(Another Character related post)
-The following can be found transcribed within Alvaeth's first spell book. It was penned many years after he started his studies, when he first began mastering the fundamentals of magic. This actual Excerpt is taken from book 138 of Alvaeth Elethevorath's personal journals as well as being penned in the last pages of his first personal spellbook.-
-Written in Elven- "My teacher Iomandi expressed an interest in teaching his students about how magic affects each person as an individual. To better understand his students, he presented us with some questions, and had us write our understanding and opinions of each school of magic within the confines of our spellbook. The following is what is directly transcribed into my spell book. He never commented on our actual responses, though I felt as though he were using what he had read to better finish our training, as we are all beginning the final stages of our understanding of magic."
-Written in Draconic-
"The school of Abjuration - Abjuration to me, is the creation and breaking of bonds. As concerned with the normalcy of every day life, it would be similar to that of a relationship. By creating Disharmony within a relationship you build distance, and while creating harmony within a relationship, you create closeness. The same can be said about the inherent strength of abjuration. A properly cast abjuration can build or break a relationship between two objects, creatures, or even forces. Using this philosophy a spell could create a relationship between two objects, such as a door to its frame, sealing it into place. This is a common spell, and most spells within abjuration work within my thoughts on the subject. By creating disharmony in a relationship, one could break the bonds between a creature and an area, thus dismissing a creature from that space. So long as the objects have some interaction, there relationship can be either strengthened or weakened with the powers of abjuration, and even magic itself can be so affected. Abjuration to me is not the stiff and rigid school that many of my fellow students believe it to be, but the subtle means of effecting bonds some do not even realize are in existence."
"The school of Conjuration and Summoning- A complicated and powerful school that covers a myriad different effects. I would say that to me this school represents using that which is already present, or already created. The stories are all written, the characters all penned, and the delicate artwork already put to canvas. The school to me simply takes pieces of this masterwork, and moves them to new locations, pens them in a new story. The objects and creatures are never changed, and never created. They simply are borrowed. I dont say these things to dismiss the great power and potential of Conjuration and Summoning spells, I simply refuse to be one that thinks of this school as a school of creation. It is far from it. Nothing new comes from the school, nothing unforseen, and nothing unheard of. This school takes what has been already created, and puts it in a new place. To put it simply, it would be like taking a person or object from a story, and simply changing the background. The targets in question do not change, though they may effect the events of the new background."
"The school of Divination- A wonderful school that many wizards utilize on a daily basis. In its essence I believe the school of Divination is simply a school of sensation. The school creates the ability to percieve new sensations by creating new senses. Sometimes Divinations simply allow the caster to perceive things the way they were intended to be seen. Unknown languages become understandable, Glyphs reveal there meaning, forces that are normaly unseen can be looked at with perfect clarity. Other times the school can shunt the casters senses around, create new senses, or pick up on the unseen forces constantly swirling around the caster. Regardless, Divination magic allows the caster to perceive things beyond the scope of normal means, and allow wizards to view the world with an array of senses that normal folk would be envious of."
"The school of Enchantment - To regard this as a school of magic is almost hurtful. From what I have witnessed this school does nothing that a well versed poet or a scorned lover could do. Manipulating emotions is not magic, it is socializing, and the need to create a school dedicated to enhancing this act seems vulgar. To be sure, the compulsions used by this school could force someone to do something they would normally not, or to cause ones enemy to leap to the casters defense, or to create emotion where none existed before. Someone well versed at speaking on a social level could do the same. Also, the limitations of this school are astounding. Why create a magic that directly attacks or alters the minds and emotions of the target. Animated constructs, the undead, most fae, even the elves scattered over rimoria are highly resistant and immune to many aspects of this school, not to mention if the subject does not speak the same language as the caster. Simply put, too much time and effort would need to go into making this school even partially useful, and the same amount of time socializing with ones peers could more than likely achieve the same result. Unlike its name, this is an ugly and offensive school of magic and I have no desire to know anymore about it."
"The school of Evocation - Evocation is emotion. It is passion given form. Remarkable words from someone so quiet? I dont believe so. Evocation is expressive, but that does not mean it is impulsive. All of my wants, desires, hopes and dreams can be quantified and turned into a weapon. This weapon can be used to achieve all of my wants, hopes and dreams. Not so much a cycle as it is a catalyst. The most powerful thing about creatures is what drives them, what motivates them, and Evocation magic is like that. It is expression, it is the ability to turn motivation and energy into reality. All of my life I have maintained strict discipline, both on an academic and social level. I use my time of meditation and solitude to look at the world, to look at those around me, and to decide what it is I want to do to help those important to me, to help create some place safe for those around me. The suffering they feel, the pain, despair, hatred. I take these things. I take these emotions and give them form. I turn there feelings and my own into a weapon, and one day hope to create a power so terrible that none would dare stand against me, or those I would protect. Evocation is emotion. And emotion is dangerous. Mastering this school would not only make me powerful as a wizard, it would make me powerful as a person. Discipline. Strict discipline must be maintained if I am to carry my will to some beneficial conclusion."
"The school of Illusion - Illusion is the true school of creation, for it is a school of imagination given form. Any thought or idea within the wizards head can be transcribed as a sensation. Sounds, sights, smells, and any sensation the caster might want to share can be forged with an illusion. These are of course false images, simple fancies given form. But they are enough. If someone sees a fire, it is usually enough for them to run from it, as opposed to checking for its actual warmth, or questioning its very existence. Illusions use the opponents own mind against them, and for this, I admire the school. Not only does the school create the image of something being there, it can also remove the sense of something that is there. Again, this is not real, but it is usually enough. Not being able to see someone makes them hard to interact with, regardless if you have the knowledge they are actually there. I admire the artistry that comes with illusion magic, and even humans who master it tend to look at magic in a different way than most other wizards. It is always refreshing to see this art in use, and I am glad that it has not faded from popularity."
"The school of Necromancy - This is not a school of magic, but is the property of the gods. Tampering with the forces of life and death is never beneficial, never helpful, and never healthy. Perhaps the priests of the gods can handle such a responsability, but no arcanist should ever tamper in this field. Life is not about negative and positive energy, life is about so much more. This school is repulsive, wicked, and those that practice it should be stricken from there professions and cast out. To percieve life as a tool to be used and altered by magic is blasphemous. Though the gods will no doubt deal with them when the time comes, I would be all too eager to aid them in the destruction of these most vile of arcane practitioners."
"The school of Transmutation - This is a simple and powerful school. Transmutation changes one or more crucial parts of a person, object, and even force. It is a school of whim, letting the caster change fate a bit by altering what is already at hand. Falling off of a cliff means nothing if you have the weight of a feather. Softening rock, hardening cloth, mending the broken, or crumbling stone. Transmutation is in many ways a tool for most wizards, but like most tools, can be used to hurt as well as it can be used to aid. Theres not much else to say really. The school seems at sometimes incredibly simple but that does not make it weak, nor ineffective. Masters of this school can perform amazing feats, and can get out of almost any bind."
(Ok. I'll have more soon!)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
A leaf in chaos
(Character related post)
-The following is taken from book 140 of Alvaeth Elethevorath's personal journal-
-written in common- "Our goal completed. A success I would say, though I have some feelings about our accomplishments. Still, I write these words with a profound feeling of satisfaction and relief. My sentiments will become clearer to me ,should I read these words again, if the events taking place during the quest were better detailed."
