Plus Five Charisma

PLUS FIVE CHARISMA
FIRST ISSUE
MAGAZINE

Plus Five Charisma
FIRST ISSUE

Credits:

Editor in Chief

Carlos Julian Ramirez

This Tiefling is an Aberrant Mind Sorcerer. No one knows Instagram: @ohheyitskaylak
the source of his powers. He changes the story every time
Art by: Kayla Kinsey
he's asked.

• Perhaps a deadly encounter with an Aboleth left his mind
scarred.

• Perhaps his imaginary friend as a child gifted him his
powers.

• Perhaps a Mind Flayer tadpole invaded his brain and
created the source of his powers.

He uses a deck of Tarot Cards as his Spell Casting Focus.
Each of his cards indicates the spell that will be casted.

4

Contents:

Page 6 The Black
Door

Page 10 The Last Stand

of the 8th Brigade

Page 14 I have a
Confession

Page 18 The
Phenvalari

5

Page 22 The god of
Page 24 Undeath
Page 32
Page 34 The Elven
Page 38 Liberator

Unholy
Union

The Hunt of
a Century

The eyes of the
Basilisk

The Black
Door

Art By: Murillo Soares

musoares.artstation.com

7

Tyrence watched the black door at the end of
the long hall, tugging his shirt’s collar as he did.
Tyrence watched the black door at the end of the long hall,
tugging his shirt’s collar as he did. “Tyrence?” His father was
standing behind him. He was a tall and broad man with a usually
stern face. “What are you looking at?”

Tyrence pointed at the end of the hall and turned when he saw the
confusion on his father’s face. The door was gone. “There was a
door there, I’m sure of it.” His father shook his head. “Come son,
Master Woodrow is waiting for you to begin the lesson.”

•••

Master Woodrow was a skinny man, who wore red robes. “Come
now, Master Tyrence, I’ve set up this nice piece for you to paint.”

The piece was a still life of a creeping lily in a black pot with roots
hanging over the edge like tentacles. Tyrence frowned at the
comparison in his mind. His arm made long and confident strokes
on the canvas before him. After an hour, Master Woodrow
approached him and sighed. “Young Master Tyrence. While I do
not mind you taking a few artistic liberties, you could have at least
tried to depict the flower.”

Tyrence blinked at the canvas that was painted with a single large
black rectangle. “I-I’m sorry, I thought I—”

“It’s quite alright,” Master Woodrow said as he removed the
canvas. “Though next-time try to be even a little truthful to the
subject.”

“So you painted a big black rectangle?” Emilia, Tyrence’s closest
friend asked. “Have you heard about the sickness to the north?”

Tyrence did, or he knew of it. Apparently, those affected went
violently insane, but also intelligently organized. The infected
operated like an army. In fact, they were treated like one. “My
brother wants to enlist in the war. I’m not sure if I want him to go
but even if he does, he’ll be fine. Won’t he?”

8

Art By: Phill Berry Nature has chosen one of their elements to live amongst
humans.
Instagram: @phill_art
Fire has been given human form and sent to live amongst the
smaller races in order to understand whether or not they
represent a real threat to nature.

The Black Door 9

Tyrence remembered Emilia weeping for the life of her brother. How can I remember Written By:
something that hasn’t happened? Micahll

•••

“Oi! Tyrence, wake up!” Tyrence woke to a man in the grey uniform of a plague-soldier and
the shaking of a van travelling over rough terrain. “I was having a wonderful dream.” He said
as he gazed down at his own uniform. How long his it been since I last saw Emilia? Her
brother never did return from the north. And the war never ended, only grew. And yet after all
these years they still didn’t know what caused the disease.

“I think we’re getting close,” The soldier beside him said. “I think—” A crash sent the van
flying. Tyrence was in the dirt. There were screams all around him as tentacled creatures leapt
into the faces of his fellow soldiers. His blood ran cold as he ran from the carnage. He froze
when he saw a black door in the midst of it all. He watched it as a hand gripped his shoulder.
His father stood behind him. He glanced back at the black door at the end of the long hall.

“Tyrence?” He pulled away. “This isn’t right. Something’s wrong!” He ran towards the door
and grabbed the knob. “Tyrence! Leave the door! Master Woodrow is waiting for you! You
love his lessons don’t you?”

