EVENT 18 -- AU INFO
Patron of the Unsung;
full name:
Jaskier
god name:
Cadenza
alias:
The Sandpiper; the Phoenix
age:
~845
arcana:
The Sun
Blessing:
Harmony
Affliction:
Atonality
Motifs:
answer
The Piper (The Man)
Appearance
A brown-haired, blue-eyed man with a shifting number of red-and-orange feathered wings that spring from his back, his shoulders, and sometimes as his arms. Twisting pearlescent horns grow from his brows. His voice is light and airy, and he is known for being one of the most verbose of the gods. Though he rarely speaks in riddle, or beat around the bush, he does love a metaphor. He appears most often in the nude, with feathers and wings crossed over his unmentionables – possibly an attempt at modesty, but more likely a sort of joke, considering his reputation. Flowers spring up in his steps, and trees grow heavy with fruit as he passes. At times, he is seen with an ancient stringed instrument. He will play and sing for any onlookers, and will fill the air with birds and birdsong as he does.
You should not leave before his performance is done, or you may face a fiercer image of the same man.
Dur to his long-lasting career of being a musician and playing his own stringed instrument, he eventually lost feeling in his right hand. It is not augmented with gold rods that is embedded in his fingers that enable him to continue playing.
You should not leave before his performance is done, or you may face a fiercer image of the same man.
Dur to his long-lasting career of being a musician and playing his own stringed instrument, he eventually lost feeling in his right hand. It is not augmented with gold rods that is embedded in his fingers that enable him to continue playing.
The Patron of the Unsung is said to be a mercurial god. That's only because no one's asked what boils his blood (and, frankly, more should ask him how he is rather than what he is). In Jaskier's mind, he is endlessly fair – blessing those who acknowledge him and look to him for guidance (as they rightfully should) and being less than kind to those who demean the gifts he bestows or question his existence. He does not suffer those who find pleasure in cruelty, and has been known to actively seek them out to make their lives absolutely miserable.
As far as rumors go, he is known for never directly causing death, even to those who rile him.
As far as rumors go, he is known for never directly causing death, even to those who rile him.
Personality
The Gryphon (The Beast)
Appearance
The Patron as a beast is reminiscent of the mountain gryphons. Stories abound that he is the creator of the first gryphon, making the creatures sacred to his followers. As the Beast, Jaskier has the front legs of a hawk, and back legs the furred clawed toes of a wolf. He runs on all fours but is capable of flight with a pair of great, feathered wings. He retains the pearlescent horns of his more human appearance, which can sometimes drop chips and pieces that are blessed with good luck. His tail, large and fluffed, glows at the tip and resembles a flame in the dark.
A known (and surprisingly joyful) cuddler, there are stories of children lost in the woods who were later discovered curled up in a patch of clovers with the Beast, kept warm through the coldest of nights and safe from the dark. To see the Beast running past means he intends to be followed. Many claim the running Beast has led people to stray livestock, lost horses, or missing family.
He leaves bright flowers and warmth in his wake, and brings sunny days with him. His front right paw is not covered with fur, and instead seems to be made completely of gold, forming a somewhat mechanical paw.
A known (and surprisingly joyful) cuddler, there are stories of children lost in the woods who were later discovered curled up in a patch of clovers with the Beast, kept warm through the coldest of nights and safe from the dark. To see the Beast running past means he intends to be followed. Many claim the running Beast has led people to stray livestock, lost horses, or missing family.
He leaves bright flowers and warmth in his wake, and brings sunny days with him. His front right paw is not covered with fur, and instead seems to be made completely of gold, forming a somewhat mechanical paw.
The Patron as a beast is more trustworthy than his Piper counterpart, seemingly unmoved by insults or jeers. In fact, the Patron is excessively friendly when he appears on all fours, and nearly all are blessed when gifted with his appearance. Those who are granted the god's favor are given leavings in his wake: a broken feather, a single yellow dandelion, or a bottle of wine, which can be used in times of crisis to summon the Patron's direct intervention. Thus have stories risen of those enshackled being released by the Patron, or saved from disease or starvation by a blessed feast.
