Description
Fine, delicately chiseled cheekbones sit above smooth, ebony cheeks, and
framed by hair dark as a moonless night, straight and silky as the finest a
perfect spider might spin. The eyes are an almost violent violet, shining as
though lit from the inside. They move, sliding from one point to another,
not missing anything and assessing everything. A slim but well proportioned
body seems to flow down, round where it should be round, hard where it should
be hard, and soft where it should be soft. Covering the figure are clothes
of exceptional quality, not a stitch out of place, not a sleeve or legwear
even an inch out of symmetry. You may see a dagger, you may see a staff, you
you may even see a whip, but almost certainly you see the paraphernalia of a
mage. Without doubt, you know that
Role
The First Vision (Part I)
Added Fri Jan 6 17:40:08 2023 at level 1:
The Matron Mother was not amused.
"You vex me, child. It has been centuries since we have had a student as adept
as you. You have far exceeded even some of our older practitioners, let alone
the other students. And with your pedigree - your grandmother is one of my
handmaidens, by the Spider! - you should be poised to vie for my seat one day!
But you refuse to see reason, and no matter how proficient you may be, no
matter your family name, there are lines we do not cross. Individual power
is demanded, but must always be in aid of Teth Azaleth, or at the very least
not in direct opposition, not with the intent of destroying it. And that is
what you plan!! Czernish!! Come to your senses, child!!"
Czernish, reclining in a plush, very comfortable chair in the Matron Mother's
private offices where others might be on the edge of the seat, sighs.
Internally, of course. No need pushing the old hag more than necessary. Not
yet. In time, Czernish will be here and stand over corpses. As with most of
Thera, Teth Azaleth will be trampled under the power of the worlds beyond the
portal. From the first night she woke with her vision, she knew it to be more
than a dream. Glimpses, brief glances, but enough. Different from all other
dreams or nightmares. Entirely different. In hindsight, she can admit her
mistake. She should not have told anyone. She is deeply proud of herself
and her abilities, but too smart to ignore errors. To ignore and not learn.
Mage students are not friends. Most of her people don't have what others call
friends at all. Allies, perhaps, for particular purposes. Acquaintances to
pass the time. But friends? Not likely. Still, she berates herself for the
moment of weakness when she told one of the other girls of her dreams.
Internally, of course. None of her thinking is reflected in even the tiniest
way on her face. Schooling features and outward demeanors is hammered into
dark-elves practically from day one. To the Matron Mother, Czernish shows
an intent, and perhaps modestly contrite face. She feels no contrition at all,
of course, but she is not quite ready to leave the city and needs to buy a
bit of time. She will say the right words, make the right "decisions" and
blame youthful indiscretion.
The First Vision (Part II)
Added Fri Jan 6 17:40:40 2023 at level 1:
"Mother, I understand. Since this arose I have had time to further consider,
and of course speak with my mother and grandmother, and I see the wisdom of
your, and their, words. I will redouble my efforts and I promise all of you
will be proud of my abilities and how they benefit our home. Give me the time
to show you just how much I can do, and will do. Five years seems a reasonable
time. Not long, but just long enough so you will harbor no doubt as to my
abilities and intentions."
Yes, by that time, I will be gone and these doubting fools will simply be
marking time before they are overcome by new overlords, of which I shall be
one.
A few moments go by, the Matron Mother staring without a single muscle shifting
or a single word spoken. Then, without preamble, "Very well, Czernish. But I
warn you, neither your perhaps vaunted abilities nor your lofty family name will
protect you should I find you continue to adhere to and embrace these aberrant
thoughts. Now go."
Five Years Later
Added Fri Jan 6 17:44:48 2023 at level 1:
Packing is such a chore, and should be done by slaves. Having to do it herself
infuriates Czhernish, but she knows she must, as her departure cannot become
known. Tomorrow is five years to the day since her meeting with the Matron
Mother, and she will be summoned to meet again. While she learned her lesson
and never again mentioned her visions - which have continued, and enlarged -
she can no longer continue as if she cares a whit for those around her, or
her people and city in general. She has learned what these teachers can
teach, taken what can be taken, and now it is time to leave this narrow,
confining existence. She will ensure when the portals open, she is the hunter.