“No,” He said. “I loved his lessons.” He opened the door and stepped into the darkness. Then
he was in the dirt. Bullets flew all around him. He looked at his hands and they were covered in
blood. Beneath was the corpse of a plague-soldier. “What?”

ANOTHER ONE HAS BROKEN THE COLLAR. THIS ONE AGAIN? YOUR WILL IS
STRONG.

A voice boomed in his head. An image flooded his mind and he knew what it was. How had he
forgotten. The creature had a slimy, tentacled head. It was a giant clad in red robes seated on a
colossal throne. It gazed at him with glowing white eyes.

I WILL FORGIVE YOU AS I ALWAYS HAVE, NOW, RETURN TO MY SERVICE—SLAVE

•••

Tyrence stood at the end of the long hall, watching the black door. He tugged at the collar of
his shirt as he did.

10 The Last Stand of the 8th Brigade

"No," she tells Leon, "we stay, and we fight. We are
outnumbered, but have the greatest soldiers on the
continent. Thousands died to capture this post, I'm
willing to lose hundreds to keep it."

"Ester, now" he urges. The battle is one that will be remembered for centuries.
Despite being hopelessly outnumbered the legionaries
As soon as the words leave his mouth his eyes shoot were successful at holding off the first elven push.
open, realizing the informal address he'd given her. Several fireballs blasted on a single section of their
shield wall cracked their defenses though, and a second
"Er, Commander Myre. My apologies." Easing his push made it into the outpost. The strength in numbers of
concerns, Ester steps up beside him with a smirk. the elves shone clear now.

"Very well, Leon. I suppose I'll go check our issue now, Ester and Leon, the best of the bunch, avid sparring
if you would treat me to a walk there." He nods, and partners since their time in the academy, stood side by
begins walking rapidly towards the northern wall of the side weaving through swords and spears and felling
outpost. targets with deadly precision.

She stands at the wall and looks out to the frozen tundra Ester looked around, the tide was turning in their favor.
that the entire Brigade has grown accustomed to in the Few legionaries remained, but there were also few Elves
past several months. However, there is a new sight left to fight as well.
amongst the fields of snow as well.
Ester turned to Leon with a confident grin as he turned
"By the Gods", Ester whispers under her breath. and matched her expression. It would be his mistake
however, because as he turned a spear was dug into his
A gargantuan force of Snow elves could be spotted near side, pulling him away from Ester where he was cut
the horizon, easily outnumbering the 8th Brigade five to down by their blades.
one, or even more.
Ester hardly remembers what happened next. All she
Ester turns to Leon, "The reinforcements, when are they knows is that she stands bloody, holding a beaten and
supposed to be here?" battered flag of the Empire. A sign of triumph and
He gives her a grim look, "a week, give or take. Too victory over the elves, and successfully defending
long. We need to retreat." Chillgate Garde. But, at the cost of her Brigade and her
oldest friend. She cannot weep, she must remind herself
She turns back to the force outside of the outpost. of her training.

Chillgate Garde is a crucial position for the Empire to "No cost is too great to preserve the might of the
hold, it had taken nearly two Brigades worth of Empire."
Legionaries to control this position, and it provided an
incredible tactical advantage due to its deep location Written By: Sauerkraut
within the Tundra.
Discord: sauerkraut#1018
Chillgate Garde could not be lost.

The Last Stand of the 8th Brigade 11

Art By: Robusta Art

Instagram: @RobustaArt
Twitter: @RobustaArt

12

Art By: Pavel Kunc Cursed by a gift given to her by a loved one.

Patreon.com/rudokstavern The object forever altered her appearance by changing her
skin color, and growing horns on the top of her head.

She is still very beautiful despite her demonic looks,
although she has trouble believing in that herself.

She reminisces of the time when she was not seen as a
demon or a monster.

Brought to the Material Plane without any reason given to
him.

Despite his appearance, he posseses a warm and gentle soul,
that of a wise teacher.

Nature seems to grow abundant and creatures surround him
and protect him.

He longs to go back to his world and realizes this might be a
task he might never achieve.

