Aust Nilo Backstory

Aust Nilo Detailed Summary:

Aust Nilo, a half-elf, was born and raised in Stygia, a town founded by a group of elves, humans, and dwarves who sought refuge from simultaneous destruction caused by a war. This diverse alliance settled in a fertile river delta nestled within a lesser-explored forest. Stygia's originators formed the Council of 3, consisting of leaders from each clan. Ivar Steelhead oversaw judiciary affairs, Torvor BlackIron managed city planning, and Aureala and Stariilion Nïlo, Aust's family, managed commerce.

The Nïlo family made a dark pact with a demon for immortality, at the cost of sacrificing half of Stygia's population. This pact was maintained through the intermarriage of the three heirs. However, tensions and greed nearly tore the families apart 350 years later, leading to a new pact sealed by the marriage of their children. Aust, Penelope (his wife), and Torvjorn (his husband) experienced a tragic incident during a forest picnic, resulting in Penelope's death and the shattering of the immortality pact. Aust was blamed and exiled, with his goal to fix the situation and resurrect Penelope.

Aust, with both elven and human lineage, learned fencing and magic while growing up. Being privileged, he had access to exceptional tutors and resources. Aust combined swordsmanship and magic, developing his sword-singer abilities to combat threats effectively.

Aust's decision to answer Ambrosia's call stems from his desire to revive Penelope and return home. This initially led him towards a chaotic neutral (almost evil chaotic) alignment, but interaction with a virtuous party has prompted a shift toward goodness, altering his motives and methods.

Penelope, a brilliant mage, formed an intellectual partnership with Aust and Torvjorn, though romantic feelings weren't a focal point. Her death during a picnic due to lightning, compounded by Torvjorn's unfortunate attempt to rescue her, marked the end of the immortality pact. Aust carries her preserved heart and brain, while the rest of her remains are kept at home.

Aust's time at the University saw him studying both legitimate subjects and forbidden necromantic arts. His clandestine activities attracted suspicion from Mayador, a high elf mage. Professor Felix, the headmaster, sensed potential in Aust and maintained correspondence with him. Aust's eventual expulsion due to necromancy led to Felix's employment offer, allowing him to continue studying.

Despite his 300-year lifespan, Aust's connection to historical events has kept him relatively isolated, simplifying his timeline. He is as old as the Kingdom he resides in.

Finally, Aust's journey includes a fascinating encounter with necromancy, his exile, academic pursuits, and the prospect of resolving the Stygia's family pact dilemma. The level of involvement his family and holdings have with Ambrosia remains open-ended, providing room for integration into the broader narrative.