Gathering her things she begins her carefully planned route to the underdark.
She timed her exit for guard shifts and little traffic or business. Of course
in Teth Azaleth, there is no "night" and "day", but a general convention of
time was long ago set in place. Carefully she makes her way, quiet as only
her own kind can be...
"CZERNISH!" Her name rings out! Swinging her head she turns and sees one of
the other students, Berzhondra, rubbing her eyes as she steps out of the
school. "Where are you going? Are you alright?" Such mewling, pathetic
feelings. Berzhondra is perhaps the worst of all students and has always
tried to kiss-up to the others, to try and fit in.
Czernish has but an instant to decide what to do and really it is not hard.
Turning fully, putting a dazzling smile on her face, she walked back and with
one hand begins waving, putting Berzhondra at ease. When closer, with her
her other hand, she darts out with viscious speed and slits Berzhondra's
throat. There was, of course, no other choice. Quickly, knowing one of the
patrollers might happen by, she wraps the still warm body in its own clothes
and cloak and drags it from shadow to shadow. Eventually she gets to the
hobgoblin guarding the entryway to palace. It eats anything and asks no
questions. Sliding up to him, a bit exahusted from the work, she unwraps the
body and puts an arm in the hobgoblin's hand. "Eat. Enjoy." The hobgoblin
does not need to be asked twice, and soon enough there is no evidence. It is
short work to stash the bloodied clothes in a fire, and in moments Czernish is
off. The path remains the same and she walks without a sound. The most
difficult part is the last part, the final gate out of the city. But she timed
it perfectly and found herself out in the caves of the underdark. She would
admit to no one, but she felt a twinge of fear. It's rare anyone leaves the
city. But in the five years she's had time to prepare, including researching
and learning a safe path. In a day she found herself in the svirf city - a
pit, not worthy of even a moment's notice - and then paid a small amount to
Be liefted to the upper world. The true work begins.
Characteristics
Added Fri Jan 6 18:30:34 2023 at level 2:
Czernish is extremely smart, extremely disdainful of pretty much everyone else,
thinking she is better than all. She suffers from most sins, as some might
call them. She is proud, she is vain, she is prone to anger when snubbed or
insulted. She lusts for power and to ensure she is on top, not bottom, when
the time comes. She accepts no flaws. She will spend whatever time may be
necessary so she does not lose concentration when casting her spells in need.
She has no friends. She does not desire friends. She can be nice all day long,
but only in aid of a plan to gain, and will drop or betray anyone, anytime, if
it suits her. She is not a fool, though, and will not betray fickle-ly. And
she is perfectly capable of long-term alliances. But always as long as they
further her plans.
Unlike some of her fellow mage students, she does not disdain knowledge of
weapons. She seeks to dominate and must know everything she can to give her
every advantage. Clearly magic is more important, but only fools ignore
all available tools.
She also wants gold. Money. She is, essentially, nobility, and is used to
a lavish lifestyle. She will take pains to gather, keep, take, and otherwise
ensure she never wants for anything.
Czernish will harbor slights for a long time. Wrong her, insult her, and
she will not let it go. Ten years later she will take her revenge if that's
what is needed. She does not forgive.
Finally she has no problem lying, cheating, stealing, whatever. She certainly
has a preference for people to see her being superior, but deception, deceit, lies
and anything else she thinks will benefit her is perfectly fine.
Three Major Topics - 1 and 2
Added Wed Jan 25 00:12:36 2023 at level 37:
It is difficult to understate how much has happened, and how important. Each
good be a chapter in a large book alone. Taking lives and life being taken. Entrance
to the chasm of the Scions. And, perhaps most important, a meeting with the Lord Morius'
chosen one - the one Czernish will replace in time, of course.
But let us be methodical. Death. Taking the life of an adventuring ranger was beyond
her expecations, even after killing her schoolmate. This was different, and better.
But it was not the challenge she'd hoped. That, however, has come since. She has fallen three
times and they appall her. One, the first, was more a test, which ended poorly but was
in the end, all in all, a choice. But the two to the antipaladin were simply luck. And
her existence is to rule out luck as much as possible. She earns and is entitled to success!
