Life Precious - a chapter of the Demon Lords Chronicles

CHARACTERS

Lilaverna Esterlan
Heroine of our story
An ordinary young woman, daughter of Jones Esterlan, a well-famed but short-lived adventurer. After having lost her parents at a very young age, she has been raised by her neighbors family, the Astern. Lilaverna has grown up in the streets of a little port town, where her optimist and adventurous temper rewarded her with some success and lots of trouble with the lawmen. She has chosen to journey to the Demeris continent with a clear goal in mind: to understand what has enticed her father so much to go so far away. And, maybe, to find more about his last moments.

Rami Astern
Childhood sidekick
Rami has grown along Lilaverna, and too many times he had to clean the mess she left behind. More calm and level-headed, he continues to watch over her, following her in this journey to the other side of the world. Conscious of the many dangers of such a travel, he has carefully planned their expedition as much as he could. Despite his continuous bickering with Lila, there's little doubt about the nature of his romantic feelings toward her adopted sister. But while the young woman remains obsessed by her father's whereabouts, he knows there will be no place for him in her heart.

Jones Esterlan
Origin of your adventure
Lila's father, he has lived an adventurous life, brutally ended by his disappearance during a secret expedition to the Demeris land. He's still seen as a talented individual, more interested by the thrills than gold pieces. Despite his obvious lack for family obligations, he remains an important figure to his daughter. His diary especially had a big influence on her, and is her most, if not only, treasured belonging.

The Sponsor
History at all costs
Many rumors are around about his real identity. Some say he's a powerful demon. Some think he's a scholar-prince, exiled from a forgotten country. His attitude, as cold as it is dry, doesn't soften his reputation, neither his more-than-questionable visitors. Nevertheless, he has an impressive wealth, and enough influence to keep the emperor's eyes away while he organizes his "private" invasions. Giving little regards to his adventurers' survival, his interest relies only in the artifacts, and the hidden history they could conceal. For those, he's ready to pay an incredible price, to anybody bringing him what he wants. No matter the way.

Militiamen
A lethal encounter
Particuliarly devoted to their mission, militiamen are a mlitary force specialy dedicated to enforce the ruins' inviolability. More than their martial knowledge, it's their fanatism that is the most dangerous. They won't even try to talk. They will stomp any invader on sight, whatever he is, like a cockroach on their path. They know perfectly the traps of their surroundings. No use to hope they will fall into a deadly mecanism, instead of you.

Demons
Do not disturb
Each demon is unique... except in his dedain for mortals. Some are aggressive. Others more likely to talk. They remains wicked, liars and certainly dangerous. They hide themselves in some ruins from their kin, too glad to have found some centuries of freedom, after so many millenia of slavery. For their situation to remain that way, they're ready to go to many lengths. The least scrupulous, if possible.

Competitors
A danger greater than traps
You are not the only adventurers around. Others, like you, have come to this land, eager to make a quick living for a life long. Among them, the least civil get the bigger share. Why then risking his own life in perilous ruins... when you can rob the survivors, their bags full of heavy treasures?