Monoffa’s Backstory
Monoffa’s Journal
Mareday, 20 Wyzad, Year of Folivor the Restful Sloth, 489 AWA
IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST EVERY MORNING!
Hey Future Me!
So... this is awkward. You're probably confused right now. Deep breath! Here's the deal: you wake up every morning remembering basically nothing about yesterday. It's like your mind is a chalkboard that gets wiped clean every night. (Yes, I know that's terrifying. I'm you, remember? Well, you don't remember, but... you get it.)
The memories I/you/we DO have start with this weird floating sensation. Water all around. Strange echoing clicks and whistles. Movement through currents. Apparently a dolphin found us! Can you believe that? A DOLPHIN! Then it called its dolphin friends, and one swam off to get help. That part's fuzzy, but what comes next is crystal clear: two people with the most fascinating skin leaning over me, speaking words I couldn't quite grasp.
One was this GORGEOUS half-Aquatic-Elf woman with the most mesmerizing hair I've ever seen—black with teal streaks that seemed to ripple like water even when perfectly still. And her EYES! Sapphire pools that made me feel like I was floating again, but in a good way. When she laughs, it's like watching sunlight dance across moving water—I can actually SEE little golden ripples spreading through the air! I nicknamed her "Sea Beauty" that very first day, and for some bizarre reason, I remember THAT name even when her real one (Kere) slips away.
The other rescuer was this stoic Aquatic Elf guy with sand-colored skin and shoulder-length hair the exact green-blue of shallow tropical waters. He carries this magnificent trident EVERYWHERE—seriously, I once saw him take it into the privy—so naturally, I call him "Trident Man" (though his actual name is Jori).
They've been so incredibly kind to me! They brought me to a place called Candibaru (capital city of... Andovarra, I think?). Sea Beauty got me these journals so I can leave breadcrumbs for my future self. Trident Man found me this room at the Emerald Cockatrice Inn where I'm staying now.
WHO AM I?
Oh! Almost forgot the most important part! (Although can you really "forget" something when you write it down for yourself to read the next day? That's more like... strategic information placement!)
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I'm Monoffa Nightstar of the River Rock Clan!
...At least, that's what bubbled up from the murky depths of my brain when I tried to remember. Sea Beauty and Trident Man tried to find information about the River Rock Clan, but came up empty. I also discovered a setting moon branded on my inner arm. No idea what THAT means, but it gives me chills sometimes when I look at it too long. The purple-black unease that radiates from it tastes like bitter metal at the back of my throat.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Great news! I'm a SORCERESS!
I had an empty spell component pouch when they found me, which was our first clue. Sea Beauty took me to her parents (a wizard AND a sorcerer—such a power couple!) who helped me rediscover my magical abilities. After some training at the Mage's Guild, it all came rushing back! The magic feels like it's always been inside me, buzzing and waiting to spark to life.
When I cast spells, I sometimes see strands of color weaving through the air that nobody else notices. Different emotions create different patterns—excitement is all spiraling orange whirls, while concentration forms tight blue geometric shapes that taste faintly of cinnamon.
Current job: Magical cleaning service at the Emerald Cockatrice Inn! I use Prestidigitation to tidy up, and in exchange, I get discounted lodging and free meals. The owner, Matti, radiates this warm amber contentment whenever I make the brass fixtures gleam.
WHAT NOW?
Trident Man asked if I wanted to join this big tournament called the Trials of Eight. He is going to compete, and looks at Sea Beauty like he wants her to compete, too, though she doesn’t give him an answer. They do both think I'd be a good addition to the team. I said no, though I'm not entirely sure why. Something in my chest tightened when he mentioned it—a tangle of crimson threads pulling me in another direction.
I keep feeling like I'm waiting for... someone? Something? There's this empty space beside me that hums with expectation. Sometimes I catch myself turning to share a thought with a person who isn't there, or I'll hear a laugh in the marketplace that sends electric blue sparkles across my vision and makes my heart race with recognition.
For now, I'm just trying to piece together who I am, one day at a time. I work at the inn, practice my magic, and explore the city (though I have to rediscover the same streets every morning—thank goodness for maps!).
Each sunset, I sit by the Hotokewai River and watch the ferry come in, searching the faces of arriving passengers. I don't know who I'm looking for, but I'm certain I'll recognize them when I see them. My whiskers literally twitch at the thought!
The world feels ENORMOUS when you're starting fresh every day. But also full of possibilities! Who knows what adventure tomorrow will bring?
(Well, I certainly won't, unless I write it down here. So future me, remember to add to this journal EVERY DAY!)
—Monoffa (that's you!)
P.S. If anyone asks about your past, just be honest—you don't remember much! People are usually pretty understanding, and Sea Beauty and Trident Man will back you up.
P.P.S. You're a Catfolk, in case that wasn't obvious. Sleek black fur with silver-tipped ears and tail. VERY dashing, if I do say so myself!
