PURSUIT

; OF
TREASUR
E
BY JESSE DAVID
WIGGINS

In the realm of Athenae, where magic and mystery entwined with the echoes of
an ancient war, there roamed an enigmatic undead warrior named Static. His
body composed of ethereal flame; he donned a tattered cloak that danced in
the wind like the shadows of forgotten memories. He was a lawless thrill-
seeker, traversing the medieval world with a single purpose: to find his missing
sister, Luna.

Static's existence was a paradox, his form a testament to both his undying
nature and his yearning for something beyond the confines of his ethereal
prison. With every step, he was haunted by memories that had once eluded him,
now surfacing each night to remind him of his cryptic past. It was during these
nocturnal journeys into his own history that he discovered the truth of his
demise – a valiant warrior struck down in the ancient war against the tyrannical
dragons known as "The Shattering."
But Static was not alone in his quest. He had gathered around him a fellowship
of kindred spirits, each with their own shadowed pasts and morally ambiguous
outlooks on the universe. There was Drjo, a peaceful priestess with hidden
depths; Liang, a ruthless elf whose blade collection spoke of untold stories;
Dosyn, a sorceress bound by a vendetta against a kraken; Zi'ir, an enigmatic
warrior whose bloodlust was a reflection of his own inner turmoil; and Ruciel, a
roguish philosopher in search of the universe's elusive meaning.

Together, they became "The 7 Deadly Sins of Athenae," a band of companions

driven by shared desires for fame, wealth, property, and glory. As they
traversed ancient ruins and treacherous dungeons, they left their mark on the
world, forging alliances and battling foes.

Rosalia, an angelic figure of purity, and Ragewind, a chaotic ghost with a

mischievous streak, were among their allies, lending their unique strengths to
the group. Yet, their path was not without adversaries. Sir Lamphery, an evil
demon general, stood as a constant threat, his dark influence spreading like a
shadow.

But it was Belpheghor, the malevolent red dragon, who loomed largest in
Static's sights. A cold and calculated killer, Belpheghor sought gold and
information with an insatiable hunger. His nefarious army of fanatical villains,
led by the likes of the devoted cultist Lancaster and the cunning wizardly frog
Chogxarius, posed a formidable challenge to our intrepid band.

Valefor, a dragon who reveled in watching slaughter, and the lewd necromancer
Bezonian Blight further deepened the web of deception and danger. Balberith,
another dragon torn between loyalty and unintentional servitude, added yet
another layer of complexity to the tapestry of intrigue.

Static's journey was far from over, his search for Luna intertwined with a
battle against the forces of darkness that threatened to consume Athenae.
With his companions by his side, he would face formidable foes, confront his
own inner demons, and forge a destiny that would reshape the very fabric of the
medieval world they called home. And as their stories unfolded against the
backdrop of magic, mystery, and ancient lore, the echoes of the past would
guide them toward an uncertain future, where the line between good and evil
blurred like the shifting flames of Static's wry existence.

As the seasons passed and the winds of destiny carried "The 7 Deadly Sins of
Athenae" to far corners of the realm, their bonds grew stronger. Static, the
pessimistic undead warrior, found solace in the camaraderie of his companions.
While his memories continued to haunt him, the support of his friends acted as
a beacon of hope, illuminating the path ahead.

One moonlit evening, as the group rested in the tranquil heart of a dense forest,
Drjo approached Static. Her eyes, pools of compassion and understanding, met
his flickering flames. "Static," she spoke softly, "I know the weight of your
memories bears heavily upon you. But remember, our shared journey is a
testament to your resilience. Your past doesn't define you; it guides you."

Static's ember-like gaze softened, his cloak rustling in response to the gentle
breeze. "You've always seen beyond the flames, Drjo," he acknowledged, a hint
of gratitude in his voice. "Luna's absence is a void I can't escape, but you all
give me a reason to keep pushing forward."

With renewed determination, the fellowship continued their travels, drawn ever
closer to the heart of darkness where Belpheghor awaited. Each member honed
their skills, forged stronger connections, and uncovered new depths within
themselves. Liang's sword collection grew, bearing the marks of battles won and
adversaries vanquished. Dosyn's sorcery evolved, propelling her closer to her
goal of facing the kraken. Zi'ir's thirst for blood transformed into a righteous
fervor, channeled into protecting those who couldn't defend themselves.
Ruciel's philosophical inquiries began to reveal patterns in the chaos of the
universe.

Rosalia and Ragewind, their celestial and spectral allies, brought unique insights
to the group's strategies. Together, they discovered secrets of ancient
artifacts and deciphered cryptic prophecies, all leading them to confrontations
with the forces aligned against them.

