Mora's Chronicle: A Half-Elf Rogue from Portlandio

Mora's Chronicle A Half-Elf Rogue from Portlandio Backstory Mora was raised in the relative comfort of Middle-Class life in Portlandia. Her father, Eiravor, the resident Locksmith, kept a warm home above his workshop, frequently littered with an overflow of projects. A tinkerer by nature, Eiravor was often caught up in creating new objects to sell and often employed his daughter for assistance. Unable to entice enough buyers for his passion projects, he often borrowed money from the local Thieves' Guild to supplement his income. When the day came to pay back much of what he owed, he—unsurprisingly—came up short. As partial payment, Eiravor was coerced into giving the guild his daughter for apprenticeship until the day his debts were fully paid. Mora, ever loyal, joined the Thieves' Guild without hesitation, doing her best to make her father proud. She doesn't remember her mother; Eiravor never speaks of her. However, she does know of her mother's sister, the Half Elf Ota Sura, though not personally. Ota and her father have been estranged for as long as she can remember. She wonders what it has to do with her mother, and wonders if Ota would be willing to meet with her and provide some much-wanted answers.

Great material. All info taken on board. I added Eiravor Locksmith Mora's Dad added on Portlandio town map. He is your Human side, right? And your long lost mother was an Elf or Half-Elf herself. Ota Sura's town is about 85 miles Northeast, into the interior land, up in the forested hills, land of creeks and streams, and Hill Dwarf exit caves. She is the wealthy and elderly, stately Half-Elf mayor of Honsharim town, leader of the Folded House (elf and half-elf family), and protector of the surrounding area.

Correct, pops is human. The Elven blood is matrilineal. I may develop some bigger connection on that female blood line that would tie in Ota and Mora better, and perhaps the mystery of Mora's mother. If there's no other information on Ota Sura, how she came to be mayor, etc., I think that's what I'll flesh out with the mystery. I need some time to think and pitch you ideas!

(Re: June 23 Session ) Today seemed rather uneventful. I made my usual rounds across town to check in with my network of informants. I didn't see my favorite little street urchin today. Was hoping to give him some of the meat pies the lovely Mrs. Teva made me. She likes to thank me for my help, and that last odd job was no different. Then the drunkard Boden had some news he wouldn't spill without another pint of ale in his belly. He's a bit loathsome, but he's useful. The guild was rather quiet today, so I made my way towards the port, perched up on a rooftop, and spent some time devising a better way to access my most used picks. I'm pleased with the results. Just as I was finishing up, I noticed a rather run down ship pull into the harbor. I wonder what story it has to tell and if there's anything valuable onboard. I might gather intel and see what there is to learn...

(Re: July 7 Session ) I'm glad I followed the band of adventurers who brought back that cursed ship. While any information on their journey would have proved valuable, "showing up" at the "opportune" moment to act as scribe for their—what seemed outlandish like at times— adventure, I didn't realize they might actually prove useful to me. Once they spoke of investigating the Orcs, I knew my Aunt Mora would be a valuable source of information to them. If I could get an in with this group, I could finally have the ability to meet with her and find out about my mother. Of course I'd continue along in the quest... but how to get into this odd group's good graces... By chance, an elf of their group, by the name of Sandoval, happens to be in a similar line of profession and spoke the secret language. I was of course willing to give whatever information he needed of a local, corrupted Official if he promised to put in a good word with the group. He offered me a stunning gift of magical gloves—great for climbing and swimming—to show his appreciation for my intel. There must be something big he means to uncover about Thoma. Oh Thoma. I suspect he is as crooked as he is cowardly. Hiding behind his wealth, unearned and simply bred into. He lacks a true center, and I suspect is being manipulated by another, over perhaps several others. I wonder to what end... Back at the Merry Mermaid, the festivities were quite lively. Several members of the group were joining in the dancing and singing, and this time I couldn't resist. I was lauded for my acrobatic prowess and even made some coin. The local circus troupe even extended an offer of employment. This is a group I haven't gotten to known very well, so I thought I'd leave the gate open. They might prove to be a good source of information for the future. What treasures do their locked minds hold? Who better to pry than I? True to his word, Sandoval succeeded in persuading the group to join me. What is his position in this group? What is he after? I should get closer to him and make sure he isn't a danger, especially to my mission. I simply cannot figure out this patron, Horukh, the weak and wealthy Kenku. He seems best suited to his boating affairs and business. One cannot doubt the gleam of adventure in his eye, belied yet with timidness and uncertainty. My little encouragement didn't seem enough—he did seem useful to keep around if not for his deep pockets—and this group, along with myself, seem equipped enough to keep him in good shape. I just hope he doesn't wine too much. That I simply cannot stand. Decide to adventure, or do not! What more is there to deliberate? Well, the group has more pressing matters than the Orcs, though I do not mind the delay. This group will help me seek an audience with Ota Sura in the near future. So off to the swamps we go to investigate the Lizardmen. Quickly into our journey we were besieged by giant frogs. While I managed to maim one and kill another, my grace seemed to have left me somewhere in between as I stepped into a bog and landed face first in the muck. Well, all the better for concealment...

