Description
A young man is here. He smells of pipeweed and stale sweat. Judging by the
dust upon his boots, his generally disheveled look, and the dirt caked under
his fingernails, you can tell he spends much of his time outdoors or
traveling. His hair is long and wild as if he hasn't combed or washed it in
years. Similarly a thick, ragged beard grows upon his chin. Light blue eyes
are deep-set underneath a pair of bushy eyebrows. Though it is obvious he is
fit and healthy, he does seem a bit thin. Most of his clothing is worn with a
loose fit and you can see various pouches along his belt, stuffed to the brim
with what appears to be herbs, flowers, and the like.
Role
Initial Concept Summary
Added Thu May 9 12:29:46 2013 at level 1:
* Aster is intended to be a sort of empath and spiritualist. Peace, love, and
harmony.
* Much like violence begets violence, Aster believes kindness and compassion
begets kindness and compassion.
* Early years with halflings teaches him how to live within the wilderness,
which is why he becomes a ranger. He also takes his surname from his mentor
there, Luchuck.
* An early goal will be to become an Acolyte, as Aster does not necessarily
view order or civilization as "bad." Despite being a material minimalist
himself.
* As someone who prefers not to do violence, Aster will go out of his way
not to harm animals (which he views as generally "good") and neutral aligned
entities. Specifically he cares for and greatly respects gnomes and
halflings. Even when it comes to "red auras" he will generally prefer finding
a peaceful alternative.
Backstory Chapter 1
Added Thu May 9 12:30:25 2013 at level 1:
Aster was born to a pair of wealthy retired merchants. Their lifestyle was
lavish and carefree. As such, they spent little time with Aster and much of
his upbringing was done by various midwifes and nannies. He never really got
to know his parents. Never having anyone to rely on caused Aster to become
rather withdrawn, but taught him to be self-reliant. Roaming around in the
gardens of his parents' home and the wilderness nearby often settled his
nerves and he always felt at peace in such places. He didn't understand the
allure of the lifestyle his parents led, when so much peace could be had just
lying naked in the grass underneath the sun.
During a particularly raucus party, Aster sat in the garden beneath the
stars. Seemingly out of nowhere a pair of halflings plopped down beside him,
also naked. They laughed and giggled as they smoked their little halfling
pipes. Aster ignored them, but his interest was certainly piqued. A few
moments later a gnome joined them as well. They all invited Aster to join
them and share their pipe. The night drew long and slow, seemingly as if an
eternity. In quiet tones the group discussed the stars, the moon, the seas,
nature, and on to spirituality. Aster was in awe at the absolute peace of the
moment.
Late the next afternoon, Aster found himself waking to a mess. The party had
spilled over into the garden around him. Bushes were destroyed, flowers
trampled, and the fountain was full of bodily fluids. With disgust he got up
and began moving towards his living quarters. As he moved he began to feel
ill at ease. When he looked around he noticed something odd. Faint red glows
seemed to be coming from much of the party's attendents, including his
parents. He didn't know it, but this was the beginning of his learning to
empathicly sense the personal aura of others. By the time the sun was setting,
he was packed and ready to go. To the Shire he thought, to learn more of his
friendly, wise little companions.
Backstory Chapter 2 (Final)
Added Sun May 12 14:15:28 2013 at level 20:
For two years Aster lived amongst the halflings. Early on he found work with
a halfling woodsman known as Bannon Luchuck. At first many of the halflings
kept their distance and did not appreciate a human living within their
borders, but as time passed and Aster proved his good intentions they came
around. His place amongst them was sealed the day he jumped into The Water to
save a Halfling child that fell from the bridge. Two years he stayed and for
two years he learned.
Bannon Luchuck was a bit odd even for, or perhaps especially for, a Halfling.
He spent his days in the wilds and enjoyed the solitude. Not once did he
attend the large parties or feasts that halflings so enjoy throwing. Never
did he sit at the tavern idly to drink. Day and night he patrolled the region
and with Aster at his side they even felled a few orcs who roamed too far
from the Blackwater Swamps. As lovers of the pipeweed, he and Aster made
quick friends. Together they worked and Aster quickly learned the trade of
the ranger. Despite hardly speaking to each other Aster began to view Bannon
as a father.
Halflings are not usually taken seriously in the world of Thera. They are
small and viewed as little more than country bumpkins. However, Aster learned
that because of their sense of community they were able to thrive. By relying
on one another and each doing their share, the small creatures could share an
existence even upon the borders of a treacherous place like the Blackwater.
They were good people, the type that Aster didn't know existed.
When it came time to leave there was great sadness shared throughout. Aster
knew it was time to move on though. These people would hold strong until the
end of time without doubt. He wanted to share this experience with all of
Thera. To be a friend where there might be none and to be a guide for those
lost in the depths of depression, anger, hate, or greed. Just before he left,
Bannon met him at the border and bid him goodbye. He asked that Aster take
his surname, as he was cursed never to have offspring. Poisoned as such by
the very waters he often patrolled to protect his people. Aster took it with
pride and will always remember his mentor. So began Aster's role in Thera at
the age of sixteen.
