Chapter Text
1 Midsummer 1489
Dear Asenath,
I have been traveling for some time now. Despite it being my second journey into this realm, it still surprises me how cold the region is. I have joined a caravan of fellow adventurers but I have mostly stayed in the back of the group. Now that we have finally arrived in Bryn Shander, I can provide you with a more detailed description of the people I am with.
The most striking character to me is Maxipha. She is a half-elf with messy white hair and a green streak in her bangs. Her hair and clothes match her green eyes. I couldn't imagine having such striking eyes. Coordinating myself is difficult enough, and they stand out too much for my taste. However, I must remember that not everyone gets to choose their eye color at will. After spending some time with the lady, I have discovered that she has an interesting background. She has minimal knowledge of the common social norms because she was raised by a Yeti. I can say little about my parents, but that is certainly distinct.
A well-disciplined soldier named Adventure travels with Maxipha. Adventure is a gray tiefling with pure white eyes, lacking irises or pupils. It must be interesting to have such a unique appearance. Adventure seems to be a kind soul. His appearance is ironic considering he looks of fiendish descent. I saw him petting the dogs in our sled team, and I followed his example. Petting dogs is a pleasant activity that I will definitely revisit in the future. I know you never liked dogs, Asenath. You were more of a cat person, and even then, you barely liked animals.
The person I have spent the most time with in the caravan is a sweet high-elf woman named Syl'in. She is quiet and a good listener. She is not as forthcoming with her backstory as I am, but she seems sweet. She says she is a traveler with her life on her back, though it is my belief that this is her first time away from home. This may even be her first time using magic, judging by her continuous practice during our journey.
I, on the other hand, am much more forthcoming with my life story. I think everyone in the caravan knows it by now. I am an acolyte in search of my lost mentor. To be honest, this is not even my own backstory. It is yours. Your memories fill my dreams and soul, and I would not exist without you. It's a strange concept. I hope you don't mind that I have taken your name, clothes, and life. I am not sure what to do with this life that the druid has given me. I will have to process this later.
Upon arriving in Bryn Shander, we witnessed a terrible tradition. There are about three towns in Icewind Dale that practice something called the Lottery. Malcolm Southwell, commander of the militia in Bryn Shander, informed us that each month, one person is chosen at random to be sacrificed to appease the Snow Queen, who has kept this region locked in ice for too long. A young woman was stripped of her winter clothes and sent into the cold. No one was happy about it, but no one stopped it either. The young woman transformed into a frozen ghoulish figure and ended up knocking both me and the soldier out. She also infected one other town person, turning them into a frozen skeleton. Adventure sprang into action first, but in the end, a couple of mysterious crossbow bolts finished them off. This transformation is not a regular occurrence. Commander Southwell informed us that usually the chosen people just die. He has requested we assist him in figuring out the cause of the transformations.
We later found the mysterious man at the tavern that Commander Southwell recommended to us. His name is Lapis, and he is an elf who used to be a sailor. He needs help retrieving a ship he used to be a crew member on and originally offered 40% of the treasure to all four of us. Adventure and I negotiated for the crew to receive 50% instead of 40%. For someone in search of an adventuring party, the man was not talkative. He also does not have any parents. He’s strange, and it takes much effort to make him smile.
For everyone's sake I hope our journey goes smoothly. I hope I am living as you wanted.
Best Regards,
Your Other Half