In the heart of a forsaken wasteland, the fellowship encountered Lancaster,

the devoted cultist. Through fierce combat and unwavering determination, they
managed to uncover the glimmer of humanity beneath his fanaticism. Touched
by their compassion, Lancaster turned away from the path of darkness, choosing
instead to aid them in their quest to thwart Belpheghor's reign.

As their journey progressed, Chogxarius, the talking frog, was revealed to be a

creature of deep knowledge and wisdom. With his guidance, they learned of a
hidden weakness within Belpheghor's armor. Valefor, the dragon who reveled in
slaughter, was met with fierce resistance from within his own ranks, as the
seeds of doubt were sown by the unlikely alliance of Static's group.
Amidst the labyrinthine alleys of an ancient city, Bezonian Blight's desperate
pursuit of reviving his dead crush was unveiled as a tragic tale of longing and
regret. Touched by the sorrows of a life unfulfilled, the companions extended
an olive branch to Bezonian, who, in turn, offered his necromantic skills to aid
their cause.

Balberith's accidental favors to Belpheghor came to light, revealing the

intricate web of alliances and betrayals among the dragons. Static's
understanding of his past, gleaned from his resurfacing memories, proved to be
the key to unraveling the true nature of the dragons' feud.

The fellowship's relentless pursuit brought them face-to-face with Belpheghor

himself. In a cataclysmic clash of elemental fury and unyielding wills, they
battled the malevolent dragon and his army. The battlefield trembled under the
weight of their struggle, and as the fires of conflict roared, Static's memories
coalesced into a crystalline clarity.

Amidst the chaos, Static glimpsed the ethereal figure of his sister, Luna,
beckoning him forward. With renewed vigor, he pushed himself beyond his
limits, rallying his companions to stand united against Belpheghor's tyranny.

In a blinding surge of power, the tide turned. Belpheghor's dominion crumbled,

his army disbanded, and the dragons' hold over the land waned. As the dust
settled, Static stood before Luna, their reunion a testament to the resilience of
love and the indomitable spirit of hope.

Athenae basked in newfound tranquility, as the echoes of Static's journey

reverberated through the realm. The companions, forever united by their
shared trials, dispersed to forge their own destinies, leaving behind a legacy of
courage, camaraderie, and the unyielding pursuit of light amidst the shadows.
And while the world continued to turn, the story of Static and his companions
lived on as a timeless tale of redemption, friendship, and the enduring power of
the human spirit.

In the aftermath of Belpheghor's defeat, the land of Athenae found itself in

the fragile embrace of a newfound peace. The once malevolent dragon's reign of
terror had ended, replaced by an era of healing and reconstruction. Amidst this
transformed world, the complex emotions between Belpheghor, Ruciel, and
Static wove a bittersweet tale of love, heartache, and redemption.

Ruciel, the roguish philosopher, had always been drawn to the enigmatic allure of
Belpheghor. His charismatic presence and commanding aura had intrigued Ruciel,
even as he fought against the dragon's reign of darkness. However, it was
Static who had captured Ruciel's heart with his quiet strength and unyielding
determination. The undead warrior's ethereal flame and tattered cloak were
mere extensions of his inner complexities, and Ruciel had grown to admire
Static's resilience and depth.

As the years passed, Ruciel and Static's bond deepened, transcending

friendship to become a love that neither of them could deny. Yet, the shadows
of Belpheghor's past loomed over them, casting a pall of melancholy that
seemed impossible to escape.

Belpheghor, once a fearsome antagonist, had been stripped of his power and left
in a state of vulnerability. The battle had left him wounded, physically and
emotionally, his once formidable spirit now tamed by defeat. Seeking
redemption for his past transgressions, Belpheghor found an unexpected ally in
Ruciel. Their shared moments of reflection and understanding led to an
unexpected connection, one that ignited a spark between them.

Ruciel found himself torn between the two conflicting loves in his heart. Static,
the steadfast and enduring presence, had been his rock throughout their
journey. Belpheghor, now humbled and repentant, offered Ruciel a chance at
redemption and forgiveness, a chance to rewrite the narrative of his own tragic
past.

Static, ever the wry and introspective warrior, sensed the growing tension
within their trio. The memories of his own past and the trials they had faced
together weighed heavily on his shoulders. He knew that Ruciel was torn
between his feelings for both of them, and though it pained him, he couldn't
bring himself to stand in the way of Ruciel's search for happiness.

