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[attr="class","aurelie_body"]"Oh, shoot, Backgrounds!" Aurelie exclaimed, frowning and smacking the palm of her hand against her forehead in chagrin. "You did such a good job with inventing a rich, deep backstory for your character that I totally forgot! See, you're already proving to be a better player than I am, Isaac!"

Sliding back into lecture mode for a moment, Aurelie stood up straight and gestured toward the Players' Handbook. "So, backgrounds are basically the way the game expects you to fill out your character's past, like childhood experiences or education. They give you some extra skill proficiencies, maybe a language or two, some equipment, and sometimes a passive ability. They also have tables that let you either pick or roll for some colorful personality traits if you want, like ideals or flaws."

The red-haired smith broke into a smile and shrugged lightly. "I guess in your case, the backgrounds can be seen as more like a reward for coming up with such a great backstory. For most people, it's more of a way they get started thinking about where their character came from and how they started adventuring."

She frowned again and started looking through the basic list of backgrounds in the book, glancing back and forth occasionally from Isaac's half-filled out character sheet to the descriptions in the well-worn pages. "Hmmm, well, the ones listed in here are Acolyte—like, a religious acolyte at a temple—Charlatan, Criminal, Entertainer, Folk Hero, Guild Artisan, Hermit, Noble—definitely not Tarkus—Outlander, Sage, Soldier, and Urchin. I'm pretty sure there are more out there, but we can also just adapt and customize these basic ones to fit Tarkus, probably."

Pursing her lips in thought, Aurelie rapidly perused the list while trying to remember everything that Isaac had said while coming up with his character. "I really like Charlatan and Entertainer for Tarkus, I think. Oh, look, Entertainer even has a Gladiator variant, which sounds a lot like what you were saying about having him do flashy stage fights!

"Oh, and if you take Entertainer, it automatically gives you Performance as a skill proficiency, so you'd also get to pick another proficient skill from the Rogue list. You also get Acrobatics," she added conscientiously. "For Gladiator, we can swap out the musical instrument parts for a weapon or just unarmed combat. You also are able to use disguise kits—sure, that makes sense if you need to put on makeup or fake blood or something—and..."

At the Equipment list, Aurelie couldn't help snickering a little. "Oh man, so your Equipment can be a costume, some money, and also 'the favor of an admirer'." Laughingly, she read the suggestions aloud. "Like a lock of hair, love letter, or trinket. That's such a cute image! The big, tough half-orc always carrying around a fan's misspelled, impassioned love letter about how they love watching him beat up other fighters."

Then she waved her hand lightly and straightened back up from reading the handbook. "But that's just what I think would fit him. You should look over the backgrounds here and pick something that would actually suit your vision of Tarkus. The description of the Entertainer makes him sound a lot more attention-seeking than maybe you'd want him to be. Charlatan might also work really well, since it's about deceiving and tricking people, but the overall feel is much less flamboyant or attention-hungry."

Aurelie cleared her throat, feeling like she had once more done far too much talking. She nodded toward the dice lying near Isaac and suggested a little more diffidently, "There's also tables of personality traits that you can roll for, if you want. It's not mandatory, but it can be fun to roll. Or just to pick and choose what you like out of them! Or disregard them entirely. It's up to you, since the game definitely doesn't mechanically require these things before you start playing.

"And then after you pick a background that you like..." She cleared her throat, feeling a little self-conscious for the first time. "Then we can start on Tarkus' first adventure! I, uh, just have a very basic starter adventure in mind that I usually use for new players. It's really simple and not, you know, like a grandiose adventure sort of thing, but hopefully you'll at least get some idea of how the game plays out."

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[attr="class","aurelie_body"]Aurelie nodded and listened to Isaac's finishing thoughts on his character's background with an amused grin, not hiding how pleased she was at how much he was getting into the game so far. Of course, she wasn't anything close to a licensed therapist, who could get Isaac to open up and heal psychologically in a beneficial, balanced way. Still, this had to be better than him finding solace at the bottom of a bottle or even in hitting some hot metal with a big hammer.

