Role
The Journal
Added Tue May 10 03:03:36 2011 at level 1:
*delicate patterns of green and brown leaves and vines are embroidered
into the stiff white leather that forms the cover of this journal, the
binding a crimson briar rose with three stems intertwining down the
spine. The artist took the time to include as many miniscule details as
possible with the tiny thread that was available: veins and ridges in the
leaves, silk thread to emphasize the petals of the rose.
Inside the cover is another piece of leather, though much softer that the
outside, and decorating the majority of the inside is an overlapped
pentagram of vines surrounded by twelve circles indicating the various
stages of the moon as it passes through them. Scribbled in the bottom
right are the words, "In that it harm none, do as ye will."*
The Black Book
Added Tue May 10 03:04:52 2011 at level 1:
*this journal has a plain black cover and the pages within are merely
recollections of previous travels. Tales of trips across land with
gypsies and fortune tellers, trips abroad with sea-faring troupes with
not but the clothes on their backs and instruments in their hands. In
each tale there seems to be little remorse in having been on the move to
new places every week.
Reading over the pages it's fairly easy to tell that whoever wrote these
entries has a passion for entertainment. Jokes, songs of various origin
that have been collected over the years, even some stories of various
events.*
The Troupe called K'thalza Cree
Added Tue May 10 03:06:15 2011 at level 1:
Ever since I was born, even before my parents were born, the K'thalza
Cree have been wandering around bringing good spirits and entertainment
to various settlements and cities. At best, their presence is somewhat at
a distance because of the rumors about being bandits. Silly rumors as
they are, we've always brought enough of a good time to the people we
visit to warrant warm, welcome smiles from those that know who we are.
Over time, we simply became "The Family," which is supposedly what
K'thalza Cree means in some long dead language. That's the story anyway.
We were welcome, despite being wanderers. It didn't matter that we didn't
have much more than a few silvers in any of our purses alone. We enjoyed
performing for free simply because it's what we love. We saw no reason to
get paid for doing something we enjoy. It didn't stop people from
bringing gifts of food and instruments, sometimes small things that
needed to be repaired.
I am but the first to leave the Troupe to enter the Theran Academy. I
told both them and myself that it was for the betterment of the Family.
That we needed new tents and wagons. In truth, I wanted to see something
different. I wanted to explore away from the safety of those I knew and
one day bring wild tales and enough coin to keep the troupe supplies with
these harsh times.
Life, Passion, and Music: Journal Page 1
Added Tue May 10 03:07:14 2011 at level 1:
My name is Alloriana. Since my birth, I've been part of a traveling mix
of races, mostly entertainers, but several adventurers and explorers as
well. Throughout my years, I've experienced much, and gained a lifetime
of experience since then. I'm not a wild elf by any meaning of the term.
I simply am. My existence has been a blessing I can make no offering to
repay the favor of the gods of the lands that have watched me grow up.
I am a singer and dancer, story and fortune teller, a linguist and poet.
I am a Bard. I am Alloriana, a simple elven trouper, and still a member
of the Family. Despite the gifts of my travels I must remain ever
grateful simply because of one thing. I am.
Over my years of travel, I've collected an assortment of songs, most of
which were known by the Academy. It was recommended that I further study
in both the Epic tunes along with the romantic. I'll admit I'm not
accustomed to singing with an instrument because of my habit of dancing
to the music around me. It'll be interesting at least. I've always wanted
to learn something new.
The First Days Away from Home: Journal Page 2
Added Tue May 10 03:08:19 2011 at level 1:
My final days in the academy approach. I fear the training cost me a bit
more than I'd anticipated, but I think in the long run it will be worth
it. Only time will tell whether or not I've done the right thing. I'd
hate to miss something important, and I will certainly miss my parents
and brother Neik.
I don't see this as an end. Merely the beginning of something new.
Something exciting.
*the following is an attached copy of a letter that was sent to the
desert surrounding Hamsah*
To the Family, and to My family, I've arrived safely in Galadon. My
request for residence in Darsylon was refused because it was believed I
might be an upstart in their strict beliefs or something like that. It's
no matter though. I'll leave my contributions of coin at the Oasis we
usually stop in for water when we move through the desert. Maybe I'll get
lucky and we cross paths soon.