Instagram: @tomas.duchek

Art By: Tomáš Duchek

I HAVE A
CONFESSION

Written By: E.J. Tollie

Discord: garbage#6481

I Have A Confession 15

Art By: Anna Giovannini

AnnaGiovannini.weebly.com

16 I Have A Confession

Deep in the veins of the Cloud-Claw Anyways, this dragon thing is a problem. I guess I kinda
mountains, a brooding dragon slumbers. inherited my dad's anger and bloodlust and insecurities.
Abadash will go down in history as one of
the most fearsome dragons to ever roam There are times, almost as desirable as hunger, where I
the realms. just wish I could wield power so great and devastating
as him. I don't know why, because I really don't want to
Abadash is bigger than anything in the skies. His wings hurt people, and I really, really don't want to hurt you.
are the size of two large houses, and a single claw longer
than any walking stick. More than any of his impressive I've told you before how I've wanted to feel what it would
physical traits was his pure, undaunted desire for be like to have power like a true dragon. My journey still
destruction and power. is to discover that power and wield it to stop my father.

A brief recount of his conquests: Not because I want the power myself. I don't want my
wings the size of houses, I want them the size of homes.
A dozen military grade ships turned into charcoal
and their occupants cooked to medium-well, a bit OK, I know you're rolling your eyes, Callie. Don't look
overdone for shark pallets. at me! Keep reading. Please. I know I should have told
Nine towns turned to ash and memories you sooner. I'm sorry.
Eight barracks
Three large cities We agreed to no more secrets after the spy incident.
The capital cities of the neighboring largest nations Again, that's why I didn't have have problem trying to
and a grouse in a pyrus tree. eat Hagen, he tried to betray us, but I get it!

All this destruction and all this lust for power all started I understand you don't want me to keep brining that up. I
when he was young and it just kept growing as he did. probably should have told you this like two years ago
when we agreed to start adventuring together, but better
Of course in the grand lottery of genetics and family late than never right?
lineage he, Abadash, is my father. Wow, that feels nice to
finally get that off my chest. Like, I knew you knew Sincerely, your friend with an appetite for destruction.
something was off about me ever since I suggested we at
least try eating Hagen after he died on us. P.S. I really don't want the whole "world ending desire"
thing to overshadow the "like-like you" thing so circle
I also know that this isn't probably what you were one?
expecting, in terms of my explanation of "well, I am the
way that I am", but-- like, I dunno, Callie, I like you. Like you. Or Like-like you.

I don't mean like-like you, but I do like you, but also
please tell me if you like-like me, no reason, just curious.

A Vampire nurse that specializes in the medicine of Dragons
and Aberrations. A tad eccentirc and antisocial, she is
unable to understand human emotions. She is fascinated
with having a deeper understanding of large monsters.

Art By: Igor Lomov

Instagram: @Blik_47

18 The Phenvalari

Art By: Nikita Orlov Phenvalari - mythical creatures to some, luxury to others.
They once had a species that would roam the oceans freely,
Instagram: @bloodynik_art with many underwater cities that would dwarf the ones built
on ground, but alas, not everything is built to last forever.

The Phenvalari 19

The Phenvalari are being hunted to extinction, as only a few of them remain free, in secluded Written By:
settlements, far from the land-dwellers. Alex Chibedi

Why are they so wanted? Some say their songs can heal a thousand illnesses at once and bring
you to the peak of happiness in an instant, while others want them for their precious blueblood
and their expensive tails.

Blueblood is a substance most peculiar, hardening in contact with the open air and becoming
worthless clumps of blue crystal.

By being kept in water, or diluted in a different solution, the liquid stays in its original form,
being used for potions and rituals which can grant one power, longevity and wits like no other.

The last great Phenvalarian city is Loes-Halmatt, a fortress which has been containing their
civilization for the last 300 years.

Within its walls, the society prospers as much as it can: food is scarce, as hunting grounds are
significantly diminished, and the population growth has been slowing down, as their once free-
roaming lives have been turned into sedentary ones, closed within the confines of safety. Still,
some venture out, even close to shore, in search of adventure, food, and even lost ones, as the
Phenvalari have a great spirit of family, mourning their dead for decades after their passing
and venerating them.

That’s what attracted Vella to her current situation now: her lover, hooked by a hunting ship
during one of their expeditions, was being pulled away. She tried to free him, but all she could
do is follow the ship for miles and miles, as her soulmate bled to death, leaving a trail for her
to follow.

Now, upon reaching the coasts, she found herself in a kind of place where she had never been
before, one of which her ancestors would tell her about, and she finally saw land for the first
time.

