helnatheshadowcursedundead

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

OC Vibes

Tagged by the beautiful @optimisticgrey - this was too much fun! And Celestecore is STUNNING! 😱

The rules are simple: go to Pinterest, search "your OC's name + core", post six pictures. Then tag six people!

Ooh! I had trouble picking just 6! 🖤✨

I'm tagging: @druizard, @utrennyaya, @e-on-edge, @instigator9000-blog, @goosebuermps, @aoifethephoenixqueen and tbh, anyone else cause this was too much FUN! 👀✨

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Tumblr, I propose a battle of wits!

I have put Iocaine powder in one of these two goblets. You choose, then we both drink.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Celestial Prompt

What celestial body (sun, moon, clouds, etc.) do you associate with your Tav?

I'd probably have to compare her to the Stars ✨

I would've said the Moon.. but it's so lonely..

But when you look at the stars, you can't help but get lost in the possibility of what's out there. And that's more her vibe.

Wonder and possibility.

And the fact that when you see them, they're already dead 😬🤣🤭​

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Y'all! Please. Just take a second and look how disgustingly talented @swordsbardkat is! 😱 She did such an incredible job with Helna, my creepy, Shadowcursed babe! 💀✨

Gently tagging some lovely mutuals who've made me feel more comfortable in sharing my weird OC Tav and her story 💜

@optimisticgrey, @spyvstailor, @enbyofwaterdeep, @foxtatodreams, @faerybella219, @vixstarria, @astarioffsimpmain, @worfs-glorious-hair and @the-phoenix-and-the-dragon

My poor spooky darling, all alone in the shadows.. until she's plucked from despair, thrust into chaos and bright light, and finally reunited with the Druid Elf she fell in love with from afar over a century ago 🥹 'Scuse me while I go ugly cry! 😭

I've been scribbling an intro fic for her for a little while.. I think I'd like to share it! ☺️

I'm so grateful for this wonderfully supportive community! 🥹🫶 Thank you again, swordsbardkat! 💜✨

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

OC Traits Tag Game!

I was tagged by the wonderful @enbyofwaterdeep ✨ and now paying it forward by gently tagging @spyvstailor @faerybella219 and @optimisticgrey

Behold my spooky, undead, Shadowcursed darling, Helna! 💀✨

0/10 never expresses this trait

5/10 sometimes expresses this trait

10/10 almost always expresses this trait

~•~•~•~

Compassion: 8/10

She has boundless compassion for others, always did when she was alive too.. however because of her appearance, people are.. less than willing to accept her kindness 🙈

Bitterness: 2/10

Unless it's against Balthazar, or Ketheric Thorm (for completely valid reasons).. she doesn't have a bitter bone in her body 😌

Happiness: 10/10

Well, being unable to leave the Shadowcursed Lands for over 100 years, you have to have an optimistic outlook on life! And now she's out of there? With friends to boot? She's absolutely bloody ecstatic! 😄

Politeness: 7/10

Very polite, but she does like to ramp up the creepy if the person is rude to others 😈

Chivalry: 7/10

She tries to be chivalrous to others but it's not always that kindness is extended back.. she tries not to let it dissuade her from still trying though! ☺️

Pride: 6/10

Helna's not very prideful. She takes pride in others, but doesn't really recognise those same qualities she admires in them, in herself. 🤭

Honesty: 8/10

Sometimes to a fault, God's bless her. Sometimes her honesty gets a little.. graphic and gory.. which her companions love! But others? Not so much. 😬

Bravery: 10/10

Imo. She's the bravest because she's absolutely terrified but she does it anyway. That's true bravery. 🫡

I like to think in my own OC land, it's what gives Astarion the confidence to face Cazador. Seeing his friend utterly petrified and facing her demons regardless.

Recklessness: 5/10

Not very reckless at all. Only a select few times in her life has she leapt before she looked. And all three so far have been absolutely shite decisions; stealing from Dr. Thorm, trusting Balthazar and helping Ketheric 😑

Ambition: 6/10

She used to be very ambitious: looking outside her own class and station for opportunities, taking them when they refused to present themselves, undertaking challenges she didn't fully understand. Her ambition now is more secular; a happy life in the sun. 💜

Loyalty: 8/10

Helna is fiercely loyal to those she loves, she died for love and loyalty to her people. Her loyalty sometimes blinds her to who truly deserves it though, hence her mistakes in her youth. 😞

Love: 10/10

Despite her lonely existence in the Shadowcurse, she always kept her dream of finding love alive. Fantasising mainly on the memory of a kind, very handsome, very large Druid Elf - 👀👀 - who came through Reithwin before, and during the War between Ketheric and the coalition of Druids and Harpers. 3 guesses who that is 🤭

Attractiveness: 3/10

At first, she's a horror to look at. Truly terrifying to behold. But as you get to know her; her warmth of spirit, her kindness and compassion.. her unfaltering wit! It all comes together to unfurl the outer layers of her appearance, to reveal a beautiful soul inside. (And besides, one the Shadowcurse is lifted.. who knows what might happen?) 😚

Agility: 2/10

Helna is many things. Strong and dexterous is not one of them! Although, she's very difficult to get a hold of.. being as thin as a skeleton helps if people try to take a chunk of you. 💀

Sex drive: 0/10 but afterwards 10/10

As you can imagine, being trapped in an unforgiving land of Shar's design, surrounded by death and dead things.. doesn't do wonders for one's libido. However, once a certain Druid Elf 👀😏 comes back into her life.. feelings she not experienced in a century start.. stirring. 🥵

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

for the Tav QotD (if you want to answer)

3, 7,18

From this Tav QOTD Prompt

3 -  How would they kiss their LI?

