Prelude Stage

*"An incomplete watercolor illustration on parchment of Riagan Sorel from Bescaro circa 200 D.E. (local calendar's Draconian Resurgence period), an island conservatory nearby their supposed place of origin."*

Despite being in the most legendary team of adventurers, little is known or documented regarding Riagan Sorel in comparison to their companions. From the few sources that exist, Sorel is said to have been in isolation for most of their early life until they were given the task of exploring outside their secluded land as royal biologist. The following is an excerpt from the textbook, Unveiling Heroes: Origins of History's Greatest Pioneers:

Although accounts vary, the consensus is that Sorel was rescued by one of their soon to be team members and eventually tagged along with the purpose of preventing such tragedy again. Even with their tendency to isolate themselves, they were undeniably supportive for their group and deeply respected each of them. Their future endeavors reflected their tactical and observational prowess and would include contributions to coups and other related methods of governmental overthrowing as well as advancements to expulsion of impure entities (i.e. demons, ghosts and other creatures of that nature).
However, history glosses over other narratives eluding to Sorel's extreme quest for "righteous justice" that claimed them to fall into fever spells, anxiety attacks and bouts of aggression in many conflicts they encountered over the years. Whether these are true is yet to be determined, but many of Sorel's discoveries have since been used by sects and other extremists in negatively impactful ways that coincide and even worship this deviant image of them.
Even so, most still agree that Riagan Sorel was a loyal and trustworthy companion who advocated especially for refugees and victims of war in the aftermath of destruction. A majority of their life outside adventuring was dedicated to restoration and environmental projects to aid such ruin in an attempt to conserve the past and protect the future.

*"A fragmented under-drawing of Ranya Thistlebeard from an unknown source speculated to be based off famous production, Turmoil's Champion, which chronicles her life and legacy."*

The half-orc cleric was known to have combated prejudice and strife all her life, yet she was said only to practice unconditional love and patience. Her upbringing attested to such, raised by dwarven parents who taught compassion and understanding in a community that continuously misunderstood her. Their claims however were not entirely misplaced, as the specific vein of orc blood in Ranya Thistlebeard tormented her to secede to a malevolent force. She decided to take action by placing her devotion into the Helm Order, aligning herself with their vow to protect the less fortunate.
Seeking a way to actively help those from all over, she took to the guild of adventurers and sought to join a team as diverse and similarly-minded as herself. Little is known of how or why she joined the guild Pinnacle but she would soon be admired by many for her activism in racial disparity, especially regarding orcs. Few would challenge this version of her, though those that would often amplified her internal struggles with her heritage and painted her intentions in service to the evil she battled.
As one of the more familiar and controversial heroes, there are many adaptations of her life that are still performed even today--poetry, plays and reenactments as well. Some acknowledge more evidenced aspects of her and her legacy, while others hold more stereotypical and surface level depictions of her. One such example is this repeatedly referenced poetry excerpt written by the short-lived Dyzandhona as she supposedly spectated Ranya watching an orc protest at Qhletan, a labor-exploiting resort that has since been destroyed:

Her continued efforts to dissolve social stigmas and unhealthy, rooted beliefs took up the remainder of her known life for which abruptly concludes. When analyzing movements tackling these, Ranya remains an intrinsic reference for their leaders and spokespeople.

*"A storybook panel from village Tillan-Ait's mythologized Charm which reintegrated her as twins in the story of their city's founding. The two were believed to be conjoined, one a speaker of truth and the other lies."*

The most debated member by historians, Charm Dimeshore's identity has never been made concrete. Some even go so far to debate that she was not a physical member of Pinnacle, rather a fictional character that undertook the team's out of character or inexplicable actions and deeds on their journeys. If she is regarded as an official companion in a historian's canon, they greatly reference her self-authored impartial diary on Pinnacle. While the beginning disclaimer holds no concrete credibility, many of the claims dispersed throughout it have since been checked and confirmed as fact. Throughout her accounts, researchers and literary analysts have interpreted certain remarks as an identity crisis she encountered time and time again as she became more venerated:

The rest of the diary is rife with untranslatable phrases, likely done to protect her and the group's secrecy in the event it was taken. Such intention only then solidifies reconstructions of her with excellent wit and innovation. It remains a primary source for those who specialize in full compendiums of Pinnacle and its members.
She also is proposed as contributor to rather haunting melodies imbued with magic, such as *The Spendigo Gwaith*, which is said to undo the ownership of pride for the listener's greatest accomplishment. Of course, the uncharacteristic tone and diction leave many to speculate this and other attributed works of this kind to her. What remains then are the altered versions of Charm, which were either self-perpetuated or reintegrated into several cultures by generational oral traditions. Most alter her name and origins, seeming to not draw from anything previously established. This sporadic mythos would continue to characterize her, save for their shared streak of vigilantism and mischievousness.

