Origins of Blood (Velve's Ongoing Story)

[Draelith]

** Special thanks for Zaknatar and Zaedim for providing the RP for me to craft this characters backstory! **

Origins of the Man

Outward Appearance:
Tall as most Drow females of medium build, his features are accentuated by his silver eyes and hair the color of faded blond. Overall his appearance is exotic by typical Drow standards.

Background:
Velve's story begins in the city of Eryndlyn but his current predicament extends far into the past. For nearly two millennium Qu'ellar Ssarresza rose through the ranks in Eryndyln until it reached the ruling council. Velve was the first-boy to this powerful Qu'ellar. Much of his first training with the sword was done within the walls of the Melee-Magthere where he demonstrated great skill. However his training would never be completed, as the Qu'ellar held a secret that would ultimately be its undoing and result in his exodus from Eryndryln.

The founder of the Qu'ellar had a Aasimar slave she had broken (former paladin) and favored amongst all others. A daughter was birthed, a product of a union of divine blood and that of the Ilharess. Their daughter, Amal'Eclave Ssarresza, showing no signs of her Aasimar heritage was allowed to live and survived as the only daughter of the House to carry on its Legacy.

The Aasimar blood would occasional show up in the family offspring. Supernatural abilities sometimes would manifest, enabling some to become powerful Warlocks. Physical traits betraying the mixed heritage included golden/grayish hair, silver eyes, and less angular features. For some the solution was as simple as bleaching hair to the Drow's typical white. In extreme cases the offspring were killed.

In addition to holding such a secret of their origins, the Qu'ellar daughters gave lipservive to Lloth but received their power through worship of Shar. This was never uncovered, however their Aasimar heritage was. Enemies in Eryndyln discovered this past and used it to rally the ruling bodies of the city to bring down the Qu'ellar. Eradicating its members as well as its name from their history. The fall of the Qu'ellar came about only in the past century.

Velve escaped the purge into the caravan tunnels exiting the city. His only possession, the Qu'ellars prized scimitar named Belbol d'Vlos, a link to a past that had ended abruptly. A strange demonic sentience resides within the blade, one of which Velve still struggles to control. At times of battle it can drive its wielder to frenzy in it's thirst for blood.

His sword style is best characterized and brutal and efficient, the result of his past decades training in the Wilds. There is a simplicity in how he wields his blade. Powerful cuts tend to negate his need to find weak-spots though he is quick to exploit any weakness exposed.

Personality:
Silent and reserved, inline with his secretive side. The calm stillness of his exterior is deceptive to the currents underneath. An inner struggle is always taking place. The product of his Aasimar and Drow blood, savage training, and the sword he carries. He maintains control through Steadfast Determination, which helps him quell the frenzies his sword is constantly attempting to inspire within him.

Goals/objectives:
To master the blade of his birthright and prove his worth by physical prowess in the eyes of Qu'ellar Mori'hyanda. He holds onto his secrets tightly. Using the unmasked secrets of his Aasimar heritage as a distraction from the true secret he hides within.

Origins of the Blade Itself

The founder Matron of the Qu'ellar Ssarresza had an Aasimar slave (former paladin) who she favored and lusted for. It was said she broke him by using powerful magic, amplified by Shar's blessings, to summon a demon and then bind its life force into the form of a Scimitar and named Belbol d'Vlos. The vampiric blade's properties were the catalyst in which the demon's soul was pulled in, and once sealed those properties were enhanced further. It would be instrumental in the achievement of the Matron's lusts. The Aasimar was forced to carry the blade strapped to his back for decades. Even sheathed its influence eventually changed him and brought about his fall.

It currently resides with Velve obtained when he escaped from Eryndlyn. The powerful demonic sentience residing in the blade has not withered with the passage of the centuries. It's telepathic impulses always seeking to drive its wielder to harvest more of the blood and life-force it craves.

[Draelith]

Part 1 - First Daughter

In time, his role as a trade caravan guard ended when he caught the eye of first daughter Viera Mori'hyanda, as he easily dispatched Basilisks completely immune to their gaze. Having previously fought alongside Cythis Mori'hyanda on multiple occasions Velve was familiar with Viera's House when she revealed her identity. In turn, he made known the fact that he considered Cythis a comrade in arms. Viera seemed intrigued by that fact, her companion Chardril's reaction was much different. Since that encounter he found acceptance into her House as an Initiate, acting as her bodyguard.

