#so does aivu

[linette-the-pathfinder]

in which commander linette blows the entire crusade budget on matching woollies for all her friends... no boots however because 'i'm a halfling i'll wear boots when flowers bloom in the abyss'

[bg3-ficrecs]

Thunder reforged: Rolan x Dammon - #BG3 FanFic Review

Review by Aivu (@aivuthedragon)

Happy timezone, dear readers! Today I'm happy to bring you this incredible series of works by velocitross on AO3. What's hotter than a tiefling wizard with a knack for a well-timed thunderwave? Said tiefling wizard having a rendezvous with his tiefling blacksmith paramour, of course.

A note from the BG3FicReviews team: The entire BG3 community was been rocked by the recent controversy surrounding Dammon's VA, including the various fanwork creators who've fallen in love with Dammon, included him in their work, and are part of the LGBTQAI+ community themselves. We want to express our support and love to Dammon fans, Dammon fan work creators, the LGBTQAI+ community generally and all those adversely affected by what's happened. As such, we have decided to feature such works in our reviews this week. Make your love louder than the hate. 💜

As always, mind the tags! Our review is continued below the fold due to the NSFW nature of the content in these works.

This incredible artwork by @arczism was inspired by velocitross's Rolan x Dammon fic Working Steel, which is included in today's review.

Working Steel, the first of velocitross’ three works that include this rare pair, is a masterwork in character portrayal. The author adeptly captures the at-a-glance somewhat incompatible personalities of the two tiefling refugees who fled Elturel together and now reside in Baldur’s Gate. In this work, the relationship between Rolan, the ever-surly wizard and the newly ‘appointed’ master of Ramazith Tower, and Dammon, the gentle yet infernally talented blacksmith of the Forge of the Nine, has grown far beyond mere friendship.

Rolan, frustrated by his attempts to catalogue the mindless chaos remaining after the untimely death of the tower’s former owner, approaches Dammon to ask for his help and visits him at his forge. But what could a blacksmith possibly offer a wizard? Well, a good fuck, for one thing. Rolan is pent-up, impatient, and needs a good lay. And, it turns out, so does Dammon. The smut that ensues is not only blazingly hot but also beautifully captures the tender affection between the two tieflings through not only their words, but small, unique gestures of love and care. (Mind the tails. I mean, tags. No, tails.)

In Up in the Tower, it’s Dammon’s turn to visit the wizard’s domain. But the blacksmith receives a less-than-warm welcome, as the ever-grumpy Rolan becomes highly annoyed at having his work interrupted. But considering Rolan is dressed in little more than his underwear and an open robe, I’m more than willing to forgive him for his surliness. Dammon, however, being the sweet, gentle soul that he is, insists on taking care of Rolan beyond his carnal needs alone. In this work, the relationship between the pair deepens, and the author has wonderfully captured the intimacy of the pair. Lastly, we have Within the Storm. This work takes us back to the Shadow-Cursed Lands as the tiefling refugees attempt to cross its desolate lands on their way to Baldur’s Gate. When the Absolute’s forces ambush the group, Rolan expertly wields his magic to stave them off. But when something happens to Zevlor, the battle takes a turn for the worse. In the chaos, Rolan’s siblings, Cal and Lia, are kidnapped and several of his friends and co-travellers are brutally murdered.

Once at Last Light Inn, Rolan is a fucking mess, devastated by his siblings’ capture. Lost in the depths of his despair and way too much drink, the tiefling wizard finds comfort in the arms of a fellow refugee he’d known since childhood - Dammon. And thus the gentlest embers of affection between the pair begin to spark to life. This lovely one-shot serves as a prelude to the author’s much-anticipated long fic about the pair, their growing affection for one another and what looks to be a truly beautiful love story. If you would like to follow velocitross’ incredible work about the love between a tiefling wizard and blacksmith, please be sure to subscribe to the author on AO3 and follow their work and the pending long fic. We have included a snippet of Working Steel below for your enjoyment. As always, please support the writers of our incredible fandom by leaving kudos and comments on their work. 🫶

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Working Steel

By velocitross on AO3

The ring of his hammer fills Dammon’s ears and his attention as he works. A soft frown of focus curves his lips. It’s a simple enough repair—restoring a blade for the halfling woman standing outside the forge watching him work. Still, there’s a satisfaction to it: the rhythm of his strikes, the heat of the day in Baldur’s Gate warming him beneath his layers of apron and clothing. The ordinary busy noise of the city goes on just outside his focus, a subtle, stabilizing comfort even months after the Netherbrain’s defeat.

When he glances up from his work, a distinct figure catches his eye amongst the passersby. Rolan, with his proud bearing and his regal blue and red robes, coming toward the smithy with a tense, bothered scowl and his tail lashing behind him. A smile touches Dammon’s lips. He knows that look.

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” he says as Rolan comes to a stop an awkward few feet from the halfling waiting on her sword.

“Well, don’t take too long,” Rolan snaps, and then reddens further when Dammon raises an eyebrow at him. “Sorry. I’ll just—I’ll wait.”

Dammon lifts the blade off his anvil to study it. He smiles at the halfling as he passes her the sword.

“Give that a try. Come back if you need anything else.”

She moves off to the side to examine the blade, allowing Rolan to step up to the forge. He stands, arms crossed, his face flushed as he fixes Dammon with his bright yellow stare.

“Anything I can help you with, Rolan?” the blacksmith prompts.

Rolan sighs. He places his hands carefully on the edge of the anvil, glances again toward the halfling woman, and leans in toward Dammon.

“I need . . . Steel.”

Dammon breathes a good-natured chuckle.

“Come on,” he says, nodding over his shoulder toward the building. “I could use a break, anyway.”

[lukedanger]

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Ask Game - Mechanics and Story

Knight-Commanders, what is the story told by those numbers on your character sheet? Here is an ask game list with some questions themed around that:

What led the future Knight-Commander to take their base class?

What led to the Knight-Commander picking their archetype, or staying the standard class?

If they chose to multiclass, what does it reflect about them? If they did not, why? Story or player reasons.

What prestige classes did they go for, and why? If not, would one fit them or did they qualify for one?

Which class features would particularly stand out with them - Rage, Channel Positive/Negative Energy, Animal Companions, etc.?

What about their skills and feats - what story is told by their skill selection, or was it pure gameplay?

Is there an alternative class or archetype that is in-game that may fit them better, and if so why did they not take that path?

Is a respec part of their story, and if so why? If not, if they had to respec into something else what would it be?

How does their Background choice reflect their character, and how does it play into their build?

How does their ancestry (race) play into their class and mythic path - do they overlap, or what dynamic is created from that combination?

How does their mythic path synergize with their build?

How does their mythic path synergize with their personality - does it augment it, or is it in contrast? Something in-between?

Which mythic abilities/spells would be iconic to them, and was it their preference or did they prefer something less iconic?

What about another mythic path that they did not take? Is there one that would fit them, build or personality wise, and what might that have looked like?

In your story, does the Knight-Commander consciously choose their mythic path at Drezen, or was it thrust upon them by their actions or some other outside force?

How well do they play mechanically with their romance, if any? If not, which party member do they synchronize best with?

Do they overlap with a party member in role or narrative presence, and if so how do they contrast from said party member?

Did any of their companions multiclass or take a PRC they do not start with, and if so what is the story behind this?

What is their favored weapon(s) or spell(s), and why?

Is there an item in-game that you felt became iconic to the Knight-Commander?