(Re: July 14 Session ) Sandoval's Tales & Mora’s Chronicle Joint entry - Part 1 Scenes from a memory [Sandoval] Scenes from a memory long lost flash in front of my eyes as I see Horukh appear, with someone beside him that resembles my Seraphi as closely as any Half-Elf could. My brain knows this must be Mora, but my heart is telling me differently. In disbelief I mutter: "Is that you Sera? ... No... it can't be! You look like her though..." [Mora] "Sera?..." I say, and my voice trails off. I looks back towards the fog where I saw my mother. Could she have ended up in a place like this? What happened to her? I looks back at Sandoval with a puzzled look on my face. Could we have seen the same thing? [S] I stare back, my mind racing as it tries to understand this strange déjà vu. It seems like hours pass, before Horukh breaks the moment as he mutters something about the boggy water and the itch on his leg. [M] Sandoval and I both regain our composure and break contact. We make our way out of the swamp in silence. Horukh seems to sense our mood and keeps to himself instinctively. There are many questions I have, but they’ll have to wait until I can have a word alone with Sandoval. Horukh seems a little preoccupied himself… and looks a bit worn. I’m beginning to worry for him a bit. I know we both saw Ammut, and that can’t bode well… yet I do see the strength of his will shining through. I will keep him in my prayers when I return to the temple. [S] When we get to Portlandio, I decide I need to rest and meditate. During my meditation, the Moon Goddess speaks to me in an unusually direct way: "You must follow this path of redemption, or her fate is sealed." Who is she talking about? Seraphi? Or Mora? I decide to search for Mora. As I move around town inconspicuously, I spot her near the market square. I sneak up to her, and touch her shoulder ever so slightly. Any commoner would've jumped up in fright, but to her credit, she calmly turns towards me. I beckon her to follow down the alley I came from. Joint entry - Part 2 Scenes from a memory [M] When we are out of earshot of the townspeople, I speak to Sandoval: "Who did you see?" [S] Silence. [M] "Did you see... a woman that looks... me?" [S] I decide to tell her. I just have to! She just reminds me so much of my dear Seraphi. "I saw someone from my past; a woman named Seraphi. You look a lot like her." I notice she looks flustered. [M] I try to calm my breaths and slow my racing heart before I attempt to ask another question, but I sense Sandoval is in no mood to answer, and change my mind. I’ll let him I know I shared this vision too. Perhaps that will soften him. I need more answers. [S] She confesses that she saw her too! And the Orcs as well... My god, the Orcs! [M] I see his face change slightly with surprise and fear. "Who is she? Where is she now?" [S] "If you must know, Seraphi used to be my closest friend. We lost contact a long time ago, until a few months back, when she suddenly reappeared," [M] Just a few months back! "What happened?" [S] "She somehow managed to track my whereabouts. At the time, I was a soldier in the Elven vanguard. One night, as I stood guard, she approached me in the dark. We talked for a while, and then she left again." [M] "Was that the last you saw of her?" [S] "As she left, I saw the same thing I saw in the swamp. An Orc went after her. I tried to warn her, but before I could, something struck my head and I lost consciousness. When I awoke, she was gone. I never saw her again." "Why are you asking me about Seraphi anyway?" [M] "I'm just… curious. I saw the same apparition in the swamp… isn’t that strange?” I don’t wait for an answer. I can’t do this anymore. “Look, I'm just sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she's okay." [S] Mora trails off. I watch her go, a deep frown set on my forehead, my hand subconsciously clutching my bag. [M] In the aftermath of the feast gone awry, I steal away to be alone with my thoughts. He knew her, I can’t believe it. I pull the worn locket out of its hiding place and click it open. “What happened to you?... Did you get away?” I am more determined than ever to investigate the Orcs. I will slide my blade into every last one of their black, beating hearts.

(Re: July 21 Session ) Mora's Chronicles: A Half Elf Loses Her Streak Off all the things... a crocodile? I hope that getting hit doesn't mean my luck has run out. We have so much more to do in this swamp, and being sucked down and eaten by any manner of water, scaly creature is not something I can let happen. I can't let it happen to our other party members either. Horukh was wrangled up by that big snake but, without a doubt I jumped in rescue the fowl in distress. I tried to be graceful so as not to hurt him for I know he's fragile. Horukh in the swamp... what tales he may tell if he gets older... I have to say, Torvald is quite the warrior, and Airen is masterful with magic. They are worthy compatriots, and I look forward to stepping into more battles with them.