Helsin kisses would be very sweet, slow and meaningful. Helna'd love to rest her hands on his expansive chest, maybe dig her nails into the leather of his armour to pull him closer. Maybe wrap her arms around his neck, finger tousle his hair, as he bends down to pick her up by the waist one-armed to kiss her.

I imagine Halsin likes to splay his big hands across her boney shoulder blades and the base of her spine to press her closer against him. Maybe dip her back a little, holding her neck and head, as he does.

7 -  Do they collect anything (gems, bottles, keys, etc)?

She loves to collect bones, mostly. Scrap materials, ribbons, worn smooth glass, interesting bits and pieces to make crafts with. She also likes to collect flowers to press them in amongst the books Gale finds; he often finds parchment containing sandwiched flowers in the book he was about to indulge in.

18 -  What modern day tv show would they binge over a weekend? do they get their LI to watch with them?

Probably something a little spooky? AHS, perhaps? Perhaps Lovecraft for some cosmic horror? Although, maybe some BBC period classics too? To lighten the mood a little?

I imagine Halsin would indulge but only to spend more time with her, and he would enjoy the period drama's more than he expected.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

2, 5, 17, 20 for the tav ask?

From this Tav QoTD Prompt

2 -  What would their blood taste like to vampires?

Honestly, kind of tangy.. like rotting fruit? But maybe just enough for it to be pleasantly alcoholic? Possibly a little smoky from the Curse.

Although, if she was a Companion in-game and Astarion tried to bite her; she'd taste disgusting and he'd probably take Necrotic damage. She'd taste dead; decayed, rotten and  foul. Although, once the Curse was lifted, she'd start tasting as above, I'd imagine.

5 -  What does their tent area look like? where do they prefer to pitch their tent (next to water, covered on three sides, etc)?

She prefers to pitch her tent in the brightest part of camp, ideally where she can see the sun the longest. She would have missed that in the Shadowcurse.

Her tent would be black and teal, with black lace and silver accents. It's ornaments would be lots of cushions to sit on (of all colours), random trinkets and flowers, bones left out to dry, incense sticks and a stack of unread books.

17 -  How do they celebrate their birthday?

She'd have honestly forgotten her birthday, but she would definitely celebrate it with her loved ones. Something in the sun, something in nature and something where she was surrounded by people.

20 -  If you were to try pickpocketing them, what would they be carrying?

Dried bones. Scrap fabric. Lint. Possibly her own fingernail, if it had snapped off. Miscellaneous potion ingredients. Spell scrolls. And a silver pendant necklace.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

2, 16 and 39 for the Tav ask meme?

Whoa! I did not know I had asks waiting! Apologies for how incrediblely late this is! 🙈😅

2. Helna's alignment is Neutral Good. She's an idealistic little love that wants to do the best but still worries about the fallout and consequences of her decisions.

16. Her favourite creature on Faerûn is a Twindletoad! She and her Grandmother would go hunting for them to collect their poisonous mucus for potions. Although, she does have a soft spot for Bulettes too. They just cute!

(I couldn't find a Tav Ask Game longer than 30 questions, so I used a randomiser to chose another question 🙈)

25: The Arcana Major that best represents Helna would have to be Necromancy, for obvious Undead reasons 😅 also, she was a pretty creepy vibed person while alive too.

Tav ask meme

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

oc asks: not-so-nice edition for darling Helna 🫶

alone, desire, future, ghost (haha), mask and secret

Find the ask here

Alone

Trapped within the Shadowcurse for over a century, Helna had to get comfortable with being lonely pretty fast. Even though she wasn't technically alone in there; Thorm siblings, cursed creatures, shadows etc.

She had to make her own fun and friends. Often the dried skulls of creatures and humans she'd find. She'd place them on the shelves of her little hovel, she'd name every one of them and pretend they'd have conversations together - and sometimes not even including her - obviously all narrated by her and her desperate coping mechanisms for loneliness.

Unfortunately, due to the length of time she has been doing this practice of voicing dead/inanimate objects, she doesn't realise it's weird and anthropomorphises everything into a little friend.