If the Knight-Commander could get a unique item, what would it be and what would it do?

What is the Commander’s opinion of their mythic patrons/advisors - the Hand of the Inheritor, Aivu or the Desnan Adepts, Zacharias, the Aeon in the mirror, Hal, Yozz and Noticula, etc.?

What units did they pick in the Military Council (Infantry, Archers, Cavalry, Spellcasters, Grand Tier), and why?

When the option to pick was available, which mythic units did they unlock and why?

[dujour13]

For the otp ask. 14 and 30 for Raqim and Seelah, 21 and 23 for Siavash and Zrise. Only if you like them, ignore the rest.

Bold asks Wonda 😆 Thank you, these have been so much fun. Kicking my feet 💕 and tagging Dolly @the-raging-tempest for her little guy

OTP asks

Under a cut because it's long

Raqim/Seelah

14. What would be a dealbreaker?

Not to spoil too much but Raqim will come very close to breaking the deal for Seelah by being stubborn and inconsiderate when she’s at her lowest. He does it because he likes her, and he thinks she’d be better off without Iomedae. And that kind of thinking, that you know better for other people... not great. Luckily he realizes it before it’s too late.

Otherwise they’re very in tune when it comes to values and outlook, so I can’t see anything serious coming between them.

30. Write a short exchange of dirty talk between them. 

OMG WONDA THIS KILLED ME

Taking it into territory I have not given much thought to yet. The dynamic is cute but I’m at a loss. This is all I came up with (for now).

Raqim: “Want to go for a dragon ride?”

Seelah: “Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?”

---

Seelah: “You ok down there?”

Raqim: thumbs up

---

Siavash/Zrise

21. How have they changed each other for the better/for the worse?

Answered here!

23. Write a ~300 scene between them with no dialogue, only body language.

The Citadel is quiet at this hour. The silence is broken only the echoing click of a guard’s boots and the crackle of the dying fire in the command room hearth, where Aivu is curled up dreaming. Siavash comes out of the study, stretches and looks around for Zrise. He’s not in his usual seat with a stack of paperwork at the war table. A whiff of tobacco smoke draws his eyes to the balcony. Sure enough, Zrise’s dark silhouette blots the light of the street lanterns below. He’s leaning on both elbows but his chin is raised, not looking down into the city but up above the battlements. As soon as Siavash starts toward the balcony door, Zrise turns an ear. Silently his inky shadow moves out of the angle of sight but the ember of his cigarette leaves a bright trail among the flowers. Siavash stops and looks down at his boots. His body is still full of momentum, leaning toward Zrise, but he checks himself. He waits. The clicks of the guard’s heels recede down the distant corridor. Zrise remains out of sight. Siavash sighs and turns to go. Then another sound catches his ear: the click-clink of Zrise nervously popping his match safe open and shut. It might not be a summons, but Siavash makes up his mind. Outside the night is crystal clear and cold. In the starlight he can hardly see his face but Zrise turns it away anyway. Makes a little huff of surprise or maybe relief. Takes a deep drag and looses a cloud over Drezen. Wordlessly Siavash trails a hand along the flower box and moves into shadow alongside him, close enough to sense his mass in the darkness. To hear the whisper of fabric when he moves. Almost close enough to listen to his heart. The match safe pops shut and is pocketed. Zrise flicks his cigarette and it arcs out into the street below. His hands hang limp over the balcony. Siavash waits. Finally Zrise steals a glance his way. Moisture clings to his lashes. He sniffs. The scent of smoke is pungent as he lets his shoulder come to rest against Siavash’s and they stand together in silence, eyes turned to the stars.

[dragonologist-phd]

Piper & Companions - First Impressions vs Final Opinion

Tag game: Give your KC’s first impression and final opinion of each of their companions!

tagged by @dujour13! thank you!

i've already lost track of who's done this, so if you want to do it (or do it again), i'm tagging you! yes, you!

First Impressions

Seelah: “Wonderful- on top of everything else I have to deal with, there’s also a Paladin. At least this one seems to have a better spirit about it than most.”

Camellia: "There's a rich girl if I've ever seen one. She sure does remind me of someone..."

Lann: "Odd fellow. I can't decide if he's smart or an idiot. Either way, he thinks far too highly of me. But I think I like him."

Wenduag: "Someone who looks like that has a lot of nerve bad-mouthing tieflings. Unfortunately, she seems useful right now."

Woljif: "Him, I understand. And I just might take him up on that offer to leave before things get too messy. Thieves and outcasts gotta stick together, yeah?"

Ember: "What is she doing here? Why does she insist on sticking around? Someone needs to be responsible for her, and I really don't think I'm the right person for that."

Daeran: "Ugh. All I wanted to do was steal some silverware, now I'm stuck with the most obnoxious person in Mendev."

Nenio: "She certainly has her own set of priorities. And if nothing else, she knows how to provide a good distraction."

Ulbrig: "Is he really as old as he says he is? Or is he just as crazy as he seems? It's getting harder and harder to tell the difference these days."

Galfrey: "She's a tough one to read. But I must have convinced her I know what I'm doing if she's trusting me- me!- with the Crusade. I hope she never realizes how much of this I'm making up as I go."

Sosiel: "An absolute dear! I could talk about art with him all day long. I can't imagine what possessed him to go to war, of all things, but I'm glad he's here. That's probably selfish of me, but there you go."

Regill: "Huh. I thought he'd be gargoyle food by now. Pity."

Trever: "Nobody should have to go through this. I'm going to get him out of here, and then I'm going to burn this place to the ground."

Arueshalae: "I know this voice...I just never imagined it belonged to a succubus. Maybe I'm the fool for getting close to her, but she helped us- and more than that, Desna vouched for her. That's enough for me."

Greybor: "He's shrewd; people underestimate the value of that. That's why I don't trust him beyond what I pay him. He can say what he wants, but contracts are broken every day."

Aivu: "I have no idea what's happening anymore but yes of course we're best friends!"

Final Opinion

Seelah: “She’s pretty amazing. I’d have died many times over if not for her, but it's more than that- nothing keeps her down, and she’s the most loyal friend I’ve ever had. I trust her, and coming from me? That's a big deal.”

Camellia: "I should have stopped her sooner, I know. I could justify my choices, but really...I was afraid of having to fight her. I ended up having to do that, anyway. I do wish it could have been different."

Lann: "Definitely an idiot. I thought we were friends, but- I don't know. I still like him enough to hope he stops trying to throw his life away, at least."

Wenduag: "I did give her a chance. I suppose I always knew what would happen, but- well, you can't blame me for hoping."

Woljif: "He's my best friend and my brother and still the only person who I think totally gets me. I'm proud of how far he's come- how far we've come."

Ember: "I guess she could take care of herself pretty well, in the end. She takes care of others, too. I still wish she didn't have to, but at least she's happy."

Daeran: "I still think he's the most obnoxious person in Mendev, but...he's grown on me. If nothing else, he's the perfect partner for wine and gossip."

Nenio: "It's funny- I've gone by a lot of names in my lifetime, and that's never bothered me. But I'm really glad she remembers this one."

Ulbrig: "An actual god, huh? I couldn't have made up a story this fantastical. It's going to make a great song."

Galfrey: "I wish her the best, but...things just aren't the same. Whatever friendship we might have had at one point, I don't think it can be recovered. I suppose I'm mature enough now to forgive, but still not enough to forget."

Sosiel: "Still an absolute dear. And I'm still glad to know him. He has a strength few people see; I feel lucky, to be able to see it."