Her exhausting journey reaped every power out of her body, and as she fell to rest on one of
the rocks, she drifted to sleep. That’s all she remembers before feeling the cold grasp of the
iron collar around her neck and hearing the rattling of the chains.

“Are these… land-dwellers?” she thought, “How interesting they are…”.

Art By: Pavel Kunc The queen and descendant of a great powerful and rich
family is not who it seems to be.
Patreon.com/rudokstavern
A changeling has taken over the Dwarven Kingdom and
posed as their Queen.

As far as the Dwarves are concerned, their Queen is the
one currently leading them as they focus on digging
towards the world's core

The changeling has infiltrated the Dwarven Throne in Art By: Pavel Kunc
order to make sure the Dwarves don't reach the core of
the world. Patreon.com/rudokstavern

A powerful magical source awaits them. Such magic has
known to cause countless wars and devastation many
millenia ago.

It is not known what the changeling did with the
Dwarven Queen.

The God
of Undeath

Written By: Jose Luis Ramirez

In the land of The Forgotten Realms where Upon meeting Mors, she sighed at his boring game.
undead are common and immortality is Other children who played seemed to go to sleep and
obtainable, many search for that which not wake up. Needless to say Rita preferred a more
even more fear: Death. engaging activity.

The pilgrimage to the underworld is a treacherous one Mors tried every which way to convince the young Rita
for the living, but for those seeking death, it's their of death but she saw right through his obvious lies. To
salvation. her, death was no game but a punishment for naive
children.
Deep at the core of the underworld lays the tomb of
Mors (The God of Death). In a rebellious spirit, the child claimed that since death
was so boring, that she wanted to be the opposite of
Unlike the many stories told by mortal beings, Mors is him. Using some of the bones near his tomb, Rita made
but a neutral arbiter, randomly and indiscriminately herself a crown, proclaiming herself as The God of
choosing his victims. However, those unable to die and Undeath.
with the wish of death can make their way towards the
tomb and beg for Mors to grant them their wish. Mors like a conservative father, was unable to stop her
from doing this. Rita ventured out from the underworld
Surrounding the tomb lays a heap of bones of many spreading her cause. Being undead was indeed the best
whom have made such journey where ultimately Mors way to spend your afterlife.
kindly granted their wish.
She spends her days guiding the undead across nature,
Among the endless abyss of bones, run the small bodies turning animals into undead using the same magic the
of undead children. Mors can’t bring death to the ancient witch used on her, spreading her undead-ness
undead unless they themselves wish for it. He is tortured to other creatures.
by the countless skeletons of children running around
playing, not knowing that they are unable to die. Mors lives eternally cursed, knowing that Rita is
somewhere still unable to die.
As painful as it is, even Mors brings death to these kids
by convincing them that to die is just another game they While tragic to him, Rita happily spends her days
can play. All the undead kids usually fall for such tricks playing as the one and only God of Undeath.
but young Rita was not one of those kids.

A young five year old Rita was cursed by an ancient
witch in the era of dragons a few millennia ago, turning
her into a living skeleton, unable to die. Since then she
roamed the world meeting many other undead, all
whom told her of Mors and his game of death.

The God of Undeath 23

Art By: Jake Siano

Instagram: @Zhjake

24 The Elven Liberator
Art By: Igor Lomov

Instagram: @Blik_47

25

The Elven
Liberator

Written By: Alex Chibedi

Andalara was born to humble beginnings, to When they saw the orcs' attack, their elven cunningness
a loving family. allowed them to scorch the earth before their arrival,
burning Andalara’s family house and fields. Left in the
She was the big sister, tasked with taking ashes, all the orcs could do was starve.
care of the house, the animals, and her
younger siblings. Soon, the orcs reached them, murdering her family and
beating her to a pulp, but just enough to let her see all
When times were rough, they starved, when times were that they were doing to her kin. She laid there, in the
good, they reaped bountiful harvests and lavished in the ashes of her house and the blood of her family.
gifts their homeland offered. “Nothing more than
commoners.” is what she had been told all her life. But What was she to do? She wanted to go get help, as her
commoners are usually the victims of the highest reasoning was coming back to her little by little, so she
injustices of all, and they fall prey to the interest of the wandered. She would scream, and with each cry for help,
ones above them far too often. a part of her soul would break. “Help me, please!” she
would yell with all her strength. With no answer. “They
An orcish horde was at the doorstep of the Kingdom, and killed them” she would yell, as her heart began filling
all the royal family could do is argue over who would with rage and sorrow. “Help me bury them!” she
take the lead and help defend against them: they would be screamed once more, but no one would answer, so she
too late for that. kept walking.

