Aurius
Character Overview
Aurius is a hyperactive snow fox cub who serves as a loyal companion to Temerity and a scout for the party, possessing a unique sensitivity to the voice of the goddess Auriel.
Biography & Personality
Aurius is a small, energetic snow fox cub with a tragic past, having witnessed the death of his parent at the claws of Ice Wolves in the Alpine Forest. Despite this trauma, he maintains a relentlessly enthusiastic and innocent demeanour, famously declaring Temerity his “best friend” almost immediately upon meeting him. He is highly excitable, prone to zooming around camp, and has a naive understanding of the world, once referring to Korako as “cock-a-doodle-doo”.
While often serving as a source of levity, Aurius has demonstrated a surprising spiritual connection. During the party’s ascent of the mountains near Mightrest, he acted as a conduit for the goddess Auriel, translating her whispers which guided the party through her trials. He is deeply attached to Temerity’s “menagerie,” often seen playing with Korako and Chikatika, or hiding behind Temerity’s legs when danger threatens.
Campaign History
- Entry 06 (Meeting the Party): Encountered the party in the Alpine Forest. He enthusiastically befriended Temerity and guided the group to the Ice Wolves’ cave, where he witnessed his parent’s carcass during the ensuing battle.
- Entry 07 (Gifts & Guiding): Received a custom Cloak Adorned with Snowflakes made by Temerity. He successfully guided the party through the mountains towards the Dragon’s Nest.
- Entry 08 (The Goddess’s Voice): At Auriel’s Wall, Aurius heard the voice of “the soft lady” (Auriel), relaying key words like “adventure,” “journey,” and “trust” to the party, which were essential for solving the mural puzzle and entering The Trial Chamber.
- Entry 09 (The Trial): During the trial within the amphitheatre and subsequent caverns, Aurius continued to hear the Lady’s voice, relaying that she called Lavender “friend” and urged the party to “trust,” leading to their escape on the invisible griffin Mathilda.
- Entry 15 (The Rage Rope): Assisted Temerity in a chaotic attempt to tie up Lavender with a rope to calm her rage outside Arcadia.
- Entry 18 (Waiting Room): Hid quaking behind Temerity’s legs during a confrontation with guards in the waiting room of the Mayor’s Mansion (Arcadia).
- Entry 20 (Meeting Anaphel): Was presented to the aasimar Anaphel.
- Entry 22 (Camp Life): Seen running playfully around Chikatika back at camp after the party retreated from the Mausoleum (Alpine Forest).
- Entry 33 (The Ship): While travelling on the Paddle Steamer, he played with Korako and was briefly separated from Temerity when the bard was thrown in the brig.
- Entry 34 (The Investigation): Sniffed out a suspicious door on the ship, sneezing and getting knocked back by the necrotic energy within, which helped the party locate the cursed courier Loraleia. He later led the group to the cargo hold.
- Entry 35 (The Lost Bag): Successfully identified the scent of Mary-Ann Mayfield’s missing bag on the ship, leading to the party’s introduction to her.
- Entry 38 (The Rescue): Alerted Temerity that their friends were in trouble (communicating via Runcible), prompting the rescue mission at the Onasea Sea Cave. He rode atop Temerity (in giant crocodile form) during the escape.
Key Relationships
- Temerity: His owner and “best friend.” Aurius is fiercely loyal to the bard, often perching on his shoulder or head.
- Korako: A close companion within the menagerie. Aurius often plays with the rabbit, though he has been known to be confused by him.
- Lavender: Aurius seems fond of the paladin, having snuggled her for comfort after the battle with the ice wolves.
- Auriel: Aurius shares a mysterious connection to the goddess, able to hear and interpret her divine whispers when others cannot.
Notable Equipment
- Cloak Adorned with Snowflakes: A small, custom-made fur cloak crafted by Temerity using off-cuts from the Clothier in Mightrest.