Regill: "Maybe I was harsh on him at first. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but...he stuck by me, even when I really thought he wouldn't. I guess that counts for something."

Trever: "He's still a good man, and he deserves a good life. I don't know if he believes that yet, but he's getting there."

Arueshalae: "My sunshine, my miracle, my happy ending. I could write a ballad in her honor every day for the rest of my life, and it would never be enough to say how much I love her. She says I've made her a better person, but we all know it's really the other way around."

Greybor: "I don't care if he's the most feared assassin in the demon realms, I know the truth- he's a big old softie."

Aivu: "Still best friends. Still the best part about being an Azata!"

[dragonologist-writings]

Title: A Beauty Calm and Clear Fandom: Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Rating: G Status: One-Shot Main Characters: Knight-Commander Piper Chanterelle, Arueshalae Ships: Piper/Arueshalae Additional Notes: Azata Mythic Path, Pining Word Count: 1k Summary: Arueshalae and Piper share a moment as they reflect on the nature of the Azata.

read below or here on ao3

Not too terribly long ago, Arueshalae had believed there was no greater power than that of the demons. She’d prided herself on her dark beauty, had reveled in her twisted impressions of freedom. That was before her brush with Desna, of course; now, those accomplishments which once brought such insidious joy are soaked with guilt, and she wants nothing to do with that kind of power.

But the power of the Azata?

That is something to behold.

Arueshalae watches in wonder as this new magic takes hold of the barren, desolate crack in the world, breathing life into the cursed land with blossoms and butterflies and bright, shining rays of sun. Darkness gives way to light and color; disease withers in the face of such miracles. Such a beautiful image is only enhanced by the woman standing in the center of it all: the Knight-Commander.

Piper. Her head is tilted upwards towards the rainbow she created, her expression one of serenity as she lifts her voice in song. The light is golden across her rosy face, and her long silver hair shifts softly in some unseen wind.

Arueshalae watches Piper often, as she does all the citizens of Drezen. As the Commander, Piper is constantly in motion, weaving and shifting around the people who surround her, wearing a smile through it all. And yet, Arueshalae has never seen her look as peaceful as she does when singing the Song of Elysium.

Music fills the air, growing and flowing and finally fading away as the spell ends. The aura of magic goes with it, lessening little by little in time with the song’s volume. But the willow tree summoned by Piper remains, a small trace of Elysium that will continue to bless this land long after the party has moved on. It will not fix everything; this is just a small extension of the Worldwound, a forgotten patch of land near a village that most people will never see. But it is proof that healing is possible, and by the time the song has fully ended, Arueshalae is breathless from the beauty of it all.

Piper, her performance now done, simply stares at the tree, blinking in surprise as if she hadn’t even noticed the miracle around her.

“Did…did I do this?” she asks hesitantly, running her hand over the bark.

Seelah murmurs something about a blessing from the gods, while Ember cheerily proclaims that the ground is much happier this way. Aivu takes it all in her typical unaffected stride, bounding off to chase after a butterfly. Meanwhile, Piper still looks as if she can scarcely believe it, and a laugh bubbles to her lips. “I didn’t know I could do that.”

“It’s your gift,” Arueshalae says quietly. “You bring hope to where it’s most needed.”

Piper laughs again, an incredulous sound, and she turns to Arueshalae with a smile- not one of the coy grins she hands out so easily when charming her allies, but one that is proud and radiant and real.

And how easy it could be, for Arueshalae to claim that smile, those lips, for her own. To slide her hands along that graceful body and pin her against the tree, right under the light of Elysium-

Arueshalae bites her lip and forcefully severs herself from those thoughts, all too aware of the heat in her stomach and the racing of her heart in her chest. After all this time…how is it that she is still tempted so?

She takes a step back from Piper-a feat which requires quite a bit of effort when all she wants to do is pull her close- and though she can sense Piper’s concern she can’t bring herself to look the other woman in the eye. Piper should be enjoying this moment, this brief space of peace. Arueshalae’s struggles are her own burden to bear.

Piper does not approach, although Arueshalae can sense the woman’s gaze continue to linger on her. Her cheeks burn, and she knows that Piper must suspect, and she wonders if she should apologize or if it would be best to let the matter drop-

“Thank you, by the way.”

Piper’s voice pulls Arueshalae from her thoughts, just enough for Arueshalae to realize her words make no sense. “What?”

Piper shrugs, turning her face upwards to the light once more, butterflies gathering around her in a strange, fluttering halo. “It occurs to me that I wouldn’t have connected to the Azata like this if not for Ilkes and his friends. And I would never have had reason to find them if not for the visions you sent. So…thank you, for your part in this.”

Arueshalae just shakes her head.  “I fear you’re being far too generous. I cannot even dream. This is lovely…but it is not me.”

Piper’s smile turns mischievous, and when she speaks again her tone is hushed as if sharing a secret. “This isn’t really me, either, you know. I haven't the faintest clue what any of it means, or how it happened. But if the past few months have taught me anything, it’s that anything can change.”

Arueshalae spends the rest of the evening considering Piper's words. The party sets up camp near the new willow tree, enjoying the scenery as night falls and the butterflies give way to fireflies. At one point, one of the bright little bugs flits near Arueshalae, and she lifts her hand on impulse. She regrets the action almost instantly, half-expecting the Elysium-touched creature to turn to dust as it lands upon her finger.

But it doesn’t; it simply flutters and blinks its tiny light, bright against Arueshalae’s pale skin. After a moment of rest it once again takes to the sky, it’s wings soft as a kiss against her hand.

[olinadoeswriting]

Owlcatober Day 30: Wedding

Aula and Arueshalae take on their wedding. A fun little affair with costumes and themes.

[AO3 Link]

Aula / Arueshalae.

Takes place in secret ending.

Aula’s realm is arbitrarily large, it can be given space in any direction and any place, even where it’s contradictory. If all of Drezen wants to visit her wedding then she won’t be the gatekeeper, let this clearing come off as impossibly open, the spring at its center may be infinitely far away. And inside that spring there may be a grand and complex pier and dock system holding ships somehow larger than the water they’re in. That’s true only poetically though, a spring you can never reach isn’t exactly the best communal space, so things are mundanely large. And, ‘all of Drezen’ is closer to the twenty or so people Aula regularly spoke to there.

 All together Aula’s magic means the tens, maybe thirties, of people barely touch the view from her house. Everything begins tomorrow, so Aula and Arueshalae are taking the day to meet up with all their friends before their time gets taken away. Many of them were seen recently, most of them are in Aula’s pantheon, a few, like Lann, are coming back from long expeditions. Aula’s mother has taken to avoiding this particular meeting, given how awkward it might be for her to meet up with people like Galfrey it can hardly be blamed.

Aula stands herself up from the ledge, looking down she can see her sibling, old and with their own children. It was only a month ago she introduced herself to them, it was probably weird for the runaway older brother they heard about in their youth to show up as a youthful goddess. Aula settles her thinking; it’s unfair to make Arueshalae manage the social event all alone. So Aula walks back to the house before people show up. Even without anyone there yet the additional table and furniture make the kitchen feel prematurely crowded.

“It’s been too long since you made cookies. I asked a giant to make some special large ones for Aivu, so we might be able to have a lot of them for ourselves.” Aula hops her way over a clear part of the table to get a hug around Arueshalae.

“You asked a giant to bake cookies? That must’ve been a tall order.” Arueshalae maintains her neutrality for a second before smiling at her little joke.