The love triangle reached its crescendo in a moonlit clearing, where the three of
them stood under the ancient trees. Ruciel's heart ached with the weight of his
decision, torn between the familiarity of Static's unwavering devotion and the
new-found connection he felt with Belpheghor, a once-unspeakable bond now
tempered by vulnerability.

Static's eyes flickered like embers, his voice tinged with sorrow as he spoke,
"Ruciel, our journey has been one of trials and triumphs. If your heart finds
solace in another's embrace, I cannot hold you back." His words were a painful
acceptance of their reality, a testament to his enduring love for Ruciel.
Belpheghor, his gaze soft yet haunted, added, "We are all creatures shaped by
our pasts, Ruciel. If you find a path to happiness, even with me, then I am willing
to grasp at that fragile hope."

Ruciel's heart ached as he gazed at the two figures before him. In that
moment, he realized that love could take many forms, that it was not bound by
the rules of the past or the expectations of society. With tears in his eyes, he
stepped forward, reaching out to clasp both of their hands in his own.

"Static, Belpheghor, you have both touched my heart in ways I never thought
possible," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I love you both, each
in your own unique way. And in this new world of possibilities, I choose not to
deny any part of myself."

The air was charged with tension as Static and Belpheghor stood facing each
other on the precipice of a crumbling cliff, overlooking a landscape scarred by
battles of old. The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow on their
fierce expressions.

Static's cloak billowed in the wind, his flames flickering with a mixture of
determination and sorrow. "Belpheghor, we've faced countless trials together,
but now our paths diverge. Ruciel's heart is not a prize to be won, but a choice
he must make freely."

Belpheghor's gaze was unwavering, his towering form radiating a sense of both
power and vulnerability. "I understand the depths of my past wrongs, Static.
But love is not bound by the limits of our former selves. I offer Ruciel a chance
at a different kind of future, one of redemption and understanding."

Ruciel watched from a distance, torn between the two beings who had become
entwined in his heart. His feelings were a swirling tempest, his love for both
Static and Belpheghor a tumultuous sea that threatened to engulf him.

"I will not stand by and let either of you dictate my heart's desires," Ruciel
declared, stepping forward, his voice laced with frustration. "I am my own
person, with my own choices to make."

Static's eyes softened, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and resolve.
"Ruciel, I've journeyed through shadows and light with you. My love for you is as
unyielding as the flames that make up my being. But if your heart finds solace
with Belpheghor, I won't hold you back."
Belpheghor's eyes gleamed with a glimmer of hope, his voice a quiet plea.
"Ruciel, I have changed, not for my own sake, but for the possibility of a future
where we could find understanding and companionship."

Ruciel's heart ached, torn between the past he had shared with Static and the
uncertain promise that Belpheghor represented. "I need time," he whispered,
his voice barely audible over the wind.

As the days turned into weeks, Ruciel found himself in a heart-wrenching

struggle. He spent hours in quiet contemplation, seeking guidance from the stars
and the whispers of the wind. Static and Belpheghor, each respecting his need
for space, watched from a distance, their emotions equally raw.

In the end, it was a single night under a sky studded with stars that led Ruciel
to his decision. He stood once again on the same cliff where the rivalry had
begun, his heart heavy yet resolute.

"Static, Belpheghor," he called, his voice carrying on the wind. "I have made my
choice."

Both figures emerged from the shadows, their gazes locked on Ruciel, their
expressions a mixture of hope and trepidation.

Ruciel took a deep breath, his voice steady as he spoke. "Static, you've been my
rock, my unwavering support. But Belpheghor's transformation has shown me
the possibility of change, of redemption. I choose to give him a chance, to
explore the uncharted waters of a new beginning."

Static's flames flickered, his eyes betraying a hint of sadness, yet his voice
held a note of understanding. "Ruciel, your happiness is what matters most to
me. If this is your choice, I will respect it."

Belpheghor stepped forward, his voice filled with gratitude and determination.
"Ruciel, I will spend every day proving myself worthy of your trust. Your heart's
choice is a precious gift, and I will not take it lightly."

As Ruciel embraced Belpheghor, he felt the weight of their shared history and
the promise of a future unknown. Love had tested them, torn at their hearts,
but in the end, it had guided them to a path of acceptance, forgiveness, and the
potential for a love that could transcend the boundaries of their past.
And so, beneath the watchful gaze of the moon and the stars, the story of
Static, Belpheghor, and Ruciel continued to unfold, a testament to the
complexities of love and the enduring power of the human heart.

