Description
Gleaming armor catches your eye, and you notice a tallish elderly elven male.
Slightly taller than most elves, though stooped, and quite a bit broader,
this figure is clad in very well cared for, though obviously equally well
used armor. Shined to perfection, his every move causes a kalidescope of
bright colors to gleam in all directions, as if he were a beacon of light
himself. Long white hair flows from beneath his shining helm, the paler
silver locks of an much aged elflord, seeming to pick up the light and
reflect it back with the same intensity as the protective covering it trails
under.
His every move is fluid and graceful, though far less so than in his youth.
His movements seemed slightly pained, as if he carried the burdens of the
world on his elderly shoulders. His pale blue eyes peer around him, seeming
to be twin sapphires set in the chiseled marble of his pale face. World
weary, and seemingly saddened by the events they have seen, yet no less sharp
for all that. A thin scar, small but visible graces the wrinkled skin of his
chin. More weathered than he perhaps once had been, his face is however set
with the resolve of one whom knows his place in the world, and refuses to be
moved from it.
Role
Final journal entry
Added Fri Jul 2 17:37:30 2004 at level 51:
Journal entry the last.
It seems I am called to the Azure Fields, to join the armies of the Grey. I
leave this life behind, with no small amount of regret, and take up my new
duties with no small amount of eagerness. I am weary, and know when I awaken
in the Fields I will be restored and renewed, ready to once more lead the
troops of the Seneschal into battle. This is a task I eagerly await.
I will miss the few things I found pleasure in in this life. My troops, my
meditations, and most of all my Amayara. I know this will be a cruel blow to
her, but I also know Audriel will see her through it and help her be the
force for good that I know she can be.
I'm so tired, perhaps just a nap before I go...
Journal entry 10.
Added Tue Jun 22 16:58:18 2004 at level 51:
Journal entry...something or other
Well, things go well. I feel the strength leaving my limbs more and more
every day, but the power of my Lord flows stronger in my veins than ever
before. Sure, the bones may creak a bit, and my beloved maul may seem heavier
than ever, but I am becoming a more pure tool of the Lords will. I will
endure.
I haven't seen my Amayara in a while, but Audriel assures me she's alright.
That Audriel is sure a nice little girl. She's a cardinal or something in the
fortress. I live in the Fortress and a lot of people there aren't so nice. I
suppose a lot of that is my doing, but I have no regrets. Evil people deserve
to get the hell beat out of them sometimes.
Journal entry 9
Added Fri Jun 4 21:13:52 2004 at level 51:
Journal entry the 9th
Much time has passed since last I was able to sit and gather my thoughts, let
alone put pen to paper and scribble them down. My war against the darkness
has consumed me almost utterly, all of my attention, my focus and my drive.
Almost.
I was given leave by Lord Shokai to take Amayara as my bride. Now I must find
for her the single most perfect ring in all Thera, to let it adorn the finger
of the single most deserving. I told the Skyborn how she has touched my soul,
and helped me to gain what small sense of compassion I have. I think this
change has made me a better person, and not weakened me as I feared. I have
never felt more alive, nor as determined to wage this war and see it to it's
final conflict as I do now.
On another note, I have been elevated yet again. My Lord Vynmylak asked me
what I would say if he offered to make me the Captain of the Brigade. On this
I felt torn, as I still view myself as just a soldier, another able body int
he war against evil. On the other hand, to refuse would show a lack of trust
in the judgement of both my own Lord, Vynmylak, and that of the Skyborn. This
I simply could not do. Setting my own feelings and desires aside, I told my
Lord I would never seek to question His judgement, and accepted both the
title, and the burdens of the Captain of the Brigade of the Phoenix. It is a
great honor to be given such responsibility, and I pray never to let either
Lord down.
I have begun the aquiring and training of new Squires. The aquiring is the
easy part, as many of my Squires seem to be unused to the rigors and
preparations necessary for true combat. However I noted a marked improvement
after just our first class, so I have much hope for them. One squire I have
taken as my protoge, Itarille, a paladin of the Fair folk, and Seeker of the
Clarion. I met her some time ago in the guild, and have been mentoring her in
the ways of our faith. Now I can mentor her int he ways of the Fortress as
well, and hopefully turn her into quite a weapon against the darkness.
Already she shows vast improvement, and great courage. I feel in time she
will be a fine addition to the ranks of my officers in the Brigade.
