Aera

**Aera** is a character in the *Forgotten Realms Campaign* of Nat19. She is an aarakocra that was once held captive by Strahd von Zarovich as a means to control her husband, Griff. She is also the presumed mother of Graiar. As an NPC, she is portrayed by *Aaron Robert Parnell*.

 Personality

## History

Aera was once a member of a large flock of aarakocra with her husband, Griff. One day, their entire flock was drawn into Barovia by its mysterious mists. Once there, the flock attempted to confront Strahd von Zarovich and his forces, only for most of them to be wiped out. Aera and Griff were the only two aarakocra remaining after the battle. Aera was subsequently interned at the Abbey of Saint Markovia and experimented on by The Abbot, giving her a human arm, a reptilian eye, and other bizarre features. She was held there as a hostage for 5 years by the Abbot under orders from Strahd, so that he could control Griff.

At some point, Aera attempted to kill herself in order to free Griff from his subservience, but he stopped her.

## Role in Plot

Aera was first met by the Curse of Strahd Party during their first visit to the Abbey of Saint Markovia. She was resting in the infirmary when they arrived and began questioning her about Griff. She informed them he was not currently there, but that he had left something for them. She held out a letter to them, but as she did, a horde of shades appeared and attacked them. After dealing with the shades, they received the letter, which was an invitation from Strahd von Zarovich to join him at Castle Ravenloft for dinner. After being helped onto the second floor's balcony by Jolyne, she sang in aarakocra as the party left the Abbey.

Graiar and Devin eventually returned to speak with Aera. Graiar wished to talk to her about their people, as well as inquire about Griff once more. She obliged, and even sang to Graiar a song of their people, before informing them that Griff was likely to return later that day. She also informed Graiar that she once tried to end her own life to rid Griff of her burden, though her attempt was unsuccessful. After informing their other party members they would be gone for a bit, Graiar and Devin returned to the Abbey later in the day and met with Griff, though the discussion didn't end on the best of terms.

After Ashley awoke one morning to find a garnet ring in her possession with the name "Griff" inscribed in it, Graiar quickly returned to the Abbey to ask Aera what it meant. She told him it was a custom of their flock to gather gems from the Star Mountains and create such rings with them. When asked if she wanted to hold onto Griff's ring, she told Graiar to keep it.

Aera was not seen again until after Strahd was killed by the party. Graiar, Jolyne, and Kasimir returned to the Abbey with Griff and Patrina's bodies, looking to have them revived by the Abbot. Griff's soul seemed hesitant to return, so Graiar fetched Aera to convince him to come back to her. After Griff awoke and he and Aera had their reunion, Graiar pulled them aside to ask them if they were indeed his real parents, due to the similarities in appearance and the suspicious coincidence of their arrival in Barovia and his current age. Aera admitted that they had no way of knowing for sure, but embraced Graiar and said that she considered him her son regardless.

After leaving Barovia, Aera and Griff had planned on returning to the Star Mountains.

## Relationships & Affiliations

### Griff

Aera loves Griff despite his many flaws, so much so that she tried to end her own life so that Griff could be free from Strahd's control. Despite the terrible things Griff had done to keep her safe, she did not seem to resent or condemn him when all was said and done. She simply seemed happy to have her husband back.

### Graiar

In the brief period Aera and Graiar have known each other, the former has come to think of the latter as she would her own child, despite having no way to confirm if he is actually her son. She has taught him some things about their people, and even offered to take him to their old home.