It is not known why Dragons decided to leave the Material
Plane leaving their hordes behind.

26 Some stories mention that their Goddess called upon them,
some believe that the smaller races slayed them all to

harvest their precious parts.

However, some believe that they never left at all. That they
currently live amongst us, we just need to pay closer
attention.

Art By: Anna Giovannini

AnnaGiovannini.weebly.com

Soon enough, she stopped saying anything altogether, And so, Andalara crumbled with dismay and sadness,
wandering the ravaged lands of the realm she once lived and she became filled by the power none could hold
in, but she kept walking, with a blackened heart. against her anymore: Suffering.

“Why do you not ask for help any longer?” a voice She never stopped roaming the Earth, when she
thundered through her head. “Have you given up hope?” encountered a soul, she would no longer ask for help, but
the voice asked. “I want them to suffer, just as I did.” would simply destroy it, lock it in itself and corrupt it
Andalara answered, her voice spilling with rage. beyond any pain imaginable, and those souls would
follow her around like faithful minions. None could resist
“Who, the orcs?” her, neither the orc chieftain, nor the elvish king. No
matter their status, their strength, ambitions or fame,
“No. All of them.” now they all walked behind her, just as she did, but none
would hear their cries for help. She had liberated them.

27

The Vulture's Grift has lured many adventurers. Legend has
it that the Feather will grant any wish its owner desires.

However, in reality, the only magical property of the item is
that it only appears to be what it is but it isn't. The Vulture's
Grift takes the form of whatever image you have of it in your

head. Driving adventurers mad for time to come.

Art By: Igor Lomov

Instagram: @Blik_47

Art By: Tomáš Duchek

Instagram: @tomas.duchek

The Pilgrimage has begun. Races from
every corner in the realm must travel to
Origin, the place where the Gods were
born and gave life to the realm.

Art By: Kayla Kinsey

Instagram: @ohheyitskaylak

Some of the greatest strides towards race equality in the However, justice is a word whose definition has been
realm has been done by these two. slightly altered by the demon temptress. Both the
temptress and the Bard used to work together for a
The young charismatic bard, willing to sacrifice common goal, however, their friendship has been torn
everything for the benefit of others. Convincing even the apart due to the way thy handle justic matters.
most stubborn warrior to fight for equality.
The temptress can be quite radical in their pursue for
Not many get to charm the kingdom's executioner and change. Patience is definitely not her virtue. She
get away with murder. acquires warriors and followers seeking instant
gratification and immiediate change and promises a
Although crime is not past the Bard, they strive for world where we can all be equal.
justice as much as possible.

The unicorn horn allows its owner to summon souls from
the underworld and commune with them.

The horn grants its user a Unicorn Steed that can travel
directly to the Underworld and back to the Material plane

The horn amongst its many uses grants its owner a longer
and prosperous life, about 3 times longer.

The horn cannot just be taken from the Unicorn. The
Unicorn must gift it to you.

Art By: Arnaud Pheu Instagram: @arnaud_pheu

Instagram: @Mrzpnss The Black Naga Spine is a beautiful magic item that adjust
to the body of its wearer.
Art By: Marzipaniss
The skin wraps around its wearer giving them Poison and
Charm Immunity. Its wearer can now speak Abyssal.

If the wearer ever dies while wearing the spine, they will
return back to life in 1d6 days.

The wearer can cast the any following once per day:
Lightning Bolt (at 5th level), Water Breathing, Blight (at
5th Level), Dimension Door, Dominate Person (at 5th
Level)

Unholy Union

Written by: Faakhirinam

Art by: Robusta Art

Instagram: @RobustaArt
Twitter: @RobustaArt

A power-driven man finally sees his opportunity
to take the throne.

For the prince this means giving up the throne since
marrying outside your own race isn’t acceptable for any heir
looking to take the throne.

His brother, and current king, currently lays sick as a result
of the Orkish Plague. The heir to the throne is young and
naive and will go above and beyond to save his father before
the Orkish Plague consumes him.

