Osric Vale

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wangxiuming
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Osric Vale

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wangxiuming wrote: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:27 pm
LORD OF HOUSE VALE
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Osric in 1359
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Name: Osric Vale
Honorific(s): Lord, Head of House Vale, "King (hiney)-Ears," "Cheese Lord"
Age: Early Thirties (As of 1359)
Race: Human, Illuskan
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 10 Alturiak
Place of Birth: Blacklake District, Neverwinter
Alignment: Chaotic Good, Leaning Neutral Good
Patron Deities: Siamorphe, Puck
Profession: Adventurer, Courtier, Noble
Class: Rogue / Warlock / Daggerspell Mage / Feytouched
Primary Language: Common
Secondary Languages:Illuskan, Basic Elven, Basic Sylvan, Basic Thieves' Cant
Theme: Rupert Gregson-Williams and Lorne Balfe - "Future King"

BBC forum code provided by the multitalented Nyssis.

PROFILE

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Physical Description
Osric is a relatively young man of average height and build. His skin is fair and his hair dark; the latter is generally an unkempt mess, though he takes care to both shave and trim often. Most would consider him attractive.

As a lord of Baldur's Gate, Osric maintains an air of distinct propriety. His posture is held straight and upright and his arms and hands never lack for purpose. His movements are marked by a grace and agility that would be more commonly associated with elves; he is always sure of his footing and decisive in his step.

Osric takes great care in his dress. His clothing is routinely pressed and his armor is frequently polished, shined, and buffed out for any dents; the exception to this meticulous care is the accumulated nicks and scratches that lends credence to the idea that it sees frequent combat.

A silver band - an heirloom given to him by his sister - constantly circles his forehead.

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Personality
Osric presents a cheerful and carefree persona to even his closest allies and companions, but his jovial mask hides the burden he feels after being elevated to nobility.

He is a loyal friend - sometimes to a fault. Whereas he is quick to judge those outside his circle of trust, he is slow to believe anything negative about those he counts among his friends.

Osric feels and cares most deeply for those to whom he is close; he will express sympathy for others but typically remain unmoved unless there is a larger injustice at play. As a devotee of Siamorphe, he is greatly concerned with the divine mandate of all nobility to rule their subjects fairly and well. He is particularly incensed by tales of corrupt nobles abusing their power over the common folk. Ironically, the individual plights of the poor and downtrodden are not often on his mind unless he is affected by them directly; rather, his concerns center on the welfare of the common folk at large.

If faced with confrontation, Osric is more likely to resort to diplomacy and oration to deliver his point. Like most nobles sheltered from the realities of life, he is reluctant to employ violence unless he is (a) assured of its success; or (b) left without any other option. He prefers flight to conflict; this cowardice is only balanced by his need to maintain a semblance of dignity.

Osric's pact to the Seelie Court has begun to take its inexorable toll on his mind. Periodically, he will experience bouts of mania, in which his personality becomes obsessed with trivial details or simple pleasures. In an effort to stave off the deterioration of his mental faculties, he has consulted with Morgan Rhywm on techniques that may delay the inevitable.

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Religion
As most in Faerun do, Osric offers his prayers to a multitude of gods as the situation requires them: Chauntea for the harvest, Tymora for good fortune, and Selune during travel. He has been known to pay priests of Umberlee their toll to keep his sea voyages safe. As the patron deity of his home city of Neverwinter, Tyr is particularly venerated by Osric.

Of all the gods, however, Siamorphe is the one to whom Osric's philosophy is most closely aligned. He stumbled across her faith after his exile from House Vale; his sojourn southwards led him to Waterdeep and to her church. Her teachings greatly appealed to him, especially after watching the brutal succession conflict that tore apart his own family. Not content to see the Divine Right's faith languish in Baldur's Gate, he established House Vale within Baldur's Gate in her name.

During the Time of Troubles, he learned that his patron Puck was actually a fey deity. Stunned by this revelation, he has since begun offering daily prayer to the Seelie Prince as well.

He has great respect for Ilmater and frequently invokes the Broken God's name in colloquial speech.