Oftentimes, he can be seen flying among the gryphons, seemingly guarding the creatures during violent storms or encroaching battles. He can also be spotted running with the werewolves during their Turning, encouraging the change to take them over for the first time. On more occasions than not, the Beast is accompanied by a white wolf that follows in his tracks.
Oftentimes, he can be seen flying among the gryphons, seemingly guarding the creatures during violent storms or encroaching battles. He can also be spotted running with the werewolves during their Turning, encouraging the change to take them over for the first time. On more occasions than not, the Beast is accompanied by a white wolf that follows in his tracks.
Personality
Lore
Cult of the Piper
Stories abound of the Patron mingling with humanity, settling down in villages for years at a time to sing in the local tavern and give out coin to the less fortunate on their hardest days. Still more importantly do the stories sing of his wild sexual prowess and appetite: a night with the Patron is said to bring blessings in the arts, summoning both untold pleasures and an offer to act as a living muse, inspiring those suffering lulls in their creativity.
He also has an insatiable lust for gossip; it is said that the easiest way to summon him is to offer something particularly juicy as news, in which he'll be ecstatic to listen and bless the storyteller after.
Offerings of gryphon feathers can goad the Beast to show. His appearance often foretells flourishes in crops and bountiful wild game, but also the coming of monsters. Though the god has an affection for humanity, further still does he seem to have a fondness for the unwanted beasts that live on the outskirts.
He also has an insatiable lust for gossip; it is said that the easiest way to summon him is to offer something particularly juicy as news, in which he'll be ecstatic to listen and bless the storyteller after.
Offerings of gryphon feathers can goad the Beast to show. His appearance often foretells flourishes in crops and bountiful wild game, but also the coming of monsters. Though the god has an affection for humanity, further still does he seem to have a fondness for the unwanted beasts that live on the outskirts.
On more than one occasion has the many-winged Patron been spotted standing among the ruins of abandoned villages or attending to the aftermath of what the locals call the Drelch. In these same villages will blessings arrive with his appearance, the abandoned fields overflowing with flora, and the nearby forests rife with wild game...seemingly to tease mortals to return.
There is a story of one cursed with Vhóel Ichaer, facing sure death, who called upon the Patron of the Unsung. It is said that after he shared his story, the Patron touched the young boy's breast and healed the poison swirling in his veins. However, no evidence this happened has ever surfaced save for the lone survivor claiming his truth, and it has never happened again.
Many consider the Patron simply too capricious to be relied on when death's hand draws near, especially when he appears so often in the wake of the great White Wolf. Others still claim the Patron is there to clean up mistakes. He is frequently seen in or around the Luna territories, and will exact swift vengeance on anyone who attempts to harm the werewolves.
There is a story of one cursed with Vhóel Ichaer, facing sure death, who called upon the Patron of the Unsung. It is said that after he shared his story, the Patron touched the young boy's breast and healed the poison swirling in his veins. However, no evidence this happened has ever surfaced save for the lone survivor claiming his truth, and it has never happened again.
Many consider the Patron simply too capricious to be relied on when death's hand draws near, especially when he appears so often in the wake of the great White Wolf. Others still claim the Patron is there to clean up mistakes. He is frequently seen in or around the Luna territories, and will exact swift vengeance on anyone who attempts to harm the werewolves.
Song of the Wolf
Abilities
Precipitato.
Weather manipulation. Sunny days. The coming of spring rains. Thunder in the distance.
Scatenato.
Rapid plant growth. Forests springing overnight. The death of a wheat field. Ripe fruits and creeping vines.
Passionato.
Giving voice. The blessing of artistic inspiration. Rapid, easy creation. Seeing the forest and the trees. Music, painting, writing, sculpting; sharing one's life in illustration with perfect understanding.
Fuoco.
Blessing of the Phoenix. Complete control over all fire and flames. Burning to bring new life. The destruction of the natural world. Undying. Healing.
Festivamente.
Intimate connections with the natural world – with birds, and forest creatures, and monsters. A fierce defense of the less savory beasts of the world, but returned adoration.
Silenzio.
Stealing another's voice. Emptying of thoughts and ideas. Inspiration gone in an instant.