Part 2 - The Acceptance

Settling in after decades spent mostly in the Wilds on caravan routes had left him forgetful of his past life within a Qu'ellar, one which he quickly realized came with repercussions. As with most males who reside within the walls of a House worshiping Lloth, he suffered punishments. Some from his own bad judgments and others for just being strong willed at times.

As he awaited an audience with the Matron , he was instructed to duel an existing warrior of the House. The duel too place against Zaknatar, the bodyguard to the second daughter, in the presence of Viera and Chardril. The conclusion of the fight ended with approval of his skills with his blade.

A week would pass and eventually he found himself in the presence of the Matron and her two daughters. His acceptance as an Initiate was granted as he would now set his sights to prove himself valuable in the House's eyes.

Part 3 - Into the Wilds

Leaving a note to his Jabress Viera. Velve departs for the Wilds in order to train believing that by making himself even stronger, he'd be better positioned as an asset within the House. It was during this training he once more began to tame the blade of his birthright.

His training took him as far as the domain of the Phaerocks and the Wilds where the Drider's lurked. Eventually, after many enemies fell to him his path lead back towards the city. His training complete he passed through the Duerger mines, unafraid of them or their Ilithid masters.

It was on his travel through the Ilithids domain that he encountered a well set ambush of Duerger Priests and Warrior Thralls. A bloody battle ensued with the hacked off remains of Duerger body parts decorating the halls at its conclusion. Standing as the victor, Velve's eyes caught on the one body that had merely bled out. His blade, Belbol d'Vlos, leaving not a scratch on a set of exquisite black armor the now deceased Duerger wore.

** ooc: Big thanks for the DM who did the mini-event for Velve! **

"Now this... is quite the find." Velve remarks, a smile hidden behind the mask. He deftly removes the previous owners body, freeing the armor. The pieces of his old armor drop to the cavern floor quickly forgotten, as he dons the new black metal on his form. His sword, sated from the recent bloodletting of the Duerger, still drawing in the pools of blood on the ground, growls telepathically in contentment.

Once again he sets off to the East towards the city of Sshamath, his training complete.

[Draelith]

Part 4 - The Rivalry

Since his first duel with Zaknatar, at the behest of the first daughter Viera, an emotion stirred in Velve he had long thought lost... competition. In the cycles to follow, the rapid ascension of Zaknatar to the House Weaponmaster would shape his choices to come.

Part 5 - Blessings in Disguise?

After donating to the House Armory many artifacts recovered during his last training ventures in the Wilds, Velve found himself in the presence of Matron Amal'launim. It was during this meeting that she bestowed onto him the blessings of the Dark Lady. Magic as powerful as any he'd ever felt before, left him feeling nigh invulnerable. "Do not let the Dark Lady's gift go to waste", she spoke after the final wards was cast.

His blade Belbol d'Vlos literally hummed in anticipation at more carnage to be had. Velve nods as he stands up from his kneeling position and replies in his typical flat and emotionless voice, "Xas, Malla Ilharess. Usstan shall let the denizens of the Wilds know her Wrath." His path immediately takes him to the Portal as ventures out to the Wilds. Once again to partake of bloodletting and driven by the ever-thirsty sentience of his blade.

As he enters the lair of the Bebelith, the powers of the Spider Queen empowering him far beyond normal means, he gives a rare smile. His sword, Belbol d'Vlod lets out a telepathic howl of delight as it bites into and feasts on the lifeforce of the first arachnid. Velve himself lets the frenzy take hold... when it's over countless corpses of Bebelith litter the cavern floor. His face once again resumes it's emotionless mask. The frustrations at the treatments of the Priestesses of Lloth fully satisfied, he returns back to the House fully in control.

His absence would not bode well for his other duties however. Other plots underfoot would see his return not so welcome.

Part 6 - Failed Obligations

Returning to the House from his training would not be so welcoming. Word of Viera's kidnapping and his failed duty to be at her side to protect left him once again keeping a distance from the House. Venturing to the city outskirts with Briz'uit and other members of the House looking for clues.