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Pact
Osric's first pact was to the Lady of Dusk, a formidable Unseelie Fey with a thirst for vengeance against the lordling's father. Lord Rodric Vale had attempted to renege on his own pact to the Lady of Dusk - in revenge, the winter court fey slew him and manipulated the succession conflict that followed such that Rodric Vale's children would either bring themselves to ruin or become her new servants. Osric was persuaded to bind himself to a pact to her by his unwitting sister, Orelia. The Lady of Dusk achieved her ends with masterful precision; by the end of the succession conflict, only Orelia retained her position within Neverwinter. The other Vale siblings were lost to shame, madness, exile, or death. Osric had become her newest puppet.

This pact ended when Osric finally found allies willing to aid him while staying on the Sword Coast, Puck among them. The Jester of the Seelie Court found amusement in Osric's predicament and saw an opportunity to humiliate a hated rival; the Seelie fey played a devious hand and tricked the Lady of Dusk into relinquishing Osric's pact. In the process, two of his sisters were also saved from the Lady of Dusk's malevolent influence as well. Thus did Osric come to be Puck's devoted servant.

The terms of Osric's pact were never made clear to him. He knows only that he is promised to the fey prince in death and that his soul will join the Seelie on Faerie when he dies, along with all the consequences that are inherent to making such a covenant with a fey. He has never sought to clarify the matter with Puck, mostly for fear that the knowledge might only bring him misery. Needless to say, he feels deeply indebted to Puck for saving him and his family members; Osric would do almost anything for the Seelie God, pact or no.

BIOGRAPHY

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Family
See Relationships.

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History
Born the youngest son of a minor noble in Neverwinter, Osric lived a sheltered life of moderate luxury. Despite not being recognized as significant, House Vale did well for itself under the guidance of Osric’s father, Rodric; the family wanted for little besides the recognition and elevation that Rodric craved. Those ambitions would go unfulfilled; in 1352, Rodric Vale perished in a freak accident. The succession conflict that followed would eventually lead to Osric binding himself to a fey pact mistress known to him only as the Lady of Dusk. Soon after, he was forced to abandon his House and went into exile.

After leaving Neverwinter, Osric wandered southward along the sword coast with his friend, Caslian Cavaliere. The pair arrived in Waterdeep together before circumstances took them in different directions. With Caslian preoccupied with his own affairs, Osric chanced upon a Daggerspell Mage and trained under him for a time. Ultimately, he would part ways with this new mentor as well; before continuing on southward alone, Osric promised Caslian they would meet in Baldur's Gate.

After his arrival at the Gate, Osric was content to keep to himself and the company of a few close friends. Lost, he entertained vague ideas about one day returning to Neverwinter and reuniting with his family. He held few illusions that he would ever be restored to nobility within Neverwinter, however.

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Recent Events
Hidden: show
1353

  • Arrival at Baldur's Gate
  • Aided Sage Velsaert in eliminating the threat of a cult to Tiamat.

1354

  • With the help of close friends and a new Seelie benefactor, broke his pact to the Lady of Dusk and adopted a new pact patron.
  • Reconciled with Orelia, the current Head of House Vale in Neverwinter.
  • Became afflicted with a shadow curse, in part due to his own foolish curiosity.

1355

  • Traveled to Waterdeep to be cured of his curse.
  • Established House Vale as a mercantile and adventuring company in Baldur's Gate.
  • Appointed to the position of Advisor to Duchess Liia Jannath.
  • Participated in the Winding Way fort operations.
  • Helped defeat Crualax and personally witnessed the destruction of Hellsteel Tower.
  • Defended Duke Belt and Lady General Moruene during the Raid on the Chionthar.
  • Aided Amnian forces at the Battle of the Gap.

1356

  • Served in Duke Eltan's Vanguard during the Siege of Dragonspear.
  • Expanded House Vale's membership with the aid of existing members.
  • Purchased the Vale Estate, to serve as the guild's base of operations.
  • Participated in diplomatic efforts to Cormyr and Kraak Helzak
  • Helped secure the Defensive Pact between Baldur's Gate and Kraak Helzak.

