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This is the Bio I wrote for an upcoming home game ROTRL . She will be a Life Oracle ( tongues curse ) with one level tattoo sorecerer as to add flavor to her. The GM has graciously allowed me to take it and later improved familiar to get a pseudodragon . The chars basic theme is she is a Half-Nymph fey ( fey foundling feat )that follows nature as a diety ( Life Source) . So here is what I have come up with and I am wondering if it is too much or too little . We all were asked for a bio to add subplots to the game as well and flush out our characters views etc . Please excuse any bad grammar or spelling errors
Character Background ------- Allyssa ShadowMoon
Allyssa was born on a bright mid spring morning. Allyssa is the daughter of Kayliss ShadowMoon and his wife Alladrianna, a forest nymph from the woods far to the north.Kayliss was a half-elf that lived in an honorable way and never drew his sword or bow without cause . Kayliss was very highly thought of and a respected guide and friend of the forest. Many of the realms tradesmen and adventurers have at least heard his name. Kayliss made his home on the edge of the Sanos forest but called Sandpoint his home .Kayliss met his wife Alladrianna on one of his many trips north taking a caravan up a well known trade route. The tales of how they met and of their love differ in perspective of who tells the story but the truth lies somewhere in between .One such story is that Kayliss and the caravan happened upon a large band of orcs/goblins that were laying waste to the forest. They attacked the orcs and drove them away. Kayliss rescued Alladrianna from the fire and from the moment their eyes met they would be forever locked together as one. Another story tells a far different tale. The story tells of how when moving through the heavy forest they had camped along the road for the night .Kayliss had the night watch as usual. The rest of the caravan was fast asleep. They awoke to find him gone though all his gear and packs remained, like he was simply plucked up and taken away. Some say it was magic that Alladrianna had put on him and led him away much as a mermaid does sailors of the seas. In any regard the two lovers were seen in glimpses and in passing by those who travel the Sanos forest. A few months after Alladrianna had moved in to Kayliss’s home she became with child. They were happy and joyous though still remained recluse to the rest of the world. They named the daughter at her birth Allyssa, a culmination of their names. Allyssa was a lovely child and very inquisitive by nature. Allyssa loved the forest and animals often came to see and nuzzle her when she played in the forest as her proud parents watched. Allyssa seemed to have a unique understanding of the basic force of nature that even her mother didn’t possess. The seasons passed as they always do and Allyssa grew into a very graceful and beautiful young woman. Some whispers from those who caught glimpses of her running and playing in the forest told of elves returning to the Sanos forest while others told of a hauntingly lovely maiden who was but a ghost trapped to roam those lands due to the death of her betrothed many moons ago .
Allyssa was given freedom to roam the forest near her home as the forest animals seemed to love her and she seemed at home with the forest. She found she could speak to the animals and plants as if a person. She loved talking to them and finding out all they had to say. One day while out she was told of a rider that had fallen and was dying or dead. It was all the buzz of the forest so she went to see for herself. She found a man lying face up barely breathing it seemed and death was fast coming to him. Allyssa felt sad and knelt near him. She leaned over and felt a strange sensation as her body shivered and she felt some primal force begin to invade her very being . She moved her hand towards the man and it glowed a soft green hue as did her whole body. She could feel the power of nature welling up from the earth into her and as her hand touched the man into him. She watched as his wounds began to close and his breathing slowed. She watched as his eyes fluttered open. The man, named Tremar, was actually an advance scout of the consortium sent here to investigate the rumors of elves back in the Sanos forest. His eyes barely could make out her form as they opened but he definitely knew those rumors were now true. Allyssa stayed with him till near night fall when the man seemed more strong and she crept away as he slept, knowing he was safe now. She felt happy that she was able to aid him in such a way and excitedly told her parents all about her little adventure. They both smiled proud and thought nothing of it other than their daughter was bound for greatness in this world and that they needed to be evermore vigilant looking out for her.