Chapter 2 Summary and General Update
Added Sun May 12 14:16:54 2013 at level 20:
* Aster gained his sense of community and learned about the strength gained
by both relying on others and having others rely on you, from the halflings.
* His mentor Bannon Luchuck was cursed against having offspring by poisonous
vapors in the Blackwater Swamp. Aster became his son in name and spirit.
* Pledged to the Fortress. An attempt to become an Acolyte. As of yet, there
has been little response.
* Learned about the ancient lords Corrlaan and Selric from the Lyceum.
Intends to model some of his philosophies around these ancient religions.
* Met with disciples of Neltouda and Whiysdan. Intends to learn more about
their religions as well as any other he hears about. A keen knowledge of all
religions being necessary for effective spiritual guidance.
Inner Thoughts (Update)
Added Sat May 18 02:37:54 2013 at level 35:
Though I did not set out to become a member of Captain Neltouda's crew, I
find myself advanced to the rank of Deckhand. She speaks with great wisdom
and though she accepts the dark hearted amongst her crew, her words set me to
course perhaps better than the most experienced helmsman. Above all it is
comforting to note that there is a divine being who sees all Therans as
connected to one another. Through spirit no less, as do I.
Khonso did not seem to know from who his prophecies came. When I told him the
story of the Lady Voralia, he seemed very excited. Some more research to be
done, to help him if I can. Discover what duty it is fate has laid upon him.
Keara is a good soul and I do hope she pledges to the Fortress to become a
scribe as she spoke. She also held great interest in the Captain. Perhaps I
can guide her to the crew and with the Captain's blessing lead her upon a
similar path as myself.
Varkjen is of great inspiration. Never a word of complaint have I heard from
him, despite carrying the greatest burden one could carry. That of the Maran.
A powerful fighter to boot! I will watch over him as best I can and ensure he
does not succumb to the trials of bloodshed.
I've obtained copies of the Maran Kal and the Kara'Chal. I intend to carry
these with me and share the inspiring words held within. I believe some of
this knowledge has faded with time and to let it become forgotten would be a
great dishonor to the Fortress. Knowing now that the words originate from an
ancient arial language, I will as well seek translations for other words and
phrases I can find pertaining to the Maran or the Fortress.
That said, reading the Kara'Chal has awakened some sadness within me. I set
out to be a man of peace, avoiding violence as much as I could. Yet the
constant war that rages has pulled me in time and time again. I must make
better efforts to avoid bloodshed where I can, perhaps I will even attempt to
live by the Way. Using only my hands when forced to fight. Surely there is no
better way to fully understand my potential to be a healing light, both
physically and spiritually.
Inner Thoughts (Summary)
Added Sat May 18 02:38:51 2013 at level 35:
* Joined Captain Neltouda's crew. Advanced to Deckhand. Taken in fully by the
religion.
* Developing storylines with Khonso, Keara, and Varkjen.
* Retrieved manuscripts of the Maran Kal and the Kara'Chal from the Lyceum.
Intends to speak of them often.
* Seeks more translations of the ancient arial language as well as artifacts
relating to the origin of the Fortress.
* Intends to move back towards a more peaceful existence. May decide to fully
devote himself to the Way as described in the Kara'Chal.
A Defining Moment
Added Sun May 26 23:31:56 2013 at level 51:
The war rages on and I've fallen many times to the wicked. So much violence
wrought around me and here I am in the thick of it. Having forsaken the use
of weapons, I find myself struggling to see what point there is in my chosen
path. What use there is to stand as a being of peace in a land consumed by
war?
Grejjyan and Grunthuk fought Arratok as I woke from slumber. The battle waged
near the Fortress and I went to assist, to ensure it did not continue into
our halls. As they struck down the Commander, they spoke of his anger. Anger
they said, was common amongst "barbarians." The Squire and Scribe said he
would likely come soon, to assault our home.
In curiosity I asked that Arratok speak with me and in the meantime set a
snare to catch him in case he did indeed come. We spoke a moment, but only
so, before he stumbled into my snares. At first I thought it may be best I
notify the others. Allow him to be stricken down again to protect the
Fortress. However, I decided to try a different path. I told Arratok I would
free him, to see my empty hands, my lack of weapons, and know that I am a
being of peace. That he could surely destroy me if he tried, but to stay his
hand and listen for a while.
To my surprise he abided by the terms when I freed him. We began to speak...
of what caused his anger. Why he was driven to strike there. Once again, we
did not get far. Noviask, the Imperial magician summoned me away and used his
magic to force me asleep. Desperation seeped in. Yet again I would fall,
certainly. His dark spells rained upon me. What should I do? Call for aid and
have Arratok caught in the crossfire? No, let Noviask kill me. A small price
to pay to show Arratok the truth of my words.
Then the moment happened. All became clear in a single few seconds. Arratok
came and drove Noviask away. He rescued me before I could be wiped out. When
he saw my bleeding wounds he lent his aid with the healing arts of the
village to help staunch it. Arratok. A duergar burdened heavily by sin and
commander of perhaps the most violent organization upon Thera, had saved my
life.
