Indarra

Bricu Bittertongue and Indarra Leafwhisper were–initially–friends with the potential for a lot more.   Today, Bricu would grudgingly admit that Indarra saved Threnn and Naiara’s life, then grumble about not trusting her. Indarra might have something nicer to say about Bricu, but she might quickly change the subject to something more pleasant. The devolution of this relationship was not plan, it occurred organically. Their relationship went sour for a number of reasons including:

Now, Indarra’s player (Yva) and I attempted to fix this situation a number of times; however, the two characters would not cooperate. This is not to say that these situations have not been difficult. Simply put, it can be difficult for players if their mains do not get along. Yet their arc-of-dislike has allowed for more character development. Bricu’s lack of trust for Indarra added another level of tension to a story line that investigated Indarra’s past. This same lack of trust also gave Indarra a chance to shine when Threnn’s life was in danger during childbirth. Despite the players desire for amicable characters, I think the characters had the right idea.

Illithias

Once upon a time there was a nasty, vindictive and violent Night Elf who hated everyone. For the most part, that hasn’t changed. Illithias is still violent and vindictive. What has changed is her relationship to Bricu. Where as Bricu used to feed into her aggression and nasty behavior, over the past two years Bricu has started to take a more paternal (not patriarchal) view of Illi.

What changed?

During a Pub Night, Illithias was tricked into revealed her age and what happened to her family. At her oldest, Illi is 14 (in human years) and lost her family in a tragic event. Bricu recognized that she was a fellow orphan.  Her circumstances far surpassed anything he experienced.  Bricu, at 14, had friends and coworkers.  Illithias has nothing.  Since that RP session, the two have developed a complex, and thoroughly rewarding, bond.  Instead of mocking Illi, he stood up for her.  When she was nasty and crude, Bricu didn’t return the language.  When Illi called Bricu  ”Human,” he gently–for Bricu–corrected her.

Then Illithias called him Bittertongue.  Then she called him Bricu.

Characters have to follow their arcs.  We can push and pull them this way or that, but in the end, the characters will also go in the direction they want to go in.

Fill us in on your character’s relationships?  Which ones have changed for the better, which ones have changed for the worse?