1358

  • Returned to Baldur's Gate after spending a year in Neverwinter.
  • Urged the Dukes to dissolve the Treaty upon learning of the Lord's Alliance move against the Zhentarim.
  • Elevated to nobility by the Council of Four with the support of the Chalice of Siamorphe.
  • Entreated the Kingdom of Kraak Helzak to join the Lords' Alliance along with Lord Aaron Lyonaler.
  • Lobbied for the passage of the Commons' Courtesy at the urging of Rhaeg.
  • Entreated Deneir at Candlekeep during the Time of Troubles to aid a friend.
  • Continued to work to grow House Vale, welcoming several retainers to House Vale that would eventually be elevated to the House Council.
  • Confronted Amelyssan, High Priestess of the Lord of Murder, at the Battle of Boarskyre Bridge and lost his arm in trying to stop her.
  • Restored his arm with the help of Guardian Emmanuel and Teris in a druidic ritual.
  • Denounced the Zhentarim during open court and lobbied against reopening trade with them.
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Future
Work In Progress.

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Heirloom Items
  • Orelia's Ambition - a silver band gifted to Osric by his eldest sister when he departed Neverwinter.
  • Omerion's Indignation - the boots Osric took from his eldest brother after defeating him in single combat.
  • Odette's Pride - A golden ring abandoned by Odette when she became a lay cleric for Ilmater.
  • Olivere's Cunning - The rapier that Olivere gave Osric to use in his first duel against Omerion.
  • Octavia's Innocence - A golden chain given to Osric by his sister, Octavia, long before the succession conflict.
  • Puck's Tongue - An irreverent, flatulent, and garrulous dagger gifted (or cursed?) upon Osric by Puck.
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Plot Hooks & Miscellaneous
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  • After leaving Neverwinter, exiled from House Vale, Osric would “stumble upon” a daggerspell mage by the name of Rafe and travel with the man for some time. As they grew closer to one another, Rafe started training Osric in the art of the daggerspell, among other things. Unbeknownst to Osric, his new mentor was himself pacted to the same fey that bound Osric to accord. Under her orders, he embedded flaws into Osric’s training as a means of assuring control over him. Rafe and Osric would eventually part and the latter would reach Baldur’s Gate without incident. To this day, Osric does not know about his former pactmistress' involvement in his training. Neither is he aware of what the fey truly intended for him.
  • After being exiled from the House by Orelia during their family’s succession conflict, Osric's brother Olivere retreated to Luskan. Since 1356, Olivere has consistently attempted to undermine Orelia's seat as Lady of House Vale, though none of these efforts have thus far borne fruit.
  • Osric is beholden to two courts - the Duchal Court of Baldur's Gate and the Seelie Court of his patron, Puck. He feels loyalty toward both and subsequently fears the day that the two might someday come into conflict. His responsibilities leading House Vale and his duties serving Puck often compete for his body, mind, and soul; he is uncertain which he would choose if a choice were forced upon him.
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This biography has been edited to conform with the most recent character biography template and guidelines.
Last edited by wangxiuming on Sun Dec 03, 2023 2:05 pm, edited 41 times in total.
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wangxiuming
Posts: 702
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2016 1:13 am

Re: Osric Vale

Unread post by wangxiuming »

The below list of Osric's significant relationships is still in progress. The order of the categories is not intended to suggest any hierarchy. These are IC feelings that are not static and can change. Some characters may fall into more than one category; in that case, they are grouped in the section that I feel more strongly represents Osric's sentiments toward that character.

Player characters are shown in blue. NPCs are shown in gold.

Unless they were specifically commissioned, all portraits are drawn based on my own personal take of the wonderful characters Osric has been fortunate enough to interact with. They may not reflect the true appearances of those characters as intended by their players.

There are many characters with whom Osric has formed deep relationships but I have not included them here, simply because I do not have the art to accompany their entry. Apologies, they will be included eventually!

Table coding was generously provided by the incomparable Nyssis.

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Blood:
Those persons bound to Osric by blood relations. Osric's direct family and bloodline.
Orelia Vale
The oldest of Osric's half-siblings, fifteen years his senior. After his mother passed away, it was Orelia who took Osric under her wing. She was the favorite daughter of their father, who groomed her specifically as his designated heir. During House Vale’s succession conflict, she manipulated Osric into binding his pact with the Lady of Dusk, unwittingly bringing the treacherous fey’s plans to fruition.

While the brother and sister have since reconciled, for a time, Osric was uncertain whether he could ever fully trust Orelia again. It took a journey into a pocket plane and a trial of forgiveness before he finally was able to let go of the last vestiges of resentment he sheltered deep in his heart.
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Omerion Vale
The second of the Vale children, notorious for his intransigence and the deep resentment he harbored for his older sister Orelia. Often a bully to Osric and his sister Octavia in their youth, Omerion only grew embittered as he watched them enjoy Orelia's affection. His choice to contest Orelia’s succession as House Vale’s head of house would ultimately lead the family to the brink of annihilation.

