[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

***

"Thank you, Matron Mother, for agreeing to meet with me. I shan't take much of your time."

"Bother! Tell me, is it true? You made captive a dancer?"

"Yes, Matron Mother."

"Praise Lolth! Well done!"

"Thank you, Matron Mother. Your words honor my House."

"I admit, this seems too good to be true. Not a ten day passes, but some fool succumbs to the lies of the Masked Lord. It is passing rare, however, that we catch a follower of the Dark Maiden. May I ask how this was accomplished?"

"I confess it was rather simple. Erian came to Menzoberranzan aggrieved."

"Aggrieved? How so?"

"A matter of the heart."

"And you believed her?"

"The girl's eyes shone like rubies. We will learn the truth of it when she is racked."

"Good. I would like to participate in the interrogation. Send word when all is arranged."

"Yes, Matron Mother. As soon as we find her."

"What do you mean?"

"Reports are still coming in. A flayer vessel passed over the settlement where she was being held. She is among the missing."

"Come with me! It will be YOU that reports this to The Eight!"

***

Erian was born an albino in a small Drow settlement in the Underdark. Taken as a young woman in a raid by Duergar, she was sold to buyers that turned out to be from a secret enclave of Eilistraee. Her rescuers smuggled her to the surface where, in the course of time, she began training in the art of sword dancing. It was there she met a visiting elf nobleman with bright eyes and sparkling smile. He pursued her relentlessly and, in time, she returned his affections. When her beloved insisted that they elope, she agreed. But when Erian arrived at the appointed place, he was not there. She learned he had ridden out the night before, accompanied by his retainers, boasting about adding "underelf" to his list of conquests. Devastated, Erian fled the enclave. She wandered the wilds alone, consumed by fury, until one moonless night she heard a soothing voice from the shadows. It promised her vengeance - and new purpose.

[This is the backstory for my Lolth-sworn, dual wielding, Oathbreaker Paladin]

Last edited by Cembrye; 12/11/24 09:21 AM.