Journal entry 8
Added Mon May 17 20:36:52 2004 at level 49:
Journal entry the 8th
Much has happened, and little time have I had to sit and ponder my thoughts.
In no particular order:
I was elevated to the status of a full Maran.
I was granted, yet more power from my immortal patron, Lord Vynmylak.
My Amayara was finally embraced by the Light, and now serves it with all her
being.
I was forced to go home and visit my Father.
I was brought fully into the service of the Skyborns Brigade, one night
sitting and enjoying a cold drink of water in the Inn of the Eternal Star. I
was standing there, as it would be weak to sit for relaxation, having some
water and talking with Lady Audriel and Amayara, when I felt new power course
through me. I felt dizzy with newfound strength, and I heard the voice of the
Skyborn himself, wishing me well and commending me on my achievements. This
was a heady experience.
Next Lady Audriel led we three to the shine of the Skyborn himself, there to
plead my little ones case to the heavens again. This time we met with
success, as Lord Shokai took my Amayara off to show her something she still
has not spoken of to me. There he embraced her fully into the light, but at a
gret price. She can no longer call upon her magic to defend herself. Now my
task is clear. I must find a way to aid my dearest in finding a new source
for her magic to draw from, and find it we will, together.
Shortly after this, bloodied and wearied from many battles against the forces
of the darkness, I limped my broken and battered body home. There I was
welcomed by my elder brother, Danellaran. Well, sort of welcomed. My family
is cold, even by the standards of our people. My showing up bloodied and near
nude was a great disappointment to him. He has ever been critical of my
accomplishments. Even when told I had become a full Maran, and been granted
gifts beyond his wildest dreams by Lord Vynmylak, he could only sneer and say
"Thats very nice. Maybe someday you'll give up this foolishness and follow a
proper elven deity and achieve some REAL power". I've tried to explain to my
family that the spirits of our ancestors, the ones they so worship, were the
ones whom guided me to my Lord, but they will hear none of it.
Talking to Father was even worse. In my quest to become what I am, I
renounced the family name, and as such have no place in His kingdom. He
treated me as coldly as he would any intruder, but granted me sanctuary for a
time while I recovered. Speaking no firther word to me, he bade me to leave
His kingdom, and to go make something of myself. He said I stank of humans
and cities, and not to return until I had been cleansed of it. I fear how he
will react to know I have fallen in love with one in whom the blood of the
drow flows. I did not even attempt to speak to my sisters.
So I finally admit it, even to myself. I am deeply in love with Lady Amayara.
Her gentle smile and childish laughter have skewered me far deeper than any
spear ever could. I was not open to this, and am perplexed as to how it could
happen. ME! Fourth child of the ruler of Darsylon, in love with one whom I
was raised from birth to believe should be burnt at the stake. But I see her
gentle eyes, and innocent loving ways and cannot find it in me to feel
anything but love for her.
I fear this love must remain forever
Journal entry 7
Added Sun Apr 25 03:38:53 2004 at level 44:
Journal entry 7
My life is grand, and little has happened to me today. I spent much time with
lady Audriel and Lady Amayara. Lasy Amayara is a puzzle to me. She is of
mixed heritage, drow and human, both of whom I loathe. And yet I find myself
strangely entranced by her childlike innocense and cheerful nature. She often
times makes me forget entirely about beheading foul darklings and makes me
want to...well thats neither here nor there. I enjoy her company and she
makes me think of things other than war. Which is not always such a good
thing, but I must continue to show her what kindness I can find within
myself, as she seeks to turn her magics and her heart to the light. This must
be encouraged.
Journal entry 6
Added Sat Apr 24 21:00:48 2004 at level 41:
Journal entry 6
My life continues to become strange. I was approached by one of the Lords of
the Fortress, Obaznuk. He bade me to come speak with him, and then told me he
wished to know why I was not yet a member of the Brigade. I've never heard of
one of the Lords approaching someone in this manner, so I admit to being
flustered. At the end of our conversation, he bade me to join their ranks,
and I humbly accepted.
My time in my new home has been interesting, dangerous and thrilling all at
once. Many more battles have I had, and more victories have been mine. I feel
I have finally found the place where I belong, where my sword and prayers
will do the most good.
I hope my Lord, Vynmylak, is well pleased with me.
Journal entry 5
Added Thu Apr 22 20:26:58 2004 at level 38:
Journal entry 5
I continue to be perplexed by the actions of those I see within this world,
but now my own actions perplex me as well.