With love and respect,
Alloriana
Journal Page 3: The Fortress: Beginnings
Added Fri May 13 00:09:34 2011 at level 17:
Well, I've managed to make a dream come true since I was a young girl. I
sent in an application to join the Fortress only three of the Gods Days
ago and already I have joined their ranks as a Scribe. I'd dreamed for
ages of merely seeing the Fortress from the inside, but I'd never
contemplated becoming an Acolyte until joining the Academy.
Amongst my interviewers were Nevaelle, Aliathius, Mirrou, and much to my
surprise Lord Sollin. I enjoyed my talks with all four of them and
thoroughly look forward to more in the future, though I do sincerely hope
I can avoid confusing Nevaelle any more than I already have. Lord Sollin
tells me that he confused her as well and I felt bad for laughing.
Still though, I'm more than amazed by this place and I look forward to
each day with a new light. I think I will write more on my talk with Lord
Sollin, but I may save that for another page lest I run out of room.
Journal Page 3: The Fortress: Beginnings
Added Fri May 13 00:11:15 2011 at level 17:
Well, I've managed to make a dream come true since I was a young girl. I
sent in an application to join the Fortress only three of the Gods Days
ago and already I have joined their ranks as a Scribe. I'd dreamed for
ages of merely seeing the Fortress from the inside, but I'd never
contemplated becoming an Acolyte until joining the Academy.
Amongst my interviewers were Nevaelle, Aliathius, Mirrou, and much to my
surprise Lord Sollin. I enjoyed my talks with all four of them and
thoroughly look forward to more in the future, though I do sincerely hope
I can avoid confusing Nevaelle any more than I already have. Lord Sollin
tells me that he confused her as well and I felt bad for laughing.
Still though, I'm more than amazed by this place and I look forward to
each day with a new light. I think I will write more on my talk with Lord
Sollin, but I may save that for another page lest I run out of room.
Journal Page 4: Lord Sollin and Mirrou
Added Fri May 13 00:50:19 2011 at level 17:
Well... Where to start for these two. The Felar, Mirrou, was a rather fun
chat by far. We spent at least two elven hours swapping stories in lieu
of being interrogated as a form of interview. More than once we had each
other laughing, and I almost felt bad for scaring him when I mimiced a
Parrot after having repeated myself several times. Granted... It was far
too funny to the both of us to really feel guilty about.
I think I'll try finding more inventive ways to use my ventriloquism as a
form of entertainment. As long as people are laughing, I'll be happy.
Lord Sollin on the other hand... Just as Mirrou and I had concluded our
chat, he extended to me an invitation to visit the Temple of the Gods to
speak with him. At first I thought my mind was playing tricks on me! I
was so excited, nervous, and scared all at once. It didn't help I
referred to the Lord as a Lady at first. I was so embarrassed I was
almost in tears..
Our talk went well though, and I was not at all disappointed. I thought
the Lord to be a mind reader at first when he knew my name, although I
had momentarily forgotten that I was speaking to one of the Gods. Of
course he would know who I am! ARRGH it was frustrating and exciting all
at once. To my knowledge, none of the K'thalza Cree had been so close as
to touch one of the Gods, let alone have one help them to their feet! If
they had, it was a well kept secret.
I will never forget what he said to me though. His interpretation of what
it is I seek to do within the Fortress. "You seek to restore Grace." Even
now those words ring through my ears. I pray I never let him, nor the
rest of the Fortress down.
Journal Page 5: Within the Fortress
Added Fri May 13 13:10:29 2011 at level 19:
I've been within the Fortress of Light for a few days now. I've taken
quite a liking to the ledge atop the structure, and its' view of the
mountains. In all its' splendor, it never ceases to amaze me how
beautiful such a simple building from outward appearances can look. Since
my joining, I've been reading quite a bit in the library, committing the
Oath of the Acolytes to my memory as well as that of the Creed of the
Maran. In my free time from my studies, I've taken to mastering the songs
I already have at my disposal. It's a slow process but a rewarding one
altogether.
I cannot wait until I am of more use here, though I would hate to be
thought of as lazy for simply sitting within the Fortress and forgoing
any opportunities to take an adventure. For those that understand, my
music is my pride. Each song I play that does not reach the ears of those
around me is one less song played to support and strengthen the Light.