Diminuendo.
Turning others against you. Sharp words and sharper knives. Tongue-twisting. Manipulation. Evoking the lowest of emotions. Ostracized.
Tempo Rubatoe.
Purification of the sick, the poisoned, or the dying. Creation of a grand feast to feed the starving. A single spark of hope, igniting the flames.
History
- Jaskier's first real stint into godhood was a several years-long romancing of the god Lyfbringr. After many years of rather dependable exaltations (in the form of song), Lyfbringr granted him several boons to increase his magical control over the natural world. He was blessed with a single pair of wings, and when he said that was a bit of a cliché, he was blessed with two more pairs. Ample rumours tell of the time the Patron, in his youngest ascending years, slept with Lyfbringr and brought a whole new forest to life in a single night.
- At Lucifer's goading, Jaskier picked a small village and appeared frequently, directly interfering in their lives until a cult formed around his name and deeds. However, they became a little too enthusiastic in their escapades for sexual energy and pursuit of him and he eventually left them completely, withering their crops so they would “break up.” He hasn't checked on them since.
- Jaskier gradually began to forget his memories of the Continent, and only held on to memories from his life in Abraxas, to the point where he accepts he's always been here. He remembers being human once, but the memories he's “lost” have been stored into a songbook, locked to all eyes but his, where his memories have been translated into verse.
- While there are stories of his being wed to Nadine, Jaskier has never been married. The two of them meet almost annually at the end of winter to participate in a harvest festival to bless the coming spring. Usually, this involves a fantastic display of sex, in which mortals are invited to watch, and an orgy that forms around them. Thus, some mortals associated Jaskier with fertility and birthdays.
- Rumours spread of artistic inspiration after a night spent with Jaskier spread wide, and Astarion, as if to tease him, attempts to play the violin (and succeeds – terribly) afterward. Jaskier takes the offense full to heart and proceeds to belittle his fellow Summoned to anyone who will listen.
- Over time, the dedication to his music wore on his right hand the most, eroding pieces of it away and turning the muscles as tight as wire. Before his power was strong enough to heal his body, he lost feeling in it and was unable to play the lute any longer. After a meeting with Viktor and a sacrifice of some flesh, he now has a prosthetic entwined in his hand and fingers that let him play once again. In beast form, one of his front paws appears entirely metallic and gold.
- At the same time every year, Jaskier goes completely missing – until he's seen once again in the presence of Wolf, either nipping at his heels, riding his shoulder, or walking with him as a man. Some say this is the telltale sign that winter has ended and will not return until the coming year.
- At Lucifer's goading, Jaskier picked a small village and appeared frequently, directly interfering in their lives until a cult formed around his name and deeds. However, they became a little too enthusiastic in their escapades for sexual energy and pursuit of him and he eventually left them completely, withering their crops so they would “break up.” He hasn't checked on them since.
- Jaskier gradually began to forget his memories of the Continent, and only held on to memories from his life in Abraxas, to the point where he accepts he's always been here. He remembers being human once, but the memories he's “lost” have been stored into a songbook, locked to all eyes but his, where his memories have been translated into verse.
- While there are stories of his being wed to Nadine, Jaskier has never been married. The two of them meet almost annually at the end of winter to participate in a harvest festival to bless the coming spring. Usually, this involves a fantastic display of sex, in which mortals are invited to watch, and an orgy that forms around them. Thus, some mortals associated Jaskier with fertility and birthdays.
- Rumours spread of artistic inspiration after a night spent with Jaskier spread wide, and Astarion, as if to tease him, attempts to play the violin (and succeeds – terribly) afterward. Jaskier takes the offense full to heart and proceeds to belittle his fellow Summoned to anyone who will listen.
- Over time, the dedication to his music wore on his right hand the most, eroding pieces of it away and turning the muscles as tight as wire. Before his power was strong enough to heal his body, he lost feeling in it and was unable to play the lute any longer. After a meeting with Viktor and a sacrifice of some flesh, he now has a prosthetic entwined in his hand and fingers that let him play once again. In beast form, one of his front paws appears entirely metallic and gold.