Aula lays a kiss on Arueshalae’s cheek. “Add some alcohol and our friends will go wild at that joke. Maybe before going wild on each other too depending on how much.”

“Does alcohol still affect them?”

“Cayden Cailean never complained about not being able to get drunk, so I would think it’s still possible.” Aula switches to helping fit the table with ceramics. “Maybe Galfrey will come off more casually when in the presence of deities.”

Outside Aivu swoops in and drops off the guests. Before they even open the door her head is already through the window. “It smells so nice in here, like a bakery full of sweets! You should give me one for my intensive services.”

“I can’t say no to my favorite dragon.” Arueshalae hands off one of the cooling cookies to Aivu, it quickly disappears from reality. “Aula got a cook, just for you, just wait until they finish your very own, specially sized, cookie.”

Aivu gets excited at their cookie.“My own cookie! I will cherish it and celebrate it before eating it. I hope there’s a specially sized jar of jam too.”

“The dragon gets to eat before we do? Was everything she raided from my home simply too refined to satisfy her pallet?” Daeran slides into a seat, leaving a bottle of wine on the table.

“Too refined? Daeran it was all cheese, you just had rooms filled with wheels upon wheels of imported cheese.” Seelah sits down and adds a bit of the wine to her glass.

Woljif also joins in. “And some of it was really valuable.”

“Now how is it that you know?” Daeran says, as though he wasn’t also involved in the plot. “Wait, don’t answer, we must make sure all of our focus is on our beloved knight commander, Aula, and her soon to be succubus housewife Arueshalae.”

Arueshalae’s response is confident, she’s not worried about Daeran’s warning. “You keep to your mansion far more than I stay here. I will continue to fly down to Golarion after tomorrow.” 

“You misunderstand, answering prayers is housework.” Daeran explains. “All those mortals are children begging any woman they see as motherly to fix each of their issues. You two will just be adding a few extra children to the list.”

Nenio pops up from a panel in the floor which leads to the labs. “So it is correct that you two are having children. For the purpose of guessing their future appearance and qualities, could you describe your chosen method?”

Aula jumps back a little. “Nenio! That- uh, birth?”

“Who’s the sire?” Nenio prepares to mark the entry in her book.

“... Me.” Aula realizes this is a fine enough way to put the knowledge out there, but she was worried about saying it more so than saying it well.

“And so that leaves the suc-” Nenio pulls a notecard out from her book and sounds out the word on it, “Arue-sha-lay as the carrier.” Nenio starts sketching what Aula guesses to be predictions of their children's features.

“Chief, can’t believe you’re already planning children, you’ve barely known each other for… three years?”

“It turned to four years about a week ago.” Arueshalae moves around the table to stand next to Aula.

“Four! Chief… You waited far too long, three and half years is right where the window is best.” Woljif nods at his own idea.

Aula takes Arueshalae’s hand and joins the table. “Six of those months neither me nor Arue were consciously aware of passing, so it’s closer to three and a half from our perspective. Does that satisfy you Woljif?”

Arueshalae considers that calendar. “But you spend so much time in my dream, and don’t sleep as much anymore, wouldn’t that have given us extra time?”

Aula hides her red face and whispers to Arueshalae. “What happens there is just for us to remember.”

“We do other things there, like card games.” Arueshalae’s mind trails off reminiscing, causing her to add, “oh, those were also…”

Woljif follows the math in his head and leans forward to speak. “Now what a wonder is that, it adds up. Guess that means Seelah will think I owe her.”

“You do owe me!” Seelah shouts from outside, as Aivu drops off several more.

“Seelah! It’s been so long since you came over.” Aula awaited for the door to open and to observe all the new guests.

Regil’s back from hell, Seelah of course is part of the group, and Wenduag finished hunting in the dark forest, what a curious trio.

“Unless I accidentally stepped into another Abyssal storm I think we last talked last night.” Seelah sits across from Aula, Daeran decides to pour her drink.

“I baked cookies and forgot to give them to you, so you are about twelve hours late to them being fresh… Sorry.” Arueshalae pulls out another stale cookie and tosses it to Aivu.

“Seelah, accept her apology so I’m not being mean when I eat your food.” Aivu has the cookie captured in her teeth but doesn’t yet chew it.

“All right Aivu, I accept Arueshalae’s apology.” Seelah laughs and strokes Aivu as she chews. “And I got myself full on the cherry pies you baked last night with or without the cookies.”

“Yes, I bake a lot don’t I? Should I try something else… maybe frying!” Arueshalae’s mention of frying gets Aula to hunger for fried pastries, or maybe some non dough thing you can fry, whatever that may be.

“Frying is a wasteful process, a cultural plague which is difficult to root out from soldiers.” Regil’s first statement seems typical for him, but his next words feel less harsh. “But, commander, head of our pantheon, I hold no judgments against you- or your wife, if you two engage in it. Especially not today or tomorrow, a wedding is an important tradition that merits exceptions.”

Aula gets a special reward out of the deep respect from people so opposite of her, sometimes it makes her strangely complicit in war crimes, times like this it just feels good. “Thanks Regil, but I must warn you that we’ve gotten several advisors who’ve helped us make this event as untraditional as possible.”

Woljif, chewing on a small scrap of cheese, adds, “Yep, it happened, I was one of ‘em.”

“Me too.” Wenduag laughs at all the horrors she hid in the haunted mansion. “Mistress, after our faithful service to your character, I think we have become worthy of your fresh delicacies.”

Arueshalae checks inside the oven, cookies are done, the mysterious lump which technically isn’t meat still needs some time. The tray is pulled out, a few minutes are supposed to pass before people can eat them, but mysteriously some have already disappeared.

“Ah, Arueshalae, you never fail us. Unfortunately can’t say the same about my body, they never warn you about how not tiring-” Woljif’s interrupted by Aivu flying off again.

“You should have chosen to be a god of beauty, then no matter what you gain or lose you will have done so into an even greater body. Alas I was already too innately perfect as to make that one of my domains, it’s not beholden to my kind of people to worship their own appearance.” No one actually really knows what Daeran’s domain is; he never reacts to prayers, with the exception of Aula of course.

“How are ya still saying ‘my kind’ up here? Or down- whichever cardinal direction we are of the material plane. You’ve become as noble as I am.” Woljif ends the clause with a bite into a cookie he somehow stole without getting up.

“So, Woljif, are you gonna put your noble blood to something?” Aula teases.

“I was thinking of starting a rumor that I had a secret child. Whenever another tiefling achieves something grand, I’ll hit ‘em with my patronage and bam! The world will believe they’re the secret child.”

Seelah’s a little bewildered by the complexity. “Or, you could just give them your patronage, and not mess with any of the ‘secret child’ business.”

“Huh, guess that does sound better. Doesn’t reinforce anythin’ about bloodlines being important either, maybe you’ve got a deal, Seelah.” Woljif makes his hands into the shapes of a weapon a smith showed to him in the Mana Wastes.

“Speaking of… topics.” Aula thinks she’s transitioning well. “I’ve never attended a wedding before myself, except for one in a brief court session. So I don’t understand a lot of the roles, but as I am playing the captain of D.S. Heartpiercer, I do need someone to play quartermaster. You’ve always had a surprising knack for logistics, and being my friend, so want to take it?”

“Chief, you’re gonna make me tear up if you go on for too long.” Woljif leans back and douses some strange ‘dust’ off his eye. “I’ll keep the quarterdeck perfect Chief, the wedding will be a fine affair. Oh, I already have an outfit ready, so don’t bother or worry about that.”