On a brighter note, I have taken to the possibility of writing a chant in
honor of the Fortress. Something inspiring both to the Maran, and the
Acolytes alike. I will speak with the others to find out what they would
find most inspiring.
Journal Page 6: Life viewed through Lighter Eyes
Added Sun May 15 15:18:38 2011 at level 27:
As my travels throughout Thera, limited as they have been thus far, have
brought me new wisdom and knowledge, so too does my body begin to reflect
the changes. My hair has turned a lighter color, and I've been told my
eyes are much lighter than they were before. I do not mind the change at
all. I've also noticed I've grown a few inches over the years since I
joined the Academy.
Through my travels I've been able to experience things I'd have never
hoped to dream of when I was with the Caravan. Of course, among the
things I've experienced, death seems to be a recurring event for me. It's
understandable seeing as well.. I'm an elf. And I'm an acolyte. So I
guess that kinda makes me pretty famous for being relatively easy to
kill. But, I'm stubborn. There's no way in any of the Nine Hells short of
Death whispering my name that I'll give up that easily.
Journal Page 7: Where Flame and Light Meet
Added Sun May 15 15:19:33 2011 at level 27:
Interesting happenings to say the least. I had my first official 'chat'
with Cagubrak. It seems the Lord of Scarabs has found a home in his heart
and I admit to both fearing him, and fearing for him. We had a long
discussion at the Eternal Star regarding our individual beliefs, the
definition of strength, and oddly enough family.
I feel bad for him because he's been able to experience so little. I
don't even think he's been around his own people. It certainly does seem
like he fears being enslaved out of weakness. I want to help him, but I
fear at the moment I simply do not know the best way to do it. As always,
the Light will guide me along this path. If nothing else, the longer I
speak with him the more time his previous victims have to get away.
However... I fear I may well wind up a victim to him again as well, so I
must be careful how I chose to approach this.
Visions: The Drow, The Necromancer, and The Way
Added Mon May 16 20:25:01 2011 at level 30:
Adorned only with ritual funeral garments, a Drow rests on the ground
with his back against the outer Fortress walls with watchful eyes that
both see and do not see watching those that pass. Upon seeing him, I know
both fear and awe from the way he seems to guard himself. The very
shadows surrounding him seem to jump to life, only to disappear upon
meeting his flesh or clothing, concealing him in DarkLight.
I approached the man in rapt curiosity in my dream, asked him if he was
seeking a fight with the Maran. He responded with a quiet, almost rasping
voice. Why touch upon the Light that would extinguish me when I can
consume the very Shadows themselves? Based on what I could tell by his
appearance and the darklight that surrounded him, he did not lie.
From there, my vision was not my own. Rather, I stood as he, listening
and watching his movements. He did not seem all that different from other
adventurers. He sought to gain knowledge through his Guild, sought out
others that would benefit not only from his spells, but from his
teachings. What he called The Way. I do not know if it's magic or the
power of a God granted to him, but it seemed The Way granted him the
ability to consume the darkness to feed his own power.
Why are you showing me this? I asked from within. The vision broke, and
I returned to the Waking world.
Missive to the K'Thalza Cree: Good Tidings, With Love from Alloriana
Added Wed May 18 00:55:51 2011 at level 33:
I bring good tidings! I apologize for not writing more often but things
have been rather busy at the Fortress! I passed through the desert
recently, but sadly, I did not find signs of the Caravan on passing
through though.
It's been... Very eventful out here to say the least. I am constantly
pursued by fire-giants and the like. I fear I was also forced to face one
until he was killed in the Altar room of the Fortress. I find myself at a
loss for words on the occurrence. Never have I desired to kill one, nor
have I ever made chase against one. I miss the guidance of my family,
though I do have some consolation here in the Fortress itself.
On a brighter note, I did promise to send what gold I could to the
Caravan. Enclosed in the envelope of this missive is a note of credit
that should be good at any of the banks in Thera. I have set aside twenty
gold pieces that the note will grant to be put toward the needs of the
Caravan.
Vision: Awakenings
Added Wed May 18 00:57:18 2011 at level 33:
I stand in a circular room with lit braziers every few feet on the walls.
