Description
A drow dressed in the earthy browns and deep shadowy greys of his homeland is
here. At a casual glance he tops five and a half feet, but falls well short
of six.He has the build of a fighter, but also possesses a certain air of
studious patience, as though intent on solving some sort of puzzle or curious
problem. His movements are precise and careful, adding an element of surety
to his overall demeanor. His face is ebon-dark and fine-featured, clearly
announcing his drow heritage. His clothing consists of well made black
linens, covered by supple leather armors, cloak, belt, and boots. Looking
closely, his garments actually possess finely embroidered midnight violet
scrollwork over their entirety, seemingly at random. The embroidery almost
seems to shift queasily. A worn and faded emblem on his cloak could be the
mark of anything, now nearly indistinguishable.Completing his outfit, a
leather cap conceals his head and hair.He seems very comfortable with the
weapons he carries and they look often used.
Role
The Blotting
Added Wed Aug 1 04:35:07 2007 at level 51:
From the limited lore of Earth and Darkness available, Isspyn has devised the
basics of a magical ritual, which he has termed The Blotting. In this
ritual, powerful magics are wielded during "The Event" to block out Thera's
sun for all eternity, cloaking the land in permanent Darkness from which True
Darkness may grow and thrive.
Isspyn, however, is no expert magi and knows it. He also knows this means he
will need help, both divine and mortal, to refine The Blotting into a
feasible plan. Furthermore, he knows even with the most powerful subset of
mortal mages at his disposal, the ritual will very likely require the aid of
one of more powerful artifacts to channel and focus the needed magics. This
is particularly true for Earth's involvement in the ritual, as Isspyn
believes he has a sound theory for handling the Darkness aspect. Though
perhaps an unlikely plot, Isspyn's lust for vengeance against his family
prevents him for considering The Blotting impossible.
Isspyn's checklist for success (though its completeness is definitely
questionable) is as follows:
1) A mage perfectly versed in the art of Spellcraft will be required. To
attempt such a ritual with a lesser hedge mage would be foolish and
ill-fated. Isspyn would consider a mage from the Underdark (only a drow of
course) ideal, but also realizes that he may have to make due with an
inferior specimen. Isspyn hopes to choose the correct one, one unparalleled
in his art, from Scion stock.
2) The Blotting ritual must take place during The Event -- an extremely rare
solar eclipse, bringing Darkness to daylight. Thus far he has failed in
attempting to predict when such a phenomenon might occur. Given dark-elven
life span, he is content to wait and be ready, however.
3) Pure Conduits (races born in and of darkness, dark-elves or duergar) will
be required as channels to strengthen the power of True Darkness required in
the ritual. True Darkness, volatile and ever so fragile, must be rapidly
created and channeled into the ritual in the brief moment of Night when the
moon perfectly covers the sun. Isspyn himself intends to serve as one of
these, and he surmises that he may need one or two others to act as a buffer
for such raw power.
For the body of the ritual, Earth magic, most particularly its
quasi-elemental force Gravity, must be deftly woven together with Perfect
Darkness. Combined in an unparalleled magical event, these two forces will
combine to lock the moon in place as it rests over the sun, bathing Thera in
Eternal Night. Or so Isspyn's theory goes...
Quite aside from carefully selecting those he believes best suited
(trustworthy doesn't describe anyone he knows) to the task, Isspyn intends to
seek the guidance of the Lord of Earth, Daevryn, as well as the Wisdom of
mighty Twist, God of Magic, to fill in the gaps to his mad scheme, and fine
tune the ritual to ensure minimal chance for miscalculation and error. As
far as Isspyn is concerned, there will be only one chance. He must not fail.
Final Sunset
Added Wed Aug 1 04:32:31 2007 at level 51:
Isspyn has managed to occasionally bribe various brave sources into spiriting
the coveted tomes in his family's library away for his own study. Though he
is no mage, Isspyn is neither dim-witted nor a total failure at the basics of
spellcraft. Over the years he has managed to glean a fair bit of arcane
knowledge on the topics of Perfect Darkness and Earth. Certainly, though,
Isspyn is the most likely of any surface dwelling mortal to claim expertise
on the subject.
