Demi

"Y'ever heard of that bard whose songs turn minds to muck? You could say her music's to die for, heh." - Cutter, a few too many drinks in Demi was always drawn to music. The daughter of bards, she never knew a silent moment. Her days were filled with song, and as she grew up, her parents endeavored to teach her their craft. But Demi lacked musical aptitude. Her voice was ill-suited for singing, she lacked an ear for tone, and rhythm was a lost cause. Demi never gave up attempting to improve her craft, but no matter how hard she tried, she never improved. She began to spend less and less time practicing. Instead, she would haunt the edge of the village, despairing in the dark. It was during one of these nightly walks that Demi's fate changed forever. She was humming tonelessly when someone behind her clapped. She turned to see a crooked figure in tattered robes standing behind her, wreathed in fog. Fear filled Demi followed by a pang of curiosity when, in a thin voice that seemed to echo in her mind, the figure asked Demi what she desired most. Demi admitted that more than anything in the world, she wanted to create unforgettable music. The figure asked her what she would pay for such a gift. Without hesitating, Demi insisted that she would pay any price. The air shuddered and the figure told Demi to go and ply her art. Late that night, Demi's parents woke to a thunderous beat. They stirred and followed the sound to its source: Demi playing her mother's drum with an unnatural speed. As the rhythm grew louder and quicker, the family began to applaud. The music bore into their minds and souls, and soon their delighted smiles gave way to raucous cackles as madness seized them. By the time the drumming ended, Demi's parents had lost their minds entirely. But Demi was not saddened. She packed up her family's instruments, and set off on a journey to spread her damned music across the land.