"To start at the beginning, those I had mentioned earlier left with me from the gate nearest my fathers manner. From there we took a road leading us towards the ruins of North Bank. During this time we encountered rain, though the weather did little to deter me, as my magic kept the elements at bay. Early into our progress we encountered an ogre. These creatures are giant kin, and they are notoriously cruel and greedy. We had little choice but to battle the creature, and I believe we handled its destruction as well as we could. My magic was limited, as I decided to stay at a distance and strike it with simple bolts of force. Vang took the most out of the creature, and recieved the worst from it. I am fairly certain that the half orc had a few of his ribs broken, though he refused rest, stating that we had to accomplish our task within the set time frame. Stubborn, risking his own life for something trivial in the scheme of things. I suppose I have to admire his sense of duty, though I do not respect his lack of wisdom. Still, he was at least tolerable to me that day. Darion revealed a bit about himself. Dark magic forked from him during the battle, though it washed off of the ogre. Still, this magic was nothing i could recognize, so it is quite probable that it was not a spell at all, but a bit of magic stemming from the man himself. Humans are quite odd with how they accept and use magic, so it is possible it is one of the many variations of magic affecting a human. It remains to be seen. From that point we rested, then continued on. Coming to a slight fork in the road, we encountered a group of bandits. Again we fought well, or so it is my belief. I know little of martial ways, but I felt the battle was always in our favor. Lial proved useful this time, and he seems adept at attacking when his opponent is engaged. Still, though his tactics may seem cowardly, they are quite effective. Also, the other warriors present did not berate his methods much, so I assume this is a standard technique used by some smaller soldiers and scouts when engaged with heavier warriors. After dispatching the bandits we came to an abandoned watch tower, there we engaged our courier in some disapointing conversation. It seems the courier had lost the package to bandits, and that he followed them back to a small farm house where he believed they had the package secured. I should note that the courier was not a very pleasant man, and I hope I will not meet his acquaintance again. After a brief bout of arguments, we decided we would move closer to the farmhouse before camping, but that we would not engage them till the morning. Lial however had different plans, for when I awoke he was gone, though he had fashioned a ruse he had hoped would scare off intruders entering the camp. He arrived some time later with information about the house. I used this information to devise a plan, and we set about surprising the bandits in the morning. We did manage to kill the bandits within the house as well as finding out that the bandits had killed the original owners. More death at the hands of merciless men. Getting in the house was also quite the hassle, as Vang became poisoned by a simple lock barring the door. Still, he complained little about it, and seemed only mildly effected. After dispatching the bandits we took some time searching the house, it was in the attic that I found a strange eerily quiet rat in the corner. There was something that drew me to the creature, and it was as still as death until i reached around to pick it up by its tail. At this point it revealed itself as a demon, a Quasit to be exact. My reaction was swift, I threw some magic at it and retreated, falling down the cellar ladder and landing smartly onto my ankle. Broken i'm afraid, but I would have faired far worse if I had stayed with that demon. The others quickly moved upwards into the attic and made short work of the beast, though its poison took its toll on them. After destroying the demon we searched the house over one more time to make certain the parcel was not here. Lial spotted a cellar door to the back of the house, and that turned out to be our next destination. Upon arriving in the cellar we had to dispatch four more bandits, at this point we made the decision to rest, as the cellar was bare, save for a natural tunnel that had cracked into the rear wall. After resting and regathering our strength, we ventured back into the cellar to finish our investigation into the whereabouts of this parcel. The caves were not very large, and after making a few turns we found the leader of the bandits. The leader was a woman, a user of magic, and one that the Order of the Silver Circle refer to as an adept. They are primitive practitioners of magic, though they can still be quite effective. She utilized her four guards as a shield, and used her magic to great effect against us. We prevailed, an obvious statement as I pen these words. The room was a sacrificial room and an altar to something. I do not know if it was to a god or to something else, but it must have had connections to demons. Among the treasures we found the parcel, along with a magic wand. Attached to the parcel was a map that seemed to have a great deal of importance so the bandits. After dispatching the bandits we set about exploring the remainder of the caves, we came across a couple of Dretch which were guarding piles of filth. We finished them off quickly, and made our way to the last chamber, an area where the bandits had been storing there wealth. After clearing the area of anything worthwhile, we left. I made a brief stop to properly cover the original couple of the house. I set them on the floor of there home, side by side, so that hopefully they could find peace in each other, now that there assailants had been put to proper justice. After camping yet again, we made short work of getting back to East Hill. After arriving, we dropped off the parcel and collected our reward. Vang and Lial seem interested in finding more out about the map, and seeking the area out. If asked, I suppose I could offer my assistance again. For now. I need rest. My ankle hurts me badly, for I have not the great health of a Half-Orc."
-Written in Aquan- "The days stream together, but the pain in my ankle grows daily. The house maid says its the process of healing, and that it should take several more weeks to heal fully and properly. I use this time to finish my work on more magic. I was given the scrolls of magic as part of my reward, and my own research has offered me the secrets of several new spells. My book grows in size, and I become anxious. I will need this power for the days to come. I will need this power to swell to greater lengths if I am to protect those who need me. Perhaps I will pen some scrolls down as well, in case more adventure flows to me."
-Written in Common- "No word yet from Phalantar. I hope his travels go well. I had hoped the two of us could enjoy some travel together, but perhaps it is best for him to be on his own as well. I have spoken with father about invoking the rite of Ruathar upon him, but I was chastised for my idea. Father made it clear that Phalantar will not receive the rite unless he wishes to prove himself as a friend to all the elven people, not just a single family. I doubt Phalantar has such lofty goals, but it is well enough that he be welcomed as a friend into our home."
-Written in Elven- "Ti'thi'avara, a young elven lady came to me today with a gift. She said that her sisters had found a sick squirrel and had nursed it back to health, ever since its recovery the squirrel had refused to leave them be, and would not return to the wild. As a gift for my fathers hospitality, Ti'thi'avara offered the squirrel to me. It is an inquisitive creature, and since it has been presented to me, it refuses to leave my side for long, though it has made several attempts at exploring the house. I have expressed a desire to bind it to me as a familiar, and Ti'thi'avara and her sisters seemed overjoyed that there gift was well accepted. I do love my fellow elves. So giving and kind. I can only hope that the power I forge in the future is enough to protect them. More than hope, I will strive to reach a perfection with my power that will ensure it."
-Written in Common - "I bound a familiar to myself today. Its name is Dre'mus, and he is a charming familiar. He has been helping keep my personal journals clean, and has been collecting things for me that it deems as useful. Interestingly enough my bond with him has given me access to his senses, and I find my response time much faster than it use to be. I also jumped at just about every sound for several hours after the ritual was complete. My mother was fascinated by the creature, and seemed genuinely happy that I had taken the time to perform the sacred rite. She also secured me to my room, so as I might give thanks in prayer to Correllon for allowing such a blessed event to occur. She can be quite stubborn on the matters, so I suppose I shall get to my prayers."
-Written in Elven- "My ankle has fully healed, though my father chastised me for taking so long to recover. He needs help tending his many matters, and mother has her hands full as well. My sisters say that I am lazy, though I dont see them helping mother and father very much. I suppose I can lend a hand, now that my many arcane dealings have been taken care of. I wonder if those others I recently encountered are fairing well. I'll have to look back through my journals for there names, in case they become important in the near future. There is always the possibility of that map after all."
(I'll have more soon!)
-The following is taken from book 140 of Alvaeth Elethevorath's personal journal-
-written in common- "Our goal completed. A success I would say, though I have some feelings about our accomplishments. Still, I write these words with a profound feeling of satisfaction and relief. My sentiments will become clearer to me ,should I read these words again, if the events taking place during the quest were better detailed."