Osric slew Omerion during the last stages of the contest for House Vale’s leadership in ritual combat.
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Odette Vale
A fawning and sycophantic woman that nevertheless harbored a keen intellect. She and Omerion shared a mother; she seemingly offered him loyalty even despite his poor reputation because of their shared bloodline. She betrayed him during the succession conflict, sacrificing his goals to save her image, devastating Omerion’s spirit and wiping away what traces of mercy was left to the tyrant-in-the-making.

After his death, Odette gave up her name and title to join the Ilmatari clergy in Neverwinter.
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Olivere Vale
The other middle child of the Vale children, Olivere remained a mysterious figure for much of Osric's life. During the contest for leadership of the house, he revealed a cunning streak by playing his eldest siblings against each other, betraying each to seize leverage for himself. He underestimated Orelia’s resolve, however; she stripped him of his titles and exiled him from the family.

His current whereabouts are unknown.
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Octavia Vale
The only one of Osric's siblings to share his mother. Octavia suffered from a debilitating condition that afflicted her with seizures and hallucinations; though she was older than Osric by a year, it was often he - with Orelia's assistance - who would look after her. Her unnatural incapacitation during the succession conflict was blamed on Omerion, though in reality, it was the Lady of Dusk who cursed her and then framed Omerion for the crime.

Puck would later save Octavia from her accursed slumber, freeing her along with Orelia and Osric from the Lady of Dusk’s influence.
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Camaraderie:
Osric's trusted friends and allies, the people in whom he feels confident confiding. Whether built through shared history, in the heat of battle, or simply through quiet conversation, these friendships are durable, in large part because Osric is all too eager to believe the best of his comrades and refute the bad.
Amaranthe
Although their introduction initially concerned the possibility of breaking certain obligations to which Osric had been bound, Amaranthe soon proved a reliable friend and ally in other matters as well. Osric trusts the druidess' wisdom and judgment, and is always glad for her company. While he initially felt a measure of apprehension concerning Amaranthe's affinity for fey creatures, he grew to appreciate it as a potential means through which he might eventually be freed.

Their friendship has only grown stronger since Osric's actual escape from the Lady of Dusk.
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Caslian Swordborn
Caslian is one of Osric's oldest friends and one of the few people who know the full extent of Osric's history. Assigned to House Vale's service prior to Osric's departure from Neverwinter, Caslian was relegated to watching over the exiled lordling by Osric's sister, Orelia. Their bond of friendship burgeoned during their shared journey to Waterdeep, and Osric is all too glad to be reunited with this old friend in Baldur's Gate.
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Desmond Blackburn
A noble helmite knight and roadwarden, and one of the first people Osric met along the Sword Coast. On whim, Osric joined a venture with the man to safeguard the roads and their friendship has only grown since. Osric views the man akin to a brother; one that seems a better sibling than some of his actual blood relations.
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Heron Rhayne
Squire to Desmond and a stalwart warrior in her own right. She was the first kind soul Osric met along the coast, and her offer to help him get his bearings has not been forgotten. Her counsel has also helped him better understand his current circumstances and make peace with a lost legacy.
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Laeria Amarillis
They first met outside the city gates, Osric newly stricken with his shadow curse, Laeria newly manifesting physiological qualities of her draconic heritage. The two outcasts found solace and solidarity with each other and a fast friendship formed.

