This is the backstory of my tabletop RPG character. In it, Neshka recounts her tragic past in the world of Pathfinder. Part 17: Five Brave Fools [Intro โ spoken, intimate, amused] [Soft lute, gentle cello] Well... Kyra turned out to be a fantastic teacher. And I? I'm a rather quick learner. Who would have thought? Within a few months, I had quite a collection of spells at my disposal. I could throw things across a room without lifting a finger. Very useful. Especially when Bahl stole something and I couldn't be bothered to get up. I could wrap myself in a shield, and with a little darkness...? Well, let's just say some people learned to appreciate their other senses. And that was only the beginning. [Small pause] I was learning. I was getting stronger. Things were going rather well. Naturally, Merisiel and Kyra decided this was the perfect time to ruin everything. [Music begins โ lively medieval folk-rock] [Verse 1 โ sung] "We know two people," Merisiel said, "who could use another hand. A little work, a little danger, a chance to see the things behind the land!" Kyra nodded, bright-eyed, smiling. "Think of all that we could do!" I looked at both of them and wondered if they'd lost a screw or two. [Spoken, dry] Their brilliant suggestion? We should become adventurers. Adventurers. People who walk into dark holes because someone promised them money. [Verse 2 โ sung, playful] First came Valeros, sword in hand, a fighter bold and strong. He'd seen a hundred battles, he claimed. Or something like that. The details were rather vague. Then Ezren, wizard, scholar, mage, with confidence to spare. He spoke of all his past adventures. I noticed he was making most of them up as he went along. [Spoken, dry] Now, don't get me wrong. They seemed perfectly nice. But Valeros held his sword like he'd only recently met it. And Ezren had the unmistakable air of a man who'd memorized a spellbook without considering what might happen if he actually used it. [Music picks up] [Verse 3 โ sung] Merisiel was practically glowing. Kyra thought we'd make a team. Four brave hearts and one quick witch, what a perfectly splendid scheme! "We'll be famous!" Merisiel cried. "Just imagine what we'll see!" Kyra smiled and squeezed her hand. And nobody thought to ask me. [Spoken, incredulous] Nobody. Not one question about experience. Not one sensible inquiry about survival rates. Apparently, enthusiasm was considered a qualification. [Chorus โ sung, lively and mischievous] Five brave fools and one along, sharp swords, spells, and plans gone wrong. Grand ambitions, questionable decisions, all fueled by reckless optimism! With Merisiel to lead the way, and Kyra smiling, "It's okay!" I had a feeling, deep inside... I'd regret this all my life. [Small pause] Probably. [Verse 4 โ sung, building] I should have said no. I should have walked away. I should have found a quiet inn and stayed there for the day. But Merisiel was smiling, and Kyra looked so pleased. And somehow I'd agreed to follow before I found my keys. Valeros swore he'd keep us safe. Ezren said he'd planned it through. I looked at both their hopeful faces. And thought, "Well, this is something new." [Spoken โ resigned] Two men pretending to be experienced. Two women too excited to notice. And me. The only person in the room who'd actually spent years surviving terrible things. [Beat] I should have known better. [Final Chorus โ sung, exuberant] Five brave fools, a brand-new start! Questionable skills and hopeful hearts! Borrowed courage, bright tomorrows, plenty of time for future sorrows! With Merisiel to lead the way, and Kyra saying, "It's okay!" I took a breath, resigned my fate... And walked straight through the gate. [Spoken โ dry, intimate] It was a terrible idea. [Beat] And naturally... I said yes. [Short instrumental flourish โ lute, fiddle, mandolin, hand percussion]