- At the same time every year, Jaskier goes completely missing – until he's seen once again in the presence of Wolf, either nipping at his heels, riding his shoulder, or walking with him as a man. Some say this is the telltale sign that winter has ended and will not return until the coming year.
Connections
Horizon
Jaskier's domain is much of the same as it has been for years, only vastly expanded. Bleobheris, the Great Oak, has grown so tall it can seemingly be seen from any spot in the Horizon. His once small glade has expanded into an enormous rainforest, a range of mmountains, and a life-giving river that runs through it all. Small towns have been built on the banks of the river, but seemingly only appear to be occupied by beasts and monsters. His forests are full of monsters, kept protected. Gryphons, wild vampire horses, peacocks (both white and blue) ran rampant. A giant, crystal-studded bird soars the skies, but no one can quite remember where it came from. There are even rumours that those who are good and kind-hearted will spot the fabled Moogles, guardians of the forests, who appear as boisterous, winged bear cubs.
At the foot of Bleobheris live a pair of Moogles who are never seen apart. They are fierce protectors of the tree, riding a matching pair of golden chocobo mounts. If anything is absolutely beloved by Jaskier, it's this pair. Around the edges of Bleobheris's base is a neatly organized vineyard, with barrels upon barrels of the sweetest wines in every flavour and note, freshly made from the forest's flowering trees.
At the foot of Bleobheris live a pair of Moogles who are never seen apart. They are fierce protectors of the tree, riding a matching pair of golden chocobo mounts. If anything is absolutely beloved by Jaskier, it's this pair. Around the edges of Bleobheris's base is a neatly organized vineyard, with barrels upon barrels of the sweetest wines in every flavour and note, freshly made from the forest's flowering trees.
ooc info:
hannah . pst . scathefire @ plurk/discord
(no subject)
Who:Free Cities Summoned!
When: Mid-July
Where: Aquila
What: The three former gods of art join forces to host a two-day event to fundraise for the arts sector, now suffering after Thorne's latest attack, and provide a little food for the worsening food crises. A cooking competition ("Steel Chef"), a food walk, a (hastily) written play titled Kiss Me, I’m Trying, and a chance for arts sector networking after the performance are open to all locals!
Warnings: N/A
( Take a bite out of a new world! )
When: Mid-July
Where: Aquila
What: The three former gods of art join forces to host a two-day event to fundraise for the arts sector, now suffering after Thorne's latest attack, and provide a little food for the worsening food crises. A cooking competition ("Steel Chef"), a food walk, a (hastily) written play titled Kiss Me, I’m Trying, and a chance for arts sector networking after the performance are open to all locals!
Warnings: N/A
( Take a bite out of a new world! )
ABRAXAS - HORIZON INFO.
THE GREAT OAK BLEOBHERIS
In the middle of a glade rises a giant, ancient oak tree, which is believed to be the very first tree that grew on Jaskier’s sphere. With wide, thick branches, it easily holds aloft balconies, walkways and strings of lights between its branches. The inside is a hollowed spiral staircase which leads to many a room for whatever one might need: workshops, or rooms full of instruments, bedrooms, greenhouses and even luxurious baths. Above the dining room at the top is an atrium to look out across the glade and towards other domains, with a spyglass attached to a balcony to admire the sight.
The oak is protected by druids, though they won’t make themselves known unless trouble brews. The aura around the tree and the glades is one of calm and friendship, and will bestow these feelings on visitors. All travelers and visitors are warmly welcomed as long as their intention is peace. No fire magic or creation will be possible, with any attempts to create it fizzling out into nothing. Unlike Jaskier’s previous domain, there are always people moving about and life thriving, whether day or night. At night, the branches of the tree light up with magic lights and the glowing abdomens of the jewelwisps.
A special room is set in the lower branches that hosts shelves of gifts that Jaskier has received from others: a pearlescent scale set into a broach rests on a satin pillow; a potted grape plant, fruit full and hanging off a vine; what is clearly an anachronistic CD player with two jewels cases of CDs next to it. An open box of elaborately decorated chocolates lays on a lower shelf, a few empty spots left behind, and the lowest shelf holds bottles of all his named and appropriately labeled vintages -- Heartsblood, Twin Dragons, Vegas, Slave to Bone, Wolfteeth and Sweet Kiss. They can be admired, but not touched.