"To start at the beginning, those I had mentioned earlier left with me from the gate nearest my fathers manner. From there we took a road leading us towards the ruins of North Bank. During this time we encountered rain, though the weather did little to deter me, as my magic kept the elements at bay. Early into our progress we encountered an ogre. These creatures are giant kin, and they are notoriously cruel and greedy. We had little choice but to battle the creature, and I believe we handled its destruction as well as we could. My magic was limited, as I decided to stay at a distance and strike it with simple bolts of force. Vang took the most out of the creature, and recieved the worst from it. I am fairly certain that the half orc had a few of his ribs broken, though he refused rest, stating that we had to accomplish our task within the set time frame. Stubborn, risking his own life for something trivial in the scheme of things. I suppose I have to admire his sense of duty, though I do not respect his lack of wisdom. Still, he was at least tolerable to me that day. Darion revealed a bit about himself. Dark magic forked from him during the battle, though it washed off of the ogre. Still, this magic was nothing i could recognize, so it is quite probable that it was not a spell at all, but a bit of magic stemming from the man himself. Humans are quite odd with how they accept and use magic, so it is possible it is one of the many variations of magic affecting a human. It remains to be seen. From that point we rested, then continued on. Coming to a slight fork in the road, we encountered a group of bandits. Again we fought well, or so it is my belief. I know little of martial ways, but I felt the battle was always in our favor. Lial proved useful this time, and he seems adept at attacking when his opponent is engaged. Still, though his tactics may seem cowardly, they are quite effective. Also, the other warriors present did not berate his methods much, so I assume this is a standard technique used by some smaller soldiers and scouts when engaged with heavier warriors. After dispatching the bandits we came to an abandoned watch tower, there we engaged our courier in some disapointing conversation. It seems the courier had lost the package to bandits, and that he followed them back to a small farm house where he believed they had the package secured. I should note that the courier was not a very pleasant man, and I hope I will not meet his acquaintance again. After a brief bout of arguments, we decided we would move closer to the farmhouse before camping, but that we would not engage them till the morning. Lial however had different plans, for when I awoke he was gone, though he had fashioned a ruse he had hoped would scare off intruders entering the camp. He arrived some time later with information about the house. I used this information to devise a plan, and we set about surprising the bandits in the morning. We did manage to kill the bandits within the house as well as finding out that the bandits had killed the original owners. More death at the hands of merciless men. Getting in the house was also quite the hassle, as Vang became poisoned by a simple lock barring the door. Still, he complained little about it, and seemed only mildly effected. After dispatching the bandits we took some time searching the house, it was in the attic that I found a strange eerily quiet rat in the corner. There was something that drew me to the creature, and it was as still as death until i reached around to pick it up by its tail. At this point it revealed itself as a demon, a Quasit to be exact. My reaction was swift, I threw some magic at it and retreated, falling down the cellar ladder and landing smartly onto my ankle. Broken i'm afraid, but I would have faired far worse if I had stayed with that demon. The others quickly moved upwards into the attic and made short work of the beast, though its poison took its toll on them. After destroying the demon we searched the house over one more time to make certain the parcel was not here. Lial spotted a cellar door to the back of the house, and that turned out to be our next destination. Upon arriving in the cellar we had to dispatch four more bandits, at this point we made the decision to rest, as the cellar was bare, save for a natural tunnel that had cracked into the rear wall. After resting and regathering our strength, we ventured back into the cellar to finish our investigation into the whereabouts of this parcel. The caves were not very large, and after making a few turns we found the leader of the bandits. The leader was a woman, a user of magic, and one that the Order of the Silver Circle refer to as an adept. They are primitive practitioners of magic, though they can still be quite effective. She utilized her four guards as a shield, and used her magic to great effect against us. We prevailed, an obvious statement as I pen these words. The room was a sacrificial room and an altar to something. I do not know if it was to a god or to something else, but it must have had connections to demons. Among the treasures we found the parcel, along with a magic wand. Attached to the parcel was a map that seemed to have a great deal of importance so the bandits. After dispatching the bandits we set about exploring the remainder of the caves, we came across a couple of Dretch which were guarding piles of filth. We finished them off quickly, and made our way to the last chamber, an area where the bandits had been storing there wealth. After clearing the area of anything worthwhile, we left. I made a brief stop to properly cover the original couple of the house. I set them on the floor of there home, side by side, so that hopefully they could find peace in each other, now that there assailants had been put to proper justice. After camping yet again, we made short work of getting back to East Hill. After arriving, we dropped off the parcel and collected our reward. Vang and Lial seem interested in finding more out about the map, and seeking the area out. If asked, I suppose I could offer my assistance again. For now. I need rest. My ankle hurts me badly, for I have not the great health of a Half-Orc."
-Written in Aquan- "The days stream together, but the pain in my ankle grows daily. The house maid says its the process of healing, and that it should take several more weeks to heal fully and properly. I use this time to finish my work on more magic. I was given the scrolls of magic as part of my reward, and my own research has offered me the secrets of several new spells. My book grows in size, and I become anxious. I will need this power for the days to come. I will need this power to swell to greater lengths if I am to protect those who need me. Perhaps I will pen some scrolls down as well, in case more adventure flows to me."
-Written in Common- "No word yet from Phalantar. I hope his travels go well. I had hoped the two of us could enjoy some travel together, but perhaps it is best for him to be on his own as well. I have spoken with father about invoking the rite of Ruathar upon him, but I was chastised for my idea. Father made it clear that Phalantar will not receive the rite unless he wishes to prove himself as a friend to all the elven people, not just a single family. I doubt Phalantar has such lofty goals, but it is well enough that he be welcomed as a friend into our home."
-Written in Elven- "Ti'thi'avara, a young elven lady came to me today with a gift. She said that her sisters had found a sick squirrel and had nursed it back to health, ever since its recovery the squirrel had refused to leave them be, and would not return to the wild. As a gift for my fathers hospitality, Ti'thi'avara offered the squirrel to me. It is an inquisitive creature, and since it has been presented to me, it refuses to leave my side for long, though it has made several attempts at exploring the house. I have expressed a desire to bind it to me as a familiar, and Ti'thi'avara and her sisters seemed overjoyed that there gift was well accepted. I do love my fellow elves. So giving and kind. I can only hope that the power I forge in the future is enough to protect them. More than hope, I will strive to reach a perfection with my power that will ensure it."
-Written in Common - "I bound a familiar to myself today. Its name is Dre'mus, and he is a charming familiar. He has been helping keep my personal journals clean, and has been collecting things for me that it deems as useful. Interestingly enough my bond with him has given me access to his senses, and I find my response time much faster than it use to be. I also jumped at just about every sound for several hours after the ritual was complete. My mother was fascinated by the creature, and seemed genuinely happy that I had taken the time to perform the sacred rite. She also secured me to my room, so as I might give thanks in prayer to Correllon for allowing such a blessed event to occur. She can be quite stubborn on the matters, so I suppose I shall get to my prayers."
-Written in Elven- "My ankle has fully healed, though my father chastised me for taking so long to recover. He needs help tending his many matters, and mother has her hands full as well. My sisters say that I am lazy, though I dont see them helping mother and father very much. I suppose I can lend a hand, now that my many arcane dealings have been taken care of. I wonder if those others I recently encountered are fairing well. I'll have to look back through my journals for there names, in case they become important in the near future. There is always the possibility of that map after all."
(I'll have more soon!)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Considering the past
(This post is dedicated to my current D&D character.)