Through the teachings of the Kara Chal, two beings of the dark were turned
upon each other and one made to peform an act of charity. A moment and lesson
I will carry with me. Validation that my devotion to the Kara Chal is not in
vain.
Navigator of the Kara Chal (General Update)
Added Sun May 26 23:33:00 2013 at level 51:
* Marked by the Tempest and given a position amongst the crew as Navigator of
the Kara Chal,
* Devoted himself completely to the Kara Chal. Dedicated to learning the use
of only his hands in combat.
* Fell many times attempting to learn how to defend the Fortress without the
use of weapons.
* Despite learning how to be more effective, finds himself dismayed at how
often war wages around him.
* Speaks to many others regarding their religions. Thinks he may see a
connection between many, if not all of the gods. Similar to the spider web
the Captain uses as metaphor to show how we are all connected.
* Defining moment including Arratok, Noviask, Grejjyan, and Grunthuk renews
his faith in the Kara Chal once again.
Update
Added Sat Jun 1 00:57:56 2013 at level 51:
* Spoke with Andira at great length about her past. Responded harshly and
became despondent with the direction of the Fortress.
* Entertained notions of retiring from the Fortress, for fear of the
direction it is going.
* Spoke with some friends as well as Captain Neltouda. In the end realized
that he cannot expect others to hold to the old ways as he does.
* Knows it is better to remain an Acolyte and continue to help guide the
Fortress in his own way.
* Plans to retire to work at the Lyceum when his body is too weak to carry on
defending the walls of the Fortress.
PK Wins
May 13, 2013|Lv 25|The Eastern Road|Keilan vs 1: [25] Aster (100%, brilliant radiance)
May 21, 2013|Lv 42|Desert of Araile|Keilan vs 2: [36] Kitok (44%, crush), [42] Aster (55%)
May 23, 2013|Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Eidiol vs 3: [51] Rydell (0%), [51] Morgan (80%, disruption), [51] Aster (19%)
May 26, 2013|Lv 51|The Fields of Balator|Eidiol vs 2: [51] Grejjyan (61%, poisonous bite), [51] Aster (38%)
May 26, 2013|Lv 51|The Eastern Road|Pqual vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, cloud of wasps)
May 26, 2013|Lv 51|South Sutherspring Road|Arratok vs 3: [51] Grunthuk (78%, heavenly wrath), [51] Aster (6%), [51] Grejjyan (15%)
May 26, 2013|Lv 51|Northern Foothills|Noviask vs 3: [51] Grejjyan (7%), [51] Aster (6%), [51] Grunthuk (85%, heavenly wrath)
May 28, 2013|Lv 51|The North Road|Eidiol vs 3: [46] Delfan (23%, cut), [51] Zorl (20%), [51] Aster (56%)
Jun 1, 2013 |Lv 51|Underdark|Wiloynr vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, Ancestral Spirit)
Jun 1, 2013 |Lv 51|Northern Foothills|Wiloynr vs 6: [51] Cel (4%), [51] Eidiol (5%), [48] Zerodois (21%), [51] Belendithas (0%), [47] Cagocluse (39%), [51] Aster (28%, cloud of wasps)
Jun 2, 2013 |Lv 51|Khalid River|Eidiol vs 2: [51] Aster (12%), [51] Morgan (87%, bleeding)
Jun 2, 2013 |Lv 51|Outskirts of Galadon|Delfan vs 3: [51] Morgan (9%), [51] Aster (25%, smash), [51] Toktok (65%)
Jun 2, 2013 |Lv 51|Northern Foothills|Ujesken vs 2: [51] Aster (56%, cloud of wasps), [51] Toktok (43%)
Jun 6, 2013 |Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Wyglacio vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, surprise attack)
Jun 9, 2013 |Lv 51|Feanwyyn Weald|Merf vs 3: [47] Rulla (49%), [51] Ogsert (37%), [51] Aster (13%, cloud of wasps)
Jun 10, 2013|Lv 51|Northern Foothills|Zerodois vs 3: [51] Hahrgor (12%), [51] Ujesken (74%, brutal attack), [51] Aster (13%)
Jun 10, 2013|Lv 51|Northern Foothills|Eidiol vs 2: [51] Tiribew (31%, immolation), [51] Aster (68%)
Jun 11, 2013|Lv 51|Galadon|Sarbaz vs 3: [37] Keara (87%, slash), [51] Aster (0%), [40] Monsgot (12%)
Jun 11, 2013|Lv 51|The Imperial Palace|Sarbaz vs 2: [51] Cel (60%, magic missile), [51] Aster (39%)
Jun 13, 2013|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Eidiol vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, gust of wind)
Jun 13, 2013|Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Wyglacio vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, bite)
Jun 14, 2013|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Kraldinor vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, cloud of wasps)
Jun 15, 2013|Lv 51|The Eastern Road|Goolbink vs 1: [51] Aster (100%, smash)
Jun 16, 2013|Lv 51|The Imperial Palace|Drortcbel vs 2: [51] Aster (16%, cloud of wasps), [40] Voralia (83%)