Quick preface; every game plays out differently, along with characters, their backstories, how they interact. This is based off of a solo CoS game that I played in along with the very first CoS game I played in. Characters and personalities are the way they are because that's how my DM had it play out. With that said, have a good read.

Prologue

The night was cold and dark, screams from the city echoing out towards the forest. A lone figure in the night ran, fleeing from the nightmare that was now rubble and ash. He clumsily wove through the thickening trees, blood dripping down the side of his face, down his torn hands, his injured knee. Dark short hair, save for two long bright pieces pulled back into a ponytail, was matted with mud. The only words that left his lips were whispers of why he had even tried to help, where his friends were, what he was going to do. Deeper into the forest he ran, mind swirling with millions of questions and worries.

Reaching the swamp part of the forest he sighed in relief as he found the small house, tucked away and covered in plants, was still safe and had not yet been found by anyone. Near crying the lone figure made his way over as his wounds started catching up with him, dizziness coming and going. He slipped in the mud, bashed his foot on the same rock as always, but made it to the front door in one piece. This, this lonesome place few ever found, was officially all he had left of home. Shakily he cleaned off his boots as best as he could and went inside.

Startled by the sudden noise the other occupant, an old lady to most, jumped from her seat and turned to face the door. Upon seeing that it was the lone figure she sighed and went over, old bones creaking like the floorboards. She took the man's hand and guided him to one of the two chairs in front of the fireplace, sitting him down. Going back to her chair she got comfy and waited patiently for him to collect himself and speak, although his haggard appearance spoke for on its own. Minutes passed as the pair sat in silence, the wood crackling quietly and the rain pattering outside. Only when another distant roar sounded did the man raise his head to look out the window in fear, clutching the arms of the chair tightly.

"What happened Thalion? What has you so scared? I raised you and you don't scare easy." She asked, sipping her drink slowly.

"We…we failed. Phlan is lost, the Blackfists betrayed us and…a dragon. A dragon named Vorgansharax, the Maimed Virulence, has the town now. The temple of Tamara is gone, burned to the ground, I can't find my friends. They're angry with me too. It's only a matter of time before they come here. We can't stay. I'm so sorry." He explained, stumbling over his words, hands shaking with terror.

Disgruntled and more annoyed than worried she stared at the young elf, questioning for the millionth time in her life why she kept him, why she hadn't done to him what she had done to the others. It would have spared him this misery that he's in now, spared her of her misery that she didn't relish when he was distraught. Shaking her head back and forth, wispy white locks swaying along, she cleared her throat and spoke.

"Thalion, who's home is this?" She asked.

"Yours.", He answered glumly.

"Wrong. It's ours. Your room is in the back, stop forgetting."

"Sorry ma'am."

"Whose swamp is this?"

"Ours?"

"Correct. And who did the city of Phlan fear before this dragon and the Black Fists betrayal?"

"Us?" He answered now, more confused than worried or scared.

"Exactly, and for good reason. Now if anyone so much as comes in here to harm either of us they'll be my dinner for the next week okay?"

"Okay. Thank you Jeny." He answered, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Chapter One: The Quivering Forest's Keeper

Phlan, a city of totalitarian rule of the rogue Black Fists and a Dragon hidden within the center of it all. Everything and one lives and breathes how they're told to, whether they like it or not. It's not much of a life but getting out is nigh impossible unless you are a trader or merchant of some kind. Even then entering and exiting the city was either the simplest of things or the worst chore in the world. It was one that a rather grumpy wood elf was handling for the day.

Shifting his large bag of pelts that rested on his shoulders Thalion went through the streets, casting glances at the many people that stared him down, watching him with caution. Parents pulled their children back as he passed, muttering about how to not look at him. At best he was known as the fur trader that lived in the forest nearby. At worst he was the cursed witch child, branded for necromancy and accused of devouring lost people in the woods. The latter made him chuckle half of the time as he usually guided people out of the thick sea of trees, wanting nothing to do with any of them and praying to Tamara that they wouldn't come back. Most of the time he was fortunate enough to be granted that simple request.