Gifts and messages can be left safely with Moglad at the base of Bleobharis, where a box suspiciously shaped like a moogle’s head will hold the letters or gifts. Moglad will, of course, guard them on his life and honour.
The oak is protected by druids, though they won’t make themselves known unless trouble brews. The aura around the tree and the glades is one of calm and friendship, and will bestow these feelings on visitors. All travelers and visitors are warmly welcomed as long as their intention is peace. No fire magic or creation will be possible, with any attempts to create it fizzling out into nothing. Unlike Jaskier’s previous domain, there are always people moving about and life thriving, whether day or night. At night, the branches of the tree light up with magic lights and the glowing abdomens of the jewelwisps.
A special room is set in the lower branches that hosts shelves of gifts that Jaskier has received from others: a pearlescent scale set into a broach rests on a satin pillow; a potted grape plant, fruit full and hanging off a vine; what is clearly an anachronistic CD player with two jewels cases of CDs next to it. An open box of elaborately decorated chocolates lays on a lower shelf, a few empty spots left behind, and the lowest shelf holds bottles of all his named and appropriately labeled vintages -- Heartsblood, Twin Dragons, Vegas, Slave to Bone, Wolfteeth and Sweet Kiss. They can be admired, but not touched.
INSIDE BLEOBHERIS
Each room inside the great oak is richly decorated, with provisions set out for whatever each of its guests needs. There is a great dining hall near the top that looks down on the glade below, and each bedroom is free for use with curtains that can cover the windows. Bathrooms have magical, bubbling tubs, soft towels and fine soaps. The rooms seemed designed for peak relaxation, with repeating motifs of birds, flowers and wolves decorating windowsills, walls, and linens.
WINE CELLAR
The spiral staircase carved in Bleobheris’ trunk also leads underground to a cool, dry wine cellar, lit up with magical lights resembling torches. Bleobheris’s roots can be seen jutting through the room like pillars. A few of the jewelwisps will move in and out through here, but generally this is the only place in the domain that is quiet, where one can be alone. Along the walls are small nooks where company can be hosted, with full glasses of wine and fine cheeses. Every vintage is carefully labeled and named, based off of some of Jaskier’s favorite people in Abraxas. Others are more general flavors that are free to be taken out of his domain, if one desires.
Pots of carefully cultivated grape vines grow here, twisting and crawling up Bleobheris’s roots, with fresh grapes that can be plucked and eaten (to some dragons’ delight.)
Pots of carefully cultivated grape vines grow here, twisting and crawling up Bleobheris’s roots, with fresh grapes that can be plucked and eaten (to some dragons’ delight.)
THE SEAT OF FRIENDSHIP
The glade surrounding the great oak Bleobheris is known as the Seat of Friendship. Protected by druids, it is meant to be a safe, thriving place for artists of every ken, with a stage for musicians, easels for painters, and large baskets of richly spun yarn for needleworkers. This glade glows with bright, floating lights that shine like stars at night, and warm sunlight that never grows too hot during the day, with the occasional, refreshing rain shower sprinkling through. Music often fills the silence, and great flocks of birds travel through with unique, whistled songs. Jaskier’s animal denizens are most often seen here, picking between artists and getting themselves into trouble. There is a well-driven horse trail for riding through the forests, which are wide and open. There is no intention of driving one away or allowing one to get lost – should you lose your way through the trees, the jewelwisps will show you the way back here.
There are diverse and colorful gardens that stretch across the glade with all manner of flowers that are free to be plucked. There are also fruit trees, thick bushes of honeysuckle, and jars of honey made by jewelwisps that are labeled as gifts for anyone who visits.
There are diverse and colorful gardens that stretch across the glade with all manner of flowers that are free to be plucked. There are also fruit trees, thick bushes of honeysuckle, and jars of honey made by jewelwisps that are labeled as gifts for anyone who visits.
