Description
Your eyes are greeted by a round, balding head that appears hairless save for
a few tufts about the edges and his long, grey coloured beard. He is a small
creature, standing roughly 3' 4" in height with a wide but thin build.
Although he has many other belongings underneath his most noticeable piece of
clothing is his long, woollen robes. They are a rich red colour with a silver
trim. His robes cover most of what he wears, billowing about his joints in a
baggy fashion that makes him look like a child in mans clothing. Proudly
displayed upon his right breast is an embroidered pair of Scales, the mark of
the Law. His face is a pale grey, as is the rest of his mottled and
un-tanned skin. Years of experience shine out from his small, brown eyes and
the worried lines on his forehead betray a caring person within. You notice
he has an oddly wide mouth, covered in stretch marks where his thin smile
reaches from one ear to the other. His hands also draw your attention
unusually well with their lengthy digits and proportionally larger palms.
From a clasp on his leather belt you notice a small, cloth-bound book that
appears stuffed with various tags and notes.
On the back of his right hand, you note a tattoo that blazes with a magical
aura, encasing his hand with the occasional silver glow.
Role
Optomkiptum's Dedication to the Stones
Added Tue Mar 23 12:10:16 2004 at level 51:
Since its never been clear just how the Stones play a role in Optomkiptums
culture, this is a clarification of what it means within his life.
The Stones:
The Stones are to be praised not truly as living things but simply as an
eternal presence. Their lives are not ones that are considered active and yet
they are given a life through their purpose. Just as the Earth is everpresent
to define what is above and below, we construct walls and buildings to define
boundaries for ourselves. To Optomkiptum, this meaning of a boundary is
seen most in the walls of the cities he protects. Each block of granite or
clay brick holds a purpose to define where the Law holds supreme rule.
Despite this, he knows his own jurisdiction will go beyond this but always
will his duty remain to protect what is within. They are respected for their
duty by Svirfnebli priests and so Optomkiptum has been cultured to respect
them. He one day hopes that he can commune with them more closely as the
high-priests do but he knows that without his life-long dedication to only
them, he can earn little more than what he already has.
Dedication:
The stones represent a solid dedication to a task. This means that you cannot
easily be distracted or deterred from what you set your heart upon. That
which you truly feel is right should be an eternal point of focus.
In Optomkiptum, he is dedicated to bringing Justice and protecting those he
sees as weak and undeserving of punishment. This stems from his hate of
slavery and feeling of unfairness at his former life in the Underdark.
Wisdom:
The Stones watch always. Their eternal presence is a blessing to those who
earn their guidance. Optomkiptum seeks the acquisition of Wisdom so that he
can better educate those he feels are at a disadvantage, redistributing the
knowledge he gains as an alternative to actively fighting. The Stones watch
the ages silently, gathering a memory within their purpose. For him, this
shows how knowledge can be a great tool. Seeking it and recording it well is
important, as is finding its purpose and power. Great Magic and Mystical
secrets intrigue him as much as the Stories and History of the Lands. Using
the knowledge he gains correctly is the most important factor.
Optomkiptum's Revised personal Philosophy
Added Tue Mar 23 11:43:05 2004 at level 51:
In light of his growing age, Optomkiptum has become determined to change his
own views on things. Taking to heart the teachings of Lord Phaelim, he has
learned that in life its never the destination that its important: Its how
you get there. In view of this, he has taken to heart that decisions need
time and effort as well as the most objective view possible. Although he will
never be able to push aside most of his opinions such as his devout love of
the Spire or his dislike for the presence of Duergars (who he finds himself
mildly prejudice against for the slavery he observed in Arangird) he is
ready to attempt to set aside his rashness for a more logical approach. In
fear of losing his Justiciars seat, he has begun trying to make amends for
the mistakes hes made in the past. His view that the world needs balance
hasnt changed but due to his new found introspection he believes his main
goal in life is to acquire wisdom and distribute it as he sees fit. This
means a less active role in life and a more scholarly one. As he was never
fit for true battle, this suits him fine, allowing him to remain upon the
fringes of conflict trying his best to affect it from the backlines.
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 6
Added Tue Feb 10 07:05:39 2004 at level 51:
It was unbelievable, just to think back to shaking his hoof! And now
I get the sensation I've been shaken by his divine being as well.
I've not felt such a surge of spirit since I first shook Lorhan's
usually gauntlet'd hand upon my induction to the Spire. I am truly
honoured by both of them. Perhaps I will find something in them to
love instead of fear.
This newcomer, Belthinzar, worries me slightly. Despite his apparent
cunning and impressive thought he does appear quite 'slow' in certain
ways. His penmenship is undescribably awful and he will definetly
have to improve or I feel my recommendation will be wasted.
This said I am glad to have him balancing out the ranks of the Spire
and pushing down the opinions of the rising priests of the Light.
I feel it will be more comfortable when Agarah has more like-minded
people to support him. I'm impressed by the way the other Priests
tolerate and respect Agarah. All of them do so well, I have to say
I'm quite proud!
