Cereius

Home Plane: Granzia
Birthplace: Ravenwood

Cereius grew up in a small town in central Granzia called Ravenwood. It was nestled between the Terran Ridge to the east, Rockport and the coast to the west, Nindlelough to the north, and Lake Moonbow to the south. Ravenwood was a crossroads and weigh station for many adventurers and bounty hunters as they crisscrossed the realm. Growing up without his father and never really knowing him, Cereius was a rambunctious child. However, that changed when he met and befriended Father Garin from the local temple. 

Growing into a young man, Cereius followed the footsteps of Father Garin and joined the clergy. His focus was more on community building and healing than any particular god or domain. His love for Ravenwood and duty to the community spurred him forward until one fateful day he walked into the Grotto Pub, the local tavern in the small town. It was here where his path diverted from what he assumed it would be. Valencia changed everything with flowing Auburn hair, kind eyes, and an infectious smile.

The spark and connection were instant for both of them. With unsolicited help from a small group of green adventurers, the two began to court. Unfortunately, the timing of their meeting was ill-fated. Not long after the two tied the knot, word began to spread of a Fey incursion that was taking place. The second War of the Fey Kings was at hand and Cereius wanted to protect his home and his new bride. 

Distracted by the oncoming war, and his near-lifelong relationship with Father Garin, he realized too late that Valencia was already in danger. Unbeknownst to Cereius, the seeds of betrayal planted years ago were beginning to sprout. In truth, Garin was a powerful Druid known as Utholok and was aligned with the Fey Kings. With his designs on power, Utholok stole Valencia and secreted her away to perform a dark ritual. Luckily, Cereius realized the plot and arrived just in time to stop the completion of the ceremony.

This ritual left Valencia in a state that was neither alive nor dead/undead. And with Utholok’s escape and disappearance, Cereius vowed to find a way to restore her. The Moonweaver, whom Valencia worshipped and held in high regard, saw his plight and granted him divine power to aid him in his quest. For 10 long years, he searched, losing friends and leads along the way, but never hope.