Timbermitt

* Level 7
* Level 3

Timbermitt, born Sorvalis Gilraey, is a elven druid/monk.

## Backstory

Sorvalis' mother, Ameria, wept when she gave birth; fore she had bore a son, his chest enveloped in ice before thawing, an indication that a family curse resides.

On the eve of his teenage birthday Sorvalis Gilraey was pulled by druids into an empty room with a live Jackrabbit, told to either "*Consume or Become"*, much to his own confusion. However, come midnight something had awoke within him, as he lunged at the hare with indiscriminate hunger and ferality. Sorvalis was pulled off the creature by the Sullied Pall (a circle of Druids), He was told that given the origin of his families curse is unknown; the beast within cannot be removed but merely sedated. Sorvalis was taken from his home and trained as a druid. Taught that the compulsion to transform can be channeled into Wildshapes, to relieve the itch and sedate the desires of the curse.

In the years to come the urges seemingly managed, Sorvalis took part in the family business. On a diplomatic mission with the Banner of Prospect, the Gilraey family were set to travel to the southern territories. However, in transit they were attached by bandits hoping to make money from the House. A stray bolt caught Ameria and his father, Taegen went against his own teachings. Choosing not to turn into a simple beast but to give in to the curse; A primal wildshape of un-tethered aggression and hunger. A Monster of bone, flesh, teeth and knotted, rooted antlers. In a final act of Fatherhood, Taegen managed to subvert the hunger long enough to leave his son alive as he bolstered through the driver and horses, and bolting into the woods.

## Favoured Wildshapes

*The Control,*
*The Key*
 **Mouse;**
*The Unassuming*
 **Dire Wolf;**
*The Pack Animal*
 **Moorbounder;**
*The Escape*
 **IronJaw Lion;** *The Aggressor* | The Apex predator, should the need come when Timbermitt needs to fight the Ironjaw lion has a place in Timbermitts psyche, having constantly been told stories and cautionary tales of these beasts when he was a child; he was always fascinated with their powerful bite and pounce.

## Family Relationships

> *"Is it selfish to pursue a normal life when one is incapable to do so?"*
>
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#### **Ameria Gilraey** (mother);

Though she resented the ice that enveloped Sorvalis' chest when he was born, she could not deny her maternal instincts. Her childs life would likely be difficult but she would consider herself less of a mother hand she not do everything she could to help ease him. In her pregnancy she took part in any action and wivestale that could assure the safety of her child. Spending 3 terms of her pregnancy moving and living within a Temple of Emes, in the hopes the radiant house would save the child. Taking part in its services and spending evenings in prayer.

In its folly, Ameria was the warmest and kindest of women, even before Timbermitts birth. She took great care in demonstrating the kindness and love that is capable in the world, as urges of its antithesis would plague the men in her life. When the time came for Sorvalis to be taking in by the Sullied Pall she in turn joined him, much to their protest. Learning alongside him. supporting him and sharing the struggle of unnatural wildshape in solidarity with his training.

As the bolt struck her heart; she turned away from the bandits to her son and husband as she pleaded for the bandits safety. Her last moments hoping her family stay strong; to forgive them as she has, resigned in her fate.

#### **Taegen "Tee" Gilraey** (father);

A complicated relationship is expected, between two people who both must constantly battle against their primal angers. Though they often did not see eye to eye, Sorvalis knew that love was there. No more evident than when he gave into the curse did he gain control for a few moments; enough to spare his son and flee into the wood. Sorvalis had only every know him as the stoic, sharp-tongued father that would belittle him for ever taking a moment of respite. And yet his mother would tell tales of how he would take her dancing, how in his jovial youth he would revel in music and theatre.

Often the two would scream at eachother, yelling the worse things words could muster, yet the two would take nothing to heart, recognizing in eachother where that spite had risen. On occasion Taegen would slip and reprimand Sorvalis by swatting him on the back of the head, recognized with immediate regret and sorrow. Each evening whenever such display took place Taegen would apologise through teary eyes, as he soothed his wounds and told stories until Sorvalis fell asleep.

As Sorvalis would return from the Sullied Pall he grew angry at his father, for knowingly passing on this curse; for being selfish and inflicting this life onto another person. To which he responded; *Is it selfish to persue a normal life when one is incapable to do so? Or would residing oneself to a life of misery and loneliness grant the curse another victory?*

Despite Amerias pleading it would take all but two seconds for Taegen to forgo his training and give into the curse, in order to tear into the bandits that assailed them. And since running off, it is unclear who or what remains of Taegen. If all is lost the moment the beast is finally freed from its cage or if it can be forced back inside.

