loss to the world had you gone down that path," Alaara replied. She very much meant it; she cared dearly for Gale as she did the rest of her companions. They had all been through so much so fast that their bonds were unbreakable. She hoped that once they finished their mission, once they all went their separate ways, that their camaraderie would carry on and that they would always talk in some way or other with one another until the ends of their days. Gale especially she could keep up with. After all, they both lived in the same city.

As for what she would have been doing? Alaara tapped her chin in thought. She'd wanted to start traveling again and had just gotten around to it. She'd made it partway to Neverwinter when she'd been captured by the mindflayer ship and tadpoled.

"I would have been in Neverwinter right now if I had not been captured," she answered. "I had started my way there to get out of Waterdeep, to see the world again after several years of being firmly rooted in place..."

"I wished to share my music with the people there, wished to see the sights, and wished to stay long enough to clear my mind, heart, and soul of anything and everything weighing upon me. That did not go as planned. But... I have shared my music with new people, I have seen new sights, and it is easy to forget old, petty troubles when you have a whole set of new ones to tend to."

She offered up a tired sort of smile to Gale, one that defied logic and made it all the way to her eyes.

"Weary though I am, I would not ever wish to go back in time to avoid getting captured. Everyone in camp has quickly become dear to me, and we would have never met otherwise. Well- you and I may have met eventually, given we both live in Waterdeep."

She chuckled, her eyes crinkling even more.

"I've come to wonder if we've ever been in the same place at the same time before our ongoing adventure. Maybe the both of us have been in the Yawning Portal, or in the market, or at a festival at the same time? And if we haven't been, we certainly will be after we get home. I don't intend to dissolve our friendship; I'd be more than happy to continue spending time with you no matter what it is we decide to get up to."

@chaoticbard asked: "What if your life went differently? Where do you think you'd be?" @ Gale

"Ah, now that is an excellent question," Gale said, taking a moment to consider. "I suppose if I'd accepted my lot in life, I'd still be at Mystra's side, her favored chosen. Going on as I had been."

It was a surprisingly harrowing thought, honestly. This journey had led to so many friends, real friends for the first time in his life. If he had never betrayed Mystra, he almost certainly wouldn't have met them.

Of course, he was now on a death march towards the absolute so... he supposed he wouldn't have had to do that, either.

"Or the other side of the coin, the fragment of weave in my chest might have killed me outright, instead of just settling uncomfortably in my chest." That would certainly be worse than where he'd currently found himself. Although quicker, as far as death was concerned.

"And you? Where do you think you'd be, if not here?"

[chaoticbard]

[chaoticbard]

Sussur Bloom

3D render for Baldur's Gate 3

Art by Frederick Senesael

[chaoticbard]

baldur’s gate 3 starters.

the following is a collection of sentence starters from larian’s baldur’s gate 3. part 2.

look at me - i’m not a monster.

stay back. i don’t want to hurt you, but i will.

no. you’re not one of them at all.

i was ready to run you through. my mistake, friend.

that’s far enough. what’s your business down here?

you revealed our location? that tongue gets any looser, (name), and i’ll cut it out.

reckon i might miss this place.

this place is more dangerous than i thought.

well, don’t you cut a fine figure.

sometimes i’m jealous of that girl. ugh - to feel so invincible again.

in your expert opinion, what’s the best way to kill a devil?

i’m certain there are answers out there. we’ll find them together.

there’s no story. none that you’re entitled to hear, anyway.

you can tolerate a great deal of suffering, so long as it has meaning.

until then, all i can do is endure.

please try to understand that it’s not something i can just talk about freely.

perhaps there’s potential in you.

honestly, your faith is your own concern. i won’t judge, one way or the other.

i think i did well by joining you.

you already know my biggest secrets. what more can you ask?

that wall’s an illusion! hiding what, i wonder …

sun, moon, and stars will still be there, waiting for us.

this place is pretty spectacular, isn’t it?

no book or painting could ever do its strange beauty justice.

a perfect ring of mushrooms … nature, or magic?

hmm. i thought that might’ve done something.

another illusion. is anything real down here?

i’m more concerned with this ‘twit’ who set a spectator on you.

a rival - a mere footnote to my legend. you should be more concerned with who i am.

the fools must have turned back. or, better yet, died in the search.

i need no more rivals. try to take this as a compliment, yes?

this presence … this magic is not divine, but fey.

little? i am a god! and i’m gonna rip you - tear you - wear you for a hat -

don’t do anything hasty, now.

i’ll just kill you and claim it for myself.

i’m the lord of murder - i’ll show you why.

if you’re expecting me to drop to my knees before you, forget it.

a wizard’s tower is his sanctum, a private place for research and respite. but as this wizard’s not home … i say we take a peek.

a strange place for a button. especially one that doesn’t work.

what good would it do for me to be troubled? we can’t save them all.

you’ll have to speak slowly. i find it quite difficult to concentrate with my condition gnawing at my insides like a teething displacer kitten.

the whole village is falling to pieces …

hey, maybe we can scare up a few dusty bottles of wine somewhere.

i like your way of thinking. split any takings we find?

what creatures live in water this dark?

i’m a rabid dirty dog. and i bite.

i could’ve killed you before you even noticed me, but i didn’t. stand down.

i can be discreet. no need for bloodshed.

share? you really are in the wrong place.

a bleeding heart, are you? reckon i’ll just roast and eat it.

what in the hells did you do to that corpse?

you do plenty for me, more than you realize. but this cannot be remedied.

are you alright? is there anything i can do to help you?

enough. bickering won’t save your friend.

run away, then.

