Description
Taller than most other men, Olvantyr stands here with a look of fierce
determination in his pale green eyes. Sandy blonde hair hangs to his
shoulder blades in the elaborate style of a High-Elf. Pointy ears poke
subtly through this well-groomed mane.. but something is different. This
is not a High-Elf, despite the tell-tale signs. His nose is flatter, his
build thicker than you would expect. And stubble begins to grow from his
cheeks, despite a regular shave. He is not an Elf, but a mixed breed,
half-human. Not just any half-breed, this one stands with a sense of
authority and intensity uncommon in the lands.
Role
Unwelcome at Home
Added Tue Feb 19 16:28:24 2013 at level 2:
*** A young man stands in an imposing hallway, looking up at a shining
Knight. His voice waivers slightly, as he answers the Knight's query.
I never met my mother. She died during childbirth. But I know her well
from the stories told after her passing.
She was a special woman, from what most say. A mere human, yet she earned
the grudging acceptance of several Darsylonian Elves. And the love of
one.
As a part of the envoy from Voralian City, she was treated with respect
by the Royal Family, and so by the rest of the Darsylonian Elves. These
were dangerous times, and Darsylon faced many threats, with Drowish raids
frequently encroaching in the borders of the city. For this reason, she
and the other diplomats were given personal guards from the King's own
elite forces. As fortune would have it, my father was chosen as her
personal escort.
I do not know the intimate details of their romance, and I doubt you
would hear of them if I did. But my mother and father, as is obvious now,
fell in love. My mother chose to stay in Darsylon, to serve as an
ambassador to the Elves.. and more importantly, to become the wife of one
of Darsylon's most reknown warriors.
This was a source of controversy within the city, as one might expect
from the prideful High-Elves. They did not approve of one of their own
taking a lesser race for his wife. She had overstepped her bounds. She
was unwelcome, and she knew it. But she was in love, and she braved the
hostility and overcame their bitterness. As years passed, the whispers
behind her back quieted. She slowly became, as much as any foreigner
could be, accepted in their city.
A few short years after their marriage, my mother became pregnant. But
there were complications, as is often the case with mixed-blood pairings.
As it would happen, I survived the ordeal with no ill effects, though my
young mother was not so fortunate. She died, the Elven healers unable to
stop her bleeding.
In the ensuing years, I was raised by my father. He was a chivalrous Elf,
and he strived to instill upon me the same code of honor that his father
had taught him. He was religious, and he taught me an undying faith and
respect for the divine. And he was strong. A warrior honed in a life of
combat, he showed me how to defend myself. To fight for any just cause
that I could help.
I was fortunate for his guidance, but it was no easy road ahead of me. A
foreigner in Darsylon may be looked down upon, but a half-blood is
outright scorned. I was a perversion in the eyes of most. They were kind
to my face, but there was always the sense of disgust and distrust. I was
unwelcome in my own home.
It was with my father's hesitant blessing that I chose to leave the city,
to forge my own path. I did not belong with the other Elves, he knew it
as much as me.
*** The young Elf takes a few deep breaths, pausing as he considers the
difficult words to follow.
Alone
Added Tue Feb 19 16:30:03 2013 at level 2:
Thera is a dangerous place. My father, a hardened warrior knew it as well
as anyone. With this explanation, he chose to escort me on my journey to
my mother's home in Voralian City. A fair justification, though I looked
at it instead as a chance for one last adventure with my father. I only
hope he did the same.
In any case, it was a truly joyous trek. My father and I alone travelling
across Thera... it was a journey which most young boys dream of
undertaking. There were a few bandits, here and there, but most fled at
first site of the mithril blades wielded by father and son. They were of
little true concern, and perhaps we became reckless as the days wore on.
On one fateful night, I awoke to the deafening clash of swords. I knew
what it was immediately, from the smell more than sight. Orcs. My father
had taken the first watch as I slept, and was already engaged. I took up
stance at his side, and we battled on through the night.
When the sun finally rose, we stood victorious. Or so I thought. My
father slumped, then fell. The vile Orc savaging his face and neck before
it died.
My father would not survive his wounds.
*** The young Elf chokes up as he says these words, taking several
minutes to regather himself and continue his tale.