#### **Tendali "Ten" Gilraey** (grandfather);

If there was anymore proof that the curse of the Gilraeys would wear down any soul it would be Tendali Gilraey. Timbermitt saw very little of his grandfather, as he would resign himself to his own wing for most of his later life after the death of his wife, Sorvalis' grandmother. Keeping away from the rest of his family, heard only by the occasional scream, cry and profanity through a door, or a figure seen through a window, that made it aware he was still fighting. It was Tendali in his better days that began the Masonry business within Khonuldhur, with what began as a literal self-inflicted form of hard labour, to consume and distract the mind became more fruitful as the Gilraeys were praised for their unrelenting drive and constant work ethic.

Near the end of his life Tendali would emerge from his Wing, disheveled and a husk of his former self. When he asked for a ship to be prepared he was not questioned. It was not until years later did Sorvalis realize what the tender goodbyes and secret departure below a fullmoon meant. Aboard a ship, crewed only by a singular old man, would Tendali sail as far as he could into open barren waters and relinquish himself to the curse, away for civilization.

## A Rattled Cage gets Weaker

### Morrhelvgix Khos

His first brush with death. In trying to hunt down Vorn Helvlani and aid his companions Timbermitt was knocked down. With Timbermitt no longer able to actively keep the Wentiko at bay it foresaw an opportunity. As Gwyneth ran to revive Timbermitt she saw the first glimpses of a transformation. Timbermitts body began to convulse and scare the witch as bone began to protrude from his skull and frame. It was only with Odovirs intervention was Timbermitt revived in time. Before the terror managed to escape its cage.

### Hurst of the Incarcerice

In an expedition to the Hurst of the Incarcerice, a vast blizzarding wasteland found beneath Tremorthresh Cravasse; the party found a ship wreckage of The Exordium of the Astedian Empire. In trying to open a chest, Timbermitt inadvertently damaged an elemental gem inside releasing a fire Elemental and ultimately attracting Demodand residents. In the proceeding fight all of the party fell to the fiendish creatures, being encased in ice as they fell unconscious. In the moment Timbermitt began to falter he could feel the ice envelope around his chest and began to panic believing that it wasnt just his death approaching, but a prodrome of the Wentiko emerging. Frozen in his last moments believing that the beast would emerge and wreck havok on his friends whilst they were all incapable to stop it. Only to awake seconds later, in reality a week later, to a rescue party pulling him from the ice and away from the hell plane.

### The Ashenvale

When venturing into the Ashenvale, the group (believing they were prepared) were caught offguard by just how much resistance they found. Finding an old Military Encampment the party investigate but are attacked by Specters, while not necessarily the hardest of enemies the party also had to contend with Ashenvales unexpected effects, cuasing bouts of anti-magic rendering casting spells and Timbermitts Wildshapes useless. Seeing the battle turn and brutally wounded, this was the closest Timbermitt had gotten to willingly calling upon the Wentiko. To relinquish himself to it, in the hopes he could hold on long enough to destroy the attackers and not his allies as a last resort. Not believing he had the strength nor the means to command the Wentiko and fearing he would cause mire harm than good to his companions, Timbermitt fell unconscious.

Being revived by Cassiope, Timbermitt felt the rabid, feral voice of a beast jumping against its bars. Immediately running away from his allies, Timbermitt feared just how close he had come to giving in. Feeling the adrenaline of thirsty blood running through his veins he left his allies to battle the remaining specters as he battled to push back the sensations of blood lust and rage. Shaken, but finally calming himself Timbermitt was eager to leave and turned into a Giant spider for the remainder of the expedition, hoping the wildshape would quell the beast within, as his training decreed. Following the events of the Ashenvale Timbermitt made new plans to try and discover what may happen should the Wentiko be released, and whether there was any return from it. With the risk of it coming to fruition every closer, as the rattled cage got weaker.

### Ironbreach

Eventually it would all become too much for Timbermitt. The Cage finally breaking in the forests of Ironbreach *(The Broken Teacup)*.

## Road to Monk-hood

Timbermitts development into Monk and martial arts was not something Timbermitt expected for himself. Relatively adverse to manual labour, it was a slow and steady curve into using his fists and own physical prowess (rather than relying on that of a wildshapes). Monk-hood was something the moon elf fell in to; both metaphorically and physically. On a waystop journey as the party travelled to Verdilcay; the group stopped in Hizentaru, the home place of the Plum Blossom monastery. When watching the monks practice Timbermitt began to subtly copy them before being tripped by Gwyneth and Moxzi. Upon being helped up by the Elnan & Toshi they offered him to join them. And while brief, in a quick and short moment of meditation Timbermitt gleamed a moment of peace and clarity from the violent intrusions of the Wentiko. One which he yearned to fell again and pursue.