THE JEWELWISPS
Among the birds and other beasties that live in the glade, insects with bejeweled wings and bodies flutter and zip around, filling the air with life. They move among the flowers, building hives in the branches, and offer safe direction for any who are lost in the glade and the outlying forests. They will generally always stay out of the way of visitors but provide shining drops of color among the glade and in the branches of Bleobheris.
BEASTIES OF THE DOMAIN
THE GOLDFINCH is an enormous, vulture-sized bird decorated with crystals that has nested among the branches of Bleobharis. This creature is a gift from Hector upon their first meeting in the Horizon, when both were without memories. Jaskier is very fond of the bird and will often be found hanging up treats for the bird to fly down and fetch, anything from hanging slabs of meat to pinecones covered in peanut butter and birdseed. The goldfinch generally will not approach visitors, but will keep an eye on them from its perch.
LUKASZ is a temperamental white peacock that roosts in the room of Jaskier’s souvenirs, received as a Christmas gift from Julie. He’s taken to biting anyone who draws too near, and his loose white feathers can be found all around the tree and the glade outside. Feel free to take one if you wish, as long as Lukasz is not near enough to catch you doing it. He will give chase. The only creature he appears to adore is Moglad, who can walk straight up and pluck off a feather with nary a glared eye.
RADU AND DĂNEȘTI are a pair of bonded, vampiric horses, whose origins stem from a mid-winter ride with Alucard in Jaskier’s old vineyard that lingered after their creation. With dark violet colors, sharp teeth, and curling, twisted horns, sometimes their glowing red eyes can be seen in the distance, the sounds of squeals following them as they catch and devour rodents, stray birds and other pests among the trees. They are only seen when dark falls over the domain, and will tolerate a few pets from anyone Jaskier deems a friend.
MOGLAD is a beloved friend first met in Himeka’s domain. Moglad is, like all moogles, a trickster, a drinker, and a fool. Moglad first joined Jaskier with the promise of being trained as an apprentice bard. Moglad took to music well and passed his music lessons with flying colors; unfortunately, he, like the rest of the domain, was shaped by Jaskier’s emotional state after the events of Nilfgaard’s invasion of the Continent. He has taken up the dark knight’s sword to defend his master, serving as a guard to the Seat of Friendship. He has been additionally trained in the Witcher arts by Geralt, and wears a medallion around his neck denoting his completed training. He is always happy to regale visitors with his tale of defeating the shade of the domain in battle, though many are sure he embellishes on the details.
LUKASZ is a temperamental white peacock that roosts in the room of Jaskier’s souvenirs, received as a Christmas gift from Julie. He’s taken to biting anyone who draws too near, and his loose white feathers can be found all around the tree and the glade outside. Feel free to take one if you wish, as long as Lukasz is not near enough to catch you doing it. He will give chase. The only creature he appears to adore is Moglad, who can walk straight up and pluck off a feather with nary a glared eye.
RADU AND DĂNEȘTI are a pair of bonded, vampiric horses, whose origins stem from a mid-winter ride with Alucard in Jaskier’s old vineyard that lingered after their creation. With dark violet colors, sharp teeth, and curling, twisted horns, sometimes their glowing red eyes can be seen in the distance, the sounds of squeals following them as they catch and devour rodents, stray birds and other pests among the trees. They are only seen when dark falls over the domain, and will tolerate a few pets from anyone Jaskier deems a friend.
MOGLAD is a beloved friend first met in Himeka’s domain. Moglad is, like all moogles, a trickster, a drinker, and a fool. Moglad first joined Jaskier with the promise of being trained as an apprentice bard. Moglad took to music well and passed his music lessons with flying colors; unfortunately, he, like the rest of the domain, was shaped by Jaskier’s emotional state after the events of Nilfgaard’s invasion of the Continent. He has taken up the dark knight’s sword to defend his master, serving as a guard to the Seat of Friendship. He has been additionally trained in the Witcher arts by Geralt, and wears a medallion around his neck denoting his completed training. He is always happy to regale visitors with his tale of defeating the shade of the domain in battle, though many are sure he embellishes on the details.
CODE BY THISISMANX
AEF - CHARACTER INFORMATION.