Today was like any other day, gloomy with the scent of the ocean rolling in with the morning fog. The streets were starting to rouse with the normal hustle and bustle of the area, mothers and fathers going out to do their shopping or head off to work. Some kids ran through the streets, a few of them going over to the ranger everyone avoided. The children, smiling widely, ran over and dusted off their patchy clothes, trying to look their best.

"Hey Thalion! Did you bring anything cool today?" One of them, a bright-eyed girl with a mess of purple hair and two small horns poking through it, asked him as she peered at the bundle.

"Hello Tara. Before I answer that did you do all of your morning chores?" He asked back, looking down at the small Tiefling. Her awkwardness and sudden silence was answer enough.

"If you promise to do them well then, I swear to Tamara I'll give you one of the really awesome things I found while out, okay?"

"Yes sir! Thank you Thalion! I'll see you back at the home!" She excitedly said, giving a mock salute and running off to go about her morning chores.

He watched as she left, a small smile on his lips for only a moment before the wind swept it away and he returned to his normal self, slight frown and an expression that warded most people off. Through the streets he went, stopping by a few shops and stalls to sell his goods, on time, as always. Like clockwork the store owners and stall vendors awaited him, keeping away business since the numerous rumors around the peculiar wood elf seemed to drive back customers quicker than a dracolich. First was the smithy, who was grateful for the materials that would help her make armor. Next came the tailor, a snobbish human that hated the mismatching eyes the ranger had, claiming that it was a sign he was cursed from birth whilst his back was turned. Last were the competing stall owners, one fearful of the wood elf and the other a little too chummy with him. They ran, respectively, a jewelry shop and the other an herbal and holistic remedy stand.

"Were you able to find any special plants when you were out this time Thali?" The moon elf healer asked, flashing him a bright smile.

"None that I have full access to. However, Jeny has agreed to talk with you about doing business, if you'd like." He explained as he divvied out items between her and the halfling jeweler.

"Bah, you'd be better off trying to take down a giant than make a deal with her! From what I hear Ms. Greenteeth doesn't always trade in gold like the rest of us." The halfling, Sprout scoffed, almost regretting he had just voiced his opinion.

Thalion stared at the shrewd business man and waited for him to say more, arms folded over his chest and eyes narrowing at the insult. After the halfling sunk almost entirely below his counter the annoyed ranger rolled his eyes and huffed in exasperation, turning back to Sylvia the moon elf who shrugged and gave an awkward smile. She stepped out from behind her stall and helped separate the rest of the goods, telling Thalion that she was very grateful for the offer Jeny had extended and that she accepted it, ready to go whenever she was allowed.

"It'll probably have to be the first thing you do that day due to the curfew here however, I'm more than sure she'll be glad to have you. Just be respectful of her rules and all that is hers. I'll guide you up so there won't be too much trouble." He explained as the pair finished.

"Thank you, Thali. This place would be lost without you and Jeny. Especially back with the thing that happened, you know. The upper part of town isn't too busy today if you want to go see Libra or Aya. We could all go get lunch. There's this new place down at the pier that has fantastic food." She suggested, watching him out of the corner of her eyes.

"That would be great except you forgot that while I'm in the city I am not allowed into the upper district, due to my position and who I am, who I associate with. Thank you for the offer though Syl, your kindness is always appreciated and I'm sure one day the grace of Tamara will shine down on you."

"Oh, stop it. Sorry I forgot about your, 'restrictions'. Really limits business and what not. We really, really should get lunch though. It would a fun time."

Eyebrow raised he stared at her, catching the slight urgency to her tone, and nodded afterwards, asking, "Alright I give. It has to bee before the gate closing. Where should I meet you?"