-the following is taken from book 140 of Alvaeth Elethevorath's personal journals.-
Written in common - "The pace of my long years of training has slowed. My ritual release shall be held soon, and I will no more be a mere apprentice, but an active wizard graduate from the Order of the Silver Circle. I write these words with no small amount of fear. My master, Iomandi has himself told me that my skills would be greater than his given only a little training. Am I ready to truly hold the responsibility of having this great power. Will I use my craft wisely, or turn it for personal gain. Will I be respected as a hero, or will the townspeople refer to me with the same disdain as Hizazel. I can only meditate and hope a proper path opens up before me."
Written in common- "Phalantar, my trusted friend, has been spending more time among my family. My mother admires his dedication to the art, and fusses that the two of us should seek to stretch our legs and skills soon. I think she misses adventuring, though she would never leave my fathers side for such a trivial fancy. Phalantar and I have discussed taking jobs from the locales, but have made no true plans on the matter. I feel he may be as nervous as me on the subject. I plan to discuss my future options with Iomandi, but more importantly with my father."
Written in Ignen - "Disaster! Barbarians attacked the village days ago. Many people are dead, some are missing, and more than double those numbers are injured. Our efforts were enough to cause the barbarians to withdraw, but they managed to pillage a great deal of the towns resources, as well as capture some human women and children. Outraged, the town militia has been cutting off the hands of the barbarian corpses before burning them, a grave insult to the barbarians who believe it disrupts the souls of the deceased. I would voice my objection to this if it were not for my cowardice and rage. So much death, more than I have seen in a century, in just a few short days. I aided in the fight, using my magic to as much effect as I could. Phalantar found me amidst the chaos and we managed to save some of the townsfolk as well as kill more than a few of the barbarians. My fathers guards found us right as we depleted what spells we had prepared and lead us back to the manor. If my power was stronger, I could have saved more of the towns people."
Written in common - "More funerals today. I meditate on all the death that has come to East Hill so recently and hope that I can one day do something to make sure an event like this does not happen again."
Written in common - "Just what was that sword that I saw during the great battle. Was that barbarian an orc or a human. I could not make it out in all the chaos. But that sword. I remember that sword."
Written in Elven - "Helped father with some of his work. He is busy with a new household of elves that have recently arrived. He has given them a job, I believe helping re-establish some of the fences and land marks that separate the outlying farms. I've spoken with the family and will be asking some of the local elves to put the new family up until we can locate a suitable home for them. Assuming they stay. The elves from our true homeland tend to have more wanderlust than whats good for them, still, its pleasant to see some new faces in these dark times."
Written in Auran - "A strange day that moved with too much haste. It seems I will be heading towards North Bank, a nearby and abandoned village. I, along with several others, have accepted a job to retrieve a package and bring it safely back to East Hill, the proprietor of a component shop I visit offered the job. I will describe briefly those that I will be going with, so as to not forget this occasion in the future.
Zander was the one who was first approached about the task. He looks like most of the humans I have seen. He later referred to himself as a paladin of the towns only knight order. He seems very upset by the loss of numbers of the guard as well as how they performed. I do not believe he will remain within the town for long, as I remember hearing he was about to leave when first offered the job. Having a former knight along at least makes me feel better about our odds in a real fight. For a knight he has very little in the way of social discipline, and seems to be fond of arguing. This trait is common to all humans however.
Vang is a half orc. He is one of only three that i have ever talked too, and as of now I have little reason to want to talk to more. He seems to be a skilled warrior and has a connection to Zander, which will at least be something that keeps him in line. He insulted me on the way to a tavern by calling me a woman. Having just met someone and to do something so rude. Still, he did not press the matter, not that I would have wanted the issue to turn to confrontation. I fear that neither myself or vang is capable of pulling back when forced to fight. I must always remember restraint, and perhaps that is what Vang teaches me. For that I should be thankful to the half orc. I should rid myself of the negative thoughts I have for him, and remember that meeting him is an opportunity to train myself with better resolve. Not all creatures in Rimoria will be polite and well mannered, that does not mean they are not good. I suppose I still have much to learn after all.
Lial is a half elf I think, though his elven blood is quite thin. His mannerisms and quick nature remind me of some of my more free minded kin however, and I cant help feeling sympathy for him. He seems to be living off of the street, or at least know it quite well. I would ask father for aid, but father does not take to half elves very well. There is not much to say about him I fear. He seems free willed and happy at face value, though he has no real skills that i can see. He calls himself a scout, but I am not sure he speaks honestly. Time tells all.
Darion is another human that will be joining us. He has a sour demeanor and does not seem to have much aptitude when dealing with others, especially those who would give him orders, or make suggestions of him. Humans tend to be rebellious creatures, and often selfish. He is one of these types I believe. He says he is a warrior, though he knows a bit about magical lore as well. Him and Zander will not get along, which means that Vang will not get along with him as well. So far as I can tell Zander, Darion and Vang were all in the great battle, but something happened to make Vang think of Darion as a coward. I do not know the details, and honestly, do not wish to know. Speaking in ill terms of anything to do with that horrific battle seems to diminish the great loss of life that came with it.
Aside from meeting with them and having an argumentative dinner, we agreed to meet near the town gate, closest to my fathers manor. The journey will be about four days out, and I am looking forward to testing my abilities. There is definitely something more to this quest than simply retrieving a package, but pondering the myriad possibilities will prove fruitless. On a positive note I ran into Phalantar at the tavern. He too has gotten a job. I believe he is escorting someone, and will be joining forces with a local ranger. I am glad that he has had fortune as well."
-Our Gm spoke of our characters not having a weakness, so I'm working one into my character and I think its already kind of relevant. Being so long lived he wont be quick to make attachments, that will make him seem cold and removed, this will make his interactions at first be awkward, and will also get him into some trouble when dealing with npc's as well. I'll also be adding a few character quirks that will work against him as well, so as to allow room for some "accidents". I agree that it will add to the experience. Dont have these quirks yet, but I'll be working on them in the coming days.-
-the following is taken from book 140 of Alvaeth Elethevorath's personal journals.-
Written in common - "The pace of my long years of training has slowed. My ritual release shall be held soon, and I will no more be a mere apprentice, but an active wizard graduate from the Order of the Silver Circle. I write these words with no small amount of fear. My master, Iomandi has himself told me that my skills would be greater than his given only a little training. Am I ready to truly hold the responsibility of having this great power. Will I use my craft wisely, or turn it for personal gain. Will I be respected as a hero, or will the townspeople refer to me with the same disdain as Hizazel. I can only meditate and hope a proper path opens up before me."
Written in common- "Phalantar, my trusted friend, has been spending more time among my family. My mother admires his dedication to the art, and fusses that the two of us should seek to stretch our legs and skills soon. I think she misses adventuring, though she would never leave my fathers side for such a trivial fancy. Phalantar and I have discussed taking jobs from the locales, but have made no true plans on the matter. I feel he may be as nervous as me on the subject. I plan to discuss my future options with Iomandi, but more importantly with my father."
Written in Ignen - "Disaster! Barbarians attacked the village days ago. Many people are dead, some are missing, and more than double those numbers are injured. Our efforts were enough to cause the barbarians to withdraw, but they managed to pillage a great deal of the towns resources, as well as capture some human women and children. Outraged, the town militia has been cutting off the hands of the barbarian corpses before burning them, a grave insult to the barbarians who believe it disrupts the souls of the deceased. I would voice my objection to this if it were not for my cowardice and rage. So much death, more than I have seen in a century, in just a few short days. I aided in the fight, using my magic to as much effect as I could. Phalantar found me amidst the chaos and we managed to save some of the townsfolk as well as kill more than a few of the barbarians. My fathers guards found us right as we depleted what spells we had prepared and lead us back to the manor. If my power was stronger, I could have saved more of the towns people."