In front of me and on a tall pedestal there is a pulsing white orb that
undulates slowly as though it were liquid. I try to focus on the orb but
its' interior changes constantly, the shape sometimes causing my eyes to
cross as if the light pouring from it weren't enough to do that.
When I reach out to touch it, its' sides bulge out toward my hands. As
though it were never there, arcs of light the likes of which I'd never
witnessed began dancing across my skin. In front of me now is a mirror
that allows me to watch the effects of absorbing the orb. Light continues
dancing across my skin and travels up my arms to my throat and neck
leaving a brand upon my skin along my throat. It's a peaceful feeling at
first but then it begins to burn. As I open my mouth to scream, my body
alights and explodes outwards to extinguish the flames on the walls.
As I begin to reform, the room that should have been darkened by the lack
of flame remains alight. Though the mirror is shattered on the floor, I
see that my skin glows and lights up the room around me. My vision blanks
as the room flashes blindingly white and I awaken on the Ledge
overlooking the Fortress.
Journal Page 8: Dreams, Discoveries, and Heartache
Added Wed May 18 00:58:22 2011 at level 33:
It pains me to have to write of death, but I believe it's time to
overcome my fears. The Fortress has been a wondrous place. I'm glad to
see that we now have a Cardinal, although I am somewhat shamed to have to
admit to myself that sometimes death is necessary. Erzgarn would not
relinquish his pursuit of the Scepter the Scions draw power from. The
outer guardian fell to poison, thus the item was not recovered and
Erzgarn continued his pursuit of me into the Fortress itself. He summoned
various people into the fortress that were notably stronger than I in the
hopes I would mess up and piss one of them off.
I did. A storm giant. I was barely able to escape after having been
summoned to the already angry giant three times. I was forced to hunt
down Erzgarn to the point he fled into the Watcher and was killed. I will
not understand why he chose to continue when he knew I would retaliate. I
was not without aid and had a number of people watching over me as I
fought. His death weighs heavily on my heart and I find myself consulting
my Tarot more than I ever had before. I will likely seek more council on
the matter in the hopes to calm my Soul.
Journal Page 9: Cagubrak, Relsew, and the Captain Neltouda
Added Wed May 18 01:00:26 2011 at level 33:
I fear too much time had passed since my talks with Cagubrak and he's
grown increasingly more hostile towards me. I had hoped it wouldn't come
to this but I remind myself that he is never truly lost. I pray that one
day he will one day find peace in the world and finally know something
other than violence.
On a brighter note however, I did find the Captain Neltouda's ship after
having been gifted with an ancient gold coin. I met there with another
friend I hadn't seen in some time and strangely enough the same thing
brought us there. While I did not find the answers I sought, I was
grateful to have been blessed by the presence of a Goddess once more.
Relsew also had in his possession something that brought sadness to both
the Captain and I, although he didn't understand why. He held a vial that
contained the soul of a child, and when it was given to the Captain, it
was clear that the vial disturbed her. Relsew understood when we told him
that the spirit needed to be freed from its' prison, and the Captain
seemed to be working towards it on her own without my telling him. As the
Captain opened the vial I whispered a quiet prayer and the laughter that
echoed from the heavens seemed confirmation that my prayer was heard.
I also gave Relsew some soap, as he was complaining about his own smell.
I do hope it will help, though I also hope that I won't need to start
giving him scented soaps to help his situation.
The Way: Waking with the heavy scroll.
Added Thu May 19 01:53:45 2011 at level 35:
This small scroll appears to be that of some sort of scripture. Its'
tones are somewhat religious in form and bear a code of conduct as well.
The back of the scroll itself is embossed with an inlaid silver pentagram
with nine runes, each depicting one of the gates of the inferno.
Appearances aside, the pentagram itself seems to draw enough power from
the runes to glow with a slight flare, the circle around it veiled in
light-consuming shadow.
Those who read this may find themselves without power. Without strength.
Without Sight. As monks, these are our teachings. These are our
scriptures. This is The Way.
Ye who follows this code understands that the Light is neither your
friend, nor your enemy. Greet them as any other but understand you put
yourself at risk. Do not strike first against them.
You also understand that the Darkness is the source of your power.