As days turned into nights and the winds of change swept through the land,
Static found himself drawn to the enigmatic presence of Belpheghor. The
dragon's once-fearsome aura had softened, revealing layers of vulnerability and
a desire for atonement. Their shared history of conflict and the scars they
carried formed an unspoken bond between them, one that went beyond the
realms of friendship.

Belpheghor, too, found himself captivated by Static's quiet strength and

unwavering determination. The flames that danced upon Static's form mirrored
the fire in Belpheghor's own heart, igniting a connection that defied the
boundaries of their past. Together, they spent hours in quiet conversation,
exploring the depths of their emotions and unraveling the complexities of their
intertwined fates.

Ruciel, the roguish philosopher who had been a constant presence by Static's
side, could not help but feel a pang of jealousy as he witnessed the growing
connection between Static and Belpheghor. The once-solid bond they shared
seemed to shift, and Ruciel found himself cast in the shadow of their
burgeoning relationship.

His heart ached as he watched them, his mind torn between conflicting
emotions. He had always been there for Static, a pillar of support and
understanding. But now, as he observed the way Static looked at Belpheghor, a
pang of insecurity gnawed at him.

One evening, as the moon cast its silvery glow upon the land, Ruciel found
himself alone with Static. The air was thick with unspoken tension as they gazed
out over the landscape.

"Static," Ruciel began, his voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and
frustration, "I've stood by your side through battles and trials, through
darkness and light. But now... it feels like I'm losing you."

Static's flames flickered, his gaze searching Ruciel's eyes. "Ruciel, you've been
my anchor, my confidant. Our journey together has shaped me in ways I could
never have imagined. But Belpheghor... he has changed. And I find myself drawn
to him in a way I can't explain."
Ruciel's heart ached, his jealousy mingling with a sense of longing. "I don't want
to lose you, Static. Our bond... it's meant everything to me."

Static reached out, his hand gently touching Ruciel's arm. "Ruciel, you will never
lose me. Our connection runs deep, and nothing can change that. But I have to
follow my heart, just as you've always encouraged me to do."

As the days passed, Ruciel grappled with his emotions, torn between his desire
to support Static's happiness and the ache of his own jealousy. He watched as
Static and Belpheghor's relationship deepened, their shared moments becoming
more intimate and intense.

But amidst the turmoil of Ruciel's heart, a realization began to dawn. The
strength of his feelings for Static ran deep, and he couldn't stand idly by,
allowing jealousy to consume him. If he truly cared for Static, he had to
confront his own emotions and find a way to overcome his insecurities.

One night, as the moon hung low in the sky, Ruciel sought out Static and
Belpheghor. The air was heavy with anticipation as he stood before them, his
voice steady yet vulnerable.

"I've been struggling with my own feelings," Ruciel confessed, his gaze
alternating between Static and Belpheghor. "I've watched the two of you grow
closer, and I've felt a mix of jealousy and longing. But I've come to realize that
my own emotions are a reflection of how much you both mean to me."

Static and Belpheghor exchanged glances, their expressions a blend of surprise

and understanding.

"Ruciel," Static began, his voice soft, "our connection is unbreakable. But my
feelings for Belpheghor... they've become a part of who I am."

Belpheghor nodded, his gaze gentle. "Ruciel, your friendship has been a guiding
light for both of us. I never intended to come between you and Static."

Ruciel's heart swelled as he looked from one to the other. In that moment, he
realized that his jealousy had been a reflection of his own fear of losing the
bonds that meant so much to him.

"Static, Belpheghor," Ruciel said, his voice filled with resolve, "I don't want to
stand in the way of your happiness. I've learned that love is not something to be
possessed, but something to be nurtured and cherished. I want both of you to
find that happiness, and I'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Static and Belpheghor shared a knowing glance, their hands reaching out to
clasp Ruciel's in a gesture of unity.

"Ruciel," Static said, his flames flickering with warmth, "your understanding and
acceptance mean the world to me. Our bond is unbreakable, and together, we'll
navigate the complexities of love."

And so, beneath the moonlit sky, the three of them stood as a testament to the
power of friendship, love, and the capacity to overcome jealousy and insecurity.
As they moved forward, united by their shared experiences and the strength of
their emotions, they embarked on a journey that would shape their destinies in
ways they could never have imagined.

(I am releasing a sourcebook of homebrew and cleaned up content called

“Belpheghor’s Book of Bounties” on August 17th at # announcements of Alt-alt
athenae!!!1!! It will have 6 subclasse s for base classes, a ne w bloodhunter
subclass alongside more concise versions of the previou s two, 40 spells,
reworked monk & battlerager, and a clas s to play around with! See you there!!
11!!!11111!!!!)