The random shit she picks up after convincing herself that twig will be sad if she leaves it in the road, is staggering! 😅

Desire

The thing she wants more than anything in the world, is for the Shadowcurse to be broken and to rebuild Reithwin to it's former self. She's very open about it, and it's one of the things that she and Halsin bond on quickest. However, she's secretive about her fascination/fantasy regarding Halsin. She's not super upfront about being practically obsessed with him and tracking him through the Shadowcurse from the shadows, when he'd attempt to come back to reach Moonrise. Protecting him from the Curse everytime he ventured inside, drawing the Shadow creatures away from him and trying to keep the Curse contained. He just thought he was lucky, but it was Helna.

Future

Her past. The mistake she made in trusting the wrong person. Her vanity and ambition. The incessant need to prove to people that she wasn't a failure like her father.

And obviously, Balthazar and Ketheric Thorm for what their cruelty did to her. Although, it's more the fear of the unknown, of losing control of her deepest, darkest power.

Ghost

Oohf, that is a loaded question. Well, she lives with her ghosts every Gods damned day cause.. she's her own ghost.

Her choices haunt her every moment and she can't escape it. Literally. She's trapped within it. Only to leave fleetingly before being dragged back inside the swallowing darkness.

There are some ghosts that she pushes away though, some ghosts that she ignores the pain of: the Thorm siblings (whom she was close to in life), and her old home (she can't face returning after finding her family hollowed by the Curse.

Mask

Honestly, she's pretty much herself. She hasn't had to hide anything in so long (personality-wise) that she has no filter. Often getting herself into trouble saying the inappropriate thing.

The mask she keeps fears and sadness behind however his buried so deep and dark, that I don't even think she realises it, until she's forced to confront it again with her companions. It reveals a lot of underlying resentment, fear, anger, sadness, loneliness.. all the good stuff. So all of them get to see that mask pulled back.

Secret

That she believes the Shadowcurse was her fault. Even though it's obviously not! But it's the same for Halsin. The blame is felt regardless of what facts to the contrary are in front of them.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Thanks for the tag @aoifethephoenixqueen ☺️ I'm going to take a leaf out of your book (kinda) and I'm going to show Helna's perspective alive and undead 🧟‍♀️🤭

Highlight/bold the ones that apply to your OC:

LUST: desire for connection. pursuit of pleasure. emotional intelligence. obsessive. lovesick. one-night stands. seductive encounter. flirtatious conversation. erotic party. seductive attire. revealing clothing. passionate gaze. provocative makeup. sensual expressions. suggestive gestures. flirtatious smiles. lingerie. love letters. perfumes. provocative behaviour. love poems. erotic art.

GLUTTONY: indulgence in experiences. savouring moments. hospitality. generosity. hedonism. culinary expertise. wine-tasting. excessive snacking. overloaded plates. excessive portions. bloated stomachs. messy eating. greasy fingers. full tables. indulgent spreads. overflowing cups. satisfied expressions. wine bottles. just can't get enough. fast food wrappers.

ENVY: motivation. competitive spirit. strategic planning. observational skills. bitter rivalry. contest. envious gossip. resentment-filled argument. social media jealousy. furrowed brows. clenched jaws. side-eye looks. pursed lips. tense posture. whispering behind backs. crossed arms. gossip magazines. keeping up with the joneses. the grass is always greener. feeling inadequate.

GREED: resourcefulness. entrepreneurial spirit. negotiation. materialistic. aggressive investment. lavish spending spree. resource-hoarding. get-rich-quick schemes. auction-bidding war. property acquisition. piles of money. overflowing wallets. luxury items. locked safes. penny-pinching. rare collectibles. selfishness. unwillingness to share.

SLOTH: calmness. stress management. nonchalance. relaxation techniques. lethargic. apathetic. inactive. lazy weekend. binge-watching marathon. neglected chores. skipped workout. long nap. lounging on the couch. missed deadlines. unkempt appearance. messy hair. pajamas. blankets. slippers. procrastination station. self-care routines.

PRIDE: confidence. self-assurance. self-respect. dignity. public speaking. self-promotion. arrogant. conceited. egotistical. self-important. vain. boastful speech. puffed chest. raised chin. smug smiles. spotlight. tooting your own horn. showing off. refusing to admit mistakes. feeling entitled. personal branding. leadership development.

WRATH: assertiveness. decisiveness. strength. intensity. boundary setting. courage. indignant. heated arguments. road rage incident. physical altercation. angry outburst. clenched fists. glaring eyes. tense muscles. raised voices. reddened faces. aggressive gestures. stormy demeanour. intense frowns. destructive actions. broken objects. punching bag. out for blood. fists. simmering anger.

That was fun! 😄 I'm gunna tag @enbyofwaterdeep, @druizard and @alstromeri-a ✨💜

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Your Tav as a Diety

Find out your Tav's domain here and share a moodboard of what you think that means ✨

Thanks for the tags @ashprince-of-bel-air and @thoughts-of-bear! I answered this on the Astral Campfire Community - a place where we celebrate and our Tavs!

But it was too cool not to reshare for Helna!