Almost jumping in joy, she grinned and replied, "Fantastic! Meet at the broken fountain in the market by noon; we can walk over together from there." He nodded and finished up there, folding the now empty bag and tucking it into his other one. As he was about to leave Sylvia took hold of his hand, startling him slightly, and slid a piece of paper into his palm while whispering, "Be careful. The walls have been waiting for you and watching."

Pausing, concerned and resisting the urge to search for what she spoke of, he flashed a smile and then left, feeling hers and many other eyes boring into his back as he made his way through town. Not often did the ranger of the Quivering forest feel uneasy or on end but today, a day that had started out the same as many others, now had a dark cloud hanging over it. Sylvia was many things, including bad at flirting subtly and keeping her emotions to herself, but there was one thing this mage wasn't and that was a liar. She was abhorrent at it and most commonly had no use for the skill. This time, like others, she was telling the truth which unnerved him deeply. Thalion knew the city watch, a group of rogue Blackfists, did not much care for him and only gave him his limited access to the city of Phlan because he was the best hunter for miles around, being the sole source of most people's furs, pelts, leather, and more. Many people disliked him too, as he had far too many rumors circulating about him due to his growing up, but they relied on him. To say that now, after decades of hard work and service, that he was under surveillance was to say that he had someone out and after his head.

He remained calm though, as he had been taught by Jeny, and walked through town as if nothing wrong was going on, as if things were the way they had been when he was younger, and the city was a brighter place with more happy voices and less silence and restraint. Weaving through the crowd he worked his way towards the poor sector, giving what money he could spare to the beggars that had nothing, ones that had lost much from the recent events dealing with the Cult of the Dragon and the attacks. This particular area, the part that had been forgotten by most, was the only place he was welcomed a bit more and the people enjoyed remembering him, sometimes scolding him for having so many tattoos, piercings, dying his hair and more. It was in a caring way though as these were the folks that had taken the time to learn that most of the things said about him weren't true, including him being a necromancer. Boy, that was a hard one to disprove to people as some of the beggars were the ones that had originally accused him when younger. Nonetheless this place was the last remaining piece of the old Phlan, a piece that was clinging to life dearly and survived because of the business the ranger brought in.

Taking out his spare bag, the one he had folded up earlier, Thalion went about shopping and over paying on everything he bought as he did not really need the gold. He could and did survive without it for over a century, so the metal meant very little to him personally. The bright smile that it brought to the faces of those truly in need was what he gathered it for, to give them hope that they would make it another day. After buying what he wanted he went through the cracked and damaged area, distributing what he had and checking in on any family that had someone who had become ill or hurt since the last time he was here. He checked on the others afterwards, splinting broken limbs, distributing medicine and remedies for those in need, and giving small trinkets and items he had found in the wild to the kids, so they might take their mind away from the nightmare they lived in, even for a moment. It wasn't much, honestly, but everyone was grateful and gave him the thanks that they could, knowing well that the stubborn elf never accepted physical payment of any kind save for hugs and the kisses grannies gave him. Once done he went to the largest building in this district, one he had built half of and repaired the other half: the orphanage.

When he stepped just past the doors Thalion was greeted by a hoard of children, many of them shouting questions over the loud salutations. Laughter followed as an older lady came over and told the kids to back away enough so that he could enter the home fully, apologizing after for the rowdy bunch. He shook his head and laughed, saying it was his fault for being gone so long. Next, he went over to the small tucked away shrine to Tamara, the Goddess that many worshiped here in secret, offering up his prayers and asking, for once, that she keep a close watch on not only him but those he cared for and helped to survive. His Goddess, Tamara, was a peaceful one ruling over life, light, and mercy, things his parents had raised him to know and he tried to show to others even when it was hard, and folks were unkind and cruel. Of course, he had a point where he knew keeping to his morals was pointless, but he still tried tirelessly to make his deity proud. Once done he turned about to find the crowd was still there, also finishing prayer as they had a knack to copy him and watched as they looked hopefully at him with bright eyes.

