Description
Sandy blond hair flecked with tiny bits of white is cropped short on the
head of this youthful looking man. It's sheered nearly to the scalp around
the bottom and sides but manages to stick up along the top which highlights
his tanned complexion and silver eyes. Slim but firm arms and legs make up
his somewhat wiry frame, although the majority of it seems hidden underneath
some woolen robes and rather plain looking green and brown leathers. In
fact, not much stands out about this young fellow other than his youthful
appearance and thin frame.
The leathers are simple garb, likely that of a farmer or amateur hunter. At
his side is a small axe and a dagger is strapped to his hip. Across his
back and shoulders is a mottled sack of sorts, half covered by a
travel-stained cloak. The faint hint of something seem to shine across his
wears though they bleed no hue or rancid scent like that of tallow or oils.
The last few discernibledetails are that...
Role
The Encounter
Added Wed Apr 27 09:28:55 2022 at level 10:
Born in a small farming settlement in the southeast from Tir Talath was a kid
named Orenby. His parent, by name of Clod, short for "Dirt Clod" (a hard mass
of dirt and rock often found when tilled soil dries in the sun) had farmed the
land for several generations. They hunted the local bear and dear when needed
and raised vegetables that are sometimes sold along the Eastern road's
crossroads. Most of his life he was simply doing as he was told, listening to
his parents directions, helping with chores, working the fields, and so on.
This also included attending a small class instructed by some of the roaming
druids of the rugged hills.
The idea was to learn some of their techniques in order to aid with the cycles
of planting, tending, harvesting and tilling. Along with several other
children, the druid today had led the class on a short excursion to a
neighboring town and below some moon temple into a place called the "Academy".
It was a rather large place with several new faces that he was certainly not
familiar with. There were signs, plaques, twists and turns everywhere. Even
doors so large he couldn't take the steps and one so small that it'd only fit
his leg. Eventually, he became separated from the class when trying to yank
his leather sandal back through the tiny door after having it pulled off in a
silly attempt to squeeze through.
Not wanting to fall too far behind, he chose the third door and took off
running. Sadly, he stumbled into another person that passed him a key.
Luckily, he got to use it and unlock another door and continue his case after
the rest of his group. As fast as his feet could take him, he plunged forward.
As he made a few more quick steps, he found himself face to face with a person
motioning him to come over for a visit.
The Return
Added Wed Apr 27 09:29:38 2022 at level 10:
Inside, he found himself face to face with a kindly guild master. The man
greeted him and took mercy on a clearly lost individual. With a smile on his
face, he showed him around the room making sure to point out the sign, sigils
and glyphs, which contained useful information. After a few minutes, he showed
him a few techniques to help strengthen his mind and body and even taught him a
spell, the magic missile, which Orenby was very excited to learn since it'd be
helpful during his hunts.
After what seemed like many hours, the gentle guild master bid him good day and
pointed the way beyond the guild training room. Soon he found other
interesting texts, odd portals, and many interesting people. The oddest moment
was when he discovered that just by thinking of arming himself, he was gifted
some basic leathers, food, sack, and even a funny statue which came in handy a
little later. Overall, his experience in the academy was a good one, even if
he did get separated from his group and end up on a different path.
When he finally passed through a massive cavern and again found himself in some
familiar surroundings, he began to make his way back to the northeast of
Galadon, back to his farm. It had been days now and his thoughts were only on
how his parents must be reacting to his absence and hopes that they'd show
mercy on him after hearing of his excursion. The sun was just beginning to
rise on what he thought to be the fifth day when he saw his farmhouse come into
view.
The Departure
Added Wed Apr 27 09:30:37 2022 at level 10:
Being unable to contain his excitement, he broke out into a final run through
the tall grass and stumbled inside to find his family eating breakfast and
preparing for their day. His mother beamed and they all embraced happily for a
moment before his father began ranting and raving about his absence. After
all, the druid had brought the group back in just a single day and he'd been
gone for five times that.
When it came time to explain what happened, he was honest and told them
everything. How he'd foolishly gotten his foot stuck and how the kind guild
master had taken him in, and all the new things he'd learned. His enthusiasm
was so strong that he didn't notice the look on his father's face growing
darker and darker as he rattled on. "You weren't sent there to learn that!"
he'd exclaimed and began to reprimand Orenby quite harshly. All of the others
had returned with a greater knowledge of the wilds, as rangers or druids, and
you... "A Conjurer".