The Scions, of course, study Darkness after a fashion. Isspyn tends to
believe, however, that the capacity in which they study it is incomplete
among surface dwellers, most of whom cannot fathom the concept of what
Eternal Night really means. They simply do not have the unique perspective
and insight born of centuries in an endless warren of caves. Isspyn respects
(to an extent) these magi that dabble in Darkness out of necessity. He
expects to need these surface mages' power and skill, though a subterranean
mage would be ideal, to bring about the Final Sunset.
From his research, Isspyn believes he has devised a viable plan to eliminate
the sun and bathe Thera in Night forever. His logic is fairly simple: use
Earth to black out the sky permanently in a twisted parody of how the
Underdark was born. Isspyn's first step, and his current primary goal, is to
locate the things, be they secrets lost in ancient tomes, powerful artifacts,
or proper allies, to make this feat of Magic possible.
About Perfect Darkness
Added Sun Jul 22 00:03:53 2007 at level 51:
If Earth is to thank for Isspyn's very existence, then Perfect Darkness, or
True Darkness as he will refer to it sometimes, is certainly to thank for
providing his ability to continue doing so. He certainly believes that
dark-elves embodied this strange, dark power more completely than any of the
other Underdark races. He believes dark-elves in particular are born with
the spark of True Darkness within their hearts where light can never reach to
extinguish it, gifting his race with its power.
As mentioned previously, Perfect Darkness exists only under the most extreme
circumstances where even the whisper of Light has failed to reach since ages
lost. Though potent, it is a fragile power, and disintegrates rapidly at the
touch of Light or impure Fire since it produces radiance. As a result,
Isspyn has more than his fair share of the dark-elves' distaste for natural
Light and all races inherently Sun-touched.
The power of Perfect Darkness is absolutely evil, but controllable with the
proper Blood. Of the Underdark races, naturally Isspyn believes that only
dark-elven Blood is refined enough to channel the wild and rare energy that
is Perfect Darkness. Any other would be fool to try, as all knowledge
available to him indicates that experimentation with Perfect Darkness can be
enough to obliterate even the keenest mind and blackest soul, insanity or
death being among the best possible scenarios.
Isspyn is fascinated by Perfect Darkness for three reasons primarily quite
aside from it being his heritage and birthright.
First and foremost, he believes the power of Perfect Darkness will provide
him with the catalyst to lure his Mother, his house, and the dark-elven
people to the surface lands.
Secondly, the surface lands have graciously provided him with the Chasm to
serve his wiles. By using the Ccul'gra, Isspyn will also have the strength
required to crush his family utterly when Eternal Night comes.
Lastly, when his task is complete, Perfect Darkness will give Isspyn the
strength to deal with the Ccul'gra, who will certainly abondon the Pact given
the power of absolute darkness.He intends to either control the Ccul'gra
wielding the power of Perfect Darkness as his blade, or to escape should the
Ccul'gra prove unmanageable in the material realm. At least, he hopes...
About Earth Sphere
Added Sun Jul 22 00:02:07 2007 at level 51:
Being from the Underdark, Isspyn has an intimate connection with the Earth.
Not like Outlanders and their tree-hugginess, but a respect for Earth born
from having infathomable tons of rock constantly overhead. Dark and
imposing, the caves of the Underdark raised Isspyn from a child into
adulthood, providing both shelter and ample danger.
Isspyn's former house studied, and understood to some degree, the intricate
relationship between Earth and Darkness in a way no other house among his
people could claim. Perfect Darkness (discussed in the next chapter) when
drastically over simplified is fundamentally a little-known quasi-element
born by the union of Earth and Darkness. In the case of the Underdark and
the dark-elves, the Earth itself gives birth to the ever-present shroud of
Darkness, from which Perfect Darkness emerges over time barring the
interference of Light.