Having being told most of his life that the only way to appease the Wentiko is through sheer work, constant exhaustion and constant distraction the very notion that inner silence could be brought about; not by overwhelm-ment and brute force; but with slow, controlled deliberation seemed impossible. Yet, in his training through moments of meditation Timbermitt could hear the wind and birds for the subtly songs they sang and not the shrill tinnitus the Wentiko had orchestrated. Though still in its infancy Timbermitt hopes that in his progression towards monkdom that he may be able to find a new, inner power and control that could allow him to reclaim his life....

## Journey's in Amberun

### Blarakkerihaugr & The Realm of Dreams

In rest, an elf trances rather than conventional sleep, a somewhat meditative state that allows the elf to revisit past events of the subconscious. For Timbermitt however he had only ever relived one defining event. The knowledge and anticipation of knowing he would re-live his mothers death and fathers desertion nightly led Timbermitt to either hold off trancing altogether or feel non-the-rested after waking up. After a previous trip to the Angel of Blarakkerihaugr Timbermitt heard of how those that managed to sleep beneath the statue visited the Plane of Dreams, and that the plane shifted itself into a greenhouse, best fitting what they collective group required. In a desperate attempt for answers, Timbermitt researched how an elf could forgo trancing to sleep conventionally, hoping that when he reached Dal Quor he could see a cure, clue or answer presented by the plane; or at the very least not have to relive the falling apart of his family again.

Refusing to sleep, and going to the point of striking himself with lightening to weaken himself (the requirements necessary to forgo trancing) Timbermitt managed to rest under the Angel and reach Dal Quor. Finding only the formless void and its keeper/guard; Vlondril, Timbermitt enquired about how he could find some, any, solice in his rest. Vlondril stipulated that he didn't believe the elfs nightly trauma-trancing was a symptom of his Wetiko curse but rather being forced and exasperated by another. An evil Quori spirit, native to the Plane of Dreams, had attached himself to Timbermitt, forcing the trance and feeding of the negative emotions. With the help of the Arnica, Anivia & Cas, Timbermitt was able to kill the spirit effectively granting the elf some peace from both the spirit and Wentiko when he tranced/dreamt in the future.

On the Material Plane, Timbermitts nightmare was quite real as he involuntarily shifted into the Wentiko, causing Odovir & Ellie to stall for time and protect their sleeping friends from Timbermitt whilst he battled on the subconcious plane. Upon returning Timbermitt was apologetic but glad he had manged to avoid serious harm to his allies. Seemingly the fraction of time transformed or the involunatry nature of the transformation allowed Timbermitt to stave of most of the Wentikos nature and grasp, avoiding most of its negative impact on his psyche.

## Journeys in the Feywild

### Trials through Chaos

After multiple near death experiences, feeling the Wentiko push closer, Timbermitt feared his control and self wayvoring. Feeling the need to push for more answers on what is/how to control the curse within, Timbermitt took up Arnicas offer to visit the Wellspring Mare in the Feywild. Arriving in the Feywild Timbermitt was already indifferent to the Feywilds unpredictable and "kookie" temperment; struggled to manage his usual control methods on a plane in which 'routine' is considered a curse.

Upon arriving in the Aldergreen Court and being informed that the Wellspring Mare is corrupted, becoming Myslovetsi (or the Agonys Feast) Timbermitt acted characteristically stoic and disconnected. Somewhat expectant that something would come between him and answers. He did, however, respond much more pragmatically. Offering himself quickly to the other Archfeys aid in trying to find a solution. And later trying to lead Arnica, whom had taken the news particularly difficult, with some solice in a rehearsed and practiced meditation previously only ever performed solo in a dark isolated sanctuary, (though admittedly once her initial tears and emotions had ceased).

Leaving the Court the party partook in a journey across the Feywild to the Timeless Vale, to scout the extent of corruption to the land and the Archfey. Struggling with another lost lead; and ever-fighting the curse within Timbermitt struggled to maintain a collected persona on the journey. On multiple occassions allowing himself to be ruled by impulse and aggression. When attacked by a band of Shadar-kai, the last of the raiders seemed to surrender/accept defeat and against the parties pursuit for anwers he was the one to strike the final blow. When finding Kristoph, an imposing figure from Cass' past Timbermitt went against reason and forethought attempting to strike the powerful vampire riding a Gloomstalker, instigating a fight against a fortified battlement. Both of which was met with ire from the party, of which he said he had no defense for his actions.

### Trial of Nerassi

When lead towards a grove of a Dryad the party found the area littered with dead bodies. On a careful approach they heard the cries and warnings of Nerassi, urging them not to come closer as she had lost control, corrupted and tricked by Kristoph to become something far dangerous. Upon hearing her tale the simularities between her situation and his own struck a cord with Timbermitt. Timbermitt tried to aggressively protect the party, forcing them party to stay away from her, warning he would kill her if they approached (despite not having the power to do so). Despite his attempts Rover carried on, casting ......... to allow Nerassi enough control to help Enor with his own curse and in a final act of sacrifice causing fear on the party to run so she couldnt harm them. Unaffected by the spell and recognising the struggle she was facing Timbermitt offered a sincere and sombre apology before leaving.

