Chapter Ten: Characters.

Ferny Tosstream of Hardbuckle: NPC, Halfling female, itinerant musician who, as it turns out, is not at all threatening. An accomplished lute player and gifted singer, she is also the more practically-minded of the Halfling performing pair that includes her cousin, Wilster. Or, perhaps, is less starved and therefore able to feel a completely understandable apprehension to be invited to play at a crumbling, looming, shadowy mansion of a house in Trollskull Alley. 

Wilster Leaflower of Hardbuckle: NPC, Halfling male, a street performer very much down on his luck. He plays the flute and sings beautifully. And is greatly excited about the unexpected improvement in his fortunes that is being promised by Elodie and Vaikner.

The inhabitants of Blackstaff Tower: NPCs, all canon characters. There are are certain non-player characters that require an introduction. And some that, um, just don’t. It has been both intimidating and delightful to reach a moment in our home game where our PC’s get to encounter so many famed Magists in one fraught meeting. These mighty spell-casters all, in their turn, carried the burden and gift of the Blackstaff. Their tales have been told by many others. But here, thrillingly, our company gets to share a brief chapter of our story with theirs! 

And, naturally, given her superlative track record for objective and thoughtful assessment of all of those she meets, we can rest easy knowing that Elodie’s impressions of these legendary Magists are entirely reliable…

Samark Dhanzscul: NPC, Human male spirit. The first to greet our Trio when we arrive at Blackstaff Tower. He remains grimly polite even as he is discouragingly melancholy in the information that he provides.

Kyriani Agrivar: NPC, Drow female spirit. Does not appear delighted with her appointed task of guiding our company through the Tower. This manifests as entirely excessive disdain and vindictive mockery when asked reasonable questions. Still, her determination to find amusement where she can is obviously the mark of a strong and cheerful character. By the end of our first meeting, it is quite clear that we shall become good friends.

Tsarra Chaadren: NPC, Half-Elven female spirit. Our company is chastened to see the devotion to continued loyal service exhibited by this Blackstaff. Even as the terrible wounds that ended her life are visible to all. Quiet, thoughtful, and achingly sad – that is the impression that we are left with on meeting her.

Khelben Arunsun: NPC, Human male spirit. It is difficult to overstate the awesome presence of this remarkable spell-caster. The first Blackstaff, formidable enemy, clever trickster, decisive leader, and a man whose devoted, passionate love defies death; Khelben Arunsun is all this and more…

His rather lukewarm interest in our visit to Blackstaff Tower became, um, heated under regrettable circumstances. While he is now unlikely to forget our company, it is probable that he will not rejoice at the prospect of more talk with us. Let alone be willing to provide much-desired wisdom and guidance. Elodie has been left frustrated and fuming…

Vajra Safahr: NPC, Human female. Current Blackstaff. Extraordinarily resolute, intelligent, and kind, Vajra carries the great burden of her power with a likable mixture of grace, cynical resignation, and gentle humor. She is clearly very fond of her friends, Renaer and Meloon, and, in her affection for them, she is willing to generously assist our company. Her situation – grinding, endless responsibility, confinement away from the world, lack of true solitude as she is ever surrounded by the spirits of her predecessors – is tragic when one stops to think about it. So Elodie is trying very hard not to think about it.

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