Embrace that which clouds your soul and take in the shadows about you.
Only by consuming the shadows may you understand yourself.
While you are a monk, understand that neutrality is not your way. Side
with your fellow Monks and understand that the Lightwalkers will always
have ready targets to consume.
Fight darkness with darkness. The shadows of our sect consume those that
do not follow The Way. Remember that your power will weaken those without
our rede.
For Strength, seek the darkness. Draw upon its' power and absorb it.
For Sight, remember that all things are veiled in shadow. Be the shadow,
and see that which forms it.
For Power, continue with The Way. Allow it to guide you, and remember to
guide The Way itself to those sympathetic to the cause. Those of the
Light are incapable of drawing upon The Way, but the may assist your
growth.
Deception of those that would aid you is not part of The Way. Be clear
with your intentions. Be prepared to listen, but do not waver. Seek the
Lightwalkers. They will open the path. The Way will guide you along it.
Below the scripture appear to be a single spell, and its' translation.
Val'krei asiati nal. The Shadows consume all.
It is a spell that begins slowly, gaining in power as you advance. Its
power drains the spirits of the Darkness gradually. It will sap the very
bodies of those filled with corruption to replenish your own.
Know that within those that follow The Way, there are Initiates, The
Enlightened, Senior Monks, and The Highlord.
Journal Page 10: Return to the Caravan
Added Sun May 22 03:15:48 2011 at level 35:
Dire news from the desert came to me a while ago. My family in the desert
came under attack by both the armies of the Empire and the magi of the
Chasm. Half the caravan was destroyed entirely because my family had been
circumventing the Imperial Roadblocks. We lost a lot of people, and,
truth be told, spirits were in the pits. My own as well.
My mother is now a widow, most of the children with us were either taken
or killed. The stage-performers are short three actors and actresses...
The casualties were high. I mourn the loss of my father, but I have faith
in my mother. I know she'll lead them well, but I know it'll be
difficult. I think my saving grace when I returned may have been the
happy and proud looks on everyone's faces when I made my return.
A solid month of repairs and still, the Caravan is only at half strength.
The good news about this however is that word of the destruction roused
the wily hearts of those townships and communities we visited in the
past. Deep feelings were stirred when the K'thalza Cree was halted in the
middle of the desert. Many brought us supplies and water, food... Perhaps
the single most immense act of kindness in the desert I'd seen in ages.
To save us, many of our friends and family from the surrounding areas
made sacrifices of their own rations to see us through.
It's a time I'll not soon forget, although our losses do sting my heart a
little.
Journal Page 11: Meeting with the Way, The Necromancer Among the Caravan.
Added Sun May 22 03:17:59 2011 at level 35:
I know now why I had been dreaming of the strange drow. As it turns out,
he's been with us for years and yet I'd never seen his face.
Laventh'kaldenas. The only man until I'd left that had been capable of
making me know what fear was. He's one of the drow that came to the
surface and traveled to the desert in search of our Caravan.
Granted, I feared him for a short while, but it turns out that I'd been
able to get to know him quite well over the years without realizing it.
He became one of our interpreters for the dreamscape as he'd been within
Organia a number of times. His translations were almost flawless. Some
said that even his own dreams had been prophetic. In time, I came to look
up to him. I admired his knowledge and strength.
And, well... That admiration led to other things of course, but I was
still a young girl capable of merely the slightest of affection. I didn't
know what love was, so perhaps that may very well be what I feared from
him. He was a good man. Scary, but still a good man. I didn't realize he
was a Necromancer until I returned. Perhaps it was a fateful
incompatibility. He was still alone, as was his choice before I'd left.
This does merit some discussion amongst the Fortress though. I wonder
what they would say about him. It's possible he might aid us in times of
dire need, although I'm sure the Maran would find his appearance quite
poorly.
Still. His teachings of The Way could very well give us an edge against
the Darkness. There are many paths, with many gradients of lighting. His
path maintains the darkness, though I know the Light touches him. He
devours the darkness as the Maran do, though he does it from within. He
knows that once the Darkness has been banished, the world will have no
place for him. He accepts that, despite my trying to convince him
otherwise.
I'll speak with the others about him. Perhaps, Lord Sollin would have
some advice for him. I will also transcribe the Scroll I awoke with
describing Laventh's Way in the next page.