Upon Osric’s return to the coast, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that Laeria had become Councillor of Doron Amar. Knowing how well-traveled and well-learned this dragon disciple is, the lordling considers her a valuable friend and ally.
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Othonis Neren
Osric counts the Chamberlain of House Darius among his close friends. He enjoys their rapport, delighting in the fact that they are both comfortable enough to tease each other for their mutual shenanigans, as well as share the more intimate and personal details of their respective histories. Osric sees Oth as a tortured soul who puts on a brave and humorous face to mask the traumatic experiences he has endured.
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Rania Marie Ragnon (née Arowaven)
Osric sees Rania as a stalwart champion of her goddess, Selune, and has nothing but respect for her, even despite thinking at times that she is prone to be a bit brash. Her aid in helping him decipher the nature of his curse has only cemented the former Moonlady as a friend and ally in Osric's eyes.
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Uriel Valenal
Despite an inauspicious initial encounter, Osric became drawn to Uriel's natural gravitas and mystery. Besides sharing a fondness for trading barbed words, he saw in Uriel a reflection of his sister Orelia: not only a talented wordsmith and orator, but a deadly player of both politics and relationships. Having gotten to know the man well over the course of several months, Osric considered Uriel among the closest of his friends. The druid's absence has left a hole in Osric's spirit, though the lordling is hopeful they will meet again.
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Yashe
Osric has come to know Yashe over the last few months as a woman of kind heart and principle. Although he initially suspected she lacked self-confidence, he was encouraged to learn that the reins of the Halls of Inner Light had fallen into her hands and pleased it seemed she had ably stepped into a leadership role. He appreciated her perspective of the Sunite faith, particularly that it sought to turn the emphasis from superficial beauty and toward a comprehensive beauty of mind, body and soul. Her sudden departure from the Gate, coupled with a most cryptic farewell, has left him deeply troubled.
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Reverence:
The persons Osric treats with deference and respect at all times, earned both by their actions, and sometimes simply Osric's preconceived notions of what they represent. They are all placed upon pedestals within his heart, willingly or not. He views them as nigh infallible and trusts them implicitly, including with his life.
Alexander Marshall
A champion of the Order of the Radiant Heart, Osric has always viewed Alexander as a paragon of the virtuous and looks to him as an example and role model. As they spent more time together, Osric began to consider the knight a true friend and confidant. He was crushed when Alexander made an apparent sojourn away from the Coast; the man's return was met with jubilation on Osric's part.
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Amaevael Laelyssil
Addressed as her title of "Enchantress" by Osric, this elven wizard became a close ally and esteemed friend to the exiled lord. Osric valued both Amaevael's counsel and her friendship; she was one of the few with whom he has shared elements of his past. He was sorely disappointed to hear that she had moved on to Evermeet and that they would likely never see each other again.
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Charisa Flomeigne
Lady Charisa Flomeigne is the first faithful of the Divine Right that Osric encountered on the Coast outside of Waterdeep. As both a priestess and Scion of Siamorphe, the noblewoman is held in high esteem by the young ex-noble and he is eager to both aid her causes as well as heed her counsel. Having gotten to know the Lady Flomeigne over the course of his time on the Coast, Osric is more determined than ever to prove himself in her eyes and assist her in proliferating the Divine Right's message across the Coast.
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Eldarian Al'maire
Among the nobles that Osric has met in his time within Baldur's Gate, there are few that he believes deserve more admiration than the Lathanderite Eldarian Al'maire. Noble in every sense of the word, Eldarian serves as a paragon of what Osric believes all nobility could all aspire to be. Indeed, Osric's attempt to establish his own house within the city is in part modeled after Eldarian's house; the former lordling hopes that they might one day stand side by side in mutual aid.
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Liia Jannath, Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate
Her Grace, the Grand Duchess Jannath was the first of the Gate's ruling Council of Four that Osric had the fortune with whom to interact. Together with Lady Charisa Flomeigne, he appealed to the Duchess on Wren and Maximilian Blackthorne's behalf, urging her to take heed of their words and to shelter them after their flight from Darkhold. Osric found his appointment as advisor to the Duchess most fortuitous. He is honored to be able to serve at her side and credits her with his elevation to nobility.
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Puck
Sometimes known as Robin Goodfellow, this summer fey seems to have taken an interest in Osric. The pair of them struck a bargain by which the man's pact to the Lady of Dusk could be undone. Though Osric was uncertain the gambit would succeed, he believed he had no better chance to free himself from a vengeful mistress.