Eventually, Viera's captivity at the hands of Bregan ended. The abduction later leading to a conflict of retribution against the Breagan forces responsible. Before that, he would learn a lesson at the hands of his Jabress, one that would leave no doubt that her needs for protection would be beyond his skills.

[Draelith]

Part 7 - The Drunkard

A chance meeting occurs as Velve enters Gloria's Wings tavern. Two drow conversing, one clearly intoxicated and reaking of a grave, mentions something that catches his ear. Something he had not heard spoke of in decades. As he walks over the table, he's drawn in by the seemingly random remarks.

Ist'aoner continues to speak, and drink in excess. Velve removes his mask, a rare thing, to sit down and share a drink with the two as he listens captivated. Mention is made of his protection of one of the Shadow Enclave as well as the death of one of their members.

Another drow, Dunneth, also witness the revelations in Gloria's Wings. Later, Dunneth would show him a sanctuary within the city previously unknown to him. More than ever, he finds himself resolute in the course he's on.

"Phillock." He says, as he sits trying to recall all of what had transpired. The words of the rambling drunkard who's moments of clarity alluded to something... who was this Fallen? How far into the Darkness must be go? His eyes go to the shadows at the corner of the room... finding no answers there. His hand tightens on the hilt of Belbol d'Vlos, the sword's telepathic hunger strangely quiet as if contemplating along with him.

Part 8 - A Surface Raid

A chance meeting with a strange old Wytch provided an opportunity to venture to the surface world above. Leading a strike on the town of Beregost, many Angels would be summoned by the defenders only to fall to the raiding party. In the confusion, Viera would emerge in a stronger position within the Que'llar, her sister *lost* on the surface.

Part 9 - The Ilharess and a Coronation

With the Ilharess Amal's departure, Viera quickly moves to take control. It is mentioned of an old position held by those male drow deeply devoted to the Spider Queen, the Yath'sargtlin. It is obvious as his jabress begins to drive him towards a position to provide her with an even stronger hold on the title of Ihlaress.

Another cycle would pass as he finds himself waiting within the bar of the Que'llar, his eyes move between the gathered assemblage of prominent drow present. The Charnag, Que'llar Sshamath, and other notables fill the tables. Viera awaits the ceremony to begin while anticipation fills the air as the reigns of power are to be passed on.

As the guests begin to gather in the main hall, Velve departs, without a word knowing full well what is to come.

Part 10 - The Charnag

At the news of Viera's downfall and the elevation of Briz'uit to Ilharess, he begins to feel at ease. The web strands had started to fray and unravel, the shadows slowly having leeched their strength. While the new Ilharess seeks to firm her grip, it is obvious the blow to Que'llar at the loss of priestesses would echo for a long time.

A chance meeting with Val'feng would stir the need for Velve to close the chapter of his life within Que'llar Mori'hyanda, his motives being fully executed. He passes on a message to Val'feng intended to reach Duneth's ear.

Once again he heads to the Wilds. Seeking to end the torment of the abbil who made it all possible.... Cythis. Would he find the cursed Drow warrior in the Wilds amongst the other Driders? Time would tell...

[Draelith]

Part 11 - Freedom with a Price

Velve turns his back on Que'ellar Mori'hyanda following Val'feng from the premises. Freedom was once again his, the price paid by the corpse of his old Jabress. A small smile crooks the corner of his mouth at the irony, his emotionless facade slipping for but the barest of moments.

"It is done, as promised." Val'feng says to him.

"Xas, and now I fulfill mine. My blade is the Charnag's to command." He draws Bel'bol d'Vlos and salutes Val'feng, taking his first steps down the path towards becoming an Enforcer for the city of Sshamath.

Part 12 - A Charnag Enforcer
Settling in amongst the Charnag Maelthra had begun to leave Velve feeling at ease for the first time in many cycles. Orders coming down from the Su'trinos or E'spdon were quickly carried out and he found himself taking to his role with vigor. Often he set out on patrols by himself, confident in his ability to survive anything the Underdark or Wilds might throw at him. It was on these patrols that he grew accustom to the rivvil traders and learned more of their Common tongue.

