🦅 Agelaius

Character Overview

Agelaius continues his quiet path, a silent presence whose guidance shapes the course of the group. His gestures, his silence, his grounded oversight lend the Striders strength when chaos presses close. He adapts where others falter, shifting circumstance for the group's survival. His wounds, though unhealed, do not chain him; instead, they root him firmly among these companions. He leads not with voice but with action, his quiet influence steering them between order and upheaval.

Detailed Background

The Roost

Agelaius Phoeniceus was hatched into a close-knit clutch within a secluded mountainside temple—though outsiders simply call it "The Roost." The temple's soaring spires and narrow cliff-side roosts were designed for the winged Aarakocra, where the philosophy held that true enlightenment was found at great heights: the higher one soared, the further one flew from mundane burdens and earthly concerns.

Although each member of The Roost learned rudimentary martial arts, it was less about warfare and more of a devotional practice. Daily exercises took place in open-air spaces high above the ground where the thin, crisp air and clear skies symbolized freedom from worldly woes. Many followers spent their entire lives maintaining the temple, but Agelaius possessed a deeper curiosity—a desire to gather knowledge and resources so The Roost would flourish.

Departure and Discovery

Agelaius bid farewell to his fellow Aarakocra and descended from The Roost's great heights on a mission to help sustain the temple. His elders recognized his potential and gave him their blessing. Early in his journey, he discovered an enclave of artisans—smiths, carpenters, tinkers, and scribes—who welcomed him warmly. He became a sort of intern, assisting them in various crafts and learning new skills. These experiences broadened his perspective and deepened his faith, reinforcing the idea that all things—physical craft, aerial meditation, and community—intertwine to shape one's destiny.

The Naga's Trap

Seeking rare knowledge of herbology and toxins, Agelaius befriended a naga who posed as a helpful scholar. Over several meetings, the naga offered glimpses of hidden lore—just enough to captivate Agelaius. Soon, though, it became clear that this knowledge came at a price. The naga lured Agelaius into an isolated ruin, where the first cruel move was to shatter his wings, denying him flight.

Stripped of his greatest freedom, Agelaius endured days of torment and cruel experimentation. The naga sought to twist Agelaius's spiritual devotion—pushing at the edge of despair and testing concoctions on him.

Rescue and Recovery

Eventually, a traveling elf discovered Agelaius's plight and mounted a daring rescue. In the final moments of their escape, a dragon allied with the naga arrived and ravaged the ruin, seemingly destroying everything in its wake. The elf was able to shepherd Agelaius to safety and nursed him back to partial health using precious healing supplies and gentle care.

His wings, however, remained fragile and in need of time—and possibly powerful magic—to recover fully. The experience taught Agelaius that the world held deep shadows and cruel deceptions, but it also proved that compassion could appear in the direst of circumstances.

A New Beginning

Now traveling on foot, burdened by the trauma of betrayal and the memory of shattered wings, Agelaius searches for healing, knowledge, and the means to protect the innocent. His faith remains unbroken, though his body and heart bear scars. No longer the carefree initiate from The Roost, he stands on the cusp of a new life: armed with the humility of having lost his birthright (flight), the determination to protect those who cannot soar, and the steadfast devotion that has guided him since hatching.

Personality & Traits

• Silent Leader: Guides through action and gesture rather than words
• Adaptive: Shifts circumstances to ensure the group's survival
• Resilient: His wounds root him rather than weaken him
• Grounded: Provides stability when chaos threatens the party
• Observant: Sees what others miss through careful watching

Special Abilities & Items

Quest Hooks

• Finding clarity or inner peace through divine challenge
• Understanding and accepting the wounds that define him
• Discovering the source of his silence and whether it can—or should—be broken
• Leading the Striders through increasingly difficult moral and physical trials

Relationships & Connections

The Roost (Home): The mountainside temple where Agelaius was raised. His elders blessed his journey, and he hopes to return stronger and wiser, bearing knowledge and resources to help the temple flourish.

The Artisan Enclave (Friends): A collective of smiths, carpenters, tinkers, and scribes who welcomed Agelaius and taught him various crafts, broadening his perspective beyond aerial meditation.

The Naga (Enemy): The cruel scholar who betrayed Agelaius's trust, shattered his wings, and subjected him to torment. The memory of this betrayal fuels his determination to protect others from similar fates.

The Elf Rescuer (Savior): A traveling elf who discovered Agelaius in the ruins and risked their life to save him. This act of compassion restored Agelaius's faith in goodness when he needed it most.

With the Party: Agelaius serves as the group's anchor, the steady presence that holds them together when conflicts arise. His silent guidance is respected by all, and his actions carry weight that words never could.