Nightmares and Discord

Your intensity is fearsome. When you feel hurt you don’t often seek out equal and fair revenge but rather drown them in hysteria and watch them burn. You’re temperamental and your emotions are on display for the world to see. You’re the last one any human would want to upset, because even though death would not directly befall them, doom and chaos would ensue, surrounding their life until their death.

Tagged loves: @enbyofwaterdeep, @roguishcat, @druizard and @faerybella219 💃✨

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

[ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ?

[ 💤 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they sleep ? curled up, sprawled, holding onto something ?

[ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ?

[ 🍻 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of drunk are they ?

Thank you for asking nine-nine! I always appreciate it ☺️✨

[ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ?

My HC is her Grandmother, mother and herself would sing this as a mantra in a Druidic ceremony to signify the birth of a new year. It sparks a sense of ease and relaxation for the upcoming year.

[ 💤 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they sleep ? curled up, sprawled, holding onto something ?

Probably like a corpse tbh! Flat on her back, hands clasped, but now she has some creature comforts with a smattering of soft pillows she's accumulated along the way. I'd say aswell, sometimes she falls asleep with her eyes open, staring blankly. It's quite unnerving 🧟‍♀️👀😅

[ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ?

(Answered here)

[ 🍻 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of drunk are they ?

No kind of drunk, she doesn't drink. After seeing what alcohol did to her father, she detests drunkenness. She'll still have a glass of wine, or honeymead if it's offered; but it's social drinking, not drinking to get drunk.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

Brothers and Sisters and Bears. Oh, my.

Written for the Ashes and Echoes contest in The Astral Campfire Community. Come along, play with our bg3 Barbie's 🤭☺️

Tags: Memory, family, nature, mild peril, understanding, choosing the bear, reminiscing, warmth, mild Helsin (it's quite a happy one for Helna!)

2.3k words

Lost in boundless thought, Helna finds herself flitting between memories; enshrouded in both darkness and light.

Sitting with her brother and sister in the open glade, finally getting back to teaching them their Druidic roots; Tiernan's rapt attention and Suewen's apathetic presence.

They'd found a clearing within the high grasses and wild flowers, nestled inside the ever growing forests of Reithwin.

The midday rays pouring down over them, through the faint haze of nature's migrating pollens. The harmonious fragrance of the flowers, the overlapping sounds of nature's creatures finding their way through it's mazes.

Helna could feel her Grandmother's presence for the first time in many years and her heart was so full.

"I don't like the forests, they make me sneeze." Suewen complains, glowering from her lounged position. Her dark, wavy hair catching in the sunlight. Her piercing eyes glaring death for all.

By the nasal quality to her voice, and watery eyes, her allergies were in full force.

"I know but that's why we're here, to teach you how to make Grandmother's allergen potion, Sues." Helna explains, trying to elevate her sister's glum mood.

"Yeah, pay attention, Sues. We're here for you." Cuts Teirnan, screwing his face at his gloomy sister.

"I didn't ask for this! I didn't ask to be dragged out into this stupid forest and -- ATCHOO -- Ugh." She finishes with a bellowing sneeze into her sleeve, following with a large, wet sniff.

"Ha, ha!" Terinan mocks, pointing his finger.

"Oi, none of that, thank you," Helna interrupts, "We don't make fun of someone's struggles, you know that. Apologise, please." Helna chides firmly, looking her little brother deeply in his hazel grey eyes.

Being only 8, and Suewen 14, there was a certain tension between her siblings. Noticeably since her sister's developing womanhood had taken hold. A divide had begun to grow between her once close younger siblings, one that saddened her heart.

"Sorry, Sues." Teirnan relents, pulling his mouth to one-side, rubbing his mousey hair with his hand, "You must be feeling really miserable to be so glum." He seemed genuinely contrite in his apology.

"Thanks," Suewen answers sharply, Helna raises a brow and tilts her head, "I appreciate it." She hastens to add, seeing her eldest sister's expression.

Nodding gently to signify the end of the interruption, Helna settles into her potion.

The small cauldron bubbles over the potent pink fire; thick, syrupy liquid gurgles and pops within, various ingredients lay organised in alloted piles around the fire and a faint waft of something sickly.

"Right, we just need one more ingredient. Come on." Helna grabs a large, wide-mouthed jar and pushes to her feet, offering a hand to her sister.

Suewen goes to huff but thinks better of it, taking her sister's hand, "What exactly do we need to find?" She inquires flatly, adjusting her skirts and plodding after her sister through the wild grasses.

"You'll see," Helna answers unhelpfully, then leans down to whisper in Teirnan, "Go find us honeycombs, but don't touch."

His ashen eyes alight and off he eagerly bounds, excited for a secret mission.

Helna slows her gait for Suewen to catch up. Eventually, her sister's lumbering pace falls in step.

"I know everything and everyone annoys you now but, I swear it won't last forever." She soothes, with a small smile.

There was a pause.

"Ugh-I knoww. I hate being this miserable. Can't you just make it go away, please?" Her little sister's big, icey blue eyes gaze up at her; the weight of the world upon her teenage shoulders.

