Secrets of the Swampland

Sevi Onterik, a member of the Onterik clan, is a powerful healer in Ravinia who has been chosen to traverse the swamplands to protect her people from the sinister swamp spirits. The swamplands are not just physical barriers but also symbolize the Rovnish government's iron grip on the city. The Onteriks, a family of healers, lived to heal the swamplands and faced hardship in pursuing their path of morality.

Sevi's unique appearance, including pale amber skin, forest green eyes, and black hair, makes subterfuge quite the effort. As the guard's torchlight at the gate starts to bob away, Sevi expects a shift change and slowly makes her way to the gate. As she approaches, the air feels heavier and the mist of the swamplands thickens, almost crackling with nefarious energy.

A recent influx of afflicted individuals into Ravinia has led the council of healers to send a healer to investigate the source. Sevi, one of the most potent healers in Ravinia, is chosen to traverse the swamplands.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through her fingertips and into her spine, causing her to let out a gasp and furrow her eyebrows. She grits her teeth and focuses on maintaining her concentration through the pain. A new surge of agonizing pain jolts her eyes open, and she sees dust motes with a dark plum glow. The motes are a symbol of the Rovinish government's power and the constant presence of the swamp spirits in the city.

The motes are a symbol of the Onterik clan's commitment to their cause and the dangers they face. They are seen as a threat to the city and its inhabitants, and Sevi's journey into the swamplands is a testament to their resilience and determination.

Sevi, a humanoid, is searching for a way to heal the creatures in the swamplands. She finds specks of light drifting from the same direction as part of the mist, and she uses her shield to protect herself. When she hears a noise, she pulls out her dagger and calls out to the creature that might be seeking healing. The creature likely senses her presence and withdrew into the shadows, keeping quiet.

Sevi conjured a calming blue flame from her palm, which she uses to comfort the creatures in her vicinity. She calls out to the creature, promising not to hurt them. The creature responds with a strained voice, offering healing and asking for her help. The creature is humanoid, possibly a twisted descendant of humans themselves, but they are not human anymore.

The creature has four legs, a mantis-like appearance, and massive black claws. Its eyes are slightly bigger than normal humans, and its nose is more serpentine, reminding Sevi of snakes that slithered through the swamps. Sevi's wide eyes and gash where its lungs were revealed, indicating that these creatures must be more resilient.

Sevi moves for the creature to come closer to her, letting them set their own pace. As they move through the swamp, Sevi realizes she still has the dagger in one of her hands. She warns the creature not to be afraid and tries to look directly in the creature's eyes as they widened. Before they get too frightened, Sevi throws the dagger away, using her senses to keep track of where it landed to grab it later.

The creature explains that the darkness is for the creature to see better, as it is too dark for their eyes. The creature points to her eyes and fanned her free hand into the sky, shaking her head. The creature makes a noise of approval and asks Sevi for a name. Sevi gives the creature a name, Dew, and they both smile.

Dew is a young girl who is a skilled healer and a skilled shaman. She is skilled at healing the creatures and is known for her ability to heal and protect her clients.