Question 2
How did you distinguish yourself as a Child?
No secret escaped you. (+2 Int, +1 Dex)
This is covered by my first post; his great intellect let him pick up many skills and learn much knowledge. His tinkering only helped him learn more.
Question 3
The other player characters were your best friends. Who else in the village befriended you while you were growing up?
You are about to marry into the Miller’s family. (+2 Wis, +1 Str)
- Priscilla Miller.jpg (13.24 KiB) Viewed 10472 times
Priscilla Miller was pretty but not unusually so. However, she had a huge heart and warm smile that made her the most beautiful of all to Neil. Normally an unreserved youth, he had a difficult time speaking plainly to Priscilla. Had she not taken the initiative, they may not be engaged today. She began finding ways to spend time with Neil, and he eventually caught on that there was opportunity for more than friendship.
- Miller's House.PNG (230.11 KiB) Viewed 10472 times
The Millers were an important family in the village, however, because not only did they mill and distribute the towns grain, their large storehouse had room for surplus. Much of the trade through the town went through the Miller and his storehouse. Marrying into the Miller family was a big deal, and at first Priscilla's father was not enthusiastic about their budding relationship.
Their love blossomed, and Neil would eventually ask the Miller for his daughter's hand in marriage. Neil proved himself worthy to the Priscilla's father. Not only was Neil a capable Smith, but the marriage between Neil and Priscilla would also bring the Smith and Miller families closer together - and potentially increase business.
Beyond that, Priscella's father spent time teaching Neil at the family's windmill outside town. In fact, Neil picked up a little bit of practically anything showed to him. Even Neil's magic could have its uses for a merchant. The old man came to acknowledge that Neil was a talented lad and worthy of his daughter. The two seemed happy with one another, so he caved and agreed to the engagement.
Question 4
Who wrote your precious book of magic?
Binodo, a great archmage from the Sunken Kingdom. (+3 Int, Skill: Forbidden Knowledge)
- Binodo's Spellbook.png (42.99 KiB) Viewed 10468 times
While exploring the abandoned tower on the edge of town, Neil discovered shelves of books written in many different languages, some ancient. Somehow well-preserved, Neil picked one at random and began the long process of deciphering it. As he did so, he discovered that it was a tome of magic! The archmage Binodo from the ancient Sunken Kingdom penned the book, Binodo's Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Illusion.
Inside it were the secrets of magic. Neil had to work backwards from the translated fundamentals of illusion in order to teach himself how to call upon the forces of magic. Binodo's tome was meant to teach those who had already grasped the basics of magic. With a lot of experimentation and no small amount of talent, Neil was able to conjure his first Magelight.
From there, Neil shored up what he had taught himself then delved headfirst into Binodo's teachings. Illusion magic seemed to jump off the pages and into Neil's mind. Illusion was the only magic Neil knew, and although he was self-taught, the town gained itself a new wizard.
Question 5
What sort of mage was the author of the book?
A clever illusionist. You learned the following magics: the spell Greater Illusion, the ritual Wizard’s Mark, and the cantrip Glamour Weaving. (+2 Cha)
Mostly answered above, IMO. Also, the Sunken Kingdom as a location was introduced in the other thread. Little would be known of Binodo. From the book, he was able to clearly describe the principles of illusion magic (and detailed enough for Neil to teach himself the basics from an intermediate level book). He used a few witty examples for his students, too. But otherwise, Binodo and the Sunken Kingdom are both long gone.
Question 6
A spirit of Chaos was drawn by your power. How did you fight it off? The player to your right was there with you. (Layna)
You stood behind the wall of your power until it grew weak. The friend to your right learned a lot from your brave stand, and gains +1 Int. (+2 Int, Spell: Mystical Shield)
Layna was interested in seeing how Neil could use his illusion magic. The possibilities that exist between a skilled thief and an illusionist are probably endless. Eager to show off his magic, Neil innocently obliged her. They agreed to meet outside the wall at midnight.
Time got away from both of them, and the pair talked while Neil demonstrated his Illusion. The steady flow of magic attracted a terrible spirit of Chaos! Not a warrior nor skilled with any other school of magic, Neil defended Layla and himself through the only means at his disposal: Illusion.
Neil conjured up a veritable army of Laylas and Neils. The pair danced through the illusions, staying away from the spirit as it attacked and destroyed illusion after illusion. The effort eventually weakened it, and as the sun began to rise over the horizon the spirit of Chaos fled back into the woods.
Question 7
A real wizard from the south passed through the village when you came of age. What did he think of you?
He inducted you into his secret order. (+2 Wis, a Wizard's Staff)
The wizard was in town when rumors of Neil chasing off the spirit of Chaos spread. Intrigued, the wizard sought Neil out. The two discussed many things, and Neil demonstrated his illusion magic. Impressed by the younger man's talent, the wizard gave Neil a staff and inducted him into a secret order.
The order researched the magic of the woods and the wards that keep it at bay. Neil's home was located at the edge of the wood, so it was an ideal situation for an inductee. While exploring the woods and learning of its magic, the staff would gradually absorb ambient magic from the woods. However, it would also absorb magic from Neil. Once it was filled with the two magics, the staff would be complete. Once that day comes, the staff will prove him an active and productive member of the secret order, but it would also serve as a functional wizard's staff with some wonderful power at Neil's disposal.