"Alright then, have you all done your chores and cleaned up after breakfast?" He asked, hands on his hips. They nodded, full of energy and awaiting what they knew came next. The ranger chuckled and went back to his bags, saying, "That's fantastic and it makes me proud that you all help out here and help out one another. Now, who wants to hear some stories and see what I brought with me this time? Yes, I do have things for all of you as well."

Upon voicing this the children roared with a unanimous answer, rushing into the den and huddling near the fireplace, as per usual, where they waited for him. He and the older lady, Mother Gaia, laughed loudly as it never ceased to amaze them how much joy the smallest things brought to them. It was just before he walked away that she gently grabbed his arm, a look of concern on her face.

"Dear, a moment please?" She asked quietly to avoid being overheard. He nodded and stepped aside where she continued on, saying, "You seem uneasy today, even in prayer. Did something bad occur? Is Ms. Greenteeth alright?"

For a moment he debated telling her and, choosing the honest route, answered, "You are correct that I am not faring well. The city is watching me. …We both know what that means Gaia."

Gasping she covered her mouth and watched with wide blue eyes, shaking her head afterwards. "What did you do? You've abided by all of their ridiculous rules and have been more than courteous, even to those awful guards. I'd like to see them stay calm after dealing with what they put you through."

"I know. The best I can do is act casual and thank Sylvia. She was the one that told me. I'm going to meet with her later and then get back to the forest as quickly as I can. How has the tunnel been going?"

"Well, it's been going. You can only do so much when you have to dig through tough ground and stay silent. I…you don't think they'll come after us here, do you?"

"If you hear that I'm hanging out then I'm more than sure they will come. Everyone knows what to do though and I would say once I leave here today, whether I'm put under 'full watch' or not, gather those that live in this sector, along with Sylvia, and tell them that the time has come to go. I'll send word out to my contact and they can help you all escape."

Sadly, she nodded and gave him a tight hug, arms stronger than most would suspect, and heart aching at the idea that so suddenly everything was about to change. He returned the embrace, telling himself mentally that he would be fine and see them all again. Once he let go, he put back on his smile, the flawless disguise, and joined the kids to tell them his new stories.

It was close to noon when he had given out the last gift, the special one he had set aside for Terra, who was over the moon when she saw it was her very own bow and quiver. She gave the ranger a warm hug, nearly knocking him down from his crouch, and promised that she would be careful and teach the others how to use it. Thanking him she dashed off to go show her friends, all of them shouting in surprise and then cheering as she told them she would share once she learned how to use it decently. A few of the others that worked here and took care of the place coughed, one even choking on their tea, as they watched children running around with what they feared Thalion would bring in: a weapon. Gaia happily took in the scene, smiling as one of the ladies asked Thalion why he gave that to the young girl, chuckling as his response was a bit too sarcastic for the other's liking. 'Did you want one?' was not the politest answer but it was the best they could hope for from the wood elf that had given so much. After he shrugged off the few other inquiries about his thought process and when he was next coming back, he left, and Gaia gathered the others for the sad news and to pray while the children were able to remain oblivious to the danger for just a bit longer.

Thalion walked back towards the main sector of the anxious city, wincing as he watched a couple of people being put under arrest and hearing them begging and pleading to be given a second chance. It was hopeless in most cases and he knew exactly where they would end up if lucky. And where they would if they weren't. Neither option was good, and he unconsciously rubbed at his neck as he worked past people and came to the broken fountain that had once been beautiful and now served as a reminder of what this city had become. This place was a slow closing fist, choking the life out of those who lived here and separating the strong from the weak, thriving off bribes and personal agendas. It sickened him that his hometown was worse than he ever imagined it being, and that's saying a lot since this place wasn't the best to start with. Now though, it was only a matter of time before the small amount of life and mercy here was snuffed out like a candle in the wind. Worse was that he knew he was that candle, and with winter approaching, not many would make it without that small light. That small, taken for granted, gift of mercy and light.