Isspyn believes, according to his house's studies, that the dark-elves' innate
magical abilities, magical talent, and perhaps dark-elves themselves are
byproducts of millenia of immersion in Perfect Darkness. Similarly he
credits the unique abilities of duergar and svirfneblin to this as well, and
possesses a curiosity toward them not present toward other races.
Isspyn follows the Sphere of Earth because clearly without Earth present, the
phenomenon which gave rise to his homeland, his people, and his power could
not have existed.
More About Isspyn
Added Tue Jul 3 02:27:17 2007 at level 51:
Isspyn considers Battle Ragers the primary enemy to his cause. He scoffs at
the idea that anything, even the Village itself, could exist without Magic.
As such, he considers Villagers the epitomy of all that is foolish, fighting
for a cause that will surely result in their own annihilation. He kills
ragers with a measure of sadistic glee, taking pleasure in the death of the
utterly ignorant. He believes he is only helping them toward their eventual
goal of self-destruction anyway.
The Nexus presents something of a quandry to Isspyn. He believes their
tenant of Balance in all things is completely absurd. Their eternal war with
the Village and their intimate connection with Magic and the Veil, however,
Isspyn believes could be quite useful. Isspyn will manipulate the Nexus to
serve his own ends when possible, and slay them without hesitation when
necessary. Usefulness has a shelf life, and in the case of Nexites they
spoil quickly.
Due to his past problems with dark-elf society, matrons, and sisters, Isspyn
has an intrinsic dislike and wariness towards all females in general. He is
easily provoked to violence against females in general especially if he
perceives weakness or some sort of slight to him.
Isspyn regards other dark-elf males with caution, especially those whose
affiliations are not known to him. Even when they are known, he considers
the possibility that they are a spy for the matrons of Teth'Azeleth to be
disproportionately high. While he doesn't believe his matron mother is
actively searching for him, Isspyn realizes that a whisper could remind her
of her unfinished business and failure.He knows well that dark-elven hatred
and lust for revenge is a long lived thing not to be underestimated... after
all, Isspyn is living proof himself.
Isspyn can tolerate dark-elven females when it is needed, though he does so
from behind a thin veil of seething hatred. Given the chance, he will
attempt to kill them. His aggression is a thing born of hate and fear, and
it is more rabid than logical. He may be provoked to act hastily and
aggressively, especially if he perceives the female as hostile or abrasive
towards him. Isspyn has vowed never to endure a dark-elf females scorn ever
again, and will go to great lengths to return such fear and suffering many
times over.
The Role Cheat Sheet
Added Thu Jun 21 06:36:16 2007 at level 51:
*** A random collection of facts about Isspyn that summarize the character.
I had intended to continue in story form but I'm just not feeling that style
these days. ***
Isspyn comes from a family steeped in the magic of the Earth combined with
the power of Darkness in such a way that only the caves of the Underdark can
conceive. The Un'Rein family is a moderately powerful dark-elven house of
Teth'Azeleth that has studied the unique power of the Underdark created by
eternal immersion in Perfect Darkness, a rarely-studied facet of magic due to
the rarity of such conditions.
Isspyn was forced to the surface after his sister attempted to kill him at
the order of his mother because of the family's disdain for bladecraft.
Essentially, Isspyn was considered useless deadweight since his magical
talent was negligible. He despises his family and is wary of other
dark-elves in general (as anyone should be). His sworn goal in life is
simple:Revenge with a captial R. Nothing short of the total annihilation
of his family and his former House will sate him and he will do whatever he
must to get that chance...
He strives to meld the Earth and sky into into one using Darkness to fuse
them in a twisted recreation of his homeland. The Scions of Eternal Night
seem the perfect catalyst for this, though really he cares little whether the
Pact with the Ccul'gra comes to fruition or not. He believes such promise of
Dark power will bring his family, most particularly his matron Mother to the
surface, so he can exact the merciless revenge he dreams of for casting him
out centuries ago during his childhood.Death is not enough -- when he has
them, they will all die screaming and know their killer in their grave,
forgotten error in the last moments of their lives.