Written in common - "More funerals today. I meditate on all the death that has come to East Hill so recently and hope that I can one day do something to make sure an event like this does not happen again."
Written in common - "Just what was that sword that I saw during the great battle. Was that barbarian an orc or a human. I could not make it out in all the chaos. But that sword. I remember that sword."
Written in Elven - "Helped father with some of his work. He is busy with a new household of elves that have recently arrived. He has given them a job, I believe helping re-establish some of the fences and land marks that separate the outlying farms. I've spoken with the family and will be asking some of the local elves to put the new family up until we can locate a suitable home for them. Assuming they stay. The elves from our true homeland tend to have more wanderlust than whats good for them, still, its pleasant to see some new faces in these dark times."
Written in Auran - "A strange day that moved with too much haste. It seems I will be heading towards North Bank, a nearby and abandoned village. I, along with several others, have accepted a job to retrieve a package and bring it safely back to East Hill, the proprietor of a component shop I visit offered the job. I will describe briefly those that I will be going with, so as to not forget this occasion in the future.
Zander was the one who was first approached about the task. He looks like most of the humans I have seen. He later referred to himself as a paladin of the towns only knight order. He seems very upset by the loss of numbers of the guard as well as how they performed. I do not believe he will remain within the town for long, as I remember hearing he was about to leave when first offered the job. Having a former knight along at least makes me feel better about our odds in a real fight. For a knight he has very little in the way of social discipline, and seems to be fond of arguing. This trait is common to all humans however.
Vang is a half orc. He is one of only three that i have ever talked too, and as of now I have little reason to want to talk to more. He seems to be a skilled warrior and has a connection to Zander, which will at least be something that keeps him in line. He insulted me on the way to a tavern by calling me a woman. Having just met someone and to do something so rude. Still, he did not press the matter, not that I would have wanted the issue to turn to confrontation. I fear that neither myself or vang is capable of pulling back when forced to fight. I must always remember restraint, and perhaps that is what Vang teaches me. For that I should be thankful to the half orc. I should rid myself of the negative thoughts I have for him, and remember that meeting him is an opportunity to train myself with better resolve. Not all creatures in Rimoria will be polite and well mannered, that does not mean they are not good. I suppose I still have much to learn after all.
Lial is a half elf I think, though his elven blood is quite thin. His mannerisms and quick nature remind me of some of my more free minded kin however, and I cant help feeling sympathy for him. He seems to be living off of the street, or at least know it quite well. I would ask father for aid, but father does not take to half elves very well. There is not much to say about him I fear. He seems free willed and happy at face value, though he has no real skills that i can see. He calls himself a scout, but I am not sure he speaks honestly. Time tells all.
Darion is another human that will be joining us. He has a sour demeanor and does not seem to have much aptitude when dealing with others, especially those who would give him orders, or make suggestions of him. Humans tend to be rebellious creatures, and often selfish. He is one of these types I believe. He says he is a warrior, though he knows a bit about magical lore as well. Him and Zander will not get along, which means that Vang will not get along with him as well. So far as I can tell Zander, Darion and Vang were all in the great battle, but something happened to make Vang think of Darion as a coward. I do not know the details, and honestly, do not wish to know. Speaking in ill terms of anything to do with that horrific battle seems to diminish the great loss of life that came with it.
Aside from meeting with them and having an argumentative dinner, we agreed to meet near the town gate, closest to my fathers manor. The journey will be about four days out, and I am looking forward to testing my abilities. There is definitely something more to this quest than simply retrieving a package, but pondering the myriad possibilities will prove fruitless. On a positive note I ran into Phalantar at the tavern. He too has gotten a job. I believe he is escorting someone, and will be joining forces with a local ranger. I am glad that he has had fortune as well."
-Our Gm spoke of our characters not having a weakness, so I'm working one into my character and I think its already kind of relevant. Being so long lived he wont be quick to make attachments, that will make him seem cold and removed, this will make his interactions at first be awkward, and will also get him into some trouble when dealing with npc's as well. I'll also be adding a few character quirks that will work against him as well, so as to allow room for some "accidents". I agree that it will add to the experience. Dont have these quirks yet, but I'll be working on them in the coming days.-
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Alvaeth El'lethevorath / Elven Wizard
(We are going to do 3.5 for a bit now. I'm very excited about the chronicle, and we had a pretty good creation session. The following is a post about my upcoming character.) -recently edited the post to show a change in alignment, will be going LG-
Alvaeth El'lethevorath (His first name means sky render, his second name means lord of fire and storms) Is an elf living in East Hill, a small city within the kingdom of Hammerdul. Alvaeth stands 5'3, and weighs under 100 pounds. His hair is long and blonde, and kept in very good shape, and always properly groomed. His eyes are an emerald green, and his features are delicate and angular, like most of his race.
Alvaeth has lived within the city all of his life, as his current family of the El'lethevorath line has done since the cities creation. The elf lives with his parents, his younger brother, and his older sister. The El'lethevorath extended family, such as cousins, aunts and so forth also dwell within East Hill. It is said that his entire family lives and prospers in or around the city. The elven wizard himself studies under his family, but has also been to the formal school and order as practiced in East Hill. His parents thought it wise to not only teach him the ancient elven ways of magic, but to undergo the human tests and trials of magic, to get a better understanding of how other races percieve and work magic. Alvaeth is extremely protective of the name and honor of his family. He would bring his impressive skills to bear against anyone willing ot challenge or harm his family, and is never quick to give information out about his family. Alvaeth is also extremely protective of the order he graduated from. He takes the title he gained from there as a badge of honor, and although small, greatly respects the teachers and students that come out of the order. In the future, he hopes to be able to contribute to the health and growth of his order and its influence.
Alvaeth practices and studies the workings of Evocation magic. He understands this magic, as it is the most practiced by his family, and better honed its use during his training within the human order available in East Hill. Alvaeth's true love is elemental magic, especially those concerned with both Air and Fire, but studies all the arcane fundamental elements of magic. To date, he is able to create blasts of concentrated force, small jolts of electricity, and small wide spread blasts of flame. His studies are not only of the destructive forces however, as elves teach that magic is not control over these and other elements of reality, but an understanding and pact with such forces. His other teachings involve the elf learning about the natural forces of rimoria, the forces that come from planar influence, basic study of arcanic history, as well as the study of more mundane history. In his century of study he has also learned all of the elemental languages, using them alongside draconic in reciting and scribing his spells.
Alvaeth wishes to master his concept of magic. He wishes to gain more respect for the elemental side of magic, learn more about it, and one day create pacts and alliances with various elemental forces. Although his magic is typically used for combat and destruction, he hopes to use his magic to better not only himself, but the lot of others as well. He is a good natured being at heart, and doesnt lose himself to the chaotic impulses common to his kind, instead, he's learned a great deal about restraint and responsability with his destructive and potent skills. Magic is not all about the elements and nature, no, he understands the mystical tether that binds these forces, and uses his craft to change, alter, or direct great blasts of not only elements, but also of pure arcane forces, and raw eldritch energy.
