Cerberus

Cerberus was found by a traveling monk who noticed crying echoing from the forest. Bundled into an oversized robe, the half-tiefling was quickly rushed to the monastery the monk was returning to. It was decided swiftly that Cerberus was a sign of luck, and a blessing bestowed upon the group from the god they worship. Seen as a rare token due to her tiefling heritage, she was raised amongst the mountains, secluded from society that'd normally look down upon her for her race.

She grew up bestowed in gifts and luxury. Cerberus was constantly adorned in jewelry, gifts left by those who traveled to the mountains to offer their praise and loyalty to the half-tiefling, who became a symbol of faith. She was shoved into a life of constant training amongst solides who came to learn to wield a blade, quickly thriving in this environment. Cerberus was eager to learn, proud to be a symbol amongst the monks.

The half-tiefling was diligent in what she did. She mastered the use of weapons, even developing the ability to summon fire at will. Cerberus didn’t stop there. She had to be the best. The girl fought during festivals, she was paraded around as an object, but it didn’t matter to her, not then. It was all she’s ever known, and Cerberus had no intention of abandoning the monastery within the mountains.

Her world unfortunately came to a halt when she discovered Krios, a satyr locked away, kept far from the eyes of visitors and travelers. Cerberus was under the impression that the monks were harmless, peacefully devoted to their god and their faith. However, she was wrong, horrified to learn Krios was to be sacrificed as an offering, along with Cerberus. At first, she believed he was lying, the child had to have been joking, playing a cruel joke. Though she slowly came to terms with it, deciding she’d do something about their damned fate.

Cerberus grew bitter quickly with her changed view on those who raised her. She let them parade her around, toying with her and decorating her like a statue, making offerings like she was nothing more than an altar. The half-tiefling seemed to be nothing but a pretty, dangerous weapon they couldn’t wait to give up to their god. The rage she felt seemed to engulf her like the flames she could summon at will. Cerberus was nothing but a monster bound to the chains of heritage, and she swore to break free.

A plan was developed quickly between Cerberus and Krios. Due to the satyr’s employment within the stables, it was easy to arrange two horses to be prepared the night Cerberus decided to strike. Along with Krios’s gift for healing, Cerberus decided between the two of them, they could handle anything thrown their way. So on summer’s solstice, the night they were to be slaughtered in the name of twisted faith and devotion, Cerberus would be the one turning the blade to the monks, and she’d assist Krios in escaping.

Once the night came, Cerberus acted as if she didn’t have a clue of what was to come, though on the inside, she was nothing short of angered. She went about her day smoothly, she performed her feats in battle against soldiers who challenged her, she allowed for travelers to offer gifts to her, and she continued to be strewn about every which way across the temple. Cerberus was their toy made for prayer, she knew this now. The half-tiefling was eager to grasp her revenge, a strike back at those who treated her as an object, a cross to be worn around the neck.

A fire was set ablaze, Krios and Cerberus were gathered in the center of the monastery, similar to cattle being shipped to the slaughter house. And when the time came for a holy weapon to be downcasted to the nape of Krios’s neck, Cerberus could finally strike. She took the opportunity to throw herself into the scene, delivering a devastating blow to the monk’s neck, a dagger raking across their airways. As Krios ran to safety, Cerberus did what she’s been thirsting for, she attacked. The results were devastating, there was no one spared from her path of vengeance, anyone who stood in her way and tried to stop her from leaving became cut down like a reed.

Cerberus and her friend managed to successfully escape that night, leaving the monastery in a whirlwind of fire and decay. While they fled the temple, now granted a life of freedom, Cerberus silently felt as if she wasn’t satisfied with what she’s done. She decided the only way to live now was to travel from place to place and find any outliers who supported the god she was previously about to have her life taken for.