It wouldn't be long before he would target another of Lloth's Yath. "Follow her and kill her." The orders coming directly from the Su'trinos himself, motioning to Cazna Sshamath. Velve waits patiently, knowing the powerful Yath'tallar would not be one to attack head on. The presence of her assassin nearby steeling him on that decision.

His patience would be rewarded later during a duel, where she is struck down by one of the cities reputed swordsmen, Istran. In a bizarre twist, the Yath'tallar's attempt to retreat into the Ethereal Plane was interupted, only partially complete and leaving her vunerable to Istran's attacks.

While her body laid incapacitated at the duels completion, Velve completed his task by sinking Belbol d'Vlos deep into her heart. A strange sensation of twisting like a corkscrew, is felt through the blade's hilt as he quickly pulls it free. A quick examination reveals a straight razor edge as before.

Odd. His first thought. It's quickly followed by a second. Fool, dispose of the body. Words and an understanding pass between him and Istran. His mind reflects to the final blow once again. What was the vibration? And why did the sentience so powerful before seem muted all a sudden? Questions for later, he resolved as he headed back to report on his success.

[Draelith]

Part 13 - A Fractured Mind & Prison
Standing outside the ruins of the Netherese Velve looks at the entrance, feeling the pull of the Shadow plane calling him from within. The mental intrusions from Belbol d'Vlos, so muted before, seem to take on a low keening inside his skull resulting in a dull throbbing. Gritting his teeth he resolves himself to the expected burden.

And then an unexpected arrival emerges from the darkness. Yath'tallar Cazna and Velendra. What brings them to this place so far from the city? A passing greeting between the three is made as well as casual conversation. However, as Cazna draws nearer he feels a strong vibration begin in the scabbarded blade at his side. In a flash, his mind is assaulted from two sides as he falls to his knees. A fluttering of images and words ensues... Belfagor... imprisoned... fractured... weakness... then pain... so much pain.

As he comes to, he finds two Yathrin standing over him. No recollection of the events having transpired. He is enraged when he discovers the loss of his blade, Belbol d'Vlos missing from its scabbard. The Yathrin's explain of finding him collapsed on the floor of the cave, obviously ambushed by the Illithid and owing them his thanks for saving his life. Still confused, he struggles to accept the magnitude of the loss... the sword. Many years carried he fought its influence, what would it do in the hands of another unprepared for it? Especially with the blade beginning to fracture.

[Draelith]

Part 14 - Lost in Shadows
In the cycles that followed, Velve would spend much time in the Illithid mines hunting for his sentient blade. Tiring of his relentless obsession, Val'feng would put him to task of studying the Ruins of the Netherese more closely. During one such expedition at Val'feng's side the denizens would lay a trap by shaping the shadowy portals of the place. One mistep would spell the doom for them both.

Against an onslaught with hordes of Nightwalkers, Shadows and Netherese spirits Velve would be separated from his charge. Eventually, after a seemingly endless battle, his life-force depleted, he succumbed to the darkness of the shadowy plane.

[Draelith]

Part 15 - Deeper into Darkness, Return back to Shadow

"You must go deep. Deeper into the Darkness." The familiar disembodied voice of Ist'aoner echo'd throughout the void from the blackness of that shadowy place.

A spot blacker than the deepest pool in the Underdark seemed to pull at him. He felt himself flowing towards it as if he were but a tuft of moss captured in a whirlpool. Past the edge of the vortex, defined by a deep purple ring, he spiraled into its center...

His eyes slowly opened to a world of numbness. A sensation of dull coldness awash through his body and the sound of slurping nearby. As his eyes adjusted once again to the gloom of the Underdark his eyes lock on the Illithid feeding not far from where he lay, its bulbous head turns towards him a sensation of surprise in its milky eyes.

What is this? The thoughts come into his mind. The shadowy shell of a drow moves? A strange puzzle you are indeed. On his signal, thralls emerge from a nearby cave collecting Velve's still weakened form from the ground. A curiosity we must study.

His mind still in a tangle, body helpless, he is dragged off to the Illithid hive without any resistance at all.

[Draelith]

Part 16 - Recovering the Past
<Ongoing>