Helna smiles knowingly, "I wish I could, little sister. I really do," she wraps an arm over her Suewen's shoulder and pulls her in to press a kiss upon her head, "But it is a suffering that links all women, from the beginning of time. Luckily, we have potions and balms to help with the pain and side effects, but nothing to help with the miserable mood swings." She jostles her sister and they lightly giggle together.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry I'm such a misery, Edi. I really am."

Suddenly, the forest seems to slow, time stretching and lengthening; Helna's limbs work heavily through the thick air, as she blinks heavily through her sister's words.

She speaks, but her words ooze through her mouth like molasses, "What did you call me?"

"EDITH!" The bloodcurdling scream of her brother shunts her out of delirium, "HELP! HELP ME! HELP!"

Hurtling towards the cries of her brother, she barely touches the ground, as she darts through the forest.

Following his desperate cries, she rounds a large, nearby oak. Leaping over a large root, she's confronted by an enormous brown bear staggering towards her little brother.

His back pressing against the towering oak, the buzz of a hundred bees above him. Teirnan stood terrified and frozen, whimpering in fear.

"Tiez!" Suewen screams from behind her.

Blindly pushing her sister behind the massive root, Helna charges the distance between them at her fastest pace.

The bear pads towards Tiernan; heaving, growling breaths heaved out of every massive step forward. She sees the length of the claws and panics at the thought of the razor sharp talons, carving through her little brother's flesh.

She had a split second to decide which course of action she would take; fight, or friend.

"STOP!" She screams, throwing herself between her brother and the bear, arms stretched wide.

Hurriedly, she waved her fingers to summon the ability to speak with the beast.

"Please. Stop." She held her outstretched in front of her.

The bear blinks, quite confused at her ability to speak with him.

"Oh, do excuse me, lass," he replies, in a broad Reithwin accent, "I were only lookin' for a bitta' honey." He gestures with his snout above her brother, at the dripping honeycomb nestling in it's folds.

"Did you not see the terrified child below the honey?" She quirks her lip, swallowing dryly.

The bear huffs and furrows his thick brow.

"I were tryin' ter' explain to 'im, I only wanted the honey bu' he just kept shouting." The bear physically shrugs.

Helna felt two small hands grip the hem of her black skirt at her spine, she reaches a hand back to squeeze Teirnan's hand.

She casts speak with animals on him.

"So, you were trying to explain to my brother you just wanted the honey." She questions leadingly, hoping the bear would elaborate.

"Aye, the poor lad were screamin' and hollerin'. He looked ever so scared, I felt awful. I tried to calm him down but, well," again, the creature shrugs looking sheepish, "I suppose a ruddy great bear clamourin' towards yuh is enough to make a little one scared."

She felt her brother's hands slide around her waist and his head peak from behind her blouse's sleeve.

"Ahh, there's the lad. Sorry abou' that. I didn't mean to frighten yuh." The bear apologises, dipping his head and looking up over small eyes.

Helna glances towards Teirnan, spotting Suewen daring to peek around the roots shape. His wide gaze looks up at her, and she jerk her head towards the bear.

"He can understand you; talk to him." She encourages, then gently beckons over her trembling sister.

Teirnan audibly gulps, "I-It's alright. I just assumed you wanted to e-eat me."

The bear roars a chuckle and all three of them jump; the two who could comprehend, able titter at the break in tension.

"Oh, heavens no. Little children aren't worth eating, not enough meat." He jests, shaking out his haunches, "only jokin'." he adds for good measure.

Suewen frantically reaches for Helna and she squeezes her hand to exhaust her last spell slot of the day.

From under the boughs of the oak tree, nestled within it's high roots, to the wild meadow once again; Helna, her siblings and the bear sat with the small picnic they'd brought.

Although Byrin only supped on the honeycomb they'd gently recovered from the hard-working bees.

The final ingredient in the potion was locally-sourced honey, so after Suewen had taken the allergy potion, she'd felt much better. There they sat, until it was almost late afternoon; fully enraptured in conversation with a bear.

They spoke of live in the forest, and life in the town. The gossip of the trees, the drama of the village square. They spoke of everything and nothing, finding great company in the giant creature.

Life seemed very different, but familiar all the same.

"Oh, blimey. It'll be dusk in an hour, or two." Helna remarks, jolting upright, glancing at the lowering of the sun to her right.

"I'd about agree with that, lookin' at the sun." Byrin nods, pushing up on his front legs to get a better look at the horizon.

"Oh, dear. I think we should be getting off, but we've enjoyed your company immensely, Bryin. Thank you." Helna smiles, beginning to collect the remnants of their picnic.

"Can we come visit you again, Byrin?" Asks Teirnan hopefully, now clearly at ease with the brown beast. He stands up quickly and rushes over to the bear's side.

"Of course, lad. I'd be glad to see you all again." He replies brightly, nudging into Teirnan's small chest.

"We'll come next week!" Suggests Sues, darting up to not miss the fun, "we'll bring another picnic."