Alvaeth wants to adventure to master his skill. He has the most basic grasp of his craft, but needs true life experience to go beyond his current capabilities. He of course wants all that comes with a life of adventuring, such as wealth, fame, and increased power, but plans on using any of his gain to help better no only his family, but of East Hill itself, as he values it as a beloved and true home to him. With all the turmoil that has happened recently, Alvaeth sees that now more than ever Rimoria could use more wizards with great power to help protect those that are incapable of defending themselves. Who better to do so than one that could bring the very essence of the elemental planes to bare against his foes.
Socially Alvaeth is fairly active. He attempts to maintain good relations with his neighbors and his family, and when seen away from his studies he tends to be relaxing with other elves, or in the company of other arcanists. Due to his studies he has no intimate social connections, having devoted a great deal of his life to his study of magic.
Alvaeth worships Correllon exclusively. He respects his god as his people creator, and as a god of war related magic. He honors his god by carrying a silver crescent moon pendant. Although he respects the gods worshipped by humans that govern magic, his is more concerned with his own gods teaching as well as the few great elemental powers that have deific sentience.
Politicaly Alvaeth respects the laws that have been set down by the ruling body of Hammerdul and attempts to adhere to them at all times. He also believes that no matter what, the right thing can be accomplished while still remaining within the morale and written laws of the land. He respects the humans that govern the land, and hopes that more can be done to repair all the damage done by the recent wars and threats (inferana) that have ravaged the lands. Being an elf he has no hope of every doing anything political within the kingdom itself, but does hope to one day be able to help his kingdom on a significant level. He still respects and misses his elven homeland, and hopes to see it again very soon, but as for now he's content to settle and thrive in the human run lands, to better understand protect and guide the many other denizens of rimoria.
(Ok, theres a little background for my gm to play with. I'll have more soon)
Alvaeth El'lethevorath (His first name means sky render, his second name means lord of fire and storms) Is an elf living in East Hill, a small city within the kingdom of Hammerdul. Alvaeth stands 5'3, and weighs under 100 pounds. His hair is long and blonde, and kept in very good shape, and always properly groomed. His eyes are an emerald green, and his features are delicate and angular, like most of his race.
Alvaeth has lived within the city all of his life, as his current family of the El'lethevorath line has done since the cities creation. The elf lives with his parents, his younger brother, and his older sister. The El'lethevorath extended family, such as cousins, aunts and so forth also dwell within East Hill. It is said that his entire family lives and prospers in or around the city. The elven wizard himself studies under his family, but has also been to the formal school and order as practiced in East Hill. His parents thought it wise to not only teach him the ancient elven ways of magic, but to undergo the human tests and trials of magic, to get a better understanding of how other races percieve and work magic. Alvaeth is extremely protective of the name and honor of his family. He would bring his impressive skills to bear against anyone willing ot challenge or harm his family, and is never quick to give information out about his family. Alvaeth is also extremely protective of the order he graduated from. He takes the title he gained from there as a badge of honor, and although small, greatly respects the teachers and students that come out of the order. In the future, he hopes to be able to contribute to the health and growth of his order and its influence.
Alvaeth practices and studies the workings of Evocation magic. He understands this magic, as it is the most practiced by his family, and better honed its use during his training within the human order available in East Hill. Alvaeth's true love is elemental magic, especially those concerned with both Air and Fire, but studies all the arcane fundamental elements of magic. To date, he is able to create blasts of concentrated force, small jolts of electricity, and small wide spread blasts of flame. His studies are not only of the destructive forces however, as elves teach that magic is not control over these and other elements of reality, but an understanding and pact with such forces. His other teachings involve the elf learning about the natural forces of rimoria, the forces that come from planar influence, basic study of arcanic history, as well as the study of more mundane history. In his century of study he has also learned all of the elemental languages, using them alongside draconic in reciting and scribing his spells.
Alvaeth wishes to master his concept of magic. He wishes to gain more respect for the elemental side of magic, learn more about it, and one day create pacts and alliances with various elemental forces. Although his magic is typically used for combat and destruction, he hopes to use his magic to better not only himself, but the lot of others as well. He is a good natured being at heart, and doesnt lose himself to the chaotic impulses common to his kind, instead, he's learned a great deal about restraint and responsability with his destructive and potent skills. Magic is not all about the elements and nature, no, he understands the mystical tether that binds these forces, and uses his craft to change, alter, or direct great blasts of not only elements, but also of pure arcane forces, and raw eldritch energy.
Alvaeth wants to adventure to master his skill. He has the most basic grasp of his craft, but needs true life experience to go beyond his current capabilities. He of course wants all that comes with a life of adventuring, such as wealth, fame, and increased power, but plans on using any of his gain to help better no only his family, but of East Hill itself, as he values it as a beloved and true home to him. With all the turmoil that has happened recently, Alvaeth sees that now more than ever Rimoria could use more wizards with great power to help protect those that are incapable of defending themselves. Who better to do so than one that could bring the very essence of the elemental planes to bare against his foes.
Socially Alvaeth is fairly active. He attempts to maintain good relations with his neighbors and his family, and when seen away from his studies he tends to be relaxing with other elves, or in the company of other arcanists. Due to his studies he has no intimate social connections, having devoted a great deal of his life to his study of magic.
Alvaeth worships Correllon exclusively. He respects his god as his people creator, and as a god of war related magic. He honors his god by carrying a silver crescent moon pendant. Although he respects the gods worshipped by humans that govern magic, his is more concerned with his own gods teaching as well as the few great elemental powers that have deific sentience.
Politicaly Alvaeth respects the laws that have been set down by the ruling body of Hammerdul and attempts to adhere to them at all times. He also believes that no matter what, the right thing can be accomplished while still remaining within the morale and written laws of the land. He respects the humans that govern the land, and hopes that more can be done to repair all the damage done by the recent wars and threats (inferana) that have ravaged the lands. Being an elf he has no hope of every doing anything political within the kingdom itself, but does hope to one day be able to help his kingdom on a significant level. He still respects and misses his elven homeland, and hopes to see it again very soon, but as for now he's content to settle and thrive in the human run lands, to better understand protect and guide the many other denizens of rimoria.
(Ok, theres a little background for my gm to play with. I'll have more soon)
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Creation Process
Recently my friend and gm had a conversation about gaming. Actually, we've had the same conversation over the last decade a number of times. Over the course of gaming our group in all its many incarnations has hit bumps where we constantly recreate characters and campaign ideas until we get something everyone agrees on, or it just works.
I think its all about character creation. Usually when people sit down and discuss what it is we want to do, what characters we're interested in, what others are interested in, and what concepts the dm has brewing, we can usually all get on the same page. The problems we have with this method is simply that we dont tend to employ it. Other gamers, myself included, believe the day used to create characters is a waste of time. Its a day we could use to be gaming. I still believe this for the most part. We've had gamers in the past that get upset about switching games, changing characters, etc. They sit down already flustered, and wont really participate in any meaningful way during the creation process. We could just as easily roll our dice in front of the dm, (or go over general concepts) create the character during our downtime, and bring him to the next session ready to go. My point is, if the day is not used for anything other than rolling some dice and creating a vague impression of what the character kind of is like, then its really a waste of time. Granted we're still having fun hanging out, but we're not going to enjoy the hobby on that particular day.
I dont mind creating on the fly characters, some really good stuff comes out that way. But I also think that if our gm does start laying some creative lines down, or simply pointing players in a direction, that it would make things alot easier in the long run. After finding the direction then the dm and the player can go from start to finish, fleshing out background, past, some names, birthplace etc. If that were to happen, then the player would leave with a greater knowledge of just what the hell he was playing, and the dm wouldnt be in for any "suprise changes" at the beginning of the next session. The game would start, the background would be done, and we'd be ready to set out and get things started right from the go. During this time the dm could also catch some "what the fuck" moments. such as some idiotic feat choices, multiclass choices, auspice v.s. role choices, vampiric bloodlines or what not. That stuff could get caught at the beginning and taken care of.
