A humble beginning

Aelaldric was born in the Elven Valley and was welcomed into the world by loving parents. The elves of the valley live simply - their society bares no specific vocations or rigid hierarchy. All of the adult elves contribute to providing food, shelter and security while the young are allowed to spend most of their days playing and exploring. So it was that Aelaldric grew up without any specific direction in life. He was not the largest, fastest, or even the smartest boy amongst his friends, and he often found himself envious of the others. As he grew older and became attracted to some of the females in the valley, it was clear that there was no reciprocation. While he was attractive, as any elf is likely to be, his other deficits aforementioned found him wanting for a mate. The females paired up, one by one, with the other boys who were bigger, faster, smarter, and more humorous. When it became evident that he would be alone, at least for the foreseeable future, Aelaldric set out from the valley to seek a new life. His departure was all smiles, hugs, well-wishing and encouragement, but for him it was insincere. As soon as his back was turned, he set a scowl on his face and carried within him a deep resentment for his people. He was determined to make a name for himself in the wider world, return as an renowned individual and show all of the women that they were wrong to pass him over. Aelaldric spent a great deal in time in the city of Seringale, learning about the people, economy, and different vocations. Having spent time considering his path, he decided that he would join the paladin guild. From the moment he joined, he fantasized about the looks on the faces of his friends as he rode into the valley on the back of a magnificent steed, sunlight gleaming off of his full plate armor. He would smile down at them, nodding as the women swoon and the men watch him with jealousy plain upon their faces. If Aelaldric had been more attentive to his studies, he may have known that it is dangerous for a paladin to carry resentment, anger, and jealousy in their hearts. There are many dangers that exist in the world and a paladin must have a will of steel, lest one of those dangers take advantage of his weakness of mind. Such a danger was destined to find Aelaldric and change his course forever.

An uninvited horror

The realm of Acadia is an exceptionally beautiful and richly magical place. It is home to a vast number of intelligent, mystical beings with their own societies and vocations. Most creatures are benevolent, kind- hearted, and happy to live their lives peacefully. Despite the beauty of the realm and the goodly demeanour of most of its inhabitants, Acadia should not be mistaken for an idyllic paradise. Most bard songs would describe it as such focusing on the beauty, wonder, health, and joy of the land, but in reality horrors exist in Acadia that would drive a man mad if he were to even bear witness to them for but a moment. The demon Xrxz'thyx is one of those horrors. As is common with most demons, he knew not how he came into existence or for how long he had borne consciousness. He knew not if he existed for any purpose other than sating his own sadistic pleasures. Without a home, without a purpose, he was free to pursue his every desire without reservation. Demons exist in all shapes and sizes and with any number of supernatural traits. Xrxz'thyx was a malevolent being without a corporeal form. Completely weightless, invisible and insubstantial, even to the scrying eye, he was able to travel Acadia as he pleased. His ability to avoid scrutiny was so profound that he could hover aside the most astute cleric and cause naught but fleeting goosebumps. One might wonder how a malevolent incorporeal creature might cause pain and suffering to corporeal beings. If asked such a question, Xrxz'thyx would gladly demonstrate his ability to possess the body of a living being. He would likely demonstrate this ability by invading the source of the initial query, wrestling control of their body from them, then using their very fingers to gouge out their eyes. Over time, his pleasure from causing the same type of suffering over and over to the same types of creatures began to fade. One can only possess a brownie and murder their entire family so many times before the lustre fades, after all. Xrxz'thyx spent eventually spent less time possessing creatures and more time searching for the perfect victim. After many Acadian decades of searching, he saw her. She was unlike anything he had ever seen before. She was extremely tall, and broad-shouldered. She had a square, wide face with a crooked nose that appeared to have been previously broken. She had large eyes with blue irises, flecked with gold. Her grey hair was bound in tiny plaits and kept back from her forehead with a leather band. Her grey skin looked thick and resilient. Xrxz'thyx had never seen a storm giant before, but he knew immediately that she was not from Acadia. His exhilaration at encountering such a creature rapidly faded and was replaced with horror as he realized she was at that very moment preparing to leave Acadia. Her words struck him as sure as any blow "I have done all I can here. I must return to my home now. I bid you all farewell." NO! She could not escape. Xrxz'thyx could not lose this opportunity. He would have her. He would BE her. He excelled himself toward her, ready to dive in and begin the familiar struggle. At the very last moment he halted completely. Wait. Where was she going? What delicious experiences might await him from whence she came? Yes. Allow her to go home, but not alone. Words interrupted his thought "Remember this: if you ever had need of me, simply send me a message and I will come." The creature finished placing wisp essences in a circle and some annoying pixies began to strum their harps and sing. A small portal opened and the laughed and squeezed her way through - completely unaware that she had just allowed an uninvited guest access to her homeland.