"That sounds wu'nderful." Byrin nods, the thick fur and loose skin moving as he did, "what's 'next week'?"

The children giggle, as Helna picks up the various handkerchiefs of crumbs and crusts, popping them in the wicker basket.

Helna furrows her brow, wondering how precisely to make plans with a creature of the forest.

"Count seven moons. After the seventh, when the sun is highest, we'll be back in this spot. Sound alright to you?" Helna suggests, hopeful.

Byrin nods once again, "I can do that, aye." A big toothy grin spreads across his face, "Oh, what fun! New friends! Wait till Halsin hears about this!"

"Is Halsin another bear?" Inquiries Suewen, smoothing the bears soft ears.

"In a sense," Byrin leans into Sues' touch, "He's one of them Druid folk that visit. Likes to roam around with me in bear form sometimes. He's good company at least." The bear shrugs, shaking off his large body once more.

"Invite him too!" Suggests Tiernan, excitedly shooting his arms in the air.

"How many is our picnic feeding exactly?" Exclaims Helna, with a chuckle, "Come on, we need to get back. We'll need to get washed up to prepare supper. It was so lovely to meet you, Byrin." She holds her hand up to gently scratch his head.

Byrin grins, his black lips wet and wide with a beaming smile, "And you, Edith; Teirnan, Suewen. A genuine pleasure."

Helna's head swirls again, like she was trying to swim through a thick, soupy bog. She watches the children in slow motion, sadly saying their goodbyes to a unexpected new friend, waving till he's long gone from sight.

The world finally catches up with her, as her siblings return to help clear up. Blinking fiercely, she rights herself.

"That was amazing." Terinan breathes, a look of awe on his young face.

"You're telling me." Agrees Suewen, shaking her head at the day's events.

"See, the forest isn't that bad after all." Helna giggles, hooking the basket on her arm. Holding her brother's hand, and walking arm in arm with her sister, they all fall into laughter; as they set off towards home.

When the war started, the trips to visit Byrin had had to stop. Everything had had to stop. Life as they knew it would never be whole again.

She'd never found Byrin's Shadowcursed form - not that she'd really tried to - but she'd liked to think he'd managed to escape.

Maybe taken her sister and brother to safety.

Maybe they'd leapt on his proud, strong back and he'd taken them safely off, somewhere far away.

It's what she liked to imagine..

"Helna?" A warm, silken voice called her, sifting through her willowy thoughts like clear sun piercing through the grey clouds, "Helna? Are you alright?"

Halsin's strong hand softly lands on her shoulder, completely encompassing it. Her gaze falls over to him and he smiles like Silvanus' radiance itself.

Gods, he took her breath away - not she breathed any more but the poetry was there.

He'd taken it away that day in the square, those decades ago, and he'd unwittingly continued to steal it at every chance he got since.

She tilts her head, regarding her handsome Druid companion, "Do you remember a bear named, Byrin that used to live around here?" She asks, a small flicker of something nostalgic pangs through her rickety bones.

Halsin's brow twitches, a pensive expression draws over his face, then lightens into his beautiful sunlit smile, "Byrin." He tests the familiarity of the name warmly on his tongue, "Yes, I do. I think he loved honey even more than I." He jests, placing his hands on his hips, "That's a name I've not heard in a long time."

"My family and I used to take picnics in a wild flower glade with him, he was such a sweet soul." She reminisces fondly, it had been quite a few years since she'd be reminded of that time.

Halsin's face drops slightly, as though a puzzle piece had finally slotted into place, "You were his little picnic friends? Ha! How small the world is." He cries, slapping his knees as he sits astride the log, "I remember him recanting the story of his strange, little pointed-eared friends. Seems you have the habit of befriending a bear." He leans towards her, his majestic presence filling her vision and her broken soul.

"Yes, and I think you were supposed to be invited." She teases, poking his muscular chest lightly.

"Alas, if only we had met sooner." He curls his rich timbre around the words. It soaks into her brittle bones and fans a place in her heart that had been kindling dangerously since the Goblin camp.

If only, indeed.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

For the HC questions

[ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ?

[ 🕊️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen did they feel the safest ?

[ 🔒 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a secret they’ve sworn never to tell ?

[ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ?

[ 🐾 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo animals like them instinctively ?

[ 📜 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a story they love sharing with others ?

[ 🕯️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat memory do they replay when they’re alone ?

[ 🧩 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s a truth about themselves they refuse to admit ?

[ 🎱 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of future do they crave, and who’s in it ?

(You don't have to do all of them :D)

Don't worry girl, I'm not gon' do it.

I did it 🤭😅

Really enjoyed doing these, fair play!

[ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ?

My HC is her Grandmother, mother and herself would sing this as a mantra in a Druidic ceremony to signify the birth of a new year. It sparks a sense of ease and relaxation for the upcoming year.

[ 🕊️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen did they feel the safest ?

In her childhood, especially with her Grandmother. She was a powerhouse, but had a diminutive stature compared to some but she still stood up for what was right.

[ 🔒 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a secret they’ve sworn never to tell ?