It was at this time that he realized that his parents, especially his father,
was not happy to see him return but was genuinely angry that he came back with
a different talent and path to what the other kids did. He asked his father to
have mercy on him but that fortune was not in the hand he was dealt. Because
of the path he's on, he was asked to pack his things and leave. A son that
couldn't simply follow along with the group and do as he was told was not going
to live in this house. So, his teary-eyed mother helped him pack a small sack
of belongings, a pittance of copper coins and a few hard bread rolls before
being forced to be on his way.
A vow before the Light.
Added Sat May 7 14:40:57 2022 at level 18:
Several years have passed since Orenby began his journey down the path of
Mercy, several in fact have caused him to grow in stature and within the guild
of Conjuration. His studies are still slow and he feels that it may not have
been his best of life's choices but they are good and for the most part,
peaceful. He has decided not to venture back to him home in the plane until
he's gained a much stronger understanding about himself and who he really wants
to be. One of his first encounters while venturing on his own however, brought
him in touch with a path that'll change his life forever.
Kindness is often associated with mercy. Those that display kindness do often
happen to be merciful themselves. One simple act of kindness brought about the
encounter with generous adventurer who helped outfit Orenby in a bit stronger
of armament, helping ensure he wouldn't die prematurely. This man taught him
the importance of magically identifying things to get a more keen understanding
of their use and what he should look for. Before departing, he ensured Orenby
knows that he can always seek others of the Fortress of Light if he'd like to
know more or if he has an interest in helping others himself.
When he was old enough, he ventured back into the mountains near his home in
search of this great Fortress. Before long, he was able to discover the
location and meet a few more people, including a mighty Maran. Before the
gates, he gave a solemn vow to become a purveyor of Mercy to those who need it,
whether they understand or not. After all, in his time roaming the lands, he's
observed that many different people could use just a little more in their
lives.
The looped Vision.
Added Sat May 7 14:41:53 2022 at level 18:
Conjurers are a unique lot. They bring forth beings of power. Some quite
intelligent and with a will of their own, some seeming far more of an extension
of the conjurer themselves. Orenby's time within the guild has taught him a
few techniques here and there that help him understand this concept. Recently,
in fact, he's discovered the use of familiar magics from the Hamsah guild
master. After several days of quiet practice, he finally cast the spell and
was simply flabbergasted at the outcome.
Before him fluttered a tiny staring owl. As he gazed at it, it looked right
back at him. Those large eyes seeming to bore right back into his very core.
It's plumage and overall appearance was dull and nondescript, looking more to
aid in camouflage than drawing attention, but the sense of knowing that it
exuded was intense. Those eyes could see far beyond his capacity yet it was
his. As the loop of sight seemed to connect for the first time, he faded into
slumber.
As he dreamt, he saw himself as young again. Not viewing the experience from
inside the body but almost above, maybe even the corner of the room. Silently
he watched and noted that on occasion he even thought he heard a repetitive
sound. At first it seemed muffled but soon it cleared into the somber twill of
"whooo, whoo" outside of his opened window. As the sound sank in, he came to
with a gasp and new understanding of himself and he, the owl.
The Wise and Majestic
Added Sat May 7 14:42:39 2022 at level 18:
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A vision in Smoke. Pt1
Added Sat May 21 11:13:01 2022 at level 28:
The passing of a faint wisp of light catches the eye. Visions of a small
spirit trail throughout the dreaming slumber. Unseen before the eyes of the
owl, the faint wisps of the scorching flames. Orenby awakens, somewhat
stupefied, unable to initially tell if what he's seen and sensed was a dream,
vision, or more. No memories of such a being come to his thoughts but clearly
they experienced a great pain.
As the fog begins to clear from his groggy eyes, he dashes up the mountain
thinking the spirit, of one of those children that suffered on the altar
before his Lady was saved, may be trying to reach him. As he climbed the
mountain side, he asks the other visitors if they'd heard or seen spirits but
none respond. By then, he's beginning to feel even more uneasy, more nauseous
and he's unsure what's going on but then, the clearest image appears.
Before him is a guardian of a forest, about the tiniest stature that he's
seen. It appears to be hurt and angry as it asks, why he hurt it, why he