“And Seelah…” Arueshalae begins.

“Don’t worry about it sister, the tailor’s gonna finish my dragon costume by tonight.” Seelah slips out the slip from the tailor and lets it slip from her hand onto the table.

Arueshalae’s excitement from the confirmation grows even more when she hears the rest of the guests show up.

An arm and a wing tucked around her makes it awfully difficult to simply get up. Aula tries to be gentle and provides a small stimulus to Arueshalae, a light graze down her cheek. The succubus stays slumbering, she might have just fallen into a nice dream. Aula searches the room for a clock, it may not be visible to her but she can hear the clockwork fine enough. The minute hand is around fifty, her own innate sense of the realm’s time suspects an hour closer to seven, so about 6:50. Aula acquiesces to the binding limbs around her and tries to close off her mind once again.

Aula opens her eyes again, Arueshalae has exploited the additional time to be the first out of bed. Or is it… The very wooden walls, the splash of water, the lack of a clock, it seems Aula’s already in the right place. She steps out of her bed, and lights candles on the desk before her, illuminating the room and her papers. One of the maps before her is high quality, the other one seems to be a treasure map hastily made by Aivu. But both are wonderful in their own way.

If pirate queen Aula is to inspire her guests into fulfilling their roles to find the dragon’s hoard, she will need an inspiring outfit. The great coat is tattered at the bottom, the fluff about her neck has pinned into it several relics stolen from her time in the midnight isles. A hat to top it off and some boots to stride in and she leaves. Her jubilant subjects react with praise and fill the air with celebration.

“Captain’s up!”

“Queen, scourge of the seas, find us that treasure.”

Shore’s not too far away, and there’s not really room to move the ship, but it’s still rather impressive next to the wooden complex. Upon elevated towers her subjects keep watch for any of those dangerous dragons. Whatever, or whoever, the dragon’s bounty is, she will take it without remorse.

“You’re quite the queen.” Galfrey compliments, wearing the basic garb of a deckhand.

“Galfrey! It’s a surprise to see you engaging with the outfits, it’s been too long since you were here.” Aula would hug Galfrey but she hates hugs and physical touch and would never… She goes against her own discomfort and hugs Galfrey anyway, not everyday you can be so casual with a queen, or former queen at least.

“A hug from the queen herself, I must say I’m rather privileged with this association.” Galfrey looks at Aula, and then makes it clear she’s not joking. “Really, you’ve become more influential than I. I’m not a leader of anything anymore, and all you have to do is descend down to Mendev and ask to be given leadership at the enthusiasm of its people.”

“I’m kept too busy getting summoned as an ‘advisor’ to Drezen and answering prayers, adding a second nation to my list sounds a little too much. Maybe I could quickly overthrow the rule of nobility and set up another peasant republic with full tiefling equality…” Aul’s mind flickers with wonder towards a semi-related topic. “How’s being a herald?”

“I do many of the same things you do, just less so. But don’t spend your day talking to me, all your crew is telling me that you have found a legendary treasure, and must claim it. And I think I should contribute to finding it.” Galfrey prepares a grip on her sheathed, probably fake, sword.

“Since you’re a day late you should stay a day extra, talk with people. Maybe meet my- you can catch up with everyone.” Aula avoids bringing up her mother with how much Galfrey initially opposed just Arueshalae.

“It’ll be hard to spend that extra time, but for a goddess who’s been so patient with me I can’t reject.” Galfrey smiles.

Aula walks up the stairs and takes her spot at the wheel, her quartermaster just to her side. “Loyal crew, you have all stood by me, through the storms and artillery. Patched our hull plank by plank, everything nailed beneath me by your hands. We’ve sailed the seas, but not without all of you. You are the strength of our ship, my greatest pride, today you will show the world why this captain’s the pirate queen. Dragons fly overhead, their bounty is near. We need every last scrap of labor today, for it your names will become legends and your pockets will be forever full!”

The crew cheers, praise and song and dancing comes next. Following the initial jump in enthusiasm people start out on their “challenges”, some need to investigate haunted areas for traces, some just need to ‘battle’ enemy dragons.

Areelu appears behind the attentive Aula. “Are your plans going well?”

“The wedding appears perfect so far-” Aula turns around to see Areelu has switched out some clothing and got fake scales added to her skin and now golden wings. “An envoy of the enemy? You would show up so brazenly before us? Well, do not think we’ll move on easily, dragon!”

“You seek this treasure but do you even know what it is?” Areelu taps a finger against herself and pretends to contemplate. ”Maybe you do, but it doesn't matter. Our dragon servants are performing their challenges dutifully, there’s nothing you can do.” Areelu disappears again.

“Bye, mom.” Aula waves to the empty air.

And that foul servant of dragons didn’t believe in her! But Aula’s crew today showed that they earned their… fins? Yes, fins! Not wings, for those are the weapons of the enemy. Except the wings on Aula’s back, they’re pirate wings today. The horn, drums, and lute of dragon summoning, a human with a dragon soul, and the profane cake have been gathered. There’s nothing left to do but begin the ritual.

Her crew’s band: Ilkes, Aranka and Thall, play the instruments. Daeran, the human with draconic, not celestial, heritage dances to fulfill the ritual. Once the music stops all the dragons appear around them, and falling before them is a pile of gold and treasure, with an unfortunate dragon sleeping on it. Whoever this poor woman, who suspiciously looks like Arueshalae, is, they fell asleep in the wrong hoard and must now be collected by Aula.

“No! You can’t have accomplished this, your task was impossible!” Areelu shouts out after appearing atop the hoard.

Aula confidently steps down from the stern to approach her new treasure. “Nothing you ever could’ve done would’ve stopped us, comradery is more powerful than any draconic challenge. This is now all mine to claim.” Aula unties the unfortunate dragon before her. “Would you, the treasure in my eyes, the hope which fills my heart, let yourself be a part of my claim.” Aula can’t help but run her hand over Arueshalae’s cheek.

Arueshalae lets her face turn red and does her part of the speech. “I want to be in your story, will you take me across the world in this ship? Will you show me every place I haven’t seen and give me every emotion I haven’t felt?”

Aula brings Arueshalae to her feet, arms just around her waist, keeping her from falling. “I will. Will you bear my name, so that we may follow each other in this world?”

Arueshalae utters the simple words. “I will.”

Aula slowly reaches her face forward, and takes on the next step, softly entering a kiss with Arueshalae. The beat of her heart is placing a ringing into her ears which drowns out the cheers and applause, but that’s ok. She only wants to focus on the touch of her wife, the feel of their lips together.

Somewhere in the static of her ears, she hears someone announce, “I pronounce you two Aula and Arueshalae Vorlesh!”

[yunessa]

I have so many for Yunessa....

🌲- What is this oc's greatest strength and weakness?

🌴- Who is this oc's favorite person?(Can be another oc, a fictional character, a celebrity, anyone)

🍂- What music does this oc like?

☁️- What is this oc's clothing style like?

🌲- Loyalty. Not to a cause or country, but to the people who matter to them. To people who accepted them as they were, helped them, and didn't need to understand Yunessa to be their friend/family. You're almost there in the story where you'll see what I mean. ;)

A lot of people write chaotic neutral characters as wacky and funky folks who ignore laws or do far out funny things. But the thing with CN characters is that they make their own morals and values- those can be good, they can be bad, plain as vanilla, or downright vile. But what makes them CN is that the one thing that they hold close is their own freedom. Keeping that freedom, however the character defines it, is what makes them CN. I've always felt that if a CN character sets their path, regardless of good or evil choices, then it's because they chose to do so.