That her little brother accidentally ate her mother's flowers when she was babysitting. He was only an infant at the time and very curious. She simply acted shocked when her Mother found her beautiful garden chomped on.

[ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ?

Mention her abusive father. She very swiftly moves the subject on. With time and proper healing, she learns to open up and talk through her attached traumas.

[ 🐾 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo animals like them instinctively ?

Yes, despite her appearance, they seem to not notice and see her soul instead. She prefered the company of animals often when she was alive too.

[ 📜 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a story they love sharing with others ?

Anything and everything her Grandmother told her before she passed. She will happily share her Gram's recipes, life hacks etc. She's no gatekeeper and is useless at keeping secrets - unless they really matter.

[ 🕯️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat memory do they replay when they’re alone ?

Simple ones; happy ones from miniscule moments during her living years. One Winter's Solstice, her father was arrested for drunken disorderliness, so they celebrated without him. It was the best Solstice they ever had; presents, lively dance and plentiful food. So, probably that.

[ 🧩 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s a truth about themselves they refuse to admit ?

That the Shadowcurse was not her fault, despite being an unwitting player in it. She still feels responsible - like someone else we know.

[ 🎱 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of future do they crave, and who’s in it ?

To live happily.

Definitely with Halsin, definitely with the Tadfools in any capacity they wished to. Surrounded by plenty of found family with many children included.

I imagine her waking up before the sunrise, stepping outside, wrapped in a shawl; with a cup of herbal, honey-sweetened tea and watching the dawn crest. Behind her, Halsin emerges and slowly encompasses her in a warm, deep embrace from behind. She offers her tea to him, which he takes a sip and lets out a long, comforted sigh that curls in wisps on the crisp morning air. Halsin nuzzling into her neck, she leans back against him and is surrounded in utter peace. That's what I want for my girl 😌

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

OC Deep dive - Helna

tagged by the wonderful @optimisticgrey! Let's see what this reveals about my spooky darling love.. 👀

no pressure tag for @spyvstailor, @faerybella219, @dearest-and-nearest @the-phoenix-and-the-dragon

What common/uncommon fear do they have?

Knives. She feels very uneasy around sharp knives and daggers. Although she wields two herself, it's more of a fight fire with fire kind of thing. Once bitten, twice shy with an accident as a child.

Ladders. She abhors ladders! Which considering they're EVERYWHERE in BG3 is not helpful! She takes her time on them all and point blank refuses to descend the one from the Selunite temple to the Underdark! Absolutely not!

Do they have any pet peeves?

People who get too drunk. After her alcoholic father, she doesn't like people who get too drunk. They make her very uncomfortable.

Unnecessary unkindness really boils her piss too. That racist guy in Rivington gets a gentle curse placed on him (disadvantage on everything he rolls)

What are three items you can find in their bedroom? (I'll take that as in/by their tent)

Lavender plants/clippings

Her dry bones collection

Lots of soft blankets, pillows etc.

What do they notice first in person?

Unfortunately how they react to her appearance, though she doesn't hold it against them.

But aside from that, she's hella into eye contact, so their eye colour.

On a scale of 1-10, how high is their pain tolerance?

A solid 5, maybe? She's only spindly and spidery. However, if she enters a specific Form of Dread, she feels no pain.

Do they come from a big family/are they a family person?

No, a small family unit. Her mother and father, two siblings and her. Her Great Grandmother used to live with them a Forest Elf of high station in their Druid Enclave, but she passed away.

Do they go into fight or flight when under pressure?

With her friends around her, fight. But when she was on her own in the Shadowcursed Lands all that time, flight.

She's learning to be brave, despite being terrified.

What is a smell they dislike?

That old, lived in pub smell. Too many bad memories. Also, the scent of Wyvern poison turns her stomach.

Have they broken any bones?

All the time. She's literally skin and bones. She's like a living scarecrow!

So while she doesn't feel the pain, a joint will pop out and she'll stick it back in, a rib will crack and she'll push it back in with a crunch.

How would a stranger likely describe them?

It would be more of a physical recoil before they said, "Oh, gods. Her? Terrifying.. but oddly very sweet."

Boom, surprise birthday party, how do they react to surprise?

"Oohh! For me? I didn't even know it was my birthday!" She'd smile brightly, clapping with her long, thin hands, a deranged but gleeful look in her eyes.

Do they have neat or messy handwriting?

Neat. Her Great Grandmother took immense pride in teaching her the basics and insisted she carry it on in schooling. She had the only legible writing in the hospital!

Do they have a favourite fabric?

Cotton. It was softer than the hard linen they usually received and was a special treat from the Weavers.

What kind of accent do they have?

Reithwinite. Born and raised.

Imagine a slightly less affluent version of Astarion's voice, a little more of a rounded country softness to it.. but with her dried up voice box is a little raspy.

