Description
Brightly marked scales run in tandem across the ridges of
this beings forehead, backward across his crown and
disappear under his trim leather armament. These stripes of
deep abalone highlight slender quill-like protrusions, that
could pass for small horns if it weren't for the opaque web-like
skin adjoining them. They rise and fall with various
movements, along with a similar set adorning his lower
mandible, which would resemble whiskers on a normal man.
Sharp reptilian teeth protrude at several spots on his upper
and lower jaws, much like a crocodilian, however somber
grey eyes with horizontal pupils exude a wizened
understanding.
What armament adorns his body is mostly simple leathers,
homespun materials, and a few trinkets. Intricately woven-
leather thongs help hold up his off-colored leggings by
wrapping in a crossed pattern from either side of his tail to
end by his belt buckle. A few shafts and hafts protrude
towards his upper shoulder or downward to his waist from
the worn rucksack slung across his thin, sinewy shoulders.
Aside from the simple garb, you can see that. . .
Role
The Encounter
Added Tue Jun 29 08:16:18 2021 at level 11:
Somber stillness permeates the atmosphere with only a few insect and
amphibian calls heard in the distance. A low packed mist slowly drifts over
the sodden moor and even in the height of the day, little sunlight makes
the difficult journey to breach the heavy growth of the canopy. Deep within
these western swamplands resides the intriguing race of people known as
Saurians. Among their Sra (life) and Weh (death) tribes are some of the
best and worst beings to grace Thera's bountiful lands.
One such clan amongst the Sra are the Napakal, loosely translated to
"Claw of light", and so named a millennia ago in an incident involving
saving the lives of several prominent high elves. Krauf is the twenty-first
in the line that continues to bare the surname. However, unlike those of
his ancient ancestors, he does not walk the path of a true healer. And,
although he does hold the tenants of life and the Sra in the most high
regard, his beliefs have been influenced by a more modern blending due,
in no small part, to an incident involving his grandparents.
To all within their small village, it was a day like any other. However, it
came to their ears softly and from a distance. Droning, slogging, in a very
distinct and dragging pattern, the pattern repeated again and again and
grew louder as the minutes passed. They were called to upon their arrival
but no response came outside the same melodic drudgery's increased
volume. Soon, the figures in the fog and mire became apparent. Moving
with their lopsided gates were four ragged looking men and what
appeared to be a walking skeleton with only a few bits of flesh covering its
joints.
The Precipitate
Added Tue Jun 29 08:21:15 2021 at level 11:
Appearing from the ether itself was a man, a spark of crimson light
seemed to glitter within his eyes at all times but undoubtedly, he was flesh
and bone. His greeting was cordial and accepted within the tribe.
Whatever was asked, they provided. However, in this man's search for
further magic, enslavement and death followed. Although his inquires
were originally about the legends of the shambling mounds, he departed
our village with the desiccated corpses of several of our healers, including
Krauf's grandparents.
This event was the proverbial drop of ink on the parchment. The
introduction of death to a young boy and a people who had known nothing
but the natural life and honest, good folk. It's a wonder that a good many
of them were not consumed by the darkness but when your entire
existence is focused on the good of life, it is hard to even have a
comprehension of true evil. This unnatural being changed the course of
events in the life of this young boy, destined to be a healer, and steered
him towards the jungle avenger, a ranger.
In the end, it wasn't rage, anger, or a sense of justice that propelled him to
take up a more martial path but the nagging impulse to do what simply
seemed right. This sort of courage comes in many forms but going
against the more traditional beliefs of his people was its onset. Although
he still values life and goodness, he has come to acknowledge that some
people will not listen to the lands, see the wonder about them, and need to
know that they can't evoke their will upon it without consequence.
The coming of a Warden.
Added Mon Jul 5 21:28:20 2021 at level 20:
Eons ago it began as a single seed, nurtured through divine magic and
risen to incredible proportions thanks to those who dedicated themselves
to taking care of it, the "Great Tree", also known as the "Refuge" was a
tough but interesting place to find and learn about. Krauf had heard tales
of it and the various people who inhabit it but had not ventured from the
western continent to the east during his life. However, as the cycle
changes, this too came to pass.
He arrived to meet the Sunwarden after completing a weeks long journey
venturing amongst forest, desert, and swamplands in an endeavor to find
three sacred stones. The first was spotted by accident when he was
turned around visiting Ysigrath in the night. Second within the virgin
woods while stopping to sip the refreshing waters there. The last when
skirting the forest of Prosimy, when clued to the location by the warden.
Their meeting was straightforward and to the point. Ensuring that the
knowledge of the past and the ancients is preserved, known, and passed
down was a prime priority. They also spoke of the great trials and efforts
associated with protecting and nurturing Her and her children. Knowing
that each of these efforts will have their own and acknowledging the
danger, they agreed that a spot amongst the branch of Wardens was the
new path that he should walk, and he proudly took his first few of his new
beginning.
Some things Bite Back.
Added Mon Jul 5 21:35:07 2021 at level 20:
The northern Udgaardian plains are an interesting place. The river and
tributaries that run through the area are large and spread out. They form
multiple little sand bars, light plains, and lead around a settlement of
Onehearts. This group is well known for being at balance with Thar-Eris,
living at peace with Her lands and children. However, at times, those who
would cause pain and destruction pass through, usually through the dark
city of Udgaard or its small outpost, or from the northern goblin settlement.
One day, as the steam from a passing shower was rising from the burning
fields on the south side of the plains, Krauf was taken off guard by an
Imperial warrior and a sadly misguided gnome magus at his side. They
were making it their priority to slaughter the usually peaceful Onehearts
and had set their sights on some saurian prey as well.
Striding swiftly to the northwest after surviving their first assault, he moved
as silently and swiftly as he could, for one not fully accustomed to the
plains. Having caught him off guard, they were confident in the kill but
soon they learned the lesson, sometimes prey bites back.
After setting up in a small bit of brush to the south of the Oneheart tents,
he awaited the duo's arrival. Swiftly he ambushed the spear-wielding
warrior and targeted his weapon. Although he failed in his initial attempt,
his second was true and allowed him to land quick flurry of sword and axe
swings. They then retreated, heading towards Udgaard and their healing
magics but he was swifter. He overtook them by two bounds and set up
another ambush, laying the felar to rest. With one of the party falling, the
fight continued sporadically before the combatants made their way to the
planar sanctum.
After passing several of the mountain wargs, he again clashed with the
mage but this time they had a fire giant mercenary at their side. Although
he was continually pelted with corrosive grasps and burned by spewing
ash, he fought on. Eventually, the mage too met their end and was
ushered unto Her bosom.
As the two exchanged some last words, the mage noted that he fought
like a wild animal. Although Krauf noted the difference and explained that
he held no animosity against the magus, he also stated that those who
perpetuate the cycle of vicious death against Her children will not be free
of the pounce of this forest warrior.
PK Wins
Jul 1, 2021 |Lv 19|Udgaardian Plains|Glamiltharg vs 1: [19] Krauf (100%, stab)
Jul 1, 2021 |Lv 19|Khardrath's Planar Sanctum|Puddy vs 1: [19] Krauf (100%, slash)