Journal Page 12: The Way, Waking with the Scroll
Added Sun May 22 03:22:13 2011 at level 35:
This small scroll appears to be that of some sort of scripture. Its'
tones are somewhat religious in form and bear a code of conduct as well.
The back of the scroll itself is embossed with an inlaid silver pentagram
with nine runes, each depicting one of the gates of the inferno.
Appearances aside, the pentagram itself seems to draw enough power from
the runes to glow with a slight flare, the circle around it veiled in
light-consuming shadow.
Those who read this may find themselves without power. Without strength.
Without Sight. As monks, these are our teachings. These are our
scriptures. This is The Way.
Ye who follows this code understands that the Light is neither your
friend, nor your enemy. Greet them as any other but understand you put
yourself at risk. Do not strike first against them.
You also understand that the Darkness is the source of your power.
Embrace that which clouds your soul and take in the shadows about you.
Only by consuming the shadows may you understand yourself.
While you are a monk, understand that neutrality is not your way. Side
with your fellow Monks and understand that the Lightwalkers will always
have ready targets to consume.
Fight darkness with darkness. The shadows of our sect consume those that
do not follow The Way. Remember that your power will weaken those without
our rede.
For Strength, seek the darkness. Draw upon its' power and absorb it.
For Sight, remember that all things are veiled in shadow. Be the shadow,
and see that which forms it.
For Power, continue with The Way. Allow it to guide you, and remember to
guide The Way itself to those sympathetic to the cause. Those of the
Light are incapable of drawing upon The Way, but the may assist your
growth.
Deception of those that would aid you is not part of The Way. Be clear
with your intentions. Be prepared to listen, but do not waver. Seek the
Lightwalkers. They will open the path. The Way will guide you along it.
Remember to respect the Light which casts your Shadow. As the Light
strengthens, so too will you as the shadows cast deepen. However,
remember that once the Darkness has been expunged from the world, unless
you are willing to change, you will have no place in the world.
Below the scripture appears to be a single spell, and its' translation.*
'Val'krei asiati nal.' The Shadows consume all.
It is a spell that begins slowly, gaining in power as you advance. Its
power drains the spirits of the Darkness gradually. It will sap the very
bodies of those filled with corruption to replenish your own.
Know that within those that follow The Way, there are Initiates, The
Enlightened, The Adept, and The Highlord.
Journal Page 13: Alloriana, Acolyte of the Golden Sun
Added Tue May 24 00:30:09 2011 at level 40:
You know... There's some things you kind of expect in life. There's some
things that surprise the hell outta you and you never quite understand
'what just happened here?' Going to an Inn, buying a beer, little food.
That's something you expect. Y'gotta eat to survive, right?
Going to that same in to buy food, meet with a friend and talk... Then
having a Goddess arrive totally unannounced... That's something you might
hope for, but STILL shocks the hell outta you when it happens. That's
what happened to me the last time I was at the Eternal Star. I was
talking to Relsew about life, discussing his plans for the farm,
delivering some soap I got for him the last time I was with my Caravan.
Very good talk with him. He's probably the kindest- no, scratch that. He
-is- the nicest Minotaur I've ever met. Very kind man overall, and I wish
there were more like him.
AFTER that talk though was probably the biggest shock of my life, short
of hearing half the caravan of the K'thalza Cree had been destroyed. Lady
Padwei appeared as I was preparing a missive to the Cardinal in the hopes
of delivering some good news. In that chat alone, I learned a lot of
things despite having been asked a lot of questions. The Lady Padwei
asked who within the Fortress I know the most about. Asked how I was
finding life. My answers I'm sure were about as expected because... Well,
her being a goddess I'm sure she's heard them all by now.
Of course, I had no idea why she'd mysteriously arrived at the Inn, so I
wasn't exactly on my best of behaviors ever, nor was I prepared for the
visitation. I'm relatively positive my shock was apparent when she
arrived. The one question that almost scared me though. 'Is being an
Acolyte something you think you're ready for?' I couldn't believe my
ears. Truth be told, it felt a bit like a loaded question, perhaps to see
if my pride was getting to me or something. I answered truthfully though.