Allyssa was out on another such adventure a few weeks later as she when she smelled smoke. It wasn’t natural for such a smell to be in the forest so she ran back towards home as fast as her legs would carry her. She arrived just in time to see a few men on horseback approaching from the north, one of which was fairly recognizable as the man she had aided. She ran to the modest hovel they called home and hid as her father and mother stepped outside to meet the men. Alyssa didn’t hear every word but the few she did seemed odd as they were looking for her from all she could gather. That a man had told of an elf that healed a grievous wound and brought the man back from the brink of death. They had been dispatched from Magnimar to find her and bring her back to there. Kayliss tried his best to tell them he had no idea of what they were speaking of but the men grew angry and were having none of it and drew their swords and attacked. Kayliss fought as he always had with valor and courage and yelled for Alladrianna to get the girl out of here to safety. Alladrianna ran and grasped her hand leading her out the back of the hovel into the forest. As they ran Allyssa could hear the sound of armor moving and knew they were being chased. Suddenly her mother screamed as a stinging arrow slamming into her mother knocking her down near a ancient oak tree. Allyssa fell to her knees holding her mother’s head looking into her eyes as they fluttered open. Her mother’s words soft, “Go my daughter to the lands of my home, you will be safe there and watched over. Go now “her hand brushing Allyssa’s cheek before it touched the ancient oak causing it to shimmer in light. Allyssa could see the men quickly running towards her now so she fell backward into the tree preparing for the worst. The next thing she realized she was laying in a strange forest far from where she had been.
Allyssa made a small place to rest but was awakened by a soft voice... She awoke to find a man standing over her with pointed ears as hers dressed in a brown armor and green cloak. The man whispered to her “Do not be afraid lost one. I am Venel, a watcher and scout for my people. You must have wandered here from one of the far lands. No matter, however, as you must be one of us so come and be welcomed.” Allyssa looked at him and felt her heart race . She realized she had no real choice as she wasn’t even sure where she was. She spoke to him ( toungues curse ancient Azlanti )and his eyes widened at her words. Venel knew not what she said as her language was not that he knew and he was well versed in most. Venel then slowly and more carefully took in the girl before him and realized though to many she would be elven, she infact was far from elven . He still decided that this girl was in need and offered her his hand and helped her up. Allyssa asked the elf where she was once she felt more at ease in Venel's native language . Venel told her in the Mererian forest in the small village of Sabetha . This is the village where those who stayed after the great city’s fall came too as a place of refuge. Venel lead her to the village he called home. There she was made welcome and got a good nights rest after all. She was welcomed to the small village but never really felt at peace there as many looked at her as they did all non-elves. She spent her days helping where needed and learned many things while there. One day as she was doing her chores she heard a rustle in the village as the scouting party returned with a few gravely injured, Venel being one of them. She watched as the healer of the village gathered herbs and such to try to mend their wounds to no effect. She heard them start to pray and talk of their soon to be deaths so that they might be welcomed into the next life. Allyssa moved cautiously toward Venel as the others attentions were drawn away and again as before she felt the true power of nature well up from beneath her and into her. That same green hue casting light around her form as she leaned down placing her hand upon Venel chest feeling that power infuse into him . His wounds closing slowly as his breathing slowed. She felt him stir then still kneeling crawled over to the next again bringing him back from death’s cold grip. She then lowered herself to the last man as now the whole village watched in a sort of awe. Her body still glowing as her hand touched the young elf’s cheek infusing him with life itself so it seemed. Allyssa then felt weak and as if all the energy she had moved out of her as she slumped to the ground. Allyssa woke a few days later as Venel’s face was the first she seen. Venel spoke soft in the language she had come to know as well as her own “you saved three lives young lost one, you shall forever be welcomed here and are now one of us. Your name to us shall be Sa’amantha (meaning soft hand of healing). You will soon be of age and must then go searching