#torguard

Torguard Council Tower. As with the Plot Hook, this is another building that featured in the D&D TTRPG homebrewed city of Torguard. I can’t draw, so I figured I’d built it instead. The Council Tower, as the name might suggest, is the place from where the Triumvirate council rules the city and surrounding lands. It stands at the center of the city, visible from every corner, and is an “elegant white marble building”, as described by the GM. That description was never expounded on, so in my mind it became the shape of the Bishop piece in chess, but instead of the slot in the mitre, it cuts off and you get a stunning view of the city from the main council chamber.

This is much scaled-down from the version I had planned, and I still think it looks off. The top dome is supposed to be much more elegantly elongated. In the bigger version, each of those steps in the base was supposed to be big enough to make a full room for each government department’s activities, and also have a wide set of stairs running up the center of the tower. I am happy with the way the snow looks like marble. I suppose I can consider this good practice for when I make the larger version.

(A short Original Character primer)

Universe

Fighting Fantasy World of Titan

What does she look like?

Millie is a gnome, so she's short (3'4"/ 102cm) and on the plump side (45lb/ 20kg). She has long ash-blond hair, usually pinned into a bun, and grey eyes. She's probably the only person in the SRU (without a divine decree) who doesn't wear armour; instead, she wears brightly coloured dresses (plus kirtles in the winter), and long skirts & blouses. She wears half-moon spectacles and usually wears her Scriveners' Guild stole while in the office. At 66, she's very young to have the skills she does, but as many of her tutors at the Scriveners' Guild have said, she seems to be a natural.

What's she like?

Millie is a scrivener and works as the SRU's main administrator. She was brought in to help Elo write up her reports, because the Captain's handwriting is, in the words of her Second Lieutenant, "appalling". Her duties have slowly edged out into secretarial and general SRU administrative work.

Bright, clever, sassy, organised. Irrepressible good humour and incorrigible sweetheart. Culture geek. Possibly my only sunshine character. Knows exactly how to deal with her disorganised mess of a boss. Has impeccable handwriting, fits in with the rest of the team like she was made for the role. Was very excited at the prospect of working in the SRU, but had to be disabused of the notion it would be excitement and glamour all the time. So far, despite what the senior SRU team said, it has lived up to her every expectation. A role that no one else in the Guild wanted to take, has turned into her dream job, making other Scriveners jealous.

Who are the main people in her life?

Undeveloped

Can you give us a highlight reel of her life?

Undeveloped

What period of her life are you mostly writing about?

Her work within the SRU. She probably deserves a backstory/ her own mini-adventure at some point. She's a little bit neglected in regard to screen-time.

Who is she in real-world development terms?

Millie first appeared in "Golden Freedom (or: In which Elo gets annoyed and takes the afternoon off)", thought her hiring was hinted at in "Adjusting to Life in the SRU". She just kind of... waltzed into Elo's office and started taking down delegation notes because Elo wanted to fob off her duties for one afternoon and go play with Aurianna. Since then, the poor girl just sort of... flitters at the edges of other stories. Needs more love and attention.

The Plot Hook. This is going to make exactly one other person in this site giggle with glee 😆 

For everyone else, here’s the TLDR: Several years ago I played a D&D TTRPG in a homebrewed city called Torguard. In this city was a bar called the Plot Hook. Long story short, a Drunken Master got his grubby mits on the bar and turned it into a semi-dojo. It backs on to an arena funded by the church of a local war-god. 

So here we have the bar, more areas for drinking, a boxing ring at the top, and a viewing area to look out over the arena. Sadly I didn’t have space to put more seating on the War God side of the arena, but I’m pretty pleased with how it came out.

🍿 Share an out-of-context line from your WIP

I know it said a line, but this whole interaction from Who Watches the Watchman just makes me giggle:

"Well, you're all... very welcome?" the young Captain said. "I mean... It's been a few years. I'm just surprised that people are still interested..." "There's no need to be modest, hen." "I'm... not. I just- I was doing my job?"

"Sharing is caring. Now give me the hoodie."

i think that's what it was? anyways, you already KNOW who it's abt, that's right, baurus and martin.

please? also have this cat

and thank you so much!!💖💖💖

Hokay. Honestly, this... I don't even know. It’s 100% not going to be what you’re expecting, Moth. It’s 100% not what I was expecting to write. But like. When the Muses demand things of me, they usually get their way. So, yeah. Crossovers and Modern AUs for all! Hope you enjoy ☺️ Words: 1370 Tags: @aquadestinyswriting @viawrites-andacts @corkytheguar @arcane-elder-scrolls CW: None. This is pure 100% fluff

----

Elo walked into the kitchen at 23 Acacia Ave, letting herself in through the double-glazed back door. The man sitting at the table glanced up from where he was doing a crossword puzzle. "Good evening, Elowyn," he said, putting down the pen and standing to flick the kettle on. "How was work?" Elo tossed her peaked cap onto the table, flicked open the brass buttons on her police uniform and peeled herself out of the blazer to dump it on the back of a chair. She leant against the chair for a moment, letting her head hang. "Yes. Hi. Sorry, Martin," she gave him a tired smile. "It was..." "A day?" "And a half," she added with a heavy exhalation.