I told her that there are some things in life one can never truly be
ready for prior to something happening.
My family would be proud. My father... May his soul find eternal
happiness in the Summer-lands... would have been proud. I am now a full
fledged Acolyte of the Golden Sun.
Journal Page 14: Am I the Misguided One?
Added Wed May 25 04:12:11 2011 at level 42:
Some time has passed now since the initial attack on the K'thalza Cree,
and while I've had my share of joy since then, I find myself burdened
with sorrow. Since the attack... I don't understand myself. Nwesoui and I
struck the Chasm to retrieve the Orb for the Fortress, and in the process
of doing so I fell into the Chancellor's trap. I fell to him rather
brutally after having been paralyzed several times.
I told the Chancellor earlier that I did not wish to fight him, and he
asked why I struck the Ccul'gra. In truth, I had hoped to do something to
support the Fortress, yet at the same time I sacrificed my life in a
rather stupid way in doing so. I wanted to retrieve, and I -hoped- it was
clear. As usual though, I wasn't that lucky. I told the Chancellor that I
didn't believe murdering people was right. As his response, the
Chancellor asked why I then murdered the Ccul'gra.
What was I to say? It's not a person? If I hadn't done so then I would
have done nothing to help the Fortress? That if I had not done so, my
fathers death would have been in vain? I fear I am lost in my thoughts. I
hope to be able to speak to Lord Sollin, or one of the other Acolytes
soon. I do not wish to lose myself to the darkness that consumes my
thoughts.
Black Book Page 231: Song in Dwarvish Style
Added Wed May 25 06:13:20 2011 at level 42:
Whene'er the world goes dark,
Y'ken be sure there's a start!
But take comfort m'lads,
Twas that old Zulgh' 'ad tae fart!
Inspired by the thief Dordlebin during travels in Arial City prior, and
post Eclipse.
Journal Page 15: Life and Death, Passion and Distress
Added Thu May 26 05:03:40 2011 at level 47:
It's been almost two hundred years since I left the Academy. More and
more I find that death has become common in my life. Either I must be
ready to kill when defending myself... Or I will be killed. Many times
I've regretted being attacked. More have I regretted being killed by
those that simply seek to destroy. I still mourn the loss of life with
Cagubrak, Lohoq, and most recently... Ealon.
Combat does not present the shock to my nerves as it once did. I'm
learning to control myself better, although I still do not enjoy the
fighting itself. I find it's something I will never come to terms with,
despite the warnings from others I've received. I do however, hope to
make a difference in the world when it comes to these matters. I know
that as an Acolyte I'm a Beacon of Light to Thera. Perhaps... There's a
way to reduce the casualties.
My thoughts grow darker sometimes. When those that have either caused my
death or witnessed it contact me, I find I'm easily baited into a heated
argument over the attacks. The last... I fear was over a robe that was
given to me by Allysia. I fear she will not be returning or has already
died, but still... I hope to be able to speak to her of the Light.
Perhaps she would be willing to walk a brighter path after having helped
the Fortress defeat Tiamat.
Journal Page 16: The Pinnacle. Fifty-One Ranks Part 1
Added Sun May 29 21:39:19 2011 at level 51:
A little over three centuries ago, I joined the academy seeking coin,
adventure, and confirmation of the Fortress' existance and actions. Two
centuries ago... I found them. Since doing so, I'd been met with nothing
but the kindest of actions, and purest of intentions. Upon joining, I was
somewhat nave about the happenings of the western world and the lay of
the land. Hell. I doubt I could have found my way out of a wooden crate
in the middle of the Galadonian Docks without a map, interpreter, and a
guide.
Since entering the world, I've always been an entertainer. It's in my
blood. Bringing smiles to forlorn faces is my passion, and it always has
been. Too many times have I fallen in this world without making those
that attack me smile. By comparison, those that have struck me are few,
and those I have met and began to call friend are many. Lord Sollin told
me something the night he spoke with me. 'You'd be surprised at the unity
of the Light.' He was absolutely right. Not once have I been truly
undefended. Not once have I ever been alone.