At least, Isaac looked bright-eyed and engaged right now. And who knew, maybe he might even think more about this character he'd dreamed up and play it for real in another game. That would certainly be cute to see!

The red-haired smith frowned a little when he suggested sticking with a musical instrument instead of an exotic gladiatorial weapon as part of his equipment package, though. "I think the image of him having a little flute or ocarina is charming, but I feel like that's more in the spirit of a musical performer like a minstrel, not a fighting-club or gladiatorial-arena entertainer.

"Also," and here she tapped her nose and winked playfully, "you'd be missing out on your character getting an inexpensive but awesome gladiatorial weapon like a trident, weighted net, whip or spear! But I also know the rules technically say 'you can replace the musical instrument', not 'you have to'.

"So," Aurelie concluded with an air of generous magnanimity and a benevolent toss of her head, "I suppose I'll let it slide. For now." She grinned.

Otherwise, she was perfectly happy to have him record the treasured note from an adoring young fan as his keepsake audience favor. It was a sweet idea, and somehow very fitting for Isaac. He did seem like someone who lived his whole life trying to make his own younger, more innocent self proud.

When he asked Aurelie if she'd be playing a character too, it actually struck her as a genuinely insightful question, rather than a naïve newbie's query. Of course, usually a Game Master or Dungeon Master didn't pilot a character of their own, because they had their hands full managing the player characters, NPCs, and overall storyline of the campaign. However, this roleplaying game was supposed to be a social experience where a party of adventurers possessed different but complementing traits and skills, so that they all had something unique and useful to offer in almost any situation.

Isaac, playing alone, wouldn't have any of that. Tarkus would be a rogue without any healing support, magical backup, or heavily armored front-line defender to help him. His unprecedentedly amazing stats would probably make up for some of that—but probably not all of it.

"You know, that's a great question. And a good point too," Aurelie responded thoughtfully, keeping all these things in mind. "Of course, it wouldn't be fair to participate fully in the game with a character, since I already know everything that's going to happen and so on. But I think it totally makes sense for Tarkus to have a traveling companion on the road!

"But...maybe not a particularly communicative or powerful one," she concluded. "And for that, I have a stand-in character I used to play whenever a player from my group couldn't make it and we needed a fourth party member. Introducing Elgo, a taciturn gnome illusionist wizard who barely speaks any Common but is willing to help out people in need!"

She spread her arms wide in a 'Ta-da!' gesture. "Maybe in Tarkus' case, Elgo also was part of the traveling circus and helped with his 'great escape' after Tarkus refused to take a dive onstage, since the gnome took a liking to the ambitious and strangely honorable half-orc. Considering that this game's purpose is mostly to teach you how to play, I think it makes sense to involve another character to round out the group a little, but not take center stage."

Aurelie flashed a grin at Isaac. "There! Seem fair to you? Or would you prefer not to have a random non-Common-speaking gnome at Tarkus' side and have him go it alone? I don't have to play a character alongside you, but even a half-orc with incredible starting stats might need some illusory backup every now and then!"

[attr="class","cred"]VEL OF PIXEL PERFECT

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[attr="class","aurelie_body"]On one hand, Aurelie could intellectually understand where Isaac was coming from with his preference for a little flute or ocarina for Tarkus. She even chuckled at his comment "It's not like you can gladiate on the move" and again when he pointed out her own idiosyncrasy in being a "blacksmith with a gaming set". But emotionally, Aurelie couldn't help but roll her eyes theatrically and sigh.

"Okay, but a trident or a weighted net are just cool," she groused teasingly, noting down the flute in the Inventory section of Tarkus' character sheet with mock-reluctance. "But fine, a flute is good too. And it's a lot lighter and easier to carry around, which I guess is nothing to sneeze at when you're on the run."