But on the flip side, while a Yunessa who cares for you would give you their bracelet without regret, they also struggle to express their personal thoughts and feelings. Sometimes you don't need to hold onto shards of a broken glass because the pain is yours.

🌴- In a world where Aivu exists then how can you have favorites? She;s so cute. Alternativly excluding romances, I feel like Yunessa and Siavesh would make for a good KC/ companion pair because they seem to get along swimmingly.

🍂- Old music. Not classic or what they can sing in the bars, but ancient music. Like, songs written on stone tablets or buried in graves millennia ago. They would find it fascinating to learn and give it a twist. Yunessa would be a big fan of the Hurrian Hymn, for example. Alternatively any wordless song they can play on their lyre.

☁️- Loose clothes with lots of pockets, a bit of bardic flair (Embroidery, stripes, etc), in darker colors that don't show stains easily- it's better for travel. They don't like showing off their skin so it's always long sleeves and pants. Getting them away from that style is more of a challenge than you'd think. Desna knows Daeran will try.

[bite-the-bloody-hand]

🌷- How does this oc take their coffee?

🍀- Around when does this oc get up in the morning?

🍂- What music does this oc like?

🌳- Does this oc collect anything?

🌙- Does this oc have any unusual hobbies?

🌈- What does this oc like and dislike about themselves?

❄- What is this oc's favorite and least favorite food?

⚡- How well does this oc sleep?

From Yunessa!

Oooh thank you Yunessa these are great!!

🌷- How does this oc take their coffee?

Zell really enjoys bitter and savory things, so he takes his coffee with a little bit of salted yak butter when he can get it.

🍀- Around when does this oc get up in the morning?

That implies he ever actually sleeps lmao. Generally he's an early riser so he can make sure to get in a full set of stretches before getting on the road. Gotta combat that pseudo rigor mortis after all.

🍂- What music does this oc like?

He can find something to appreciate about any kind of music, but he generally favors anything boisterous and brassy, and he's in love with the banjo. He can't play it very well on account of his fingers being a bunch of hypermobile little traitors, but to him the banjo is the most beautiful instrument ever devised by mortal hands.

🌳- Does this oc collect anything?

Zell collects spindles! One of his hobbies is spinning thread, and he likes to have a variety of sizes to work with. He currently has a collection of six - one mammoth bone, one rosewood, two walnut, and two cherrywood. Each have unique carvings; the bone one is cross-style, one of the cherrywood is supported, and the others all have unique whorls.

🌙- Does this oc have any unusual hobbies?

Party Crashing. He doesn't do it maliciously, and only started doing it for the free food, but finds that pretending to be one of the band and sneaking into a private event is *absurdly* fun for him. Something about getting into a place uninvited as a Dhampir is exhilarating to him. Usually nothing crazy happens, but he has been present for several high-intensity birthdays, weddings, and funerals where he was compelled to employ his unique brand of mischief to everyone's benefit. He'll tell those stories some other time ;3

🌈- What does this oc like and dislike about themselves?

Zell has a complicated relationship with himself in that he mostly likes *who* he is but he doesn't like *what* he is. He's tried to live up to his own ideals and be patient with himself when he fails to do so, but those ideals often come in conflict with his desperate hatred of being undead and celestial and how much pain it physically causes him to be alive. He's on the edge of lashing out more often that he'd like but has to be gracious because it's not like it's his fault for being born that way.

Sometimes he worries that he excuses himself too much because of the pain he's in, and that's what he like about himself the least.

❄- What is this oc's favorite and least favorite food?

Favorites: Illitu blood, Kulajda (creamy mushroom and potato soup with dill), garlic soup (no matter what it does for his digestion)

Least favorite: Most sweets (Aivu reaps the rewards here), most mortal blood, cold potatoes that had previously been crispy,

⚡- How well does this oc sleep?

Not very :( he has constant joint and nerve pain that worsens when he lays still for too long, and gets frequent migraines that upset his sleep for days after. However, if he has a very dark and cool room, and a pillowy bed he can snuggle up and move around as necessary without hitting any pressure points, that's pretty close to heaven for him.

[rangedreign]

wotr ask game~ 2 (💜 had to), 8, 23, 25, 28~~

2. How do they feel about Areelu Vorlesh?

The first time Takeko saw Areelu, she was intrigued, open-minded, and more than a little enchanted. By Act 6, she's completely in love, sympathizing wholeheartedly with Areelu's all-encompassing pain of losing her daughter. She doesn't really care whether her love is reciprocated, it's there, and Areelu can see it, feel it, and hopefully understand it.

8. What do they desire the most?

For everyone to be safe and happy. And that does mean everyone- from the kindest altruist to the cruelest misanthrope. She doesn't want punishment for anyone, she just wants the future to be better. Even, and especially for Areelu. Takeko would have sacrificed herself to bring Areelu's daughter back, if it were possible.

23. Where did they get their name from? Family, themselves? Does their name have a particular meaning?

Her name, Takeko [ 竹子 ] means "bamboo child." Her parents named her so because they wanted a child who was diligent and hardworking, to take care of them after they retired and her siblings kept working as a samurai and a geisha respectively. They absolutely did not get that. She considered changing how the first kanji is written when she came to Mendev, to [ 武 ], "warrior", or [ 猛 ], "fierce." However, she was not that good in school and didn't remember how to write them properly, so she kept the original kanji.

25. How did they welcome the physical change that came with their mythic powers? Did they embrace it/reject it?

The floaty leaves/butterflies probably took some getting used to, they can be distracting. When she got her wings she tried to flap them like Arueshalae and couldn't get off the ground. She got it eventually by copying Aivu's more rapid, insectoid movements.

28. Would they be a companion instead of the KC? What would their storyline and personal quest be?

To be honest I can't see her as a companion. Her main character energy is too strong. If the KC does things she doesn't like, she'd just fuck off and essentially start her own army, lol. Her link to Areelu is far too important for this to work.

[lukedanger]

So, I was curious as to how Azata's abilities would sync with paladin in Wrath of the Righteous if not for the Lawful alignment issue (turns out: surprisingly well thanks to paladin's naturally high charisma attribute!), and it ended up triggering Aivu talking to the player for the first time... leading to this:

The cute dragon is threatening the KC in the first meeting! Well, at least not being evil will be the easy part! As for being a teensy bit rebellious... does telling Konomi where to stick the Royal Council selling Mendev out to Cheliax count?

But what if the Knight-Commander's heart is to do Iomedae and her Hand proud? :(

[dujour13]

15, 30 and 35 for the couples asks, for siavash and woljif <3

Aw I haven’t thought about them in too long. Thank you!! 💕

15. What, for them, constitutes a level of intimacy that they would only rarely share with someone? This can be physical, emotional, etc.

Woljif’s a bundle of nerves about physical and emotional intimacy. But I guess one reason he’s attracted to Siavash in the first place is that he’s comforting person. Woljif starts hanging around him because he doesn’t seem to judge. Just accepts him and maybe even likes him? Eventually, although always ready to bolt if things go south, he starts tentatively talking about real things with Sia. Past rejections and hurts. And in response gets only sympathy—not pity.