As players I think we are even more responsible than the dm as to what we put into it. Half the time when we sit down we're blank slates. If you ask someone what he wants to play, you'll here a variety of "I dunno" or "I'm gonna wait and see what everyone else is doing" or "I havent had much time to think about it". We should be bouncing ideas. Throwing ideas out there, hearing what each other thinks about it, and then working it out with them. If the character concept is liked by the whole group, its going to mesh easier when its incorporated into the game. The whole "suprise!" character bullshit has to stop at some point. Where someone waits till the end and fills in a "role". People need to play what they want to play. If they get stuck at the end and cant come up with something, they should bounce ideas off the dm and other players. Regardless, it shouldnt get to that point. If we spend an entire day creating characters, we should have plenty of time to really dig in and find out what we want to do. Some people might sit down and have a great idea, but after hearing what the gm's concept is, and compared to a few other ideas that crop up because of it, might creat an entirely new and interesting idea. I think thats how it should be. It should be a creative process. It shouldnt seem sterile, but despite some of our best efforts, our creation days just arent very productive. As a gaming group we may want to really work on that.
Dont get me wrong, sitting down and being told we're playing something and then rolling characters can be intimidating. But even after a half hour of hearing our dm's concepts we should be able to come up with some starter ideas, and then work from there. I think part of the problem may be people creating ideas in there head before they sit down, then not wanting to work with everything else going on around them. Take me, lets say I really want to play an invoker on our next D&D game. I get this idea in my head, plan it out for weeks until we sit down to create characters. Now, when the dm gives us what the concept is, and what he's looking for, chances are my character isnt going to mesh with that idea, at least on a number of important points. This is because my character is done. So far as i'm concerned. Screw everything else, and everyone else. I think thats a common occurence. A roleplaying game needs great character ideas as well as a great story. Our group definitely has the potential for some great stories, because we've had many already. We need to be flexible, we need to think of the players around us, and we definitely need to use that creation day to do something other than talk about work or video games.
Anyways, this is definitely not a hate post. I just wanted to pass on what I got out of some conversations and experience over the years.
I think its all about character creation. Usually when people sit down and discuss what it is we want to do, what characters we're interested in, what others are interested in, and what concepts the dm has brewing, we can usually all get on the same page. The problems we have with this method is simply that we dont tend to employ it. Other gamers, myself included, believe the day used to create characters is a waste of time. Its a day we could use to be gaming. I still believe this for the most part. We've had gamers in the past that get upset about switching games, changing characters, etc. They sit down already flustered, and wont really participate in any meaningful way during the creation process. We could just as easily roll our dice in front of the dm, (or go over general concepts) create the character during our downtime, and bring him to the next session ready to go. My point is, if the day is not used for anything other than rolling some dice and creating a vague impression of what the character kind of is like, then its really a waste of time. Granted we're still having fun hanging out, but we're not going to enjoy the hobby on that particular day.
I dont mind creating on the fly characters, some really good stuff comes out that way. But I also think that if our gm does start laying some creative lines down, or simply pointing players in a direction, that it would make things alot easier in the long run. After finding the direction then the dm and the player can go from start to finish, fleshing out background, past, some names, birthplace etc. If that were to happen, then the player would leave with a greater knowledge of just what the hell he was playing, and the dm wouldnt be in for any "suprise changes" at the beginning of the next session. The game would start, the background would be done, and we'd be ready to set out and get things started right from the go. During this time the dm could also catch some "what the fuck" moments. such as some idiotic feat choices, multiclass choices, auspice v.s. role choices, vampiric bloodlines or what not. That stuff could get caught at the beginning and taken care of.
As players I think we are even more responsible than the dm as to what we put into it. Half the time when we sit down we're blank slates. If you ask someone what he wants to play, you'll here a variety of "I dunno" or "I'm gonna wait and see what everyone else is doing" or "I havent had much time to think about it". We should be bouncing ideas. Throwing ideas out there, hearing what each other thinks about it, and then working it out with them. If the character concept is liked by the whole group, its going to mesh easier when its incorporated into the game. The whole "suprise!" character bullshit has to stop at some point. Where someone waits till the end and fills in a "role". People need to play what they want to play. If they get stuck at the end and cant come up with something, they should bounce ideas off the dm and other players. Regardless, it shouldnt get to that point. If we spend an entire day creating characters, we should have plenty of time to really dig in and find out what we want to do. Some people might sit down and have a great idea, but after hearing what the gm's concept is, and compared to a few other ideas that crop up because of it, might creat an entirely new and interesting idea. I think thats how it should be. It should be a creative process. It shouldnt seem sterile, but despite some of our best efforts, our creation days just arent very productive. As a gaming group we may want to really work on that.
Dont get me wrong, sitting down and being told we're playing something and then rolling characters can be intimidating. But even after a half hour of hearing our dm's concepts we should be able to come up with some starter ideas, and then work from there. I think part of the problem may be people creating ideas in there head before they sit down, then not wanting to work with everything else going on around them. Take me, lets say I really want to play an invoker on our next D&D game. I get this idea in my head, plan it out for weeks until we sit down to create characters. Now, when the dm gives us what the concept is, and what he's looking for, chances are my character isnt going to mesh with that idea, at least on a number of important points. This is because my character is done. So far as i'm concerned. Screw everything else, and everyone else. I think thats a common occurence. A roleplaying game needs great character ideas as well as a great story. Our group definitely has the potential for some great stories, because we've had many already. We need to be flexible, we need to think of the players around us, and we definitely need to use that creation day to do something other than talk about work or video games.
Anyways, this is definitely not a hate post. I just wanted to pass on what I got out of some conversations and experience over the years.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Only the Spirits will know
(Another character related post)
The night of revelry ended. Children of Gaia and there kinfolk wandered around the sept in a daze for most of the night. Many of the other tribes who did not participate were charged to defend the sept. I ran the night out. The moon was full. I filled my hunger with rabits and small game. I was tired of hunting. Tired of doing nothing with my strength. The morning came, and with it, purpose. I hoped this was true.
What was formed was to be our pack. We were to be charged with searching out Kathleen's pack mates. They had traveled to a weaver dish near the sept. The sept leader and the glass walker spoke of what the weaver dish was. It made no sense. We would be charged with finding and securing the area. The Get of Fenris never showed, but our theurge did. He called himself Kaiden. Me and Wephowet were given our spirit names through our rite of passage. We had no names before this. The homid were also given there spirit names. They do not like there names, they do not speak there names in there title. Gaia gave them these names, and they mock her by not adopting them. It shames me to be part of a pack with no connection to our mother. Only the silver fang Cold-Claws announced himself as such, but only to the sept leader. I only know the silver fangs spirit name, the others I do not know. The spirits will know how they disgrace our mother. They will speak of it during the next moot. I will get shamed for not speaking with them of there wrong doing. I will do so. I do not want the spirits thinking that I dont know my place. I will not lose renown because of there ignorance. I wish the other tribal elders would train there pups with more respect.
Kaiden was a homid like the others in our pack. He was tall, but had little strength in his frame. He was a theurge and a child of gaia, so his weakness was to be expected. He had spiritual strength that made up for his physical weakness. That was good. He would deal with the spirits that adressed our pack, he would need that strength in the future.