Rumours of the cure of the Orkish Plague begin to rise and
they aren’t good news for the young heir. In order for the
Orks to give up the cure, the young prince must marry an
Ork warrior.

The power-driven uncle manipulates the young prince into
the marriage. The young naive heir accepts to marrying the
Ork warrior in order to save the sick King.

The power-driven uncle betrays the young prince and orders
for his immediate arrest. The Ork warrior is caught in the
line of fire.

Blood is spilled from both sides.

As he sat with the ork in his lap, he drew the sword, with
tears in his eyes. The soldiers moved forward to arrest him
from all sides. Their shadows shrouded the prince when the
bells of the city began to ring.

The king is dead.

34 The Hunt of a Century

Finally, tired and bruised, she looked at her kill and the
corner of her mouth turned into a smile.

Art By: Igor Lomov

Instagram: @blik_47

The Hunt of a Century 35

Written By: Alex Chibedi

Kabhakaba She has every trait a natural born trophy hunter ought to
have: agility, strength and most importantly, unwavering
The town of Kabhakaba, often called the suspended courage and determination.
metropolis, is a thriving community in the heart of the
Olo’nuavi Jungle. Under the tutelage of her old master, she’s found that
she’s not only a talented trophy hunter, but that she could
With hospitable land being hard to find in the middle of a also become one of the greatest that ever lived.
crowded tropical jungle, the inhabitants of Kabhakaba
have resorted to making their houses in trees, much like Now Cara is on her way to be remembered in history,
the apes that once inhabited the area, that have since tracking the greatest beast known to the Khabakabans,
become common pets to the folk of the town. the Khan of the Apes, or just ‘Khan’, as the townsfolk
refer to him. Many call her mad, suicidal, or even
The people of Khabakaba, even though adventurous and delusional, but some know Cara can do it.
agile as the apes they keep as company, mainly focus on
gathering various plants that grow in the lush rainforest, The Hunt of a Century
hunting the animals which roam in, above and below the
trees and exporting various luxuries, such as cocoa beans Trees so tall that they brush against the sky, sun and
and expensive pelts for a huge profit. moon; mazes of tall grass and jungle vines; hazards at
every step: such is the territory of these apes.
Trophy Hunters
Her fate was to be written in these lands. As soon as
With the use of bows, spears, javelins and an immense she saw The Khan, their eyes met, and the battle was on:
variety of traps, the trophy hunters of Khabakaba track the behemoth charging at her, taking down trees as he
and take down all kinds of beasts with an overwhelming moved, making even the earth shake with his roar.
rate of success, making them renowned in the whole
world. Cara flew above the jungle floor using vines, grappling
herself with metal hooks to the enormous trees all while
Roaming in parties, and even sometimes alone, these peppering the beast with arrows and throwing spears.
trophy hunters hunt the most dangerous creatures the The battle raged on for hours, both exhausted and
jungle has to offer: packs of tigers so ravenous they wounded, but eventually, Cara took her last spear,
destroy entire villages, Bull Spiders the size of cattle and coached it in her armpit and launched straight towards
of course, Giant Gorillas that reach heights up to 60 feet the beast’s heart, puncturing it and making the 30 ton
tall. monster fall to the jungle floor, breaking everything in its
way.
Cara Anakan
Finally, tired and bruised, she looked at her kill and
Stemming from a bloodline of prestigious bounty hunters, the corner of her mouth turned into a smile. She was the
Cara has been taking down Bull Spiders since she was greatest trophy hunter of them all.
nine.



You encounter The Trap Meister, a prideful Instagram: @diogoyy
Rakshasa who has grown bored of how easy it is to
achieve his own goals. Art By: Diogo Yoshikawa
Manipulation is a part of every Rakshasa. Their
ability to outsmart the smartest of creatures has no
match.
The Trap Meister has grown bored of outsmarting
and conquering every challenge he has ran across.
Known for his expertise in traps and clever war
tactics, he is able to discern almost every challenge
presented to him.
He has currently chained his own self to the heart of
the jungle. The place where he intends to live for the
following 100 years, challenging the God of Nature
itself to see if they are capable of dealing with him.

Art by: Martin Sobr

www.MartinSobr.com

38 The Eyes of the Basilisk
Art By: Marzipanis

Instagram: @Mrzpnss

39

The Eyes of The
Basilisk

Written By: Micahll

Sarai stood over her unconscious body. It wore
an expression of worry as it clutched the
artbook on its stomach.

