Sneak And Peek Of The Newest Chapter Of One Of My D&D Fanfictions

Sneak and peek of the newest chapter of one of my D&D fanfictions

During his first raid to the surface, a drow noble is captured and tortured by surface dwellers. As the raid succeeds, he finds himself not only with a desire for revenge, but also with unfamiliar feelings towards a moon elf captive.

“Take the broth as if I didn’t feed you. We will give it to Opal.” He whispers, and while they are feeding the lizard, Immeral finds himself forced to admit that if this is all  a performance to manipulate them, the rumors about how deceiving drow are fail to truly do it justice.

Opal’s shiny scales and bright eyes show that she is truly well cared for, and it seems more logical to believe the pettings and praisings of “good girl” are not just for show, but the sun elf can’t afford to let Maszenkain lure them into a sense of safety only to betray their trust and hurt them on an even deeper level than Balok’s straightforward cruelty could ever reach. 

Considering the negotiations he witnessed between the drow and Haelerin, he wonders if their positions are but that of prized pets for a capricious but cruel person: they could expect care and even some kindness, but could be sold or even killed if they became too much of a problem. He shakes his head, taking a couple of steps back and freezing in his tracks upon noticing he just bumped into a person, the color draining from his face as firm hands grab his shoulders and Nyloth proceeds to tease him. 

You can find the complete story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56487253/chapters/143549401

What are some chronic illnesses that can only occur in a fantasy setting?

How to Craft a Compelling Morally Grey Character: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define the Character’s Core Traits

Identify Strengths and Virtues: List positive traits that make the character likable or admirable. These could include bravery, intelligence, loyalty, or compassion.

Identify Flaws and Vices: List negative traits that add complexity and realism. These could include arrogance, selfishness, impatience, or a propensity for violence.

Step 2: Establish Motivations and Backstory

Create a Detailed Backstory: Develop a background that explains why the character has their particular mix of virtues and flaws. Consider their upbringing, significant life events, and personal experiences.

Determine Core Motivations: Identify what drives the character. Is it revenge, love, ambition, survival, or something else? Motivations should be realistic and relatable.

Step 3: Develop Moral Ambiguity

Set Up Moral Dilemmas: Place your character in situations where they must make difficult choices with no clear right or wrong answer. These dilemmas should challenge their morals and reveal their complexity.

Showcase Contradictions: Allow the character to make decisions that might seem contradictory. For example, they might commit a crime to protect someone they love, revealing both a moral and an immoral side.

Step 4: Create Dynamic Relationships

Construct Meaningful Relationships: Develop relationships with other characters that highlight different aspects of your morally grey character. These relationships can help explore their multifaceted personality.

Use Relationships to Drive Conflict: Relationships can be a source of moral conflict and development. Conflicts with friends, family, or rivals can push your character to reveal their grey areas.

Step 5: Show Consequences and Growth

Illustrate the Impact of Actions: Show the real-world consequences of the character’s morally ambiguous decisions. This adds realism and stakes to the story.

Allow for Character Growth: Let your character evolve. They might become more virtuous or more corrupt over time. This evolution keeps the character dynamic and interesting.

Step 6: Balance Sympathetic and Unsympathetic Traits

Make Them Relatable: Ensure the character has traits or experiences that the audience can relate to or sympathize with, even if they do questionable things.

Maintain Complexity: Avoid making the character too sympathetic or too unsympathetic. The balance between good and bad traits should make the audience feel conflicted about the character.

Step 7: Use Subtlety and Nuance

Avoid Clear Labels: Do not overtly label the character as good or evil. Allow their actions and motivations to speak for themselves.

Employ Subtlety: Use nuanced behavior and dialogue to reveal the character’s moral complexity. Avoid heavy-handed exposition.

Step 8: Test and Refine

Seek Feedback: Share your character with others and seek feedback on their complexity and believability. Adjust based on constructive criticism.

Refine Motivations and Actions: Continuously refine the character’s motivations and actions to ensure they remain compelling and consistent throughout the story.

Example: Crafting a Morally Grey Character

Core Traits:

Strengths: Intelligent, determined, loyal.

Flaws: Arrogant, manipulative, vengeful.

Backstory:

Grew up in a tough neighborhood, witnessing crime and corruption.

Lost a loved one to a gang, fueling a desire for revenge.

Motivations:

Driven by a need to protect their remaining family and seek revenge.

Moral Dilemmas:

Joins a criminal organization to infiltrate it and bring it down from within.

Struggles with the ethical implications of committing crimes for a greater good.

Relationships:

Has a strained relationship with a sibling who disapproves of their methods.

Forms a complicated friendship with a morally upright police officer.

Consequences and Growth:

Faces the legal and emotional consequences of their actions.

Gradually questions their own morality and seeks redemption.

Balance:

Helps the community but uses unethical means.

Shows moments of kindness and ruthlessness.

Subtlety:

Reveals their inner conflict through small actions and dialogue.

Avoids overt explanations of their morality, letting the audience interpret.

By following these steps, you can create a compelling morally grey character that adds depth and intrigue to your story.

"White and rugged face Drizzt isn't real, he can't hurt you!" White and rugged face Drizzt:

WHY IS HIS SKIN LIGHTER THAN HIS VIOLET EYES!!! its as light as his white hair!!

It do be like that

Cutting parts out my WIP, but saving them for later.