He generally does not mind half breeds and identifies on some level with many
kinds of creatures he considers outcast for one reason or another. Though
still wary, he believes these creatures likely have their own agenda of
revenge that is not likely to interfere with his own.
Isspyn hates the sky and the sun and all forms of natural light, though their
eradication to Isspyn is more of a byproduct of attaining his goal of
revenge. Therefore Scion to Isspyn is more of a convenient merging of
interests than anything else -- he helps to further the Chasm's agenda in
order to further his own.
He prefers faelight and the glow of magic to torch or other fire light,
though after living on the surface lands so long it has become an annoyance
more than anything else. He believes faelight is the only Pure Light as it
is the only form of radiance that thrives alongside Perfect Darkness. He
strives to preserve and expand Perfect Darkness believing it strengthens him
as a whole.
Isspyn regards magistrates with a measure of disdain.
Isspyn attitude toward outlanders is mostly neutral. He does not actively
seek to kill them unless he deems it worthwhile somehow.
The Fortress is filled with fools who coddle the feeble and breed weakness
and inferiority. Isspyn will not hesitate to kill a Fortressite if he deems
the time appropriate for it. He considers it a favor to the world as a whole
and good sport.
Isspyn is largely neutral toward the Empire personally.He understands the
thirst for power a
History
Added Sun Mar 25 02:47:01 2007 at level 40:
Isspyn comes from a minor house in Teth'Azeleth which as of yet has little
influence on dark-elf society. The blood of the house is well-known,
however, for producing dark-elf magi of rare and exceptional quality.
This is largely where Isspyn's problems began. Isspyn was raised into his
teen years (still very youthful for elven society) before it started becoming
increasingly apparent that the young dark-elf showed very little magical
talent.The family was quietly dubious about this new predicament. The
matron could not allow any rumor to begin that the bloodlines may be
weakening, damaging the family's reputation and threatening her bid for
power. And so a plot was devised that the boy would suffer a tragic accident
and rid her of the whole mess.
Isspyn though still young was not stupid or naive in the least.Being raised
in dark-elf society his entire life thus far, he had necessarily developed a
taste and feel for the everyday treachery and deceit that swirled about him.
He understood his mother may very well wish him dead to preserve the family's
social value. Murder was expected. It seemed to Isspyn that he would soon
need to take his life into his own hands, and began to plan for the occasion,
taking pains to be cautious and alert wherever he went.
Having little talent in magic, Isspyn furthered his martial studies in the
art of the dagger. A weapon so easily concealed would be the most useful in
foiling any would-be assassin. His efforts would pay off, and he took to the
new craft with surprising ease.
The day came. Isspyn was somewhat disappointed. He had expected something
far more elaborate than the novice's trick that was intended to claim his
life. A simple spell woven in to a carpet in a tower staircase awaited a
command word to send Isspyn plummeting down several flights of stairs to his
demise.He supposed such a small bit of magic would have been easy to
miss... if you were stupid or just plain blind.
Isspyn saw the trap immediately as he rounded the corner heading for the
stairwell. One of his sisters, Nulye'en, was walking to his left a pace
back, prattling on and scolding him for his inattention to his arcane
studies. Isspyn sniffed in irritation at the situation, passing the gesture
off as frustration with his Nulye's lecture. She had always confused his
sorcerous ineptitude with stupidity. Mother had left the means of his demise
to his dear sister's discretion no doubt. Isspyn slipped the dagger from his
sleeve calmly.
While they crossed the remaining few steps to the staircase, Isspyn frowned
as he considered the situation.He had expected a house soldier to try to
plant a knife between his shoulders, or perhaps get regrettably "lost" on an
expedition patrolling the caverns around the underground city.
Unfortunately, Nulye was older than he, female, and, while not the star
talent of the family, a promising young sorceress. Mother, the conniving old
bitch, would miss her. Though this murder plot was doomed to fail, Isspyn's
life would be forfeit for killing her anyway. Convenient. In the space of a
few steps, it was clear to him that today would be his last day to walk the
halls of the Un'Rein house, and likely the city streets as well.
Isspyn ducked out a hidden rear exit a few moments later. The house be