Raven's Accord
The paths of Kassandros, Ysilla, Vakno, and Clara converged by chance and fate. It all began in the bustling city of Tatharia Capitolina, where each of them had independently traveled to pursue their own goals. Kassandros, the warrior from the plains, sought ways to protect his people from the Empire's expansion; Ysilla, the White Raven of the Southern Frontiers, was pursuing a group of wanted criminals who had fled into the heart of the Empire; Vakno, now an independent protector, was seeking work to keep the roads safe; and Clara, the heir of House Corvinia, was determined to revive her family's honor. Each of them was driven by a desire that seemed unachievable alone, yet possible with others by their side.
Their meeting was not at an inn or a tavern as many tales might begin, but instead at a courthouse attached to the Mercantorum, where the adventurer’s guild registry was held. Each of them had reason to be there—Kassandros was paying a fine for an unauthorized skirmish, Ysilla was seeking official bounty listings, Vakno was inquiring about bandit reports, and Clara was at the registry to formalize an adventuring party with a group of hired companions. However, upon overhearing Vakno and Kassandros arguing with a clerk over jurisdiction issues involving recent bandit raids, she realized the potential for a stronger alliance. She dismissed her previous companions, who were mercenaries with no deep loyalty to her cause, and instead stepped in, offering a solution that would satisfy both the law and the needs of the adventurers. Intrigued by her shrewd diplomacy, the three strangers began talking, each realizing they shared similar goals.
Clara, recognizing the skills and shared goals of Kassandros, Vakno, and Ysilla, made the proposition herself: form a registered adventuring party together. She saw this as an opportunity to forge a stronger alliance, one that could meet the challenges of the Bellatorius head-on. Clara, recognizing the superior skills and shared goals of Kassandros, Vakno, and Ysilla, immediately saw the potential in this new alliance. Though the others were initially wary of the risks, Clara’s vision and persuasive reasoning won them over. Thus, their adventuring party was born, officially recorded with the Mercantorum under the name The Raven's Accord, a nod to Clara's house Sigil, though each member would come to make it their own., a nod to Clara's house Sigil, though each member would come to make it their own.
Surviving the Bellatorius
The Bellatorius Ferox Torneamentum was a test of their physical prowess, mental acuity, and, most importantly, their ability to work together as a cohesive unit. Unlike previous iterations of the Bellatorius, where victors would earn a place in the Lugal’s personal guard, the reward had shifted after Icaghor’s passing: a substantial cash prize and considerable renown. With these new terms, the competition was open to those who desired wealth, prestige, or simply the thrill of testing themselves against the Empire's best. The early stages of the Bellatorius tested individual strength and cunning. Kassandros's raw power and tactical acumen shone brightly in these rounds, while Ysilla's agility and aerial advantage allowed them to outmaneuver opponents who underestimated her. Vakno’s devastating kicks, the Stonefoot Strike, surprised everyone, incapacitating larger foes with ease, while Clara's finesse and ability to read her opponents gave her an edge in the dueling segments. When the trials moved into the teamwork phase, The Raven's Accord faced challenges that required more than just martial prowess—they were tested on their ability to solve puzzles, traverse dangerous environments, and protect vulnerable targets. It was here that Clara's leadership came to the forefront. Her strategic thinking and coolheadedness allowed the group to overcome challenges where brute force alone would have failed. Kassandros provided the strength to deal with physical barriers, Vakno's courier skills made him invaluable in navigating complex obstacles, and Ysilla's ability to scout from above provided them with critical information at key moments. In the final battle of the Bellatorius, The Raven's Accord faced a rival party—one that had dominated the competition up to that point. In a stunning display of unity, they utilized each of their strengths in a way that showcased their growth as a team. Ysilla disarmed traps from above, Kassandros held the front line, Vakno struck where least expected, and Clara coordinated their moves, weaving together their individual skills into a single, unstoppable force. The battle ended with their victory, earning them the coveted title of champions.Their Current Lives
Years after their Bellatorius triumph, the four have gone their separate ways, each still marked by the fame they earned as champions. They are both lauded as legends and haunted by the celebrity their success has brought them. Their images are used widely to promote goods and services—from weapons and armor brands to medicines and even mundane items like soap and grain. Their names carry weight, for better or worse, and each has found their own way of dealing with this unexpected fame.- Kassandros returned to the plains, now with greater influence. He has used his prize money to fund resources for his people, creating a network of watchposts to ensure the tribes' safety. Kassandros has little involvement in his celebrity; he is disinterested in the commercialization of his image, allowing the Empire to use his likeness while he focuses on his mission. His only stipulation was that the proceeds be funneled to fund defenses for the nomadic clans of the plains.
- Ysilla remains a guardian of the Southern Frontiers, though her role has expanded. She uses her fame to advocate for the safety and rights of the frontier settlements, often appearing at public gatherings to speak on their behalf. She has reluctantly allowed her image to be used to promote certain causes, though she refuses any endorsement that does not directly benefit the people she fights for. Ysilla's heart remains with those who have no other protectors, and her work as a folk heroine has only intensified.
- Vakno returned to his courier roots, but his reputation as a champion means his services are now in high demand. He runs a courier and security business, where he trains young couriers not only in swift delivery but also in self-defense. Vakno has embraced his fame more than the others; he licenses his name for various products, particularly sturdy boots and traveling gear, and has become something of an entrepreneur, enjoying the wealth that his new life affords while staying true to his roots.
- Clara, ever mindful of her family's legacy, used the prize money and her newfound influence to breathe life back into House Corvinia. She has reestablished her family as a key player in the Empire's politics, securing alliances and using her fame to reforge connections that had been lost. Clara has been careful about her endorsements, allowing her name and image to be used selectively, primarily in ways that enhance her house’s prestige or benefit the Empire. She continues to train daily, determined that her skills and her house’s honor will not fade into obscurity.
Their Relationship Now
The bonds forged during the Bellatorius remain, though the four are no longer adventuring together. They keep in touch through letters and occasional reunions, and they have each other’s backs whenever one calls for aid. Kassandros and Ysilla, in particular, have a strong bond, sharing a love for protecting the overlooked and resisting the Empire’s overreach. Vakno often visits Clara, discussing matters of business and trade, while also playfully teasing her about the formality of her lifestyle. Clara respects each of her former companions deeply, and though her life has become one of politics and strategy, she is always ready to support her old friends should they need her. The Raven's Accord may no longer roam the land together, but their legacy endures—a symbol of unity, strength, and the belief that even those from vastly different walks of life can come together to achieve greatness.
Type
Adventuring Party
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