Firstly, I have had several invitations to join the Fortress of Light. I had
considered this in the past, but felt my own lack of desire to redeem the
darkness to make me unsuitable. The ultimate act for those of the Brigade is
the redemption of a dark soul. My only wish is to see those dark souls sent
back to the hells which spawned them. However, after much discussion, I feel
perhaps my views would not be so unwelcomed after all. it is something to
consider.
Secondly, I gave offer to Lady Soucivi, a good woman in her mortal life if
accounts are believed, to give up a portion of my life that Lady Verv may
continue to live. Lady Verv is the High Herald of the Inn of the Eternal
Star, a place of rest and succor from the battles of the world. I myself
spend little time there, as I seek battle and do not shy from it. However,
many of my companions seek out the solace Lady Verv offers. Their spirits
seem to be rejuvinated from their time there. I may not partake of the
spirits and laughter therein, but I do appreciate the affect it has on those
few I call friend. Lady Verv may not embrace the light as a matter of choice,
but few actions I can think of are more noble than her desire to salve
wounded spirits, and so to offer less than my own life for hers would be
unworthy of me. Lady Soucivi will seek higher powers to consider my request.
I only pray they are in time to save this woman, whom I call friend.
Perhaps my time spent among others has done me some good. I find myself
feeling far more compassion for this mish-mash of lowborn beings than I ever
thought possible. Lady Audriels influence on my spirit no doubt. I find
myself in constant admiration of her goodness and generous nature. While my
path may be the path of war, for indeed that is still what drives my heart,
perhaps opening myself a little to others is not such a bad thing.
Or perhaps I am losing my wits in this madhouse world outside of the Vale I
so cherish. Also something to consider.
Journal entry 4.
Added Thu Apr 8 02:41:55 2004 at level 24:
Journal entry the fourth.
I had a run in with an Imperial for the first time. The fool came and
attacked me as I stood waiting for him, resulting in his own rapid demise. I
permitted him to retain all of his things, and gave him a lecture in
godliness. A short time later, as I was adventuring with my good friend
Audriel, my Imperial foe returned with three others and struck me down,
stripping me bare.
I have learnt my lesson. In a time of war, there can be no mercy. I thank my
Imperial foe for being my teacher in this matter, and will never repeat the
folly of mercy.
Journal entry 3.
Added Tue Mar 16 03:17:45 2004 at level 10:
Journal entry three.
This has been the strangest day yet! First, I met this being the spirits sent
me to seek out, a Divine Being named Vynmylak. At first I was apprehensive,
as the spirits warned me that He was not of the Folk. But immediately upon
meeting Him, I could sense why the spirits had sent me to Him. I could feel
the power and majesty radiating from His form, and it was all I could do to
remain appropriately grim in His presence. I wanted to laugh and cry and
dance and fall to my knees in wonder at the pure goodness I felt. I had
thought this to be something I would never find outside of the Folk.
He granted me a mere taste of His power, and I felt it flow through my body
and infuse me with a new might. He bade me to seek out one of my own people,
Nhiala, for further instruction int he ways of His followers. I pray I do not
fail Him in this.
Then I met a human, who bade me to carry a poem for him to his ladylove. Well
I agreed, despite his being a human, as I thought for the cause of love I
could lower myself to deal with a human. What a mistake! He has some sort of
disgusting inter-species affair with a young fela from a nearby village. I
had already given my word, and so conveyed his poem, but I gave them both a
stern talking to about how vile their love was, and how it smacked of the
taint of the filthy. I pray they heed my words.
I then met a princess from the bards village, who ALSO asked me to convey a
token to her love. I don't know what causes this strange love-sickness in
their village, but I was most careful not to drink the water, lest I become
besotted with some passing orc! As if that could ever happen, no matter the
power of whatever strange compulsion drives thosein that love-sick hamlet.
I find this strange land more and more troubling daily.
Journal entry 2
Added Tue Mar 16 00:18:55 2004 at level 7:
Journal entry the second.
I have spent time listening to the spirits of my ancestors as of late, and I
must say, they aren't always in agreement about what I ought to be doing.
Some insist that I stay and purge the evil from the forests, and do my part
to end the spread of evil that the lesser beings have unleashed in their
ignorance. Some insist that I venture to the mountains to the south of my
so-called home, Galadon, there to seek greater powers from an ancient being
of great goodness and power. The spirits are in disagreement, as this divine
entity is not of the folk, and some of them feel He should not be consulted
in this divine quest.