At a safe distant Timbermitt made it clear he wanted to return to Nerassi; to save her from her suffering and to allow her peace from a painful and violent existence with the edge of a blade. Wishing that she may find sanctitude in the release. However it was clear that other party members disagreed, mainly Cass. While the two continued to butt-heads, Timbermitt had a large respect for her. Recognising a similar battle within her, like the otherside of the same goldpiece, and an optimism/hope that he wished he could pursess. In heated discussion, it was clear it would come down to a vote the following morn, with Cass belieiving that Nerassi could surely still be saved if they continued to try and save the Wellspring Mare.

Having warned on the dangers of corrupted dryads and Gulthias Trees, Timbermitt (wrongly) believed Enor would be on his side in regards to returning to Nesarri. Speaking to Anivia, Timbermitt believed she was in agreement that not only was Nesarri lost to herself, but a danger to anyone else whom me have stumbled into the grove. Having heard around Amberrun about a similar situation in regards to dangerous creatures Timbermitt believed Arnica would not vote for the death of a creature. And when speaking to Rover; Rover expressed his frustration with the whole expedition and not being clued into everyones motivations to come to the Feywild. While bonding with the Fey Corgi, Timbermitt told the story of his family and how we saw the curse progress and wear on his father and grandfather with time, hoping he could manipulate Rover into seeing the need to act sooner than later. Ultimately Timbermitt lost the vote, and while respecting the decision of the group made a mental note to return and help Nerassi later.

### Trials of the Timeless Vale

No sooner entering the Timeless Vale were the group attacked by Gloomstalkers & Lonely Sorrowsworn, despite the groups best efforts. And while Rover tried to comfort and help the cursed soul sorrowsworn, Timbermitt struggled with trying to connect with a creature as it was violently attacking them. This led to a rather blunt discussion between the two in which Timbermitt lent that the curse within seemed to be getting stronger and more aggressive as they got closer to the Spire and Rover relenting that he needed to find something to focus on and live for.

In the aftermath of the battle with Agonys Feast and the return of the uncorrupted Timeless Vale; Timbermitt noted the sudden silence of the wentiko's presence. That perhaps the voice was not celebrating and growing in strenght, but rather acting out like a cornered animal screaming and shouting, doubling down in fear, recognising there was something near that could cleanse it away.

Whilst still inflicted, Timbermitt left the Vale with a somewhat renewed hope. Having constantly been bombared with false promises and let down, seeing the Wellspring Mare being reborn anew (despite not being the result some of the party wanted) was enough to let Timbermitt believe there was a chance of resolve for himself.

## Broken Teacup

As the rattled cage grew weaker it eventually all came to ahead in the Ironbreach. As the party find themselves thrust in a conflict between the Caterans and the Whitecoats. Timbermitt, and the party, are told to choose between two poisons. The Whitecoats hoping to wipe ut the Caterans as barbarians and the Caterans purging the Whitecoats from 'their lands.' Timbermitt initially sides with the Caterans after Odovir ask them to trust him; and after he realised the Whitecoats and Stormdelve had always intended to use and track the party like pawns hoping to get to the Caterans.

The battle was bloody and violent. In the end with the parties intervention the Caterans were victorious and Timbermitt had hoped that would be an end to the situation. But it seemed the the Caterans were still not content, affirming they were going to continue to attack and kill and butcher the people/Whitecoats of the Ironbreach. As Odovir took the Cateran leader aside in private, Steifan, he once again asked Timbermitt and the others to trust him, with what Timbermitt believed little explanation. The situation grew more intense as they watched the Caterans begin to prepare the dead Whitecoats for a barbaric display/mutilation. Feeling forced to wait and watch as a band of thugs made bloody plans Timbermitt began to feel the itch, and sensing the rage building amongst his fellow companions he began to fear the worst for himself. After speaking to Rynros, Coel and Arnica he tried to warn them of what may happen if Odovir could get them to stop, giving Arnica his ring; with which previously had a revivify diamond- now missing. Expressing a sense of finality that may come about.

As Odovir emerged he informed the group of some sort of deal that was made with the Caterans was almost agreed. But they refused to stop or finally agree to whatever terms Odovir had offered. Seeing the smug look on Steifans face, the look of his joyful indecision and Odovirs cluelessness and insistance on waiting further Timbermitt couldnt hold back. Exclaiming that *"They are bad people, that he (Odovir) couldnt see it, and if he wont stop them then I will."*

The rest is a blur, though a vivid nightmare that leeched its way into Timbermitts waking and sleeping hours.