The poor man is physically starved for affection and can’t stop thinking about that hug when Sia found him in the Worldwound, but also confused by the sudden-onset sexual attraction (I hc him as gray-ace). Intimacy of any kind from Woljif is a huge leap of faith and a huge gift. And it’s because Siavash is aware of this that his heart completely melts.

On the other side, with Woljif Siavash gets to deflect to his heart’s content. He’s so afraid of showing doubt. But Woljif knows, and Siavash knows he knows, and they play this game where they don’t talk about it, but they both have each other’s back totally and unconditionally. The few times Siavash does express his insecurities Woljif just hands him a handkerchief. Like, yeah, I know. It’ll be fine. That unspoken bond is the highest level of intimacy.

30. What completely petty topic (music taste, favorite food) do they find themselves completely at odds with their partner about?

Sia’s dress sense. Woljif loves and hates it. Like on the one hand it’s cute, it’s the chief, it’s who he is. And on the other, you’re going out like that? I wouldn’t say they’re at odds exactly because Woljif’s idea of dressin’ dignified-like is pretty awful in its own right (the whole suit and top-hat thing) and he actually wouldn’t ever, ever want Sia to dress like that anyway. They just look at each other and laugh.

The only thing that’s a little more serious is that Siavash is much less cautious than Woljif, and it does give him ulcers sometimes. The times he gets truly annoyed with Sia are the times the chief’s rushing in without thinking.

35. Would they get a pet? What kind? Who brings up the idea, and who takes a little longer to convince?

No pets, and gods help them, never children. As an azata, small animals sometimes follow Siavash around, and he’ll feed them if it crosses his mind. He’s not reliable enough to even have a cat.

(Aivu is NOT a pet. She’s a friend. She is a baby havoc dragon but they are NOT her parents.)

[fllagellant]

could you do nocticula & anevia for the NPC ask? any OC's chill

Ohhhh love these choices .. pulling out The Two of them ..

Zezil . Okay . They’ re a trickster and they met Socothbenoth first and found their rivalry .. funny . To a point . But they do side more with Socothbenoth and that kinda ended up with Zezil seeing Nocticula less as a frightening leader and more as like .. your “ friend’s “ old sibling that you annoy the hell out of . They go through with pranking her later and they do end up killing her but they did it all out of this idea of humour . They do not trust her at all and they know she’ ll never really care about them or their fate . But it was funny to fuck with her . Zezil voice I hope she likes pink teehee ! Very strange thing happening here it is impossible for others to read bc they are rather respectful to her and jumped to work with her in the abyss but then you got . Just completely disrespecting a leader of the abyss and overstepping everything like what a way to end the final council meeting

Obscure . Is unimpressed . THAT’ S KINDA IT … granted . It is like this with All authority . As soon as someone has a high title or is regarded as a true ruler then he becomes completely uninterested . Considering all the shit it had to do to get an audience in the first place .. and then finally getting there .. very uninteresting . She’ s another hand trying to play him as a pawn . That’ s kinda it . He does use what she offers ( more out of a knowledge it is running out of time to be safe down here , and she can make things happen ) but he doesn’ t enjoy her calling him her chosen and the like . It is more interested in what Ember has to say about Nocticula and watching what happens there .. but Nocticula herself is like . Eh . Cool house . Can I go

Zezil and Anevia are Friends ! Beyond professionalism I think they do like each other as people .. even if Zezil is a bit . Much . Sometimes … Anevia does enjoy being around them and they have good talks I think ! Like to believe that Zezil ends up defaulting to her opinion on a lot of things while managing the crusade effort , and those talks devolve into just hanging out . They also stuck very close to her when they could while she was injured , even after getting to the Defender’ s Heart , just making sure everything set correctly and in case she needed help .. great way to make a friend is to make sure they do not die

Obscure is a bit less involved with talking to her and their relationship is a bit more professional ( as professional as it can be with Obscure ) but it is still pretty lighthearted ! It respects her for her skills and her constant aid and presence and does value her thoughts . I don’ t think they go out drinking or anything but they do enjoy the time they have with eachother while doing their respective duties . Also she is cool with the dragon being in the meeting room so that means Anevia is liked by Aivu … meaning that Obscure is also going to like her . It makes the dragon happy therefore I will also like it <- this is his wisdom .

[queen-scribbles]

25 for all three WOTR characters?

How did they welcome the physical change that came with their mythic powers? Did they embrace it/reject it?

Vikkari (Azata) loves the new butterfly-esque wings almost as much as he loves his new dragon bestie Aivu. He 100% understands why Arueshalae loves her wings so much once he gets his own. He also really enjoys the Azata superpower abilities. It does sit in the back of his mind to wonder about some kind of catch to all these cool, helpful things he can do with his connection to Elysium, even before the revelation of Areelu being responsible, but he can do so much good it ultimately balances out in his favor, far as he's concerned. He hardcore embraced it bc it doesn't matter the origin, it matters what he's doing with it.

Trinne (Trickster/Legend) enjoyed Trickster at first. The spontaneity and out-of-the-box "pranks" were fun and right up her alley as the impulsive lil flirt (bard) that she is. It was fun to play along. But the further she got into events and the more bizarre or outright harmful her ability to bend reality seemed to get, it made her wary. Especially bc the nudge to act on the Trickster impulses was feeling more like a compulsion, not a choice. She very much enjoys freedom and choosing things for herself, so nice as all the ability boost were and fun as some of the impulses were to carry out, she ultimately rejected that path when given the chance. Now Legend, the ability to hold her own and rely on herself against anything(push comes to shove and there's none of her friends around), that one she enjoys immensely. she learns so many new things. :D (She would have made a perfect Azata if I hadn't sworn not to repeat Mythic paths until I tried all the ones I wanted)

Rethelion (Angel, I'm 92% sure) so far is... basking in the warmth of having Heaven's light at her call. She's a paladin of Sarenrae, so the light of Angels feels soothing and good and right. She can use this to help so many people, settle so many problems without bloodshed-- (She's gonna have the hardest time of the three with the reveal of Areelu's responsibility for the mythic powers, it's gonna be juicy) She's still going to embrace it and keep the powers when it comes down to it.

Knight Commander Asks

[dragonologist-phd]

9, 13, 22 for the mechanics and story asks?

thank you! I’ll answer for Piper!

9. How does their Background choice reflect their character, and how does it play into their build?

Piper is a Street Urchin-Acrobat! I didn’t have a ton of her character nailed down when I first made her, but “acrobat” as a background option really delighted me. It went on to inform the portion of her background that she spent with the carnival, which then bled into her varied experience in a bunch of different performance roles.

It also gave her nice mobility/trickery bump, both of which were very useful (especially during Woljif’s disappearance!) She’s also proficient in throwing axes, which has never come up but really should because the mental image is a good one

13. Which mythic abilities/spells would be iconic to them, and was it their preference or did they prefer something less iconic?

Oh there’s so many!!

Cloak of Dreams is very good- Piper very much prefers incapacitation to killing, so putting people to sleep is a signature move of hers

Litany of Eloquence is also good- literally talking/singing her way to victory

And of course Deadly Beauty- because the image of Piper in all her Azata glory covered in protective bees is just perfect to me

Azata spells as a whole suit her really well!

22. What is the Commander’s opinion of their mythic patrons/advisors - the Hand of the Inheritor, Aivu or the Desnan Adepts, Zacharias, the Aeon in the mirror, Hal, Yozz and Noticula, etc.?

Piper adores Aivu! There’s something refreshing in someone who loves and believes so earnestly in her, she can’t help but love the little dragon right back.