Through guile and deception but true to his word, Puck managed to steal Osric's pact from the Lady of Dusk - much to the winter fey's furious dismay - and has now become the Neverwintan's new patron and pactholder.
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Caution:
Those that - for one reason or another - Osric views with a fair amount of skepticism and suspicion. Just as his opinions of his friends Is slow to change, so too is it difficult to earn Osric's trust once a perception of distrust has been set. His suspicions do not preclude fondness or sympathy for these people, though he will take all they say with a grain of salt.
Faelyn Naedithas
Although the discovery of this fey-blooded elf's heritage led Osric to assess Faelyn as a dangerous threat, the man's persistence and the counsel of Lady Charisa Flomeigne finally convinced Osric to reevaluate his initial suspicions. He now has come to view Faelyn as something of a mystery, leaving behind the overt hostility he once displayed for the elf in favor of cautious amiability.
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Keziri “Kitsy” Asher
Coaxed to paranoia and suspicion by mischievous bystanders, Osric is supremely wary of this tiefling woman, whose curious behavior makes him ill at ease. Concerned that her prior obsession with Nathan has now transferred onto himself, Osric is worried that he might one day find himself hexed, cursed, or worse … turned into a bag of oats.

He’s recently lost several hairs to the tiefling’s dextrous fingers. The thought of what she might be doing with them keeps the former lord up at night.
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Rafe
After leaving Neverwinter, Osric traveled south to Waterdeep. It was there he met Rafe, an enigmatic but charming half-elf and daggerspell mage. Finding similar cause and interest, Rafe agreed to tutor Osric in the ways of his ancient art. A mentor became a friend and the friendship eventually blossomed into something intimate, though it was not to last.
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Rhaeg
As the representative of the Commons, Rhaeg has embodied a test of Osric's principles. On the one hand, many have attributed suspicions of sedition and revolution to the half-orc. On the other, as Rhaeg is the face of the commonfolk of Baldur's Gate, Osric cannot help but feel compelled to aid the man. Reading the half-orc's manifesto forced Osric to come to terms that their goals would never align in the end. Nevertheless, he subconsciously seeks the half-orc's approval, harboring a brotherly affection for the man that the lord suspects will likely never be returned.
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Wirg Bunegrynder
Though Osric is loathe to associate with any of the monstrous races, Wirg is among the few who has caused him to take pause. The orc's gregarious behavior and apparently genuine attempt to befriend the ex-noble has eroded some of Osric's walls, much to the man's surprise and chagrin. A degree of suspicion lingers still, however, especially after the Lady Flomeigne informed Osric of Wirg's past affiliations.
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Wren Di'Corvi
Fishing along the beaches of Ulgoth's Beard brought Osric into Wren's circle of influence during a particularly treacherous time for her. The revelations she made to him elicited both sympathy as well as a cautious trust. Witnessing her latest trials, Osric felt a deep sense of empathy and camaraderie with Wren.

While Osric at times questioned Wren's judgment, he nevertheless held her in high esteem, both for her work leading the Northern Watch and for her aid in rescuing a mutual friend from a precarious situation. Her sudden departure left him bewildered and crestfallen, especially in the light of the company she kept in doing so.
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Devotion:
Because of their companionship or aid in the past, Osric owes these persons a great debt, one that cannot be easily repaid and never forgotten. Osric would gladly give his life for any of them.
Juno Serra
Though initially only passing acquaintances, Osric's friendship with this champion of Sune has only grown stronger with every trial they weather together. Juno was among those instrumental in freeing Osric from his dark pact mistress, something the vagrant lordling will never forget. Her friendship further served as a beacon of hope to Osric while he endured a shadow curse. While his curse was eventually broken, Osric was heartbroken to learn of Juno's departure from the Gate.

As one of Osric's allies in the battle against the Lady of Dusk, she was given an "honorary" title by Puck ... but it is not one that Osric will ever repeat.
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Nathan Goldenmane
It was not so long ago that Osric would never have imagined himself associating with someone as outwardly simple-minded as one such as Nathan appeared on first impression. After befriended the man, however, Osric saw the folly in judging the man too quickly: beneath that superficial layer of earnest naivete was a man who commands a bounty of conviction and loyalty.

As one of Osric's allies in the battle against the Lady of Dusk, Nathan was dubbed "Baron Rockhead" by Puck. Impressed by Nathan's rise to Steward of House Darius, Osric's respect for his "Baron" has only redoubled.
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Rellon Ayloset
A dear friend that entrusted the secrets of his own insidious pact to Osric. Rellon would eventually free himself from his pact, though without Osric's aid, much to the latter's shame. Despite this, Rellon still volunteered his aid in breaking Osric's leash to the Lady of Dusk. The debt incurred as a result is one that Osric eagerly seeks to repay and will not soon forget.