GENERAL
| CANON POINT | The end of 1x06. |
| APPLICATION | [ HERE ] |
WITCH
MAJOR MAGIC SPECIALIZATION:
♭ None yet.
MINOR MAGIC SPECIALIZATION:
♮ None yet.
STYLE OF MAGIC:
♫ To be filled.
INVENTORY
UPON ARRIVAL:
♪ Eleven-crafted lute
♪ Leather lute case
OBTAINED SINCE ARRIVAL:
HORIZON #2: THE BIRD'S NEST (DEMOLISHED.)
HORIZON: THE BIRD’S NEST
Where once stood green hills and the vibrant, lush leaves of his vineyard, there are now fragments of a dirty, stinking city with the main attraction being a single full standing building. A swinging sign above the front door names it The Bird’s Nest, and even outside can the muffled sounds of chatter, clinking glasses and a single singer be heard.
Inside is an often crowded tavern full of faceless, shadowed shapes, warmly lit by ensconced candles all along the walls and a hanging chandelier above. A deer skull gazes out over a large hearth, though no fire burns in it and never will, with only glowing logs remaining. Wooden shelves line the walls holding strange antiquities, rows of books, and various musical instruments on their stands.
There is a special glass cabinet set to the side that holds gifts Jaskier has received from others: a pearlescent scale set into a broach rests on a satin pillow; a potted grape plant, fruit full and hanging off a vine; what is clearly an anachronistic CD player with two jewels cases of CDs next to it. An open box of elaborately decorated chocolates lays on a lower shelf, a few empty spots left behind, and the lowest shelf holds bottles of all his named and appropriately labeled vintages -- Heartsblood, Twin Dragons, Vegas, Slave to Bone, Wolfteeth and Sweet Kiss. Inexplicably, there is a white peacock perched upon the top of this case in a cushioned bed, and it will cry and bite at anyone who seems to be trying to open the cabinet.
A bar counter sits just to the right of the front door, with bottles of aged wine and liquor waiting to be poured. Instead of a barkeep, there stands a strange creature with a glowing pom springing from his head on the bar top. Where once Moglad the moogle was dressed in the finery of a bard, he now has donned a dark set of armor, a large broadsword hanging on the wall nearby that appears perfectly sized for his hands. As long as you approach in a friendly manner, Moglad will remove his helmet and bid you welcome to The Bird’s Nest, ready to pour you a drink.
When the tavern goes quiet enough, creaking and soft voices can be heard from underneath the floorboards. There is a hidden door that leads to a storage area downstairs, holding mostly barrels of ale and foodstuffs. However, faint voices can still be heard here, and the air is heavy. Only people Jaskier considers close friends can find this door; otherwise, Moglad will protect it with his life and will not hesitate to drive anyone out who causes too much trouble. The location of the door changes often. It is down here that the remains of his vineyard still thrive, with grapevines growing up the walls and reaching for what bare sunbeams make it through the floorboards. A few slit windows look out into a busy, active city center, far different from the real exterior of the tavern.
On the rare occasion when the domain’s master is feeling low, the candles of the tavern will not be lit. The inside will be dark, tables and chairs shoved and piled to the side. A single chair will sit in the middle of the floor, blood staining its seat and the ground at its feet, rope coiled around it. Stare too long and a single flame will ignite with the sound of a snap, the shadow of a man moving through the dark.
Ominous.
Outside the tavern is mostly nondescript ruin; there is an attempt to hold onto the alleys and streets of a bustling city, but it ends up only with some cracked, open walls, empty market stalls and the vague smell of chickens and salt water. Various creatures wander the grounds and will eye or follow strangers. The air is thick with birds of all species, from brightly colored parrots to the humble grey pigeon; these are merely decoration and will not interact with visitors. A pair of somewhat demonic-looking horses will snort and huff cold air, their hooves clicking against cobblestone. It’s not rare to see them chasing after rats or chickens to devour like a pair of wolves. Friends may know their names as Radu and Dănești, and can approach without much fanfare. They two horses accept a few pats or offerings of nibbling before running off.
On the roof of The Bird’s Nest – and maybe to those who don’t know Jaskier well enough, seemingly where its moniker stems from – a great golden bird nests, pink crystals erupting from between leaves and straw. It will mostly give you a curious glance as you enter the tavern, then go back to curling up to sleep.