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

What single track would you use to introduce your BG3 OC? 🎧✍️

Thank you for the tag, @optimisticgrey! 🫶

I’d love for you to join in and show off the kind of genre that inspires you when creating or writing your OC💫

(Note: Any fandom is welcome to join!! And please, don't forget to link to your fanfics so we can find them! It's time to shine, babes!)

🗣 Rules:

Pick 1 song for each OC!

Include a link to the song/artist/composer

You can add more than one OC (but no more than 3)

brief canon/lore (I love to read about OC's)

Tag other people!

Tav/OC Name: Helna (Her true name remains lost to her)

Level: Currently 10th level

Race: Half-elf

Born: Reithwin

Background: Sage (Modded to Scholar)

Class: The Old One Warlock/Tempest Sorcerer

Alignment: Somewhere between chaotic and neutral good?

Love interest: Halsin

Sworn enemy: Balthazar

The song that most resonates with Helna, weirdly is "The Ballad of the Witches Road" from Agatha All Along, but it's two different versions for where she is in the story.

(Ignore the killing through the ages part 🙈 just the lonelier melody!)

When they're just walking around in Act 1, getting to know each other, she'll just gently sing the song to herself; it's been stuck in her Shadowcursed, undead brain for 100 years.

The other's begin to sing it to themselves, or join in with her when she sings.. until they learn the lyrics off by heart and start harmonising together, even if Helna's not around. Just lightly humming, or singing it around camp. It's a cute little thing they share together and it bonds them ☺️

But, when they're wandering the Shadowcursed Lands in Act 2, it almost becomes a protective mantra within the darkness. While they're with her, the Shadows pay them less mind. It also gives Helna comfort when she sings it softly to herself and her friends sing it with her; Mama K squeezing her shoulder, a playful smirk from Astarion, a warm smile from Gale, a stern nod from Lae'zel etc.

In my playthrough, part of the ritual that started her whole undead journey can only be broken with a coven of 9 people. But the ritual is very specific to the peoples that can represent in it.

While tearing through Balthazar's disgusting study, a notebook containing the original notes of the ritual that binds Helna's unnatural "life" to this plane is uncovered; revealing that with this precise, little gathering of the "Core companion" options aligned, there's a chance to break the Shadowcurse's hold on her. Meaning that if the Curse is broken, she won't be destroyed with it 😱

Imagine the shape of the contorted star on Balthazar's face: all the star's points are a companion, Helna at the centre.

"Seekest thou the road to, all that's foul and fair." - Helna begining the ritual.

"Gather sister's, fire, water, earth and air." - Karlach, Shadowheart, Minthara and Lae'zel represent the four corners of nature. [Front left, back right, back left, front right]

"Darkest hour, wake thy power, earthly and Divine." - Gale's Folly with the Orb and Mystra (Heavens) [front]

"Burn and brew with Coven true and glory shall be thyne." - Helna finding true friendship to lead her to freedom. [centre]

"Circle sown with fate, unlock thy hidden gate." - Their journey leading them here together. (Spells intent)

"Marching ever forward, 'neath the wooded shrine." - Halsin's unwavering mission to end the Curse. (Lawful Good) [left]

"I stray not from the path, I hold death's hand in mine." - Astarion taking control of his future and embracing his Vampirism (Chaotic Good) [right]

"Primal night, giveth sight, familiar by thy side." - Wyll with Mizora's patronage (Hells) [back]

"If one be gone, we carry on, spirit as our guide." - Withers presence with the party (Power source for the spell)

Can you see how normal I am about this spooky little bean? 😅 I could keep going for the entire song but I'll stop 🙈

Hope that was enough lore to keep people amused! Please tag me if you do play ☺️

No pressure tags for: @spyvstailor, @enbyofwaterdeep, @roguishcat, @cheshireizxpikeveil, @faerybella219 and @grymghoul

[helnatheshadowcursedundead]

OTP Vibes Game

Thank you for the tag, darling @optimisticgrey

Hm, Helna and Halsin.. what would their vibes be? 🤔👻🍃

No pressure tags for @spyvstailor, @roguishcat, @astarioffsimpmain and @the-phoenix-and-the-dragon

Rules: Post some pictures of your OTP and their vibes, some info, and a song that fits their vibe. That's it. Edit as you please.

Well, Helna fell in love with Halsin after seeing his acts of kindness, selflessness and bravery before and during the war times in Reithwin. Halsin had noticed the quiet, demure Half-elf with hair of darkest raven around the town but alas, he didn't seize the opportunities to introduce himself.

Finally they've been acquainted properly and intend to waste no time in discovering every moment of happiness.

Vibe

Hearth and home, children, love-making and unbridled nature ✨🍃

Storm gif by @stdismas

Song [I'm greedy and want two.]

The haunting score of Cody Fry's Eleanor Rigby is too perfect for Helna.. it's tragically beautiful. The swell of music into the song connects with a bit of my headcanon for those two and it's toooo good! 😱

Also, tell me this isn't younger!Halsin coded. I dare yuh. This cover is incredible. Tell me that if he actually introduced himself to her, that he isn't taking her through the forests and teaching her the ways of Silvanus?