A Paladin
Added Tue Feb 19 16:31:31 2013 at level 2:
The rest of my trek, I spent in quiet reflection. I thought about the
lessons my father had taught me.. and even the lessons learned from my
mothers all-too-short life.
Their love was a testament to follow your heart and do what you know is
right, regardless of the obstacles. Regardless of who might tell you it
is wrong. My mother gave up everything, to live in a world that did not
welcome her. My father fought for every cause that needed him, because he
knew they were just. They were the two most courageous people I could
ever know.
And they both died, so that I could live.
That is why I have come to you.. why I seek to serve as a Paladin. To
serve the memory of my father and my mother, to live up to their lofty
standards, and to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain.
*** With that, the Paladin Guildmaster steps aside, allowing young
Olvantyr to enter the guild, and begin his training.
Personality of a Half-Elf
Added Wed Feb 20 20:56:34 2013 at level 11:
Olvantyr struggles with the fact that he is a half-Elf. Since he spent
his life in Darsylon, he was reminded on a daily basis that he wasn't of
the same standard as other Elves. He doesn't acknowledge it, or even
realize it himself, but on some level he considers himself lesser than a
highborn Elf.
He'll act deferential towards other Elves, particularly those of a higher
station than himself. He'll also go out of his way, when the opportunity
presents itself, to prove he is up to what he percieves as their higher
standard. This may result in taking excessive risks that others may not
deem worthwhile, or asserting himself more vocally towards other "lesser"
races.
Ultimately, he wants to be looked on as an equal to an Elf, but his
inferiority has been engrained in him from birth.
Olvantyr isn't particularly emotional when it comes to his duties. He
holds little anger or mercy for the wicked men that he hunts. He may
engage in a dialogue when it suits him, but ultimately he doesn't see
them as worthy of redemption. In fact, he almost regards them more as
animals than actual people. Simple beings that aren't worthy of much
consideration, beyond how best to put them down.
Regarding those of a neutral disposition, Olvantyr is inherently
distrusting. In his eyes, any evil act is irredeemable. There is no
justification for crossing that moral line, and Olvantyr will not accept
rationalization for such an act.
Challenges
Added Sat Mar 16 07:16:56 2013 at level 27:
Olvantyr was never what would be called smooth, or even particularly
confident. He was an awkward boy, that grew into an awkward young man.
Ostracized as a youth due to his heritage, he never acquired the social
skills of most. And feeling this pull of a higher calling, the need to
accomplish something great, Olvantyr's focus was far removed from making
friends or fitting in.
Yet Olvantyr still was determined to become someone great. To live up to
his Father's and his Mother's sacrifices. He became a Paladin, a Squire
within the Fortress, and even earned the blessing of the Lady Baerinika.
By all rights, he had accomplished far more than most could ever do.
But he struggled, continuously. Not with the battles.. no, victories came
surprisingly easy to him. The benefits of spending your youth alone and
training, perhaps. But he was overwhelmed nonetheless. Shy around his
superious, he struggled to make a name for himself. Nervous around
powerful Elves, he felt like a stuttering fool at times.
He had disagreements with other Squires on a few occassions, and had the
nagging suspicion that others were judging him behind his back. Just as
the Elves of Darsylon had surely done to him.
There were times when he wanted to quit. To give up on the Fortress, and
continue a solo life. But he always words of the Shepherd Huldon from so
many years ago. And so he would stay the path.. the path that he knew was
right, despite it's challenges.
Small steps
Added Wed Mar 27 10:20:58 2013 at level 41:
Olvantyr was close to only one person in his youth: His father. Never
knowing his mother, and with his father now gone, there were times when
Olvantyr found himself quite alone. For years, Olvantyr knew no one whom
he could trust. No one to turn to on those difficult days.
And so he turned to his faith. The Lady Baerinika, and Her disciples,
welcomed young Olvantyr. And, while he may never have put it into those
words, he found his family in those ghostly Ruins.
Comforting in his struggles, and patient with his shortcomings, the holy
Jaguar was also forthright with what needed to change. She, and her most
devout, pushed young Olvantyr to meet his potential. To exceed it.
Far from the idealized version of himself that he strived to become,
Olvantyr still saw improvement in himself. It was difficult, at first,
speaking up when it would be so much easier to fade into the crowd. He
was awkward, at times. And nervous, often. But he was persistent. He was
dedicated. And he refused quit.