He sat on a bench not too far away and folded up all his now empty bags, counting how many coins he had left and calculating if it was enough for a warm drink and some bread. While trying to keep to his normal schedule and plan out what him and Jeny needed to make it the next couple of weeks a cough interrupted, surprising him. Thalion looked up to find it was not who he had been waiting for and was instead what he had been fearing. Three guards stood before him as an uncomfortable silence fell over the small center, people freezing mid step to watch what was going to happen next.

Calmly he gazed at the guard in front, waiting for him to do something and not showing any sign of going down easily. It was tense to say the least, and the citizens there watched as the guards hovered near what was the equivalent of an annoyed dragon, wound up and ready to strike if provoked. This icy glare of defiance is what drove many people's fear of the ranger further than normal, as it was not something often seen and when it arose it was best left alone. Yet things were run differently now and these men, set on having this city their way, believed they could kill the beast.

"Thalion of the Quivering Forest?" The leader, someone the wood elf knew well, asked.

"Darius of the Not Blackfists." He replied, setting the mood of the conversation.

"Watch your mouth you undead filth. We have questions for you and it would be in your best interests to come with us and answer them."

"Are these going to be long hanging questions, because I don't particularly have much time for those, seeing as I need to go rest so that I can gather more furs and pelts for this city. How's your cape doing by the way?"

"It's fine, thank you."

"You're welcome. I did gather those furs from a special beast after all. You remember. As does everyone here."

Frustrated by this Darius leaned in closer to the ranger, a scowl already on his lips and his brows furrowed in concealed anger. "What are you getting at hag trash?" He whispered, venom dripping through every word.

"There are a lot of people in this city and if you decide, because you don't like me, to have me hang out with the others…folks won't be too pleased. Especially when the cold comes in and their kids become sick because they do not have the warm blankets they normally do. Phlan is a delicate ecosystem and I'm giving you a warning to not damage it further, so that you might also survive the winter. Savvy, traitor trash?" Thalion explained quietly, leaning in as well so the two were inches apart from each other.

Darius paused, caught out in the open, and quickly glanced at all of the worried eyes watching him, feeling his skin crawl and his rage come close to boiling over. Teeth ground together the elf turned back to find the ranger had gone back to sitting peacefully, an expression of victory barely visible on his face. With a huff the guard straightened out and rose to his feet, hand resting on the top of his sword handle.

"Today is not your day but we do need to question you about an anomaly spotted on the horizon and fast approaching the forest you reside in. We ask that you come as quietly as you can manage. Easy enough?" Darius stated loud enough for the many onlookers to hear. There was a resounding sigh and they went back to business.

"You're not lying, are you? What anomaly?"

"One I can't speak of further until you agree to come with us. It is bad though and could hurt your grandma if that might give you some incentive."

Getting up Thalion gave him one last glare, expression lightening as he saw Sylvia standing near one of the trees a few feet away. She watched, terrified at the exchanged, and walked forward as the wood elf went towards her. Without a word he gave a quick hug and pulled her aside, explaining in code what was going on and that he was going to go with Darius while he needed her to go find Mother Gaia. Nervous she asked if this really was the best idea, if he was going to come out alive, only receiving the typical 'I'll be fine' that he gave for most situations. It was the same answer he gave years ago when the city was attacked by the Cult of the Dragon and had sunk this place into the mess it's now in. It was an answer she hated and didn't trust. Nonetheless she nodded and, after giving him a small kiss on the cheek and tucking something into his pocket, she left to go do as he asked. Thalion turned to face the men and already knew this would not end well. Stomach doing flips and twisting into knots, he went with them, a sense of dread settling in.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. If not I'm sorry…kinda. Stay tuned for the next chapter, I'll try and update regularly and try not to make all of them this long.