"Tea?" "God, yes please." She ran her hands over her shoulders, working out the kinks. "What do you feel like?" "Honestly? A pint of vodka." Martin turned, his brown hair swaying gently, as he looked away from the cupboard with all their teas. "Elowyn?" he asked, his tone worried. She screwed her eyes closed. "I'm not... I'm not gonna. I just." She shook her head. "Goddamn, it was A Day. We got our funding cut again. That programme I worked so hard to get going – the one with the drug counsellors for teens? – I can't afford it any more. I'm gonna have to let them go." She passed a wearied hand over her face. "Oh, Elowyn. I'm so sorry," he said. "If there's anything I can do, you will tell me?" "Thank you. Yes. Can we talk about it tomorrow? I'm way too tired to think right now." Martin hummed his agreement and turned back to the cupboard, riffling the boxes and jars of teas. "I think you could do with some Ginger..." he murmured, selecting the correct jar and setting about preparing the brew. Elo tucked herself into the chair while he bustled around. "How was your day?" Elo asked, pulling out her phone, setting it to silent and deliberately putting it face down on the table. "I'm still not allowed in the office for long stints, so after I met with the Canterbury Diocese, I spent most of my afternoon helping Mrs Higgins weed the garden." Martin leant back against the counter, glancing out of the back window as he played with his dog collar. "I think we shall have a very healthy crop of vegetables come summer." "Oh that would be amazing," Elo said as the kettle came to a boil. Martin placed a steaming cup of Ginger and Honey tea in front of her, taking his cup of Roobios back to his seat. She aimed a grin at him. "You haven't lived until you've tried Mrs Higgins' ratatouille. She puts so much garlic in it. So much. It's incredible." Martin smiled back. "I very much look forward to it." Elo looked around. "Where's Baurus?" she asked, wincing at how long it had taken her to notice the absence of Martin's ever-present shadow. Not that anyone could blame the American, not after what happened in February... "He's in the study, checking in with Jauffre." The two settled into a companionable silence then, with Martin serenely going back to his crossword and Elo filling her head with the scent of the tea, instead of work thoughts.

Their companionable silence was shattered when the front door swung open with a crash, the sound of loud voices spilling in. "I'm telling you," came a high lilting voice, "sharing is caring! Now give me the hoodie!" "Nope!" came a more masculine voice. "It's my official hoodie. I can't just go letting waifs and strays like you cop a-hold of it!" Elowyn and Martin winced at the same time. "Snotgrut! Do not slam the nieking door!" Elo bellowed. "Aderyn, stop antagonizing the Police, please!" Martin called with a roll of the eyes. "He's not gonna be Police if he keeps this up much longer," Elo grumbled, and Martin shot her a smile as the two came tumbling into the kitchen. "Hi Aunty 'Lo," Aderyn said, pressing a kiss to Elo's cheek. "I'm younger than you are," Elo said, tilting her face to accept the kiss anyway, her tone gruff despite the smile threatening to twitch into existence. "Still my Aunty though," Aderyn sing-songed at her. Elo rolled her eyes as the sprightly auburn-haired girl jumped up to sit on a counter. "Yes," she replied. "Don't sit on the worktop!" "What's for dinner, Uncle Martin?" Snotgrut said. Martin laughed. "I swear you two live in a constant state of hunger. It's shepherd's pie." There was a beat of silence as the two women and Snotgrut glanced at each other. Martin sighed. "Don't worry, Baurus made it." The two rambunctious members gave a cheer, and Elo laughed.

(A short Original Character primer)

Universe Fighting Fantasy World of Titan

What does he look like? Peterson is a Drow and has the standard red eyes and white hair. However, he has a skin discolouration, making him grey/blue-skinned, rather than the standard black. He's thought to be middle-aged, making him around 170 years old, and at ~4'7" (140cm) and ~82lb (37kg) he was likely the runt of his litter.

What's he like? Peterson is an Illusion sorcerer with psychic abilities who keeps doves (essentially cross-classed as a Ranger) to run messages over the city. Peterson is a very nervous man and is easily frightened. This causes him to lash out, using his powers to drive people away. It's for this reason he lives a rather solitary life on the roof of a disused warehouse; this, and the colour of his skin, is responsible for his nickname of "the Gargoyle". He hates making eye contact (possibly an affection caused by the telepathy) and stimes by tapping his fingers together. He also appears to hate using his illusion skills for anything aside from keeping people away, and seems afraid someone will force him to use them for evil. He's a very soft boy, despite his powers. Really cares about his birds.

Who are the main people in his life?

As-yet-unnamed person – essentially a carer; someone who does his shopping, helps out when he's stressed. Possibly another mage, who taught him how to control his abilities.