(name) - i was so worried! did they hurt you?

who cares? we’re together now, thank gods!

i’m grateful, don’t mistake me, but … why help us?

freeze it, cock-stench. we aren’t done just yet.

pay up, and you get to skink away. resist, and i gut you.

drop it. i don’t owe you anything.

your incompetence has been my ruin.

stop! no more innocents will die today, (name).

you care for the weak. most curious.

you so much as touch me, and i’ll tear you from limb to limb.

ah - another treacherous soul walks among us.

i ain’t going down easy.

you been a shit since i laid eyes on you, (name).

strike him down. prove your faith.

your silence speaks to your heresy.

look, you have no idea what you’re dealing with …

it’s the whole damn reason we’re here, and i’m not leaving without it.

the mission comes first.

and i thought i’d heard it all. that’s some cambion-level deception.

i go where there’s shit to stir. and there’s no shortage of options.

i can’t remember much, truth be told.

centuries of torment will do that to you.

you’ve been naughty. and you know what happens when you’re naughty.

just who in the nine hells are you?

well, well. aren’t you a luscious thing?

been a long time since someone stuck their neck out for me like that.

you have a manner of irresistible desperation about you. i like it.

you know, i’ve been thinking. and i think there’s something i should tell you. nothing big or terrible, just … a small little detail about me that hasn’t come up naturally.

i want to join you - to fight by your side.

i’m sorry for barging in like this, but i had to come find you.

i won’t let you down. i promise.

we all have our burdens, one way or the other.

i’m trying to say that you’ve earned my trust in a way very few ever have … i want that to mean something.

freedom - i’d forgotten how it felt. thank you.

if you have a moment, i’d like your opinion on something.

the problem is this: a preponderance of evidence that i am a terrible adventurer.

i can’t risk re-capture. i barely escaped last time.

it was a mistake. and not one we’ll repeat.

i don’t know. he was kind of fun.

we can’t just invite danger in to our hearth like that. we must be more careful.

most monsters will think twice before making a meal of me.

an old hunter’s trick - if you can’t mask your scent, spoil it.

i prefer a weapon to stench, thanks.

you’re a monster hunter? not what i imagined.

whatever you’re hunting, your stench alone will kill it.

a quick wit is rare indeed.

know how to ask, and they’ll share that knowledge. if you’re fool enough to pay their price.

speak plainly. what is she?

i think you’re mistaken - this place looks innocent enough.

truth is like a blade, my friend. we can arm ourselves with it - or just as easily find it pressed against our throat.

i would not put you in danger.

your coyness is getting boring. tell me.

you take insult where none is intended, my friend.

how thoroughly invigorating it is to stand by one’s friend in the face of danger.

you best have one hells of an apology for me.

you must have mistaken me for someone else.

that wriggler swimming in your brain juice is a bit of an inconvenience, isn’t it?

that’s none of your concern.

don’t change the subject.

keep that hole under your nose shut.

let’s not involve ourselves in this place any longer than is necessary.

you want to play the hero so badly? fine. let’s make this interesting.

gods, it’s hot in here.

i’ve had better days. and worse ones.

i am, after all, the villain of the tale.

you truly are a soul that steels my own.

you are as thick as they come.

even i am tired of the sound of my own voice.

i stand at a precipice, but if you do not give up hope, neither shall i.

all of this … it must feel like a betrayal.

you bastard! you ruined it, you ruined everything!

slow down - what did i do?

this is an interesting way of thanking me.

i don’t need this. good luck getting out of here on your own.

i know i should head home, but … i can’t bring myself to leave.

