The birth of Drakhir & Cardiel, third and fourth sons to the Ducal house of Khahn was an unpleasant surprise. The noble human family was shocked to find one of their twin children born with blue skin, white hair and horns, and the other had the same red eyes as the first, but was human in all other respects. Unfortunately, there were noble witnesses to the birth, so they could not be swept under the rug and disinherited. His mother Letha, who was immediately under serious pressure to explain how she had a blue-skinned tiefling was thankfully supported by the granduncle, who said the otherworldy blood ran in the family, although was very rare.
Drakhir’s childhood was not an easy one, being teased and discriminated against by most of his family and castle staff. His granduncle Therion, however, seemed fond of the child, but he was an old man and, although feared, rarely listened to. He did keep Drakhir safe and told him many stories of places far away and of magics rare and strange. The old man also educated Drakhir on history and languages. He was teased by his older brothers and his sisters for his abnormal appearance.
Cardiel’s childhood was better, as he was almost normal and clearly the more athletic of the two. He excelled at the martial training the boys were put through and garnered the respect of the guards and staff.
When Drakhir was around six it became apparent that the supernatural patron of the family appeared to take an interest in him – the first such interest in two generations. He experienced dreams of a grey and black plane of existence and a shadow which tried to be telling him something. His granduncle listened to him, and quietly told him they were dreams of the Shadowfell or of the Raven Queens abode. Therion also told him to speak to no one but his father Dracken or himself about it. Their father, although disappointed that it was his blue skinned son, was pleased the patron had once again taken an interest in the family, for his uncle had provided them much guidance and support in his time. He also advised him to learn as much he could for the day when he would go forth from the family’s home.
The hours Drakhir spent in study, Cardiel spent with the sword. Always a spiritual child, Cardiel felt a surge of excitement when told tales of Tyr’s heroism in the Time of Troubles and Second Sundering. While not the most fervent, he dreamed of bearing Tyr’s standard on the battlefield, meting out justice upon those who would harm innocents. It was because of this fascination with the light and justice that convinced Drakhir not to tell his twin of the Shadow and its influence in his life.
Soon after Drakhir and Cardiel turned sixteen, their granduncle died, and the boys were more alone than ever in the family, having only one another to talk with. The family pressure grew on Drakhir and Cardiel – not only were they not needed as heirs, but their appearances and Tiefling heritage was a potential embarrassment to the family. Both boys were encouraged to go out into the world and make their fortunes. The family was relieved when they set out towards Waterdeep.
When they reached Waterdeep, they started making connections among the nobles there. Their peers don’t quite know what to make of them, their family credentials are impeccable, but Drakhir’s tiefling heritage is unnerving, and Cardiels eyes were a reminder of his brother even when they were not together.