My new position of Justiciar has brought me a lot of happiness. I have
been called to become an ever-vigilant watchperson of Thera and have
already noticed how much more respect I command. I have sworn never
to abuse it. The trust of my allies is oddly comforting, though recently
I've been dissapointed by a bloodoath's attempts to break the Law.
A fine example of a criminal hunter may well be Rugassin. Though he
is a duergar, he appears to have convinced me he was raised outside
the underdark. I can only be thankful he was not corrupted by the
slave driven beasts below. Them, with the dark-elves, are some of
my worst hates. I spoke at length with Belthinzar on the matter and
it appears he was also raised in a similar environment. I wonder how
many of my cousins have found a home up here. So many seem to be travelling
quite happily about but I am yet to see any communities up here. Perhaps
with time they'll find the Stones of the cities as comforting as I do.
Then again, perhaps not...
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 5
Added Thu Feb 5 09:15:05 2004 at level 51:
... I am finding my days begin to feel longer as I walk my walks about
our fair towns. However, my will to serve the Law grows stronger with every
passing moment. The cases I've seen and the people I've met are of constant
interest to me and keep me now ageing wits sharp.
I'm most impressed by Odrirg's efforts to rebuild the Ruined city. It
almost brings me back to the terrible days when it was destroyed.
even in the Underdark the tremors of what happened were felt, though of
course they're much more expected down there!
I've been setting my sights on pushing my position to a Justiciar. It's
not entirely different from what I do now but I'm to understand it
would mean an even GREATER devotion to the Law than I have. In my heart
I know the Spire has become a perminant love but I still fear the Balance
of things are beginning to tip with my efforts to suppress and chase
what Odrirg calls 'Agents of Chaos'. It does frighten me slightly
to think these Nihilists are on the increase but perhaps we can halt
them before it gets out of hand. I believe, and always will, that
whatever buffets our fair Stones they'll hold.
Dalisha informed me of her intent to try the Nihilists path. We may
have to contend with the Galadon Reporter in future, something I don't
believe to be a good thing. Her penmanship is good and with a voice
that damnable Imp (I dare not even write his name!) may find more
falling under his control.
I continue my research into finding the Entropic equation stolen by
Tanadin, but unfortunately I still haven't found it. My want to stop
the Nihilists gaining any kind of power of it is great and it would
break me to think I couldn't find it before they do. Let us hope Lord
Tanadin hasn't already allied with them. Perhaps we can persuade him
they draw from his praise or some such thing.
I've been playing with the magic contained within the Primer I was handed...
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 4
Added Thu Jan 29 07:49:36 2004 at level 51:
I write now looking out over the Valley of Veran. I discovered the ruins not so
long ago but already they seem to have opened up many secrets. The magisters there
studied something along the lines of my own work, the transformation of ones body
into something else. Unlike me, they used a perminant technique involving magical
radiation. Most unsafe. All the safe, their spells are fascinating and may be
the basis for part of my own guilds magic. Chaos has recently shown itself in the
form of a demonic Imp that terrorised Galadon for a short time. I've not seen
it myself but I fear the lost equation may have something to do with it all.
The so-called 'Anarchist movement' appears to be on the rise. The unbalancing I feared
may have been going on behind our backs has come. As always, our joint efforts
with the Empire for order have produced a reaction in the form of this uprising.
I believe we can hold them at bay but eventually their strength will grow
to equal ours. The Stones seem to be trembling within, as if their spirits are troubled
beyond mortal recognition. I am shamed to say I don't commune with them as often
as I should anymore but I find it hard to slow myself to their thoughts when the
world about me moves so quickly. Perhaps, there is something in discovering this
older form of magical transmogrification and the uprising I can put together.
Of course, they seem unconnected but the work of one who once wished to be a Seeker
of Balance can always find a way to sway power quietly.
Though I am finding my time on duty less and less, my pondering has not withered too
far. Agarah's research should be important to us all. The Chaotic risings within
the masses will be sudden and sharp. I wish to write my love for the stone Spire
is so deep it outweighs my love for the balance now. I can only hope the Ancient
Stones can forgive me...
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 3
Added Mon Jan 19 04:47:58 2004 at level 50:
I write now with a slight disbelief at the fall of our old enemies.
It has been a long time since I've seen such a sad thing, that an ancient
order should fall like this. I believe my leaders are wrong. In many awys
there was a need for the Warders. Though they themselves were pests
and criminals, they stood for something noble and needed. I have to admit a
fondness for the beauty in nature. I've always believed in objectivity
and the great warriors such as Voronil and Flarkle have earned my respect
due to their passion. The only concern I have now is what will fill their void.
I've begun researching the lost equation that was stolen when Tanadin
took it from the Inn. I have a belief that it may be rising once more and
this cannot be allowed. My research into things such as the Zurconic cult
have shown that dormant things can rise again given enough belief. This could
be a very dangerous thing. Perhaps I'll talk to Agarah about it...
