I created Lem Ewinks as a DnD 5e character. His creation and adventures began a couple months prior to starting this project and so I will be working on catching you guys up with his current situation. There was already a campaign going in which he (I) was invited to join and is a couple levels lower than the prevailing party. I hope you enjoy the story of Lem as he has figured out, and continues to discover, the perils of the world he inhabits. Thus begins his tale.
Not all heroes wear capes. In fact, most heroes do not. Our subject, in his mind, most certainly thought he was an average halfling dedicated to his family's tradition of monastic studies. And he was. Liked by all at the temple of The Sacred Terrace Lem was raised to pursue a life dedicated to the gods and offering his good will to those who deserved it. It was a simple yet joyous life free of stress and worry. Days were spent praying, training, and playing in the lush courtyard of the monastery under the careful eye of the elders. Lem's natural talent and devotion to the gods caught the attention of the elders. They eagerly watched him anxiously anticipating the day he would be ready to pass his test, his rite of passage into adulthood, and be accepted among the ranking elite at the monastery.
His training partner, and childhood friend Pimner, wasn't quite as naturally gifted as Lem. He struggled with his studies, made light play of physical training, and had brief moments of internal doubts about the gods. Despite that, he and Lem grew a friendship that was inseparable. Pimner teased Lem about his devotion and egged him on into mischief. When they were sure the elder's had left to attend other duties they would sneak off to a hidden corner of the courtyard where they would talk about subjects that would excite the typical pubescent male: girls, how they'll slay the biggest wyvern, girls, and the desire for more out of life. Being the responsible one, Lem would allow this to go on for a few minutes before dragging his friend back to continue their work.
After 16 years of training the big day was finally here. Lem and Pimner would prove to the elders that at least one of them was worthy of receiving the title of full-fledged monk. It was a mere two days away and excitement filled the air like electricity. The entire monastery was bustling in preparation for the trial. Lem and Pimner vowed to each they would both become monks on that special day and went to their hidden corner in the courtyard to practice one last time.
Full of adrenaline and excitement they could hardly feel the heavy blows they were exchanging when they connected. Pimner, a prodigy with the quarterstaff, swung, and jabbed, and stabbed with all his might at Lem to almost no avail. They were dodged with the reflexes of a supple leopard and countered with punches faster than a blink dog.
“LEM!” a female voice cried out distracting him for just long enough to lose focus on his sparring partner. A blinding light filled Lem's vision just before total darkness encompassed him.
He awoke some unknown time later to learn three days had passed and the trials and ceremony had already passed. A vice-like pain surrounded his head as he slowly gained consciousness. His mother was standing over him face full of worry, then relief, as her only son awoke.
“Lem, you're awake! I thank the god's you've returned to us,” she proclaimed.
“Gods?” he replied.
A puzzled look grew across her face. “Yes, I prayed over you every waking hour for you to come back. The gods must have heard my prayer and taken mercy on you. They must have been impressed by your devout training and studies.”
His head still ringing as he sat up in bed, he gingerly felt the knot that grown from the strike he suffered. “I...” he pauses.
“You must be thirsty, I'll fetch you some water,” his mother said as she whisked herself off.
Lem sat there trying to recollect the events that had transpired prior to waking up in his current predicament. The harder he tried, the more his head hurt until he gave up in exasperation. Upon her return he gingerly asked “what happened?”
“You and Pimner were horsing around as usual in the courtyard. I called out to you and the next thing I know I heard a loud smack and a shriek. I went to investigate the commotion and found you lying there with Pimner looking white as a wight hardly moving. I summoned the local cleric and together we brought you to your bed here where I did what I could to care for you. Here, drink this,” and she handed him a cup of cool, refreshing water.
“Thank you,” Lem muttered as he took a small sip. “I hope this headache passes soon, I cannot think with it plaguing me.”
“You rest well, my dear. I'll talk to the elders about your trial.”
Lem finished the glass and closed his eyes to rest.
Hope you all enjoyed the first part as much as I enjoyed writing it! Posts will be made every Sunday and Thursday continuing the story of Lem. Please feel free to help me improve my writing; any and all critiques are welcomed as long as they are constructive. Once the written portion of Lem's tale is brought up to speed (so long as he is alive) I would love to get input from people for what Lem does on his next adventure. Stay tuned!
Image sources from Nordseher at Pixabay. Thank you!