The pack made there way to the dish. We went in the Umbra, the spirit lands. We traveled fast, in the wolf form, and made our way to the spot without trouble. The dish was a great metal tree, with silver threads for branches. The weaver spirits made there way along the webs, and were securing the weaver site. Behind this tower there was a great black cloud. This cloud was not the proud darkness of grandfather thunder, but a cloud of sickness. Wyrm. Kathleen told us to travel back to mother gaia and secure the site from any wyrm spawn that would be there. She said she would investigate the black cloud. She turned into a weaver spirit and climbed the tower as the rest of us passed through the spirit gauntlet.
Myself and the moondancer arrived first. I made the decision to wait for the others. As we waited we saw many wyrm minions. The fomori. They were homids, but twisted by the wyrm. They were taking things from the weaver dish, and putting them into there trucks. Cold-Claws and Kaiden made there way through, but Wepowhet stayed behind. Cold-Claws declared our attack. He directed me to the homids with guns. The moon dancer went for the large homid with a weaver tool. Cold-Claws and Kaiden moved down towards the other three.
It was a battle of great glory. The three with guns died by my fangs. I was like a storm of rage. I made Grandfather thunder proud. The spirits will say this. I did my part. I killed my three. I protected the theurge by knocking his attacker away, and then killed the moondancers prey to free her to help kaiden. After that foe was dead I finished off one more of the fomori. Cold-Claws killed one of them. The moon dancer killed two, though I give the weaver wielder to her as well. Her claws made it easy prey. She will not tell the spirits that Kills-for-thunder steals the weak. I use my strength for the pack. Let her have that kill.
Cold-Claws had me follow the fomori trail while they dealt with the weaver dish. I followed the trail a distance, and found where the fomori were hiding. There home was infested with wyrm, they were corrupting the land. My rage demanded sacrifice. Like stupid animals, they left one of there weak too far from the herd. A sacrifice for thunder now. I told the others, but they wanted to tell the elders of what we had found. The wyrm no more than a good run from the sept, and they wanted to cry to the elders. No doubt they would send us right back to deal with this problem. Cold-Claws is taking the alpha, and he says what we do. His decision is wrong. The wyrm should not be on our lands. They will find there dead and be ready. He is not a warrior. He does not see this. The children of gaia like talking, so perhaps he is doing what the children of gaia will do. He is acting for his renown. I can understand that. The spirits will be angry with us. They will want us to end the corruption. But we run away. Only to run back. Orders are Orders though. It is not my place yet to question them. I was told as much.
We arrived back and told the sept leader of all we had done. She told us we would be going back to finish what we had started. This made sense of course. It was what should be done. But we had to go back to get orders, to go back to finish the fight. Our leaders and advisors are all talkers, and they do question themselves, there orders, and what should be done at every step. All of our missions will take a very long time. The spirits have not chosen us. I am angry. I understand. Our pack does not adopt there spirit names, and seem to turn away when the spirits need them most. I hope a spirit looks at what strength we have. Our leaders just need there guidance.
(Ok, i'll have some more later!)
The night of revelry ended. Children of Gaia and there kinfolk wandered around the sept in a daze for most of the night. Many of the other tribes who did not participate were charged to defend the sept. I ran the night out. The moon was full. I filled my hunger with rabits and small game. I was tired of hunting. Tired of doing nothing with my strength. The morning came, and with it, purpose. I hoped this was true.
What was formed was to be our pack. We were to be charged with searching out Kathleen's pack mates. They had traveled to a weaver dish near the sept. The sept leader and the glass walker spoke of what the weaver dish was. It made no sense. We would be charged with finding and securing the area. The Get of Fenris never showed, but our theurge did. He called himself Kaiden. Me and Wephowet were given our spirit names through our rite of passage. We had no names before this. The homid were also given there spirit names. They do not like there names, they do not speak there names in there title. Gaia gave them these names, and they mock her by not adopting them. It shames me to be part of a pack with no connection to our mother. Only the silver fang Cold-Claws announced himself as such, but only to the sept leader. I only know the silver fangs spirit name, the others I do not know. The spirits will know how they disgrace our mother. They will speak of it during the next moot. I will get shamed for not speaking with them of there wrong doing. I will do so. I do not want the spirits thinking that I dont know my place. I will not lose renown because of there ignorance. I wish the other tribal elders would train there pups with more respect.
Kaiden was a homid like the others in our pack. He was tall, but had little strength in his frame. He was a theurge and a child of gaia, so his weakness was to be expected. He had spiritual strength that made up for his physical weakness. That was good. He would deal with the spirits that adressed our pack, he would need that strength in the future.
The pack made there way to the dish. We went in the Umbra, the spirit lands. We traveled fast, in the wolf form, and made our way to the spot without trouble. The dish was a great metal tree, with silver threads for branches. The weaver spirits made there way along the webs, and were securing the weaver site. Behind this tower there was a great black cloud. This cloud was not the proud darkness of grandfather thunder, but a cloud of sickness. Wyrm. Kathleen told us to travel back to mother gaia and secure the site from any wyrm spawn that would be there. She said she would investigate the black cloud. She turned into a weaver spirit and climbed the tower as the rest of us passed through the spirit gauntlet.
Myself and the moondancer arrived first. I made the decision to wait for the others. As we waited we saw many wyrm minions. The fomori. They were homids, but twisted by the wyrm. They were taking things from the weaver dish, and putting them into there trucks. Cold-Claws and Kaiden made there way through, but Wepowhet stayed behind. Cold-Claws declared our attack. He directed me to the homids with guns. The moon dancer went for the large homid with a weaver tool. Cold-Claws and Kaiden moved down towards the other three.
It was a battle of great glory. The three with guns died by my fangs. I was like a storm of rage. I made Grandfather thunder proud. The spirits will say this. I did my part. I killed my three. I protected the theurge by knocking his attacker away, and then killed the moondancers prey to free her to help kaiden. After that foe was dead I finished off one more of the fomori. Cold-Claws killed one of them. The moon dancer killed two, though I give the weaver wielder to her as well. Her claws made it easy prey. She will not tell the spirits that Kills-for-thunder steals the weak. I use my strength for the pack. Let her have that kill.
Cold-Claws had me follow the fomori trail while they dealt with the weaver dish. I followed the trail a distance, and found where the fomori were hiding. There home was infested with wyrm, they were corrupting the land. My rage demanded sacrifice. Like stupid animals, they left one of there weak too far from the herd. A sacrifice for thunder now. I told the others, but they wanted to tell the elders of what we had found. The wyrm no more than a good run from the sept, and they wanted to cry to the elders. No doubt they would send us right back to deal with this problem. Cold-Claws is taking the alpha, and he says what we do. His decision is wrong. The wyrm should not be on our lands. They will find there dead and be ready. He is not a warrior. He does not see this. The children of gaia like talking, so perhaps he is doing what the children of gaia will do. He is acting for his renown. I can understand that. The spirits will be angry with us. They will want us to end the corruption. But we run away. Only to run back. Orders are Orders though. It is not my place yet to question them. I was told as much.
We arrived back and told the sept leader of all we had done. She told us we would be going back to finish what we had started. This made sense of course. It was what should be done. But we had to go back to get orders, to go back to finish the fight. Our leaders and advisors are all talkers, and they do question themselves, there orders, and what should be done at every step. All of our missions will take a very long time. The spirits have not chosen us. I am angry. I understand. Our pack does not adopt there spirit names, and seem to turn away when the spirits need them most. I hope a spirit looks at what strength we have. Our leaders just need there guidance.
(Ok, i'll have some more later!)
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