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 2
Added Fri Dec 19 21:14:14 2003 at level 44:
Today, Kheelia and I had a good walk around the Underdark. Its been a while
since I've been home and she seemed to feel the same way. Its odd how much
has changed but I was glad to see the quiet city of Blingdenstone was still
standing. However, I've been informed that things have been getting worse.
The king has apparently been talking with the dark-elves and is rumoured
to have made slavery a necessary part of everyones lives. It really is becoming
unnacceptable the way these gnomes are being captured and driven. I, myself,
have never had anything against them. I'm not so sure I agree with the pople
running Blingdenstone anymore. All I can hope is things change.
I've been thinking about researching summonings. I've heard there are many
ways to call upon beasts, elementals and undead to help you in your everyday
needs. Kheelia says she has seen some of these things used before. I am
beginning to see how I could make use of information like that. Maybe I'll
take her up on her offer to search for them someday.
Agarah seems to be a very powerful mage, his skills are impressive. Tough
I have seen him at times to struggle to control his undead he single handedly
took down the Sylvan's ancient Bear before my party even arrived to help!
I could barely believe the power he held, it was quite scary yet very much
respectable.
I interviewed a young elven healer who gave me her perspective on the spire.
I believe there are many ways to look at the Law and she has chosen a much
kinder one than most, showing more leeway that I think I approve of. Still,
she was pleasant to have around and I'm sure Kelrizza will warm to her abilities
despite her race.
Optomkiptum's Diary Snippits part 1.
Added Fri Dec 19 11:09:12 2003 at level 42:
I have been exploring the underdark sea quite a bit now, its depths are
amazingly interesting. The life there is different and I have even discovered
a race that fascinates me because they are always moving quicker than can be
considered normal. I am pondering how deep and vast the sea down there is and
just how close to the Hells it could possibly be. I believe I have discovered
hellfire bruning in its depths, causing great bubbles of evil gas to rise.
Delrami, a gentle Dwarven Paladin and Magistrate of Seantryn Modan helped me
put out a fire today. The city was ablaze in a most worrying manner. I've not
figured out who started the blaze but I'm considering ways of investigation
that could lead to making it a great crime should anyone do so. It is already
illeagal to perform fireball spells within the city but there obviously isn't
enough
warning about it.
I've sold the information about Zurcon and his items of power onto another
mage. Such things are not meant for me to toy with. The Stones appear to ache
slightly after the fires but I haven't learnt to talk to those of Galadon's
walls yet. Perhaps, they are closer in likeness to the Stones of home than I
thought. These walls purpose is certainly well defined enough for them to
'live' as Stones. Ah, but to dream of company such as that above ground is
just silly...
Optomkiptum as I can best explain him
Added Fri Dec 19 11:05:37 2003 at level 42:
Born beneath the earth and raised by regular Svirfnebli, Optomkiptums
motivation to move to the surface was adventure. He decided to join the
Transmuters guild in order to travel the lands and sell his spells to pass
him by. He is mainly interested in research and exploration, though he is
also active in protecting the laws of Thera. Much like below, the cities of
Stone are both to be revered as a living, breathing creation and a hard,
solid basis for a safe community. Optoms view of the Law is it is there to
let people grow in balance and with organisation.
Optom also holds a strict view of balance in the world and aids both Light
and Dark walkers indifferently though he tends to sway when there is an
obvious inbalance in the two. His wisdom is given out sparingly to those who
he is indebted to or who he believes will use it to restore his view of this
balance.
At present, his two most interesting topics of research are the history of
the ancient god of annihilation, Zurcon, and the research into the Pyramid in
the sands, Azhan. Though he researchs dark arts as much as any other kind of
magic, he draws the line at invoking its power if he believes it cannot be
controlled enough to benefit only his views. Arcane is arcane to Optom, the
dark arts simply means it may come with a nastier cost making it trickier
and more challenging to research. Optom is very aware of his soul and the
cost of over-dabbling in such magic. He would gladly abandon his work for
anything that appears more of a challenge or of more benefit.
Although his curiousity is what drives him, it tends to flit from idea to
idea. With a view to this, he is considering writing a diary that he will keep
close at hand and magically bind it to him for safe keeping.
Stance on Chaos/Order and related Magic
Added Fri Apr 2 10:49:32 2004 at level 51:
In view of Optomkiptums latest researching efforts, he is trying to gain
further insight into the nature of Chaos Magic and Order Magic. Since he has
become enlightened to the difference of the two and the possibility of
chaotic mages tending towards Chaos magic (even if their guild teaches more
orderly techniques) he has become more prejudice against Chaotic Magic users.
Though this doesnt stretch to non-magic users he has always been wary of
chaotic souls and now finds himself wanting to pursue those who might
practice Chaotic magic. This gives him not only a new foe but a new focus for
his life on top of his duties within the Spire.
Those of Chaotic soul who practice Magic will now become personal targets for
him and find themselves at a serious disadvantage when dealing with
Optomkiptum.
It should also be noted here that Optomkiptum suspects the Scions of becoming
studiers of Chaotic magic although he has to await Proof they have done so
before acting against it (adhering to Phaelims religion on not just
believing but having proof of such things).