The fire she had lit for warmth made the shadows of her face
writhe terribly. She hardly recognized herself. But what she
recognized even less was her brother that lay dying beside
her. “Saiken!” She cried as she fell beside the boy. His face
was pale and his flesh burned. He shuddered violently in the
blankets that wrapped him. “Please!” she begged. “Show
me how to save him!”

“There is a priccce that must be paid.” The voice came as a
deep hiss. “I have nothing! They’ve taken everything from
me!” She turned to the Basilisk. It towered above her. Its
large head blocking a large part of the night sky. It pointed
its head towards her but kept its eyes shut. “No, they
haven’t.” A blast of wind forced Sarai’s eyes shut. When she
opened them, she fell to her knees.

40 The Eyes of the Basilisk

The sun shone into the palace and lit the marble pillars
lined with shimmering gold. She saw a girl from a better
time painting a writhing creature. An agoi. A snake that
was as long as ten men were tall with a head wider than
her chest. It had scared her at first but her father made

her feel safe.

A beatiful magical sword that when stabbed on the ground
creates a spring of fresh water for creatures to enjoy

Art By: Joshua Sunga

Instagram: @sungajosh

Art by: Dom Lay 41

IG: @LayeredPainter

The beautiful skyline of the Air Empire. Sarai’s heart leapt into her throat as she saw
Ships are pulled through the air with magic. the man. His dark hair gleamed like silk as he
watched the girl.
The city turns into a beautiful purple realm
when night comes. - “Why, why are you showing me this?” Sarai whimpered.
- “That’s right, paint from the shoulders.” The man said.
Magic doesn't allow anyone to leave until the - “I know, father,” the girl answered.
sun is out once again. - “You’re showing me.” the Basilisk hissed in her head.
- “You have good eyes Sarai, you see the Agoi as it is, and
not as it should be.” The man said.

Sarai’s stomach sunk. She knew what happened next.
“Please, don’t make me live this again.” A door opened.
- “My Sun,” the voice echoed.
No.
- “General Galin requests an audience.”
- “No,” Sarai muttered.
- “Tell uncle Galin he still owes me a ride.” The girl said.
- “Stop him.”
- “Yes, my little rose.”
- “No!”
Sarai Leapt towards them and landed on the dirt by her
dying brother.
- “What is the priccce?”

Sarai looked at her sleeping body and saw how it clutched
the artbook. “It’s all I have left,” she said weakly.

- “Ssso be it.” The Basilisk began to vanish.
Saiken convulsed in his sheets. Tears blurred Sarai’s vision.
- “Wait.” She said. “For the knowledge to save my brother’s
life, I offer my eyes.”

The Basilisk’s head appeared before her. “I accept,” it said,
and its eyes opened. Within them, Sarai saw the infinite sky.
And beyond that, she found all answers she sought.

She touched Saiken's forehead. He had yet to wake but he
would. She turned her head towards the sky and felt the sun
touch her skin. He will wake. She thought as she gazed
directly into the sun, seeing nothing. "That’s all that
matters."



Plus Five Charisma was created with the pure
intention of inspiring people to create and imagine
the greatest stories ever told. The official modules
and Dungeons & Dragons books aren't made for
everybody. They miss one important aspect, The
Visual Aspect.

Not everyone can learn and understand things by
reading, an image can speak one thousand words.
Take the image in this page. The mind begins to tell
endless possibilities in a world we do not yet know.
Who hides behind the mask? A man? A Woman? An
Elder? Perhaps it is a being of no specific age or
sexuality. Perhaps, it is an apparition with dons of
magic and mysticism as he takes us into a never
ending ritual of summoning our greatest fears before
us. Better yet, he will summon and show our greatest
successes as we need to confront them once again.
Perhaps in the darkness this figure is us. Thriving
for adventure, thriving to be wise and experienced.
Perhaps we have been battling ourselves this whole
time without knowing. Perhaps none of that matters.
At the end of the this is just a simple image with
countless possibilities.

The art inspires you to see beyond what you knew it
was possible, and because we realize this is a
powerful tool, we want to rebuild how Dungeons &
Dragons stories need to be told.

Art By: Diogo Yoshikawa Instagram: @diogoyy