for the reason you have been given such a gift, but till then know you are cared for and watched over here in your new home. “ Allyssa’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she listened and then simply fell back to sleep still worn out .Her life changed and she was no longer looked upon so poorly and actually was now given the chance to read and taught the elven ways and given their vast tomes . Allyssa’s mind was like a sponge as she took in as much as she possibly could . Allyssa spent most of her time doing what was needed of her but in her free time she often walked through the ancient forest the elves once called home. She could feel the old power of the forest and hear the whisper of the trees . She spent much time there simply listening or speaking to the various animals and plants. One such day she had ventured further than she had ever before and found the air getting chilled as the normally sun shod-en forest became almost encased in shadow. The voices of the trees and animals suddenly growing silent. . Alyssa felt an uneasiness now and turned back and moved swiftly away back towards the village she called home. Allyssa heard the sound of steps behind her and even felt a cold presence so her pace quickened more. In the blink of an eye she felt an arrow graze her left shoulder as she ducked behind a few trees and she screamed out in pain . Allyssa's chest was rising and falling as the forest she once knew as a haven suddenly became almost as a maze to her . She could feel the presence of someone but as she looked around cautiously was unable to see or even hear where they were . Her mind was filled with thoughts and she called out in her ancient tongue, " I am Allyssa and mean you no harm please leave me be , I won't ever come this way again " . The forest still seemed eerily silent as she waited but heard nothing in reply . Allyssa stood up and then began to walk slowly her eyes canvassing the forest for danger. Allyssa was startled as a hand covered her mouth and a strong arm jerked her body to his. She felt the coldness of steel against her side as she looked about , her eyes catching sight of another figure moving in the shadows towards her . The man holding her whispered into her ear " if you want to live stay here and do not move ". The hand holding her mouth moved away and as she turned she seen the figure almost disappear before her eyes into the shadows of the forest . Allyssa was painfully frightened and shook with fear so she stood there silently with her back to that great oak tree. Suddenly a woman dropped down in front of her with purplish eyes and long snow white hair and skin as blue as the clearest lake.She spoke not a word but raised her sword with a almost smile as she started toward Allyssa. Allyssa moved even though she was told not too and backed away from the approaching dark figure. She watched as from no where a figure appeared and the two began to fight as swords crashed together their clangs echoing out into the forest .the fight lasted but a few moments till the lady lied dead at the man's feet and though injured badly himself the man turned to Allyssa " more will surely come to find me . i won't be able to make it out, go run for your life . " Allyssa paused a moment but unable to tear herself away from the man, stepped towards him as he slumped to the ground near a tree. Allyssa spoke softly " i will not leave you after you saved my life. i do not even know you name or what you are . " Allyssa moved closer as the man looked up at her " go you stupid elf run, the others will surely kill you if they find you and my escape is ruined now and i will be killed as an example for the rest " . the Man's breathing growing more shallow as he bled. Allyssa felt strange and knelt as she had done before, her hands glowing a deep seated green as her body became encased in that hue. The man's eyes grew wide as he watched . Allyssa's hand liek fire as they touched his woulds feeling them suddenly close as his body began to regain it's strength . Allyssa couldn't hear as all her mind was focused on healing this man, but the man heard the approach of two more as before . Allyssa eyes closed she felt a sudden surge of power flow through her unlike any before as a dense fog seemed to well up from nowhere clouding the area and hiding them. The man knew they wouldn't give up even in such a condition so he moved to his feet and took her hand softly saying " follow me, we still might have a chance " . The elf's skin was like the other dark as the night but his eyes had a softness to them as they tried to make their escape . Suddenly to her left she seen a sword break the fog nearly hitting her as the man wheeled around and swung back. letting go of her hand. She again touched the man's back wanting to give him strength and courage as she again felt nature flow through her to him .the man took out the