Aurelie burst into a delighted chuckle when Isaac wholeheartedly embraced the introduction of her placeholder character: a taciturn gnome wizard that she'd merely intended to provide a little magical backup for his half-orc rogue. Predictably and rather endearingly, Isaac took the concept and ran with it, happily inventing a backstory and even a friendly dynamic between the two characters. Even ideas for a fun two-man show they'd run together when they weren't busy on adventures!

The red-haired smith stole a glance at her friend as he talked and gestured. He looks so much better now than he did when I first came in, she thought, her heart gladdened to see how enthusiastic and energetic Isaac looked, how clearly his eyes shone, and how genuine his smile seemed, compared to his listless expression earlier. Gaming as therapy, who would've guessed?

Her hand started to stray toward her own eyepatch, before she caught herself and stilled the motion. But Aurelie couldn't stop the bitter thoughts from arising in her mind. If someone had come to visit me in the hospital to play games, would I have felt better sooner? Gotten better faster? Not been so depressed and so angry for so long?

She would never know. But at least she could be here for Isaac now and perhaps make his recovery a little smoother.

Aloud, she said, smiling, "Of course, I think it's a good idea! I don't think anyone has ever liked Elgo so much before! They usually just tolerate him being around to round the party out with his skills.

"Still," she cautioned, "don't expect him to be too chatty, all the same. Tarkus is the focus of the story, after all!"

Then Aurelie took a deep breath, pulled herself together, and clapped her hands together briskly. "Well, now that that's all been decided—or, well, as decided as things need to be this early on, which isn't too much—shall we get started with the game itself?"

She paused for only a moment after asking the question, barely long enough to wait for Isaac to either agree or demur. Despite herself, Aurelie admitted she was getting excited about the game as well, and she wanted Isaac to get at least a taste of the full experience. So, she hoped they could get through at least part of a campaign before visiting hours were over.

Clearing her throat, Aurelie launched into the introduction. "It would be generous, at the very least, to say that Oakhaven was a small town. Even this backwater village will do well enough, though, as a place for Tarkus and Elgo to stay a few days after a long, tiring week on the open road. Thinking longingly of a hot meal and a cool, refreshing drink, you walk toward the first tavern you see.

"Inside, the tavern is quiet, with only a few locals sitting at the tables. The common room is dimly lit by a row of hanging lanterns, along with a large fire crackling in the hearth across the room. A bar stretches along the wall off to the left, set with five empty chairs fashioned from sturdy, dark hardwood. The two of you take a seat in those chairs, and a serving maid nods at you in greeting."

Aurelie paused and frowned for a moment, trying to remember what descriptions and actions happened next in the familiar starter campaign she used to run for newcomers. Improvising a little to cover the gaps in her memory, she continued, "The serving maid looks slightly nervous as she approaches, probably intimidated by a half-orc like Tarkus. Still, she smiles at you welcomingly and takes your orders for two pints of ale and a hot meal pleasantly enough.

"After the serving maid bustles off toward the kitchen, you settle back to wait for your ale and food. One local, a short, stout middle-aged man, looks repeatedly toward you, before finally seemingly deciding to stand up and come toward you. He's wearing worn leather armor and a badge that marks him as a local constable, with a mace strapped across his back and a wooden club at his belt."

At this point, Aurelie cleared her throat again several times as she tried to make her voice sound deeper and throatier. "'Excuse me,' the man says in a friendly voice, but I couldn't help but notice you two seem to be...sellswords or warriors of some kind. Our town has been having trouble for a little while. Can I offer to hire you to help us with our problem?' He clearly wants to be polite but just as clearly feels what he needs is very important to him."

Falling silent, Aurelie crossed her arms and tilted her head attentively toward Isaac, waiting for him to respond.