As one of Osric's allies in the battle against the Lady of Dusk, Rellon was dubbed "Sir First-To-Die" by Puck. In recent days, Rellon has become the closest of Osric's friends. Despite knowing pieces of the Luskar's shadier history, there is no one Osric treasures more in his life at present.
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Enmity:
Osric does not consider himself as one who makes enemies easily; in fact, he would prefer to be friends with most rather than rivals. That said, he cannot tolerate those that are diametrically opposed to his goals, those who have committed atrocities and crimes that he considers irredeemable, or any who have attached themselves to malevolent masters or causes.
Bran
Despite Bran's professed close relationship with fey spirits, the Rashemi's direct prodding managed to draw Osric out of his shell upon their introduction. They grew close for a time, though this was not to last.

The spirit shaman's departure from the Coast saddened the Neverwintan greatly, but this melancholy was only magnified upon learning of Bran's return to the coast. Their reunion only confirmed Osric's fears: that Bran was a shadow of his former self, now consumed by a hatred and loathing for the new home Osric had made for himself.
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The Lady of Dusk
Known to Osric only as the Lady of Dusk, this sinister fey entity manipulated events to bring about the ruin of House Vale and all of its scions. Through her machinations, House Vale saw its head and second son slain, another son exiled, and a daughter thrown to madness, on top of the binding of eldritch pacts with the heir and youngest scion. Compelled to bargain with this creature, Osric found himself bound to this fey and all her treacherous whims; his dealings with the Lady of Dusk burgeoned the fear and suspicion he cast upon all with fey origin.

Now freed of her dread influence, Osric - perhaps foolishly - believes he need not fear anything more from this insidious winter fey.
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Mae yr Machshikhah
Though he was never close to this false Helmite, discovering Pryat Machshikah of Helm was actually an agent of darkness shook Osric to his core, far more than he was willing to admit. Having played the noble's game for most of his life, he thought himself immune to the shock of treachery; the revelation of Mae's nature as an impostor served as a timely reminder that evil could hide behind even the most pristine of masks.

He never learned her true identity, knowing only that it was her machinations that resulted in the death of Sir Arnemeiger. For that atrocity alone, Osric is certain he will forever see this false guardian as a hated villainess.
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Morgalia Verenach
Though he did not often interact with the former Dreadlord of Darkhold, Morgalia left a deep and lasting impression upon Osric as a vile betrayer and villainess. He played a sympathetic ear to her when she still presented as a Seeker of Candlekeep, during her conflict with the then-Guide Alexandra Keenan. Thus, he was infuriated to discover that in his time of need - in a battle against an undead champion - she would seek attempt to seek shelter under Candlekeep's oath of neutrality rather than lend her aid. The eventual revelation that she was actually a Zhentarim spy further incensed his wrath.

Osric will never admit the source of his animosity for Morgalia to be the fact that he was utterly fooled by her deception, rather than the actual duplicity on her part.
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Loyalty:
Those for whom Osric feels protective. As the Head of House Vale, Osric is intensely loyal to those who aid the House's causes, either through service to House Vale or by acceptance into its ranks. Osric firmly believes that his House is filled with talent and that all of it deserves to be nurtured.
Batzorigyn Borte-Suul
A warrior from the Endless Wastes known to Osric only as "Suul." Initially seeing a kindred soul in the wandering soldier seeking a worthy leader, he introduced her to Desmond; the effort seemingly earned her ire. Unused to Suul's blunt mannerisms and aggrieved by her perceived ingratitude for his help, he contented himself to stay out of her way.