first then the second in what seemed like the blink of an eye. He gather up their things and searched them taking all they had with him . again taking Allyssa's hand " it isn't safe for you here. I must get you back out to safety . " He led her out and soon the forest began to return to normal as she could again hear the trees and animals speak . They stopped as nightfall was approaching. the dark elf looked at Allyssa and asked " what are you , I know you are not elven though you look like one of my kind . , What is your name ? " Allyssa spoke softly telling this strange man her name and that she wasn't sure of her past as it was taken from her . The man nodded and then told her that his name was Gryeas. He was a slave to the house of Telendril but had escaped . She nodded to him and was suddenly feeling safe. Gryeas made a small fire and even hunted down the night's supper. They sat around the fire and talked for hours till she felt tired . Allyssa then laid her head to his shoulder and nuzzled into the warmth of Gryeas. Gryeas taken back by this movement softly placed an arm around around her and held her in the chill of the night. Allyssa awoke the next morning still in the man's arms and for the first time enjoyed just lying there close to someone. Alyssa felt a strange stir within her as she did and softly traced her hands along the man's arm . She felt the man's hand move to her hair softly running through it as a fire within her suddenly awoke. She peered up into his eyes as he stared into hers , their lips touched softly at first then as each grew with hunger their passion became more. They spent the day in each others arms making love many times in the soft forest floor. Allyssa's heart was full and for the first time content , as was Gryeas. Alyysa felt as though she was again fully alive like all her heart and soul were at peace. They walked along the forest to a small lake and swam and even danced in the leaves that had fallen . Alyssa was happy. She felt she could spend her whole life like this and be content .Gryeas felt love for her as well but knew in his heart he wouldn't be able to stay , not yet as they would still hunt for him . They spent another night of passion in the open expanse of the forest . The next morning Allyssa woke alone a note left for her pinned to a cloak the man had worn . The note read " My dearest Allyssa my love for you is nothing but pure . I cannot however put you in danger as I love and care for you too much . I have left to find peace and a place for us to be and live in peace. I will come find you once that is done and we shall again be as we are now. Know I do not do this lightly and want you to always carry me in your heart as I shall carry you . It will give each of the strength we will need till the day we are again as we are now . Remember me each time this cloak protects you or you wear it . I shall remember you each time I touch a flower or hear the wind in the trees . all my love Gryeas . Allyssa felt as if her heart was ripped frrom her chest as she sat there sobbing heavily.She however did take and feel him with her so she gathered her strength and moved toward the village . Velen would be very upset with her as she had never stayed away more than a night from the villiage before and she had been gone now about four days . She walked a few hours and as nightfall soon came upon her she heard a familiar voice call out to her , it was Velen. He hugged her close then spoke softly " my child you are safe , you had us all worried , you must hurry with us there is danger and evil out this night as our scouts found the tracks of a dark one , they tend to not stray out this far but occasionly they do and we find them and kill them . " Allyssa wasn't sure of his meaning thinking it was more of the woman he spoke of since Gryeas wasn't evil. She walked with Velen back to the village where she was happily accepted back as many greeted her. The scouts returned at almost dawn as she heard a roaring cheers and such happiness erupting from the villiage. The scouting party had indeed found the dark one and disposed of it , however it was not as Allyssa thought , it was Gryeas they had killed . Alyysa felt her heart tear apart like part of her was now gone forever. She ran over to the man's body and ran her hands over his face as they other elf's stood around in awe and disgust. Her tears falling freely from her eyes as she wept. Velen grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back asking her what she was doing . Allyssa pulled away from him and shouted " This man saved me from the dark woman with the white hair ." The villagers all stood in silence as Alyssa knelt and wept over the man she had fallen in love with . Velen touched her shoulder softly and spoke " we are sorry my child but we didn't know his intentions as many of their kind are infact ruthless killers . We were only