(are you alright?) / not even a little bit. but i will be.

she favored me like a child favors a captive pet.

i promise i will not betray your trust.

i cannot thank you enough.

you will face (name)’s judgement.

i wish you could have visited at a better time.

you had no right to intervene.

you’re not one of us.

copper for your thoughts?

always a delight to speak to you.

did i play games like this in my youth? was i sweet once?

what are you doing? i’m busy here!

nothing beats the taste of stolen beer.

come on, now. they’re just having a bit of fun.

let’s do what we have to do, then get out of here.

smell’s like burnt flesh.

hold out your arm so i can mark your flesh.

i’m here to spill your guts across the floor.

pain without purpose is a terrible thing, wouldn’t you agree?

i often feel i like raw pain too much. it scares me.

as long as the story ends in death, it’s all the same to me.

forgive me, but - that look in your eyes. something terrible has happened to you.

what i see in your eyes, in your soul, is only natural.

we’ve all suffered in these dark times. it is little wonder you hear scars of pain and anguish.

touch me and you’ll lose your hand.

the pain you suffer will cleanse you - do not fight it.

you look tired. should i take over?

welcome the pain. let it become part of you.

that looks like it’s going to bruise.

not that i’m suggesting we stop for a drink, of course.

i wouldn’t want to place all my faith in blind luck.

sympathies won’t help me to survive.

your life, much like your words, is meaningless. end the latter to save the former.

looks like the booze got the better of them. they’re practically unconscious.

they’re dying for me. all of them.

why don’t you take a closer look? i’ll observe from back here.

please don’t open the creepy book!

toddlers are easier to please than you lot.

you know, i never pictured myself as a hero.

all i want is a little fun. is that so much to ask?

having performance issues, (name)?

never have i met such troglodytes.

i was hoping you wouldn’t notice i was gone.

i suggest we admire it from afar.

it would be too much to hope that’s nothing to do with us, wouldn’t it?

i go my own way - alone.

i’ll feed your innards to the ants before i do that.

[chaoticbard]

Alaara held a hand up. "No apologies. This piano has seen many a person at its keys long after the taproom has closed. Even my own."

She stood back upright, her elbow and arm still draped atop the piano's lid. She listened with rapt attention as Bree spoke. 'Ah,' Alaara thought, 'there it is. What she needed to get off her chest and out of her soul.'

At first, Alaara looked upon Bree with a stern, concerned look upon her face. Then her expression morphed into fury the more and more she heard. By the end of it all, her eyes were glowing like violet embers and sparks were tickling her lips. Every single part of her was tense and her tail was stuck straight out like a barbed spear ready to run someone through.

"I will slay every last one of them," she growled, her voice amplified by her bardic magic. "I will slay them so slowly and painfully that they will beg for me to stop. But I will not stop. I will keep torturing them until they are nothing more than pieces of bait to hang from a fishing line in the ocean."

"Please. Don't go." Alaara pulled herself out of her fury just enough to loosen her posture once again. At least- enough to move. Her eyes caught a glimpse of Bree's hands and she noticed the blood. "You need a rag, dear. For your hands."

"You will find nothing but refuge in my tavern. This I promise you. I do not wish for you to trust me in any capacity until you witness that with your own eyes." She paused. "Would any of those men try to find you? Your er- ex husband especially?"

𝄞𝄢 SHE didn't stop singing, not even as Alaara made her lonely solo a duet, their voices melded together into a perfect harmony. Bree's gentle, soulful soprano intertwined with Alaara's smoky, velvet-like mezzo soprano like two long-lost lovers, their voices filling the empty tavern.

❛❛ Hallelujah, Hallelujah...

Hallelujah, Hallelujah... ❜❜

Bree's slender fingers flew along the keys as she played out the last few notes. A beat of silence fell over them as the piano finally quieted. At Alaara's gentle praise, the pink tiefling smiled.

❛❛ Ah, sorry. ❜❜ She remembered herself, quickly swiping at the tears that threatened to fall from the corners of her eyes. This performance has unearthed something long ago buried under the soil of her trauma, of her fear. It felt good to sing, even if it was to an audience of one. ❛❛ I should have asked to use the piano, that was rude of me. I just... ❜❜

{ TW ; brief mention of SA, abuse, exploitation + trafficking }

She trailed off, unsure if she wanted to share such a tender, vulnerable part of herself. Bree visibly swallowed, before deciding that if she didn't take this step, she never will. ❛❛ Other than what was for the curriculum in college, I haven't really performed since my time in my abusive marriage. ❜❜

Her hands clasped together in an effort to steady them. ❛❛ Well, if you could even call it a marriage. I was essentially an arranged mail-order child bride. ❜❜ She swallowed the stone of her anxiety back down before continuing. ❛❛ He had a gentleman's club, and it was there that I performed. But sometimes, the audience wanted more than music... ❜❜

Sometimes, Bree could still feel the hands of those strange men on her. She shuddered, and tightened her hands into fists so tight her nails bit into the flesh of her palms. It was what she did to help ground herself, to keep from getting lost in her own mind.

❛❛ I almost didn't make it out of there alive, ❜❜ she whispered. ❛❛ And sometimes, I worry that I'm going to walk around a corner on the street, or walk onto a stage and see him there. It's been years since, but I can't seem to shake that fear, y'know? ❜❜

Bree sighed and released her hands. Blood welled in the little cuts formed on her palms. ❛❛ I'm sorry. This is completely and entirely not your problem. I should go. ❜❜ She stood from the piano bench and turned to leave.