The Warlock and the Crusader

Tormyra's Version

Cleric Placeholder came across a Thydian Cleric of their death god while purifying ruins reported to be inhabited by a necromancer's victims. The two worked well together, purging the undead through their respective means, and gaining respect for the other's methods.

 

Several similar events occured, driving the two to begin a relationship of love and respect. But alas, the Thydian was Human, and Humans pass into death before an Elf like Placeholder. When the time came, instead of an invitation to the funeral, Placeholder was given a different kind of notification.

 

Word from the clerical order the Thydian came claiming disaster had struck - a foul Lich had taken the form of Placeholder's beloved. In their despair, they vowed to Zyrian to ascend being a mere cleric, and become a Crusader of Zyrian to avenge the death and desecration of their beloved. It's been said Zyrian has granted Placeholder with an extended lifespan and unnatural healing, but will not bring them back should they die before completing their task.

Theydim's Version

Placeholder, a Cleric from the Watchers of the Dead's Rest in service to the Watcher came across a Tormian Cleric of their god of the dead while investigating ruins reported to be inhabited by restless spirits. The two worked surprisingly well as they laid the dead to their eternal rest.

 

Over time, and multiple unexpected reunions, the two found themselves falling in love. Except, Placeholder was doomed to leave behind their longer-living Elven Tormian lover when it was time to go before the Watcher.

 

Placeholder stood before the Watcher's sacred grounds and petitioned for the ability to live for as long as their beloved.

 

And the Watcher granted the wish on the condition Placeholder would dedicate their service to it by providing Final Rites for the Undead until the Tormian passed.

Legacy

This story is not widely circulated because the primary figures of the tale still live, and are still performing their respective duties. There are the two interpretations, because there are two viewpoints on the events, two different cultures viewing the same events.

Related Ethnicities
Related Locations


Cover image: by Lyraine Alei, Midjourney

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!
Jan 15, 2021 21:27 by Tobias Linder

I find myself fascinated by Mr Placeholder. ;)

Jan 15, 2021 23:05 by Lyraine Alei

XD Whatever their names are, as neither of the two have been named yet, I felt the story was complete enough to hit the publish button and notify. NamesAreHard - harder than Words!

Lyraine, Consumer of Lore, She/Her, primary project: Corive
Jan 16, 2021 22:05 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Oh my god, I read this about three times before I realised they were both called Placeholder because you hadn't named them yet. XD I was so confused. Hahahaha.   I love the differences between the stories. One of them is lovely and the other is really sad. :(

Emy x
Explore Etrea
Jan 17, 2021 20:25 by Lyraine Alei

I should have used more differentiated placeholder names to clarify the situation. Names are not my strong suit, but I'm glad I was able to convey that this is the same story from two different cultural perspectives. IF the story has any kind of resolution will likely depend on if I plop the story seeds before my players or not. XD

Lyraine, Consumer of Lore, She/Her, primary project: Corive