doing what we do to protect our people. Come Allyssa let's honor him with a burial as we would our own . " Gryeas body was then taken to a home . Allyssa was asked to come in by a few other older woman whom stripped him down. They then left her there for a few moments alone. She cried over Gryeas body for almost an hour, her hands softly running over him as she wept. The women returned with fine garments made of the best materials and also some scented oils. They told her what to do and in a few hours she had oiled his body and he was dressed . They then took Allyssa's hand leading her out into another building where she was given a black dress and veil . "Make yourself ready Allyssa" one woman said softly leaving her alone. They came to get her a brief time later leading her out into the center of the village where Gryeas laid atop a small wooden pillar of wood. Velen stepped forward and spoke " We welcome this spirit to all those who has passed before it into the great home we all go. May his spirit rest there in peace till the one united to it goes to join him . The deeds of this man are great and we wish for him to be accepted as one of us. " Velen then turned to Allyssa as tears streamed down her face . Allyssa spoke softly " My dearest Gryeas, I know not what to do as my heart is torn apart without you. To never touch your face again or feel your lips upon mine shall make my life here an eternity of misery and lonliness .What my future here holds i don't know but I am safe in knowing you arms await me when I leave this world for the next. . Her words trailed off as the tears fell like water from the great falls. She watched as they lit the wood ablaze and his body burned as the scented oils sweet smell drifted like the scent of spring flowers upon the night's chilled air. His ashes difting upward into the air and dispearsing upon the wind carried to a fro into the forest where he shall forever be found . The next day Allyssa awoke and though heartbroke made her way to do some chores. Her day was filled with sorrow and loss and she wept many times yet she went on . The days seemingly passed without end each like the one before it yet the burden of loss became less with each that passed . One day she awoke and felt it was time to move out and find her place in the world . Allyssa spoke to Velen telling him of her wishes .That night they all had a great feast that night as they said goodbye to one of their own.. As the sun rose the next day she bid farewell to the land she calls home now heading back to find answers at the only place she knew, her home in the Sanos forest. Velen went with her on her journey .She still wears the cloak Gryeas had given her and a ring she took from his finger. She arrived at Sanos forest a few weeks later guided by Venel himself. He helped her find the bodies of her mother and father and they laid them to rest together in a single grave under that ancient oak that had given her a new life. She carved their names into the ancient oak so they will never be forgotten. She then bid Venel farewell as he returned to his village leaving her at the small hovel that had too many memories, some happy others sad. Allyssa rummaged around a few days and came across a note from a man named Artur Mellic. She recalled her father mentioning Artur several times fondly and that he lived in the town of Sandpoint . Allyssa gathered what few things she could of sentimental value and started towards the town.
After a week or so of walking and getting directions she was able to find the city of Sandpoint . She asked around a few villagers whom knew of Artur and pointed her in the right direction. Artur was surprised when she approached him and as soon as he knew of her father he took her under his wing so to speak. Artur arranged for her to stay and a local inn called the rusty Dragon owned by a woman named Ameiko. Ameiko at first didn’t seem to like or want Allyssa around but as Artur told her whose daughter she was Ameiko’s mood changed so much so she even allowed her to work at the Inn . Ameiko knew of Kayliss and remembered him staying many nights at her Inn and telling quite a few stories. Alyssa did her best at her work and one day as she was doing the laundry she started singing. Ameiko heard the beautiful sound and stood in awe watching her. Ameiko was quite an accomplished singer in her own right but for whatever reason Alyssa’s voice seemed to be almost magical. Ameiko invited her one night to perform with her at her Inn . The audience was mesmerized by the haunting sound of their voices and soon all of Sandpoint was abuzz with news of it. Allyssa’s performances were the talk of the town so much so that another Inn keeper named Jesk Berinni soon offered her a night every other week to perform at his Inn . Allyssa now was able to just perform a night a week at one or the other and make enough to cover her debts.