(Re: July 28 Session ) Mora's Chronicle A Thief Levels Up These swamp trolls are treacherous. I can't believe it as I see one regenerate before my very eyes. Luckily Torvald knows their weakness is fire. We make quick work of the first before two more approach. I hid in shadows and made my first backstab. I grin when I see Horukh enter the fray to aid other members. With each battle, he becomes more heroic. Unsurprisingly I find the most gold in the Trolls' lair. This is a good haul. And now I feel... somehow more skilled. After that backstab, I feel like I know how to deliver more damage. I feel a greater vitality, and a bit more resistant to the dangers of the world. I'm ready to take on more!

(Re: Aug 3 Session ) Mora's Chronicle A Meeting of Kenkus Mora was pleased to finally meet Kriyikh. He was quite gracious, and they spoke amiably in greeting. She thinks it will be nice to have another skilled member of the party. Though that would mean less gold to split all around... and yet bigger challenges and bigger rewards. Even more so, it would give them a better advantage to find out about her mother when the group finally finds themselves questing after the orcs. Certainly Mora had little experience with telepathic communications. Though she had never attempted it before with Horukh, it was easy enough to receive and send greetings with Kriyikh. She had no idea what the two Kenkus discussed with each other upon meeting, but the tension seemed to evaporate rather easily. For one that likes to be able to eavesdrop on conversations, reading lips doesn't provide Mora any results with these two. Mora and a few other members of the party were aware of the nearby village, filled with those who've no interest in living with the politics of the city. On the way there, to perhaps find out more about their quest or the path to it, the ambush of stinky mudmen and determined bullywugs began. These enemies, more numerous that before, were expertly dispatched, and troves of gold and magical items were uncovered. Mora couldn't help but giggle with delight upon seeing Airen flit around on a magical fly. She could only imagine what a tasty morsel such a large fly would be to the bullywug. They say not to play with your food, but nothing about riding it.

(Re: Sep 1 Session ) Mora's Chronicle Ogre Mage of Gold Coins I can't believe we off'ed that super rich Ogre Mage, without him landing a single spell or blow! We are truly a mighty band of adventurers! He had so much money, I just want to roll around in it. I'll finally be able to buy a magical weapon in town. Last time I traipsed through the shops of Laffite with Torvald I was broke and didn't have much fun. Man, throwing those spears really brought me back. I might give Jaxon this other Javelin of Piercing, too. He really does deserve it. I'm sure I'll be able to buy something nice in town. And I have to say, this Ring of Free Action we found in one of the several jars of Lucius Clay's horde is going to come in quite handy. I'll have more chances to slip unnoticed into vulnerable positions behind my opponents, no matter what web or spell may try to shop me. Ok, not every spell, but a girl can dream. We sure did find a lot of treasure, all thanks to me and our lionhearted Horukh. Ok, and the rest of the fellas too! I'm really liking this merry band more and more. My goodness, Airen is probably the most powerful magic-user I've ever known, and yet incredibly foolish for that magical can of bean mishap. Our brave cleric, who knew the once timid Horukh would become so heroic! He would martyr himself for us... maybe I shouldn't have been so harsh on him about the next claiming of magical items. He really is as loyal as they come. I must make it up to him... Then there's romantic lizard man, Sanvar. He's an interesting sort, and eager to serve it seems... I should think on this more. That swamp giant's belt suits him. Then Torvald, man can he sniff out gold! Leave it to the Dwarf... mmm, gold.

(Re: Sep 8 Session ) Mora's Chronicle A Bounty of Books and a Magical Dagger Well we certainly accomplished a lot. After taking care of those sharkmen, our meeting with the deposed Shaman went well. I'm now borrowing several books and am now learning Lizardman. I should be able to converse in the language soon... After making our way through a bit of the colony, we came across some guards. One was taken care of, and after I started to chase the other I thought better of it. I know an alert will be sent out, but I didn't want to shed blood of a neutral Lizardman. Our conversations with the different fishmen went well except for the Koafishmen who wanted nothing to do with the Sharkmen issue. The Catfishmen couldn't speak with us, and I knew the Tritons were here, so I decided it would be best if they helped us translate. Airen's finger painting at least let us know they were on our side. Since these fishermen were being kept from the Lizard King, I decided we could represent them when we made our way to him. They both provided tokens as gifts to the King as well as symbols of alliance again the Sharkmen. Hopefully this will suffice. Now that imprisoned Sharkman... I would have liked to kill him and present him to the King to show that the threat is truly close to his home. The others didn't agree, so I decided to give in. I decided that with all the locked chests I passed on picking, that at least I should see what was behind one of the doors we saw on our way. Using my looting skills, I quickly found some valuables on two dead Portlandio corpses. A magical dagger! I'm finally equipped with something decent. As the team negotiated the transport of the bodies back to Portlandio to their loved ones (Sandra's idea), I told the Lizardmen to let them know I found the body (okay and give the rest of the team credit too). That's when I realized we didn't have a name for our group! That we must do before we seek counsel with the Lizard King!