Much to Osric's surprise, Suul later revealed that she believed him - and not Desmond - to be the leader she sought. Being one of the first people after his exile to express her faith in him, her words were taken to heart and would ultimately encourage his effort to establish House Vale at Baldur's Gate. Although personal matters once took a toll upon their relationship, Osric has only come to trust and rely upon Suul more after his return to the Coast. Her counsel now carries heavy weight with him and he is more determined than ever to see that she is welcome at House Vale.
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Ozul Thorn
Osric shared a fast, if unlikely, friendship with this Cormyrean. Soon after meeting, Ozul revealed the woeful tale of a family member’s death at the hands of corrupt nobles. Determined to prove that not all nobility behaved in such egregious fashion, Osric volunteered his aid to the man in hunting those responsible down. Since then, their relationship has only strengthened; Osric was overjoyed to count Ozul among those willing to help him establish House Vale within the Gate.
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Teris Ynarno
Initially uncertain what to make of this curious fire genasi, Osric has come to care for Teris as a younger brother. Having heard only a smattering of the genasi's actions prior to the restoration of his mind, the Neverwinter native sees only a young, fresh mind beaten down by trauma and despair. Osric was especially glad to see Teris come out of his shell as the genasi explored his talents in writing and storytelling, and is thrilled now to find his friend in better spirits more often than not. He was glad to learn that Dral had welcomed Teris into the ranks of House Vale, though at times the lord worries whether the politics and pressure of Teris' position might be beyond what the genasi can handle.
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Valduil Feralen
The collapse of the Northern Watch saw the influx of many warriors to House Vale, including Dral Winterward, Aiden Vega, and Valduil Feralen. Although Osric was initially uncertain what to make of this reserved elf, he soon came to respect Valduil for his skills as an archer and ranger. Valduil rose quickly through the ranks of the House, and Osric never felt more secure than when the elf ascended to House Vale's Council. The Lord's retreat to Neverwinter saw the elf dedicate much of his time to the Radiant Heart, something for which Osric cannot help a hint of regret. Although he is glad the elf has found his true calling, he yet waits for the day that Valduil will return to his post as Master of the Watch.
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Regret:
Those he has wronged somehow, or whom he feels he has forsaken. A fair amount of guilt accompanies those he views with this sentiment; simply hearing their names can sap any mirth from his day.
Aesa
Osric found a curious camaraderie with this Uthgardt squire to the Radiant Heart, never thinking that he would ever count a barbarian among his inner circle. Still, Aesa's noble spirit and dedication impressed him, and their work together aiding friends in need cemented a strong friendship. Her death was deeply mourned by Osric; the guilt of being unable to save her from her captor's clutches will stay with him always.
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Mathias Byrne
Unabashedly taken with this less than bashful farm-born mage, Osric finds himself drawn to more than just the man's rugged good looks; Mathias' easy confidence, daring and penchant for well-meaning mischief all serve to endear. Ultimately, however, it was the mage's brazen affection and caring that won Osric over and for a time, the lordling was content.

The latest of Mathias' sudden absences chilled what once was fiery passion. The two parted amicably, and Osric will always hold a place for Mathias in his heart.
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Wyssri'piir "Wisp" Ath'avae
Although he considered Wisp a friend, Osric oftentimes found it difficult to relate to this elf, who counted the natural world her demesne. Knowing that Wisp was the subject of a dear friend’s romantic interest - a friend with whom Osric was himself momentarily love-struck - the aspiring lord did his best to keep a cautious distance. Even so, he could not help himself from questioning whether his friend would ever be able to find happiness with this undeniably alluring woman.

Wisp's eventual sacrifice to slay her fiendish tormentor would fill Osric with guilt and remorse, both for his doubt at the sincerity of her affection for his friend, as well as the arm's length with which he kept her.
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Last edited by wangxiuming on Thu Jul 07, 2022 3:22 am, edited 66 times in total.
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Re: Osric Vale

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Reviewed, questions pending.
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Approved.
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Re: Osric Vale

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Received reward from DM Creo. Thank you both!
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Re: Osric Vale

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2017-05-26: Updated relationships for Desmond, Heron, and Suul.
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Re: Osric Vale

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2017-05-27: Updated relationships for Faelyn, Uriel, and Wren.
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Re: Osric Vale

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2017-06-08: Added Bran. Updated various existing relationships.
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Re: Osric Vale

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2017-09-09: Added Alexander, Amaevael, Amaranthe, Caslian, and Charisa. Updated various relationships.

More left to go!
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Re: Osric Vale

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2018-01-09 - Added various characters to relationships.

... plz don't stop playing your characters after I add them here. :cry:
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2018-03-02 - Added Juno & Mathias. Updated Bran, the Lady of Dusk, and Puck.

More to come ...
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Re: Osric Vale

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2018-04-25 - Added Rellon, added links to public character biographies if available (PM me if I missed yours!)
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2018-05-26 - Added Nathan, Rania. Various minor edits.
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2019-08-14 Changelog
  • Reorganized Relationships Post
  • Added various characters to relationships
  • Updated various relationship descriptions
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2020-01-23 Changelog
  • Added Recent Events
  • Miscellaneous Updates
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