These have spurred her to spend time, and perhaps more of her body's vitality than she should,
going beyond learning the rudiments of the guild's magic, but the use, the tactics, the strategy.
Soon, she will put this to use and become a scourge, she is convinced. The prey will fall,
and any who survive will be her slaves when the portals finally open and the world is overrun.
While traveling and working in the dark, she made contact with and pledged herself to the
Scions, whom she found not only shared her visions, but had positive (perhaps not the right
word!) confirmation and communication with the other side. Not surprisingly, she did not merely
pass but surpassed the entry tests. And one day, her very shadow spoke with her, obviously
taken over and used as one would use a puppet. It was an exhilarating and impressive
display of power. As with all things, she bides her time and knows one day she will lead and rule
the chasm. For now, like her magic, she melds her visions with divinations and years of
historial work and research found inside the chasm. It is intellectually fascinating, but
nonetheless still pales in comparison to seeing the blood of her enemies come close - but not
touch - her shoes. Her manicure remains perfect, at all times.
Top 3 - Morius
Added Wed Jan 25 00:27:08 2023 at level 37:
Last and certainly most important is after years of seeking the Lord in his Church, and spreading
his word - most successfully to Grungelglut, who has now adopted the faith! - she finally
spoke with the mortal figure of Pride, her Lord's chamption of pride, so to speak. Again, she will
surpass him in time, but for now, she admits being grateful for the time. She was given
a task, and she has been somewhat frustrated. Nothing seems sufficient. If - when - she kills
Darbek, that will be something she will go and speak of proudly. But there are other things, things
she can do not dependant on adventurers making themselves available. Some have come close, such
such as not only surviving but profiting from a teleport to the most dangerous whistlewood swamp.
Or her canny and savvy manipulation of older adventurers to do her bidding. But so far
none of them have fels... right. If she does not find something soon she will visit the Temple
again and assure she is as committed as ever. More. But does not want to come with something, just,
bleh. It consumes her mind day and night. She will NOT disappoint. And she looks forward to
the day she stands before the Lord himself. That will be something.
A brief word about the goblin prince. He is her pet. And she thinks he probably even
realizes it. He is a puppy. A doll. A comforting little creature that looks at Czernish with
adoring eyes, and having listened and swallowed wholly the Lord's teachings, she enjoys
having him around. She likely is incapable of love or even real friendship, but this
probably the closest she will come. It is safe, and provides the affirmation she enjoys.
Last, Aubrasz annoys her. She very much hopes Aubrasz does not become Advisor. If it does,
Czernish will abide, and await until it is time to topple her - or Ululrek, of course.
She is, after all, the best...
Comfortable in your own skin Part I
Added Mon Feb 13 16:39:17 2023 at level 41:
Ululrek is an idiot. There, I've said it. I am sure the powers of the Night
have their reasons, but from the very first day the moron has demonstrated
the wit of a carrion beetle that was held back a grade in beetle school.
He genuinely believes I have some sexual interest in him. Far more likely
for that beetle. No doubt he can chop with an axe and narrow his eyes with
the gift of divine might, but his mind is mush. And, of course, he is not a
mage. All of which is to say, he needs an Advisor. He needs ME!
Careful, Czernish, everything you say might be true, but it is dangerous talk
nonethess. Even telling me was perhaps foolish, though I suppose I've proven
over the decades I am capable of keeping your secrets - they still don't know
you are the one who killed Berzhondra. For now there is nothing active you can
do, you need to act passively, and gather your own strength. Do what you must
to convince the Night you are most suited for Advisor, and once there, if there,
you can be more direct - though still careful! Until then, consider all the
ways you can shine at his expense.
Yes, yes, of course, I'm no fool. But it chafes. It would be less frustrating
if Lord Morius and his tedious disciple Riettlor were not so silent, for so
long. I have done what was asked and infinitely more - carrying this polearm for
years now is making my back sore! - and I visit virtually every day. I am patient.
But it grows disturbing. Pray it will be soon.
I will pray. But the ways of the gods are inscrutable, even to one as superior as
you, Czernish. You are indeed worthy of your pride in yourself, but the highest of
mortals still sits far below even the least of the gods. Do not permit yourself to
grow impetuous.