Since the first assault on my Caravan, I've felt something of a renewed
fire. I've come to understand that sometimes... One must reach out to
others in the hopes of spreading the gifts of the Light. Simply praying
for a miracle often won't get results. Most of the time... You have to
make them happen. You have to believe not just in those around you, but
yourself as well. So... In my own way, I've tried to bring everyone
closer together. Whether or not it will work, well... Only time will
tell.
Journal Page 17: The Pinnacle. Fifty-One Ranks Part 2
Added Sun May 29 21:42:54 2011 at level 51:
Word has reached my ears that the rest of my Caravan... My family... has
been killed. I've not received any letters at all from them in two years,
and I checked with the banks to see if the note of credit I'd extended to
my family had never been used. I knew it was time to take a venture into
the desert.
I followed our usual signs, visited the usual towns... The most
frequented... Even traveled to Seantryn and Arkham to see if the K'thalza
Cree had been by recently. Nothing. Ten times I'd searched... Ten times
nothing. All in all, I still didn't like the outcome. Of course I didn't
know how much I wouldn't like it until I traveled to our usual
campgrounds near the mountains.
Rubble... Debris... Bodies... Nothing was spared from the flames that
consumed the grounds and the wagons within. What bodies were identifiable
looked as though they had been eaten by one creature or another but most
had the distinct acidic burns of the Ccul'gra. I lost all hope for a
moment and simply collapsed to my knees with my body trembling helplessly
as I cried. Despite the crying, I did manage a single lament that was
drawn out by my tears and uncooperative voice.
'Be easy, sister,' the familiar voice of Laventh'kaldenas told me. 'They
gave their lives protecting each other. They fought well, and I ensured
their souls were given a proper sending when the end came.'
He prayed for them at least, but I was left with the task of burying the
bodies. Two weeks of digging in the sand, praying, and crying so much I
began to retch. I did, however... Have a single, surviving family member.
My niece, Allyria. I found out Levanth had been caring for her since the
attack. I'd almost forgotten how much she'd grown when she asked to
return to the Fortress with me.
Alloriana: OOC Details
Added Fri Jun 3 22:43:57 2011 at level 51:
Put simply, Alloriana was intended to be something of a 'blank slate'
character, primarily in the fact that when she was rolled, she had no
idea at all what real tragedy was. At the same time, she didn't know
anything about fighting, or the lay of the land or where things were.
Obviously, from an IC standpoint, Alloriana wouldn't know where every
little item in the world is located. What she knows is limited by what
she as a character has seen, and where she has been. This, coupled with
the significant amount of danger in the 'real world' as opposed to with
her Caravan gives her something of a fear for exploration when alone.
Her personality as a whole is very upbeat. She'd always prefer smiling
and laughing to being downtrodden and sad. Even she she returned from
burying her family, she put on her best face and acted normally, though
it's still a very sore subject.
Her goals change constantly, though the consistent one is reminding
people they're never alone. One good example would be Gurzgred who she's
-still- trying to get to open up. As a whole, Lori has already lived up
to her dream, and continues doing so imply by being with the Fortress and
hugging everyone or making them smile. She doesn't ask for anything other
than that.
Overall with Alloriana, the purpose is to have a character that
understands -what- exploring is, and what it means to not know anyone's
name if they don't say it, (as exemplified by her earlier RP with always
asking someone's name.) For the most part, she still does. She listens to
names and associates the names with feelings (use of the Where command)
of a given person. Whether she knows who they are or not depends on
whether or not race is mentioned.
Lori is extremely complex in her simplicity just in that. For me, she
requires a deeper level of immersion than normal because she functions as
a normal person.
PK Wins
May 23, 2011|Lv 38|Arial City|Cagubrak vs 3: Alloriana (40%), Nwesoui (26%), Ceqiiul (33%, wrath)
May 23, 2011|Lv 40|Fortress of Light|Lohoq vs 1: Alloriana (100%, shocking grasp)
May 26, 2011|Lv 44|Fortress of Light|Ealon vs 2: Algr (46%), Alloriana (53%, KB)
May 30, 2011|Lv 51|Galadon|Obinda vs 3: Alloriana (3%), Gurzgred (77%, bleeding), Grifinblortz (19%)
Jun 11, 2011|Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Illeryia vs 5: Foracek (30%), Feroul (10%), Zakuun (5%), Grifinblortz (47%, flurry), Alloriana (6%)