Their voices could quite possibly drive a lesser being than myself mad.
Fortunately I am not a lesser being, and so I handle myself with the proper
dignity and grimness as is befitting one of my ilk.
I believe I will seek this being out, though He is not of the Folk. I find
myself needing to make compromises in my quest, lest I fail.
I fear should that happen, the spirits would never cease!
Journal entry 1
Added Mon Mar 15 07:19:48 2004 at level 5:
Journal entry the first.
Well, I've been out of my beloved homelands a short time only, and already do
I long for the tall aspens of home. My new "home" is a city called Galadon
(In the common tongue, which still causes much pain to my delicate ears) and
so far as I can tell, is populated entirely with the dregs of so-called
humanity. Necromancers and anti-paladins alike walk the streets with
impunity. Dark clerics are not only not burned for their heresy, but actually
have an entire temple dedicated to their disgusting perversion of religion. I
find myself deeper and deeper in confusion and despair, finding solace only
in the gods of my ancestors and the righteousness of my mission.
My mission! Why I ever chose to force this daunting task upon myself, I will
never understand. I feel it must be the guiding hand of my ancestors, driving
me forward to see Their will be done on Thera. I only pray that the spark of
goodness in these human-ridden lands is stronger than I have so far found it
to be. Why, the first other "paladin" I have set eyes upon is a proud traitor
to the guild and the light! Why his filth is tolerated escapes me. What ever
happened to burning the evil ones at the stake, to prevent the spread of
their vileness?
I fear this task will be one that will cause me great amounts of grief. May
the spirits of my ancestors give me solace and guidance.
The youth, the elves, and the lesser races.
Added Mon Mar 15 06:42:05 2004 at level 4:
Born into the highest caste of the "true" elves of Darsylon, Celebrimbor was
given every advantage in his youth. The finest elven tutors to teach him the
knowledge and lore of the elves. The swiftest and strongest elvish
weaponsmasters, to teach him the finer points of elvish combat. The most
powerful of evlish healers, to school him in the ways of the mending of elf
bodies. He is the product of breeding between the eldest and purest of the
elfkin blood, and there lies his (and his peoples) schism.
Truly the goodness of the elves can never be called into question. They are
the goodliest beings to be found in Thera. But in the finer houses of the
fair folk, their view of outsiders is a dim one indeed. All the ills of the
world are the cause of the lesser races of men and dwarf, giant and others.
Evil is a plague visted on Thera by the seed planted in the hearts of the
lesser races. Hate is beneath one such as he, but his mission in life is to
school the lesser beings in their faults. To try and bring the wisdom of his
folk to the poor benighted races of Thera, and to try and bring an end to the
evil in their hearts.
To this end, Celebrimbor has set out on his own. The holiest of men among
infidels, there to bring the goodness and knowledge of his people to the
lesser beings of the world.
Whether they want it, or not.
Journal entry 11
Added Mon Jun 28 23:02:21 2004 at level 51:
Journal entry the 11th.
I feel more lucid now. Calmer and more myself than I have since I started to
feel the ravages of age. The brilliant presence of my Lord has this affect on
me. He spoke to me of heroes of the past the likes of Balrahd, Kamba and
Garenth. names covered in glory and honor when spoken. He said his wish was
for me to join their ranks, and wear the grey. And so I forego my desire to
have my body strengthened, and simply bide my time here in Thera. My body
grows weaker with every passing day, and my spirit ever stronger. I know that
one day soon I shall hear the Clarion call one final time, and that call
shall lead me home. I do not fear the battles ahead, and look forward to
them.
My only regret will be leaving this life behind, that I have so struggled
for. I will miss those whom are closest to me, my dearest Amayara, still the
flower of beauty in her youth. Audriel and her constant presence at my side
over the years. Noble Ryldain, whom I know will someday make a fine Marshall.
Thenrek, powerful and cranky, ever ready to throw down for his Captain.
Golron and his brave charges to his repeated deaths, never letting them slow
him down. Brave Rouchevien, always at my back, ready to deal the telling blow
on our fiercest of foes. These are the memories I hold near and dear, and
will bring me both comfort and sadness as I move on, proud to take my place
in the armies of the Grey.
If I listen closely, I think I can almost hear the Clarion now...