And she gets along fantastically with the Desnans and Free Crusaders. Military hierarchy is something Piper never really gets the hang of; she knows on some level that the Crusade as a whole could never operate freely and informally like the Desnans do, but she wishes so much that they could

pwotr asks

[dragonologist-writings]

Title: Always Be Like This Fandom: Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Rating: G Status: One-Shot Main Characters: Knight-Commander Piper Chanterelle, Arueshalae Ships: Piper/Arueshalae Additional Notes: Dancing, Fluff Word Count: 1.3k Summary: As the final battle of the Crusade looms on the horizon, Arueshalae and Piper find themselves in the midst of a truly lovely night.

read below or here on ao3

The cool, cloudless spring night is perfect in just about every way it could be, and the members of the Court of Eternal Song are taking full advantage. A feast has been prepared, as has a full entourage of musicians. Every member of the Court is gathered beneath the stars, where the wine and laughter flow. Under any other circumstances, such a celebration would bring a smile to Arueshalae’s face.

Tonight, however, it’s difficult to keep her spirits up.

“This is perfect, isn’t it?” Piper says, echoing only a small piece of Arueshalae’s thoughts. She nestles closer to Arueshalae’s side in the grass, her eyes turned upward to the dark, diamond-dotted sky. “Such a beautiful night.”

They’re tucked away in their own little corner, in a spot Arueshalae has always enjoyed: one of the high points on the island, at the edge of a small grove of trees, where she can look out over the gathering from a place of quiet privacy. She’d watched from here as Piper made all her appearances, spoke to all the members of the Court, even played a bit of her own music for the attentive crowds. It was a long while before those crowds reluctantly dispersed, but Arueshalae never minds waiting; she loves watching Piper in her element.

Now, however, Piper is all Arueshalae’s, and she intends to enjoy the moment- no matter what fears scurry through her mind.

Arueshalae wraps her arm around Piper, and Piper reaches for her hand in turn. Their fingers intertwine, and Arueshalae still can’t believe how lucky she is. She never would have thought she could be here, with Piper, so close yet with no fear of danger. It’s these thoughts, this appreciation for what she’s found, that Arueshalae tries to focus on. “Of course. Perfect.”

“I can’t believe I’ve never had wine made by treants before,” Piper continues. “I’ve spent my whole life missing out. And who knew we had so many wonderful cooks here? I’ve never seen so many different types of sweets in one place- Aivu is in absolute heaven right now. And the music! All that practicing really paid off, this is just…” she sighs, and a wistful look crosses her face.

Piper is an expert at concealing her own worries, but over time Arueshalae has learned to read her pauses. Even if she couldn’t, it wouldn’t be difficult to guess what is on her mind. These festivities, after all, are not merely being thrown out of appreciation for the lovely night. They are also something of what Ilkes and Aranka had called a ‘last hurrah’ before the coming day, when the Crusade army will set off for its final assault against the Abyss. When Piper will deliver her final blow against the Worldwound.

Arueshalae squeezes Piper’s hand, searching for words that might lessen the weight on her shoulders. But words are Piper’s domain, not Arueshalae’s, and before Arueshalae can come up with something it’s Piper who breaks the silence.

“Will you dance with me?”

The question takes Arueshalae by surprise. “Dance?”

Piper gives her a small, crooked smile as she gestures to their surroundings. “We have music. We have ambience. We have our own private dance floor. So…would you like to dance with me?”

She holds her hand out, and Arueshalae hesitates- but only for a moment, and then she pushes back against her sudden, irrational nerves and takes Piper’s hand. Piper’s fingers close around hers, and she lightly lifts onto her feet, bringing Arueshalae with her. One arm loops around Arueshalae’s waist while the other rests the other on her shoulder, and then she and Piper are standing flush against each other. Arueshalae does her best to match Piper's stance, finding herself oddly at a loss for where to place herself.

“I may not be very good,” Arueshalae warns.

“You haven’t danced before?”

“I…I have,” Arueshalae says, thinking back to the brothels and indulgent parties of Alushinyrra. “But that was a long time ago, and…different. Not like this.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about a thing.” Piper steps even closer, her skirts rustling softly against the grass underfoot. “You’re perfect.”

The distant melody of the Court’s musicians rolls gently along the wind, and the two begin to sway in time. Piper moves gracefully, as always, but her steps are simple and Arueshalae soon picks up on the rhythm. Her tension eases somewhat, and she even manages to give Piper a small twirl. Piper laughs lightly, her Azata wings fluttering with the motion, and when she returns to Arueshalae’s arms she holds her even tighter and nuzzles her head into Arueshalae’s shoulder.

“Thank you for doing this with me,” Piper says quietly.

“It’s not so complicated, after all.”

“I mean…thank you for doing this with me,” Piper says, waving a hand in the direction of her Court. “The Crusades. The Abyss. Now I’m going to be dragging you to the center of the Worldwound itself, and-“

She cuts herself off, and when she shivers, Arueshalae knows she’s resisting the urge to run a hand over the wound on her chest. It’s an action she’s performed many times before, and each time it sends a faint ripple of anxious guilt through Arueshalae’s heart. After all, she told Piper to keep this power. She insisted that it was something beautiful- and it is, the Court around them is evidence enough of that.

But what if Iomedae was correct in her advice? What if Areelu has even more tricks up her sleeve? How could Arueshalae live with herself, if her words swayed Piper into placing herself in danger?

Arueshalae doesn’t even notice they’ve stopped moving until Piper traces a hand across her cheek. “Oh, I shouldn’t have brought that up- now I’ve gone and killed the whole mood, haven’t I? Let’s just go back to enjoying the night. There’s no use worrying about anything right now.”

“That doesn’t stop me,” Arueshalae murmurs. She leans into Piper’s touch. “You will come back to me, won’t you?”

A weak smile flickers across Piper’s face. “Don’t go fretting over me, Sunshine.”

“Of course I’m going to fret over you,” Arueshalae protests. “I care about you. And I’m not the only one. So if you’re worried, too…it’s okay.”

“Is it?” Piper asks quietly. Her gaze slides to the gathering below. “People need hope, not more fear. I can’t…”

Her words fade as Arueshalae shifts her wings, letting them lift to block the view of the Court, wrapping them around Piper in an embrace of their own.

“You do give them hope,” Arueshalae says quietly. “You’ve already taken Areelu’s curse and turned it into something miraculous. But it’s just us now. You can worry, if you need to. I know I do. It doesn’t stop me from believing in you.”

Piper is quiet for a long moment, until at last she says in a quiet voice, “…thank you. Did I say that yet?”

“You did.”

“Well, then…” Piper’s voice recovers some of its confidence, and there’s a tinge of mischief to her tone when she says, “can I ask what it is you’ll do, after I come back to you?”

Arueshalae answers in kind. “I think you know.”

Her words bring forth a quick burst of laughter, and Piper’s tail curls around Arueshalae’s waist in a promising manner. “I promise, when all this over, you and I are going to take a long, long vacation.”

“And we’re going to have many more perfect nights just like this.”

"And we’ll find a nice, peaceful home where none of the queen’s messengers can find us.”

“And I’ll get better at dancing.”

Piper laughs again. She doesn’t say anything else for a long while; she simply holds tight to Arueshalae as they sway beneath the stars.

Arueshalae knows there are many fears and worries between them that have not been completely eradicated. But tonight, they have their hopes and their dreams. Tonight, music plays, and the stars are out, and Piper is smiling in Arueshalae’s arms.

And tonight, that is enough.