The perfect host

Xrxz'thyx emerged from the portal in a forest, with the strange woman in front of him. While green and lush, the forest was much less vibrant than anything he had seen in Acadia. This land seemed to lack the constant background of mystical energy that was ever present on the other side of the portal. Despite that, he was exhilarated to be in this new land and was looking forward to the new opportunities that he would find here. He quelled his urge to dive into the strange woman and decided to follow her. He would see where she went, who she would encounter, and what she would do. She would be his unknowing guide to this new land. He would learn of the land and its people before he would have his fun. His sense of self-preservation overshadowed his desire to cause pain and suffering - just. He would need to know what threats exist, before he could begin his play in earnest. It did not take Xrxz'thyx long to learn that the new land he now existed in was named Serin. It also did not take him long to learn the lay of the land. This creature that he had followed, whose name he now knew was Serra, was very busy. She went many places, spoke with many people, and wherever she went, Xrxz'thyx was there as her silent shadow. He had planned to follow her for years, but in reality he only followed her for a very short while. There were two things that foiled his plan to follow Serra for a prolonged period. First was her frustrating fascination with sitting alone, writing or reading. She spent an inordinate amount of time in these solitary tasks and it took every ounce of his willpower to resist possessing her and shoving that damned quill right into her eye. Wait, he could, however, if it were not for the chance meeting with a creature that would change everything for Xrxz'thyx. On one of her breaks from that damned reading and writing, Serra ventured to Seringale. There she met the most alluring creature that Xrxz'thyx had ever encountered in his many years of existence. He was thin, yet well-muscled. He had long, blonde, smooth, flowing hair and pointed ears. His spirit emitted an intoxicating strength that practically begged for possession. Xrxz'thyx learned that this was an elf. He had encountered thousands of creatures in his existence, but he had never encountered anything quite like this. He knew then that his patience had paid off. An elf would be his first possession in Serin. Not this elf, however, for he could sense that it had a strong will - perhaps even strong enough to resist. Xrxz'thyx left Serra that very moment. He did not follow this new elf, whose name he learned to be Kali. He decided instead to roam the lands, seeking an elf suitable for possession. He stayed closely to Seringale and followed any elf that he encountered, trying to gauge their willpower. He followed Ilromie. He followed Cunnadd. He followed Crirawyn and Shala. He followed Veara, Fenriel and Keriel as well. These elves were all alluring. He was particularly interested in Kali, Ilromie, Cunnadd, Shala, and Veara, but success with them could not be guaranteed. He followed Lerildric for a full celestial. He watched him day and night - carefully considering him and yearning to once more feel the exhilaration of possession. Eventually he decided that he should start with an elf that was easy to overcome. He left Lerildric and began his search once again. Then he found it - the perfect specimen. Young, alone, weak willed and full of anger and resentment Aelaldric would not be able to summon much of a fight. Xrxz'thyx followed him for only half of a celestial, watching as he travelled with Marroc and Madroic. He watched as they slaughtered vampiric butlers, Aelaldric's strength and energy fading with each fight. When the party took sleep, he made his move. It is difficult to adequately describe the horrific, violating feeling of being invaded by another sentient being and having to fight them for your very survival. All beings are able to summon some modicum of defense, but a powerful, experienced demon like Xrxz'thyx will almost always have the advantage - especially when attempting to overcome a sleeping, weak-willed host. Aelaldric thought it was a nightmare at first. He had lost much ground before he realized what was happening and that he must fight back. Confusion and panic gave way to anger and revulsion. He struggled futilely against his invader. He fought his very best, but his very best was woefully inadequate. Anger slipped into terror as Aelaldric realized that he was losing the struggle. In his last moment of self- awareness, he thought of his friends and family wishing him well as he left the elven valley, setting out to make his mark on the world. As he faded away, he wondered if his spirit would be temporarily suppressed or destroyed outright.

A Dark Bargain

The demon now had a body but Aelaldric was young, weak, and he had no resources to speak of. Xrxz'thyx would need to put in some effort if he was going to turn the elf into a tool of destruction. To that end, he set out to the dark-knight guild in Seringale. Xrxz'thyx had never taken a creature of Serin before and he had never taken an elf. Aelaldric's movements and speech were jarring and disjointed - his tongue often slipping from common to elven to demonic. The guildmaster sensed this demonic connection and turned him away. He was likewise turned away in Timaran. When he ventured to Darkhaven he found much less discerning experts that were willing to train him, but only in exchange for a large sum of gold. How does one secure a small fortune in short order? A bargain, of course. Xrxz'thyx searched for other travelers. Powerful travelers. He found Dogran, the Sinister Minister, Forsaken of Legion, in Seringale. He approached Dogran and stated that he was in need of coin, and stated the purpose for which he required it. Dogran was intrigued that any being would approach him so with such a demand, so he did not dismiss the elf outright. Instead they spoke - demon and forsaken. A bargain was struck. A large sum of gold in exchange for future service in the Legion. Aelaldric grew in strength, in wealth, and in notoriety. He joined the Legion, as he said he would, and served under Dogran. After the Sinister Minister's ascension, the demon was the lone Legionairre for many celestials. Lesser beings came and went, but the demon persisted. He found many victims - Knights, Warlords, unaffiliated - it mattered not. They were all his prey. The demon was reckless and relentless - constantly throwing the poor elf's body at superior foes and engaging in battles with impossible odds. For the demon, though, defeat was just as sweet as victory. His host, the poor Aelaldric, felt the slash of every blade. He felt the sting of every whip, the bone crunching force of every staff blow, and wept silently every time he was overcome and awoke again in the temple. Revived and restored by the gods, but never alone. His passenger was ever present. Many celestials after Aelaldric had joined, Dogran saw it fit to disband the Legion. The army was not what he had envisioned, for it was no army at all. The demon was cast out. The bargain was completed. A small fortune in exchange for many celestials of service - a good trade in the eyes of Xrxz'thyx. When you are an immortal demon, a few celestials is but the blink of an eye. Thus freed of his obligation, the demon was poised to determine his true place in Serin.