Again, I know! And I do not. I am on guard. But it does not mean I cannot feel
frustrated. Still, there is much to be proud of. At each phase in my life I may
have been the best, but each phase also requires the effort to make the leap to
the next. Learning. Practicing. Thinking. In all facets of life. Easist in some
ways has been the magic - my first death to that pitiful elf was good, just as
I intended. A test for myself to see what could be done. The decades since then
have proven fruitful as I grew more and more accustomed to what the guild teaches.
Comfortable in your own skill Part II
Added Mon Feb 13 17:35:05 2023 at level 41:
Likewise I am proud of other areas of talent even I find impressive in myself. I
have a gift for manipulation it seems, and acruing, well, shall we say pets! Most
cherished was that little goblin, Grungelglut. My first and best, he was a loyal
and useful pet. A tiny brain, a tiny body, but a big heart devoted to me. What was
not to love? Likewise the orcs. In one way at least their innate obeidience to me
is the greatest demonstration of my strength: their stench would knock back even
the strongest of the gods! It takes all my fortitude simply to be near them, much
less fight near them as they sweat and fling their phlegm and who knows what in
all directions. Even when in the second dimension I wince. But enduring this is
worth every moment, as they do my bidding so easily. Information. Garments.
Weapons. Everything I could want and more. Ugly, disgusting, but very brutal
puppies, that is what they are. When the Night comes, if any of them survive, they
will make excellent servants, and likely they hardly will know the difference.
I must admit, Czernish, I do find that impressive. Meaning the ability to hold
back your gag reflex! Hahaha! And obtaining the aid of that Herald Tailor also was
a stroke of genius. I agree you have done well there. And bringing Grungelglut to the
Lord's Church was particularly worthy of praise. But in candor, with all that
said, you have not done quite as well in one or two other areas. To be blunt: you
spend your time hunting, which is important, but if you are to be a true priest of
the Church, you must actively spread the Faith. You have done so personally with
several, but you limit yourself. I urge you to do better. One day the Lord WILL
finally speak to you, and you are best served if you show you have done more than
speak to individuals while roaming the lands looking for the blood of creatures to
impress guildmasters. Take my words seriously, child, if you wish to see my advanced
years.
One of these days you will call me "child" and I will end you. You have been warned.
There is a limit to my forbearance, even for you. For now, I must go. The morons who
hate magic miss me when I am gone too long... Ha!
PK Wins
Jan 15, 2023|Lv 26|Feanwyyn Weald|Ubu vs 1: [26] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Jan 18, 2023|Lv 34|Grinning Skull Village|Zkrokch vs 2: [34] Czernish (71%), [38] Grungelglut (28%, flaming bite)
Jan 28, 2023|Lv 37|Lower Cragstone|Finx vs 1: [37] Czernish (100%, claw)
Jan 30, 2023|Lv 38|A Wagon-Marked Road|Yulventok vs 1: [38] Czernish (100%, punch)
Jan 31, 2023|Lv 38|Desert of Araile|Lultrin vs 1: [38] Czernish (100%, claw)
Feb 5, 2023 |Lv 39|Galadon|Poce vs 1: [39] Czernish (100%, electrical discharge)
Feb 6, 2023 |Lv 39|West Sumner's Road|Darbrek vs 1: [39] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 7, 2023 |Lv 40|The Buried Battlefield|Darfang vs 1: [40] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 7, 2023 |Lv 40|Mount Kiadana-Rah|Poce vs 1: [40] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 10, 2023|Lv 40|Udgaard|Jurmas vs 1: [40] Czernish (100%, claw)
Feb 10, 2023|Lv 41|The Aryth Ocean|Nazgryth vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 11, 2023|Lv 41|The Redhorn Mountains|Nalaea vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, noxious force)
Feb 12, 2023|Lv 41|Fortress of Light|Nalaea vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 12, 2023|Lv 41|Grinning Skull Village|Zkrokch vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, disruption)
Feb 14, 2023|Lv 41|Spiderhaunt Woods|Krexoth vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, crush)
Feb 14, 2023|Lv 41|Spiderhaunt Woods|Altruzau vs 1: [41] Czernish (100%, bleeding)