Elowyn O'Toregaurde – Previous handler, and the first one who actually helped/ cared about him

Enisa Adalhard – New SRU handler

Can you give us a highlight reel of his life?

Born in the Underdark to the traditional matriarchal society.

Unknown if his psychic abilities are learnt or inherent, but schooled in the art of finding a person's greatest fear using it against them.

Schooled in the art of illusion for the above same reason.

Used as a weapon to terrify/ main/ kill. Hated it. Was punished if he refused.

At some point escaped the Underdark. Possibly saw that there was a life outside of causing misery and fear via the mind of someone he was interrogating/ terrifying. Unknown how he escaped (ie with help or not).

Wound up in the Shambles area of re-built Torguard, and began squatting in the warehouse.

Bullied by a gang, accidentally killed them. Team Wiggy (aka O'Toreguarde and Breakwood) sent to investigate. Brought him into the Watch as a special consultant and got him better help to control his abilities/ a lore-friendly fantasy therapist.

Since then has been expanding his Ranger abilities, utilized by the Watch for his ability to have the doves do stake-out duty, got a better gig going with sending messages across the city via the birds.

What period of his life are you mostly writing about? As he's only appeared in one story, the very last bullet point above.

Who is he in real-world development terms? I was writing "Who Watches the Watchman" and he jumped into my brain as a convenient reason for the crew to have aerial surveillance. Then his nickname, backstory etc all sort of snowballed from there.

please and thanks you!

🍔 Share a 1-2 sentence summary of your WIP

Again, since I’m actively working on Who Watches the Watchman today, I’ll answer for that.

To gain an insight into the workings of the Special Recondite Unit, and one of Torguard’s most famous daughters, Kashton Saito is tasked to follow Watch Captain Elowyn O’Toreguarde around for a day. Kas, a journeyman bard, is excited at the prospect of an easy story, but soon discovers Captain O’Toreguarde is not an easy woman to follow...

(A short Original Character primer)

Universe

Fighting Fantasy World of Titan

What does she look like:

Elo is a woodling (think WotC D&D halflings, but with pointier ears and an affinity for trees). She’s 3′2″, athletic, green eyes, short brown hair and dark skin.

What's she like?

Elo is diligent, protective, serious and frequently exasperated. Wary of new people, but loyal once she trusts. Plumbs the furthest depths of platonic love for those she really cares about. Gay.

Who are the main important people in her life?

Alexis Dalliance - Her mentor

Farren Breakwood - Duty Watch Partner and one of her best friends

Meredith Gruksdottir, of Clan Bloodvein née Ironforge - Another best friend and one-time crush

Aurianna Aurum Filiae - Her soul-bound Dragon, and Paladin mount

Can you give us a highlight reel of her life?

7 y/o - Her village was burned and pillaged by orcs. Wandered the Forest of Night until found by Oakrose. Oakrose takes her and other survivors to Stonebridge where she meets Alexis Dalliance, and her little found family is taken back to Torguard.

8 y/o - Watches Torguard get eaten by the Hell Mouth. Lives in Coven while it's sealed.

9-16 y/o - Aids in rebuilding Torguard, training with Alexis.

16 y/o - Changes her name from Featherdown to Elowyn. Becomes a Watchman.

17 y/o - Finally matched with Farren Breakwood after being assigned several different Watch partners.

18 y/o - Possessed by an evil wizard, talks down a troubled illusionist; gets a reputation. Gay awakening.

19 - 21 y/o - is co-opted into a special unit beholden to a vampiric red dragon in Torguard's government. Flees the city after a Series of Unfortunate Events. Ends up in Fangthane. Is eaten alive by a Dire Weasel, then brought back as the avatar of Kurtulmak. Travels to a different continent and becomes a Paladin. Is promoted to Sargent. Helps Meredith close the residual hell mouth and resurrect a god using magic clay. Falls in love with Meredith (not reciprocated). Tries to avoid being worshipped as a new Messiah. Is unable to stop the Dwarven Apartheid. Foils a plot to resurrect a half demon. Named Knight Protector of Torguard. Helps Meredith and husband stop Meredith’s mother-in-law from destroying the world (pt1), and is granted a god's direct blessing. Takes an Oath of Poverty. Helps Meredith and husband stop Meredith’s mother-in-law from destroying the world (pt2). Promoted to Lieutenant and given own Watch unit to command.

23 y/o - Promoted to Captain. Special Recondite Unit (SRU) formally established.

50-60 y/o - Maybe takes a sabbatical

85 y/o - Formally retires, moves to a mountain or forest somewhere with Aurianna.

142 - dies.

What period of her life are you mostly writing about?

I jump between two periods:

9-19 y/o - Details about growing up, dealing with Alexis, and learning to be a Watchman

23-60 y/o - Details about running the SRU, and shenanigans she and Meredith get up to in Fangthane.

Who is she in real-world development terms?

Elo was my PC during the Destiny’s New Servant’s campaign, set in the Fighting Fantasy Titan universe. I started writing more into her background while the campaign was running, and fleshed out her activities post-game afterwards.