And so it went.. small steps added to small steps. He found the Maran of
the Fortress looking at him, if not as an equal, then at least a reliable
Squire. He found that when he spoke, others would often listen. Perhaps
not agree, and certainly not obey.. but they listened. Even his enemies,
Olvantyr learned, spoke of him as one to be wary of.
It was respect, and it was a new experience for Olvantyr. Growing up an
outcast in his own home, he had never had such an experience. But with
the guidance of the Spearmaiden, and a determination to justify her faith
in him.. and to honor the memories of his family.. Olvantyr began to
adapt. One step at a time, he improved.
PK Wins
Feb 20, 2013|Lv 11|The Galadon Sewers|Tsu vs 1: [11] Olvantyr (100%, flamestrike)
Feb 24, 2013|Lv 16|Balator|Yagoro vs 1: [16] Olvantyr (100%, wrath)
Mar 2, 2013 |Lv 19|Akan|Gryrshran vs 1: [19] Olvantyr (100%, wrath)
Mar 12, 2013|Lv 26|The Redhorn Mountains|Kaael vs 1: [26] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 15, 2013|Lv 27|The Redhorn Mountains|Yumil vs 1: [27] Olvantyr (100%, quick strike)
Mar 16, 2013|Lv 27|The Vale of Arendyl|Drintol vs 1: [27] Olvantyr (100%, quick strike)
Mar 17, 2013|Lv 29|The Citadel of Ostalagiah|Cervanus vs 2: [35] Drintol (26%, ground control), [29] Olvantyr (73%)
Mar 17, 2013|Lv 29|The Open Plains|Merra vs 1: [29] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 20, 2013|Lv 32|The Battlefield|Eohkogn vs 1: [32] Olvantyr (100%, KB)
Mar 22, 2013|Lv 33|The Drogran Hills|Purem vs 3: [31] Lierda (71%, drowning), [25] Heje (13%), [33] Olvantyr (15%)
Mar 22, 2013|Lv 35|The Dwarf Forest|Drintol vs 3: [35] Olvantyr (62%, electrical discharge), [28] Heje (37%), [33] Lierda (0%)
Mar 22, 2013|Lv 35|The Ruins of Ostalagiah|Iacegr vs 2: [28] Heje (15%), [35] Olvantyr (84%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 22, 2013|Lv 35|The Frigid Wasteland|Drintol vs 3: [35] Olvantyr (71%, lightning bolt), [28] Heje (8%), [33] Lierda (20%)
Mar 23, 2013|Lv 36|The Redhorn Mountains|Zaknzaer vs 3: [36] Olvantyr (23%, heavenly wrath), [33] Hukole (26%), [30] Shivak (50%)
Mar 23, 2013|Lv 36|The Redhorn Mountains|Korms vs 3: [36] Olvantyr (15%, heavenly wrath), [33] Hukole (21%), [30] Shivak (62%)
Mar 23, 2013|Lv 37|Desert of Araile|Iacegr vs 2: [37] Olvantyr (70%, heavenly wrath), [37] Maldiker (29%)
Mar 24, 2013|Lv 38|The Battlefield|Xane vs 1: [38] Olvantyr (100%, lightning bolt)
Mar 24, 2013|Lv 38|Bramblefield Road|Cervanus vs 1: [38] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 24, 2013|Lv 38|The Inn of the Eternal Star|Mhoursfen vs 1: [38] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 24, 2013|Lv 38|The Eastern Road|Iacegr vs 1: [38] Olvantyr (100%, lightning bolt)
Mar 25, 2013|Lv 39|Keep of the Righteous|Vhateel vs 2: [39] Olvantyr (27%), [51] Oshui (72%, claw)
Mar 26, 2013|Lv 39|The Redhorn Mountains|Slanistarn vs 1: [39] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 28, 2013|Lv 41|The Village of Azuremain|Feltwilt vs 1: [41] Olvantyr (100%, lightning bolt)
Mar 28, 2013|Lv 41|The Imperial Palace|Nezhek vs 1: [41] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)
Mar 28, 2013|Lv 41|Eil Shaeria|Nezhek vs 1: [41] Olvantyr (100%, heavenly wrath)