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[attr="class","aurelie_body"]Oh, Isaac, you're doing great at this! Aurelie marveled happily to herself as she watched him try to verbally sort out the in-game situation confronting his character and then act out Tarkus' response. I never thought I'd be so glad to have randomly brought along my Players' Handbook on a trip! Just a single book and some sheets of paper had made this hospital visit far more fun than it had any right to be.

And despite all his protestations, Isaac was clearly having fun himself. When he gave his rendition of his half-orc character's deep, rumbling voice, Aurelie almost burst into a round of applause. Maintaining her sober Game Master mien with an effort, she smothered a grin when a startled nurse popped her head into the room to see who was talking. She nodded approvingly at Isaac instead and gave him a thumbs-up as he finished Tarkus' part of the dialogue.

She automatically tried to reach for her notes to look up what the constable should say next, before remembering she didn't have those notes anymore, let alone with her on this trip. Time to do my best and improvise when necessary, Aurelie decided. Not usually the way I do my best work, but...well, we'll make it work!

Clearing her throat again, the red-haired smith nodded and responded, "Sitting next to you, Elgo merely shrugs and grunts in broken Common, with a heavy Gnomish accent, 'Elgo agree. Right bidder, right price.'

"The constable nods and lets out a long sigh. While at first he looked a little embarrassed to be asking for help from a couple of strangers, he now looks relieved and grateful. Bolstered by Tarkus' easygoing words, the constable pulls out a chair at the bar next to you and settles down."

Aurelie hemmed and coughed, preparing to speak in the constable's low, gruff tones again. "Ahem. Ahem! So, the constable takes a deep breath, as if to steady his nerves. The trouble, good sirs, is a tower at the other end of Oakhaven. It stood empty for many years, but lately, we've been hearing reports that it's...haunted.'"

The red-haired smith paused to let that last word sink in. Then she went on, "The constable hurries to explain, 'Local legend has it that a mage once lived there and that the tower is still protected by magical traps. Lately, though, strange lights have been seen shining from the windows and odd noises come from it at night, and animals have gone missing nearby.

"'Two of my best men went inside to investigate. One man came back and said he saw nothing but dust and cobwebs. The other...' The constable shakes his head sadly. 'He was gone for a night and a day and then came back screaming and gibbering in fear, with scarce a pair of wits left in his head. He was the sharpest, cleverest man in town! Since then, no one else dared explore the tower.'"

She paused for a moment here, frowning. Am I going too fast? Sharing too much information right away? Aurelie wasn't sure whether the constable's speech was shorter, originally. But hopefully Isaac wouldn't mind having more information for his character to ponder, rather than less.

"The constable looks at you both with a hopeful, yet weary expression," she said, resuming her role. "'That happened a few weeks ago, and the town's been on edge ever since. If you're willing to put an end to whatever's going on at the tower, I'd be happy to pay you 80 gold pieces for your services. And you can keep whatever you find in the tower too—which could be anything.'"

Unconsciously, Aurelie smoothed a hand over her upper lip the way that she imagined the constable would be thoughtfully stroking his mustache. "Gesturing to the bartender, the constable signals for a drink. Then he turns back to you and concludes, 'If you agree, I'd be happy to show you where the tower is and leave you to your job. If you refuse, well, I understand.'"

From there, they continued playing through the rest of the adventure, with Tarkus and Elgo accepting the job and confronting the challenge of the mysterious, seemingly haunted tower head-on. Though it wasn't really the most original scenario, Aurelie was relieved and pleased to see Isaac really getting into the experience, despite all his earlier protestations. They played through it all and talked excitedly about the game until visiting hours at the hospital were over and Aurelie had to leave.

But when she did leave, the red-haired smith left behind a tired but rather contented-looking Isaac behind, munching on a sugar-dusted madeleine and hopefully thinking more about the fantastical stories he could imagine and play out, so he could leave his past struggles and suffering in the past, where they belonged...

[attr="class","cred"]VEL OF PIXEL PERFECT