*"An engraving detail of Solaina Duskwood using gold foil on a wooden panel from a so-called sun trove, a box containing treasures alongside the owner's cursed bones. The 'mind' gem located on her head was integrated into her iconography from other cultures."*

When excavating the home of Solaina Duskwood, one of the world's largest collections of artifacts was discovered abound with objects once seemingly lost forever. Biographies vary on the reasoning behind such a collection, some supplying it as a coping mechanism for the half-elf, others as a form of overcompensation and even some as a means of her dedication to preservation. Either way, all the objects recovered were carefully encased and each had a small will of where they should go in the event of Solaina's death. Unfortunately, the place was subject to looting before being found by a trusted and cooperative team of specialists.
Also well-documented are her origins, which can be traced to a translated memoir by her elven father who would later in his life lament over their strained relationship:

After her mother's death, Solaina would garner a complicated reputation in human circuits of entertainment that would lead her into questionable environments rife with thievery, becoming a household name to many.
Her turning point would come in the form of an arrest at Sgressdon, an fortress kingdom known for its mazes that some say involved immoral acts of torture. Regardless of its validity, Solaina found redemption among Pinnacle after the still forming team aided in her escape. The rest of her accomplishments then included intensive learning of various cultures, studying of advanced martial arts techniques and then sharing those teachings with others.
Veneration of her would never tread into religious territory, her followers instead practicing open-mindedness and a refrain from imposing structure. Citing Solaina would become common practice for those seeing second chances as well as those looking to expand their horizons. Furthermore, she would redefine the occupation of treasure hunters and their efforts as a more positive contribution to society.

*"A wax stamp seal of Chianti Bellerose overcome, the fire obscuring her face, a pictorial device implying her possession by the fire djinn, Kolivam. Such rendering is common nowadays, as she was deified with the epithet, The Fire-Granter."*

Contrary to recent vernacular surrounding Chianti Bellerose, the young cleric came from a humble upbringing in a woodland village dedicated to the worship of the goddess, Cyrrollalee. In one of the only examples of a peaceful cohabitation united beyond the boundaries of race and occupation, she fostered an unbelievable array of skills with the simple desire to continue contributing to her homeland.
This would not be the case however, as the teachings she acquired would then urge her to offer her body for a dying fire djinn known as Kolivam. Acting as their host, Chianti believed it her job to appease the spirit although the sacrifice alone was more than enough for them. Her respect for this meant she would need to adventure abroad to satiate their want for the "perfect flavor"1, though Chianti had similar motivations.
Extensive research on beings of this nature conclude that Chianti and Kolivam had communicated telepathically and her demeanor from records suggests that the two were in little to no conflict, rather trusting in each other. Chianti's faith then was no point of contention for the djinn either as others in theological studies questioned. Still, misconceptions persist that include her as a tormented individual or subject to the whims of a vengeful spirit:

Spin-off material such as this has since been commonly tied to misogyny and its effect on women heroes, Chianti being no exception. Treatment of Kolivam and spirits as well are subject to stereotypes and more care is being taken into their archival for future reference. As for what reputation would proceed them, Chianti and Kolivam would undoubtedly advance scientific and theoretical fields of taste, culinary arts and perception through the senses. A new material imprinting taste memories through contact known as *Brimber* was an innovation of theirs still used in cooking utensils today.  Her philanthropic work on famine is also atop the list.
In the years before her disappearance, Chianti would then fall into solitude trying to explore ways of extending Kolivam's life by transferring him into a pupil of hers but not much else is known regarding his fate. Debates still spark when considering modern adaptations of her, though it is clear that her legacy has shed light on how problematic and fragile heroism can make complex and ultimately mortal figures like Chianti.
*1Fire djinn are characterized by their love of food and taste as they are forbidden from deriving pleasure, equivalent to sinfulness, unless in a mortal vessel.*

*"A mosaic fragment of Valya with an embedded bead substituting the pupil destroyed by later occupants of Ardalan on account of a new regime. Many works depicting the young high elf were similarly eradicated or defaced, though depictions that survived the attempt at erasing her entirely have since been recovered."*

A large issue that historians face when discussing Valya Dianitis is how morphed her associations are by fear-mongering tactics and other toxic methods employed by drastic radicalization. What has been confirmed through arduous and impartial reviews of Ardalan’s politics before such change is that the Dianitis lineage was revered for their adherence to structure and honor. As a result, the successors were held in high regard with the knowledge that they were rigorously trained by their predecessors and checked by other living kin. Thus, the Dianitis prided themselves in consistency from ruler to ruler.
Valya was hailed for her specific efforts in outreach and broadening the international associations of Dianitis through Pinnacle that had never been focused on in the past. Her father fortunately took the helm in her absence, but was always informed of her travels and changing political ideologies. Although fairly young, she also prided herself in questioning tradition in the face of change even with the societal pressure of respecting older or ancient wisdom. A lack of experience would always come into play however when analyzing Valya’s magical prowess and growth. It is this that perplexes archivists most.
In tales of Valya, there is a wide division in the scale and source of her powers. While some claim her powers manifested naturally and were amplified by her savviness, others debate that she sapped residual magic through necromancy done on tombs of past Ardalan kings. Chemical analyses show that while it is entirely plausible that the corpses in the royal sepulcher in Ardalan held traces of magic, it may have merely been a blessing enchantment done when burying the bodies. Still, the bodies retain markings that attest to irregularities in the decomposition process. Foul play has been thrown in discussions but has never been properly evidenced. Even today, hereditary ownership by factions within Ardalan is ongoing—a problem which many collectors run into with acquisitions of Ardalan and Dianitis related artifacts.
As for Valya’s efforts beyond Pinnacle, she mainly worked as a mentor to select students, specifically those without access to higher education or suffering from learning disabilities. Despite her fairly wealthy and prominent social status, she honed in on neglected societies and never hesitated to sacrifice her well-being and reputation to do so. She went on to co-write several peace treaties and act as a negotiator in the midst of immense wars and areas impacted by strife. Even with the slander attached to her name, Valya continues to persist as an icon for schooling efforts, dissolution of social disparity and peace-making.