So, about a month ago I started getting into Lingrimm's setting, Shang-La, and played their game The Crown of Leaves. And it'd be an understatement to say I've become utterly smitten with the world and these funky creatures. So much so that I had to get their Parba base and make some characters. So here is the first of two (so far). Honestly, I'm kicking myself for having missed out on this gorgeous work of fiction for so long. But, better late than never, right?

Now, here's a bit about the little lordling and his story:

Aloysius was born the son of the baron of a smaller marquee in the South of Latori. Aloysius' father, Danior and grandfather, Eser, both were shrewd businessmen who specialized in the import and export of goods in and out of Latori. They especially favored El-Balyaman and Nourian trade, thinking them to be the most exotic and fancy of things to get. However, it was Danior who decided to move his family away from the traditions of Parban life most heavily, as evidenced by the fanciful surname he tacked on, as well as the ostentatious name he chose for his son. Danior idolized the perceived advancement and sophistication of Nouri, and decided to adopt a bit of that pomp for himself.

Danior was ever focused on furthering his station and growing his assets, which meant he was often away on business, currying favor with other barons for more influence or attempting to secure trade deals with foreign merchants, even though most of the rest of the Latorian aristocracy couldn't much stand him. This left his wife, Keziah, mostly alone to raise their son. While she lived in the relative lap of luxury, this left the woman feeling isolated, even with her boy at her side. As the years went by, the ambitious businessman she had married turned into more and more of a greedy reprobate, almost the perfect stereotype of a man possessed by lust for influence.

But again, the wealth and status Danior's family accrued offered the silver lining of an above-average upbringing for Aloysius. His mother hired tutors from Nouri to teach him science and mathematics, and she often would take him to farming camps to learn about the basic ins and outs of agriculture. She even would have musical tutors, teaching him to play several instruments. He was the picture of the gifted rich boy, wanting to absorb every little bit of knowledge he could, all to earn the recognition of his father.

One he reached adulthood, Aloysius officially took on the role of a junior baron underneath his father, which meant largely overseeing the day to day minutiae of the Marquee, as well as coordinating with the other local juniors to manage the periphery camps and villages. Aloysius thankfully was quite the adept at this sort of work, getting their little sphere of influence running smoothly. This, though, left the young man wearing himself thin before even turning 25. And Danior took full advantage of his son's hard work, using that extra free time to rub elbows with the other barons and further lose himself to consumption.

Danior truly envisioned himself as a real mover and shaker, and this mindset lead to a growing addiction to tobacco, liquor, and even certain illicit substances. With each passing year, he became less the keen-eyed businessman and more of an impaired boor. He'd gained a reputation for outbursts and drunken rants at social gatherings, and generally making an ass of himself.
This all changed in an instant one starry autumn night.

Aloyisus was at home, going over shipping ledgers, waiting for his father to return from a trip to Northern Latori. He had been due back by noon, so he was running late, though this wasn't immediately a cause for concern. He'd been known to be waylaid sometimes when passing through villages or camps. All was well until a frantic pounding came on the front door, and in stumbled a battered and bloodied guard from his father's detail. The man told of being set upon by highwaymen, and that they outnumbered their security and overtook them. As quick as could be, a force was mustered from the town to search for them. They rode through the night until they found the carriage. There were a few bodies strewn across the grassy road. The other guards by the looks of it, with arrows stuck in them, along with two or three of the outlaws who'd not survived the counterattack. The riding phoenix was missing, almost definitely stolen by the attackers. And inside the carriage was the remains of Danior, his fine clothes dyed with his own blood.

That night, the dead were brought home and the next day, were buried in the traditional Parban way. The attackers were never found, despite the best efforts of local sentries and law enforcement. This led to rumors that this attack was more directed than one might initially assume. It wouldn't strain credulity to think that other barons might want to do away with someone like him, who did little in giving the rest of them a good name. Aloysius wondered as much when the well-wishes came from these older aristocrats, offering their help in trying times. It was almost as if the vultures were already closing in., ready to pick apart his family's legacy. But Aloysius refused. He wouldn't allow them to take it all away, not now, nor ever. If for no other reason than to make it up to his mother, who had cared for him so dearly over his life. He owed it to her to ensure the neglect and abuse she suffered wasn't for naught. So, the 28-year-old officially took over his father's station as Baron, and began the work to repair the reputation of his family name.

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There we have it! I hope to do more with him and this setting in the future, and I sincerely hope his backstory fits well enough into the setting.



Sahash species and Shang-La setting ©  Lingrimm

Base edited by  cmdr-a