Allyssa now had free time of her own. She spent most of her days free wandering outside of town in the small forest there. One day while she was out wandering the many hills she ran into a woman she had seen in town. Allyssa approached her cautiously and greeted her. The woman turned and stared briefly at Allyssa before turning back towards town. Allyssa thought this odd but stayed a little longer to enjoy nature. A few days later while again she was walking she ran into the same woman. She stopped and again greeted her and this time the woman turned to her and spoke. I am Hannah, friend of the trees and forests. I have noticed you a few times in town and also seen your work here in the forests. You are gifted and somehow a part of nature. I am pleased to meet you Allyssa and hope we may be friends. They talked as the passed time wandering and soon became best of friends. Hannah even took Allyssa in time to meet one whom she holds in high regard, an oracle of nature named Niska. Niska’s eyes were cloudy yet somehow she seen Allyssa was not an elf and spoke softly,” I see you are not what you seem young elf. I haven’t seen one of your kinds in my generation though I have heard of their existence but it is truly rare. Allyssa studied the old woman unsure what to make of her before speaking,” One of my kind? I am simply a girl like any other. “The old woman Niska laughed softly “I see young elf then so you are “a small twinkle seemingly amidst the cloudiness of her eyes. I shall be happy to call your friend and even help you along your path if you like. Allyssa still unsure only nodded. The old woman then stood, her body frail from times passing. You must promise me Ally to never let those of this town see you true nature. Again Allyssa looked puzzled and asked “my true nature? “The old woman again smiled, “yes young elf of the green hue your true nature “. Allyssa suddenly realized what she meant and nodded slowly. You will need to speak to an ear old friend of mine as well. He will be able to aid you in your learning. His name is Chask Haladan; Chask owns a bookstore called the Curious Goblin. Tell him I sent you and you will be welcomed.
Allyssa did as Niska asked and went to the bookstore. Chask looked curiously at her but waved her in. Allyssa told him that Niska had sent her and the man’s face was a glow. How is my old dear friend Niska ? Allyssa told him of her and told him Niska had said he could help her learn more about herself. Chask smiled and said I will help you as a favor to Niska. Allyssa began going to the bookstore before lunch and then walked in the forest with a book she picked up often sitting under the shade of an old tree as she read. Chask knows she is not an elf but is not sure what exactly she is.
Things to know for Allyssa.
Whenever she uses healing because of her drawing her power from nature she gets a soft green hue.
The consortium if it finds out she is back and alive will come for her or at very least keep a close eye on her.
She doesn’t seem to always realize danger or when it presents itself so she is naive
She will speak in ancient Azlanti when she is flustered or excited or in danger. It was the language her mother had taught her.
She is looking for the man whom she saved who killed her mother and father but isn’t sure how to go about it or what to do. (((Hmm hiring an assassin sure would help lololol))))
Alyssa's half-brother is named Rissien . Rissien was born to a woman named Caladawyn. Caladawyn was a elven sorcerer that Kayliss adventured with for over a year and they had a steamy romance until she was called back to Iladori , the elven homeland. Rissien is actually in the area looking for the father he never knew and having found him to be dead has decided to look into how or why he was killed . It is like a blood sworn feud for him as he is actually not just a ranger but also a paladin as well. He serves as a high guard of Iladori. He doesn't know he has a half-sister in Allyssa.
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It really depends on how much your GM expects and wants. Some GMs are just looking for a few bullet points, others want a novella telling your character's backstory. Most fall somewhere in between. Consult with your GM.
I would recommend adding some paragraph breaks to your write-up so it's more reader-friendly.
Too much!
I like crafting write ups on my characters too, but half page to a page is sufficient. Backstory adds depth to a character, but the story that is created in-game is more important than seven pages of biography.
JMO, but it's way too long. I didn't even read it all.
The thing about long bios is that they're limiting. Most campaigns start at 1st level or so, and while a background puts you in the game and makes your character seem more real, you don't really know what's going to happen or where you're going to go, or if you'll ever avenge your brother's death and rescue your kidnapped twin.
I'd say a page, double-spaced, with paragraphs, is all you need. A little background, where you're from and why you're looking to adventure is enough. Some bios sound like the character has had so many adventures already, they should be 8th level by now.
Some GMs like lots of detail, but I usually have some ideas of my own, and the adventure provides characters with newer motivations. My characters are often a lot different after a few levels than I first imagined them. Leave plenty of room to abandon your personal quests for much greater challenges. Start out as a bright-eyed noob with dreams of greatness, and go from there.
OR at least offer your GM a bullet points version so they are aware of what you want to get across and carry over into your game.