Nowhere in Jaskier’s domain do fires burn except on the candles lining the tavern walls, which appear to be more light than actual flame. Fire magic cannot be summoned here, and if anyone attempts a few too many times, one of Jaskier’s various creatures will be happy to escort you off the premises.
DENIZENS OF THE BIRD’S NEST AND SURROUNDING STREETS OF GORS VELEN
The Goldfinch
An enormous, vulture-sized bird decorated with crystals that has nested on top of the tavern. This creature is a gift from Hector upon their first meeting in the Horizon, when both were without memories. Jaskier is very fond of the bird and will often be found hanging up treats for the bird to fly down and fetch, anything from hanging slabs of meat to pinecones covered in peanut butter and birdseed. The goldfinch generally will not approach visitors, but will keep an eye on them from its perch.
Lukasz
A temperamental white peacock that perches on the glass case of Jaskier’s souvenirs inside the tavern, received as a Christmas gift from Julie. He’s taken to biting anyone who draws too near, and leaves feathers all inside and outside the tavern. Feel free to take one if you wish, as long as Lukasz is not near enough to catch you doing it. He will give chase. The only creature he appears to adore is Moglad, who can walk straight up and pluck off a feather with nary a glared eye.
Radu and Dănești
A pair of bonded, vampiric horses, whose origins stem from a mid-winter ride with Alucard in Jaskier’s old vineyard that lingered after their creation. With dark violet colors, sharp teeth, and curling, twisted horns, sometimes their glowing red eyes can be seen in the distance, the sounds of squeals following them as they catch and devour rodents, stray birds and other pests. They are only seen when dark falls over the domain, and will tolerate a few pets from anyone Jaskier deems a friend.
Moglad the Moogle
A friend first met in Himeka’s domain. Moglad is, like all moogles, a trickster, a drinker, and a fool. Moglad first joined Jaskier with the promise of being trained as an apprentice bard. Moglad took to music well and passed his music lessons with flying colors; unfortunately, he, like the rest of the domain, has been shaped by Jaskier’s emotional state. He has taken up the dark knight’s sword to defend his master, serving as The Bird’s Nest’s bartender, bookkeeper, muscle and general good company.
RELATIONSHIPS
| Geralt of Rivia ♕ THE WITCHER (NETFLIX) ♕ gynvael Geralt of Rivia is Jaskier’s muse, meal ticket, and best friend. He has been traveling with the witcher for nearly half his life, composing ballads on his adventures. These ballads rocketed Jaskier to a bard of much renown and helped craft Geralt’s image in the public eye. That has not stopped Jaskier from continuing to follow him on hunts and annoy the hell out of him. |
Yennefer of Vengerberg ♕ THE WITCHER ♕ not in game In Jaskier’s own words: “a very sexy but insane witch.” One time she saved his life but also threatened to cut his penis off. Their relationship is tenuous, at best, but he knows Geralt loves her so only occasionally makes jokes about how old she is (and how many ships have come to port in said witch.) He wrote a ballad about how fucked up her love life is once. |
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| Fjord ♕ CRITICAL ROLE ♕ halforc One of the first people Jaskier met in Lunatia, and the first he ever moonlaced with. He’s a large, hot green man who complimented Jaskier’s singing. That’s good enough for him to call Fjord a close acquaintance. He probably doesn’t know that. |
Rapunzel ♕ TANGLED ♕ worthit A very spunky young woman with a shitload of hair. Apparently it is magical and also glows. She offered to heal his scarring from the wing event in January, and wanted only a song in payment. She quickly endeared herself to him. |
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| Alisaie Leveilleur ♕ FINAL FANTASY XIV ♕ swordfighting She threw a cookie at him when he was drunk and he ate it. She’s your typical scathingly sarcastic elf, but. Cookie. |
Thor ♕ MARVEL ♕ thunders They were super drunk together and declared themselves best friends, but honestly he was so drunk he probably doesn’t remember most of that. They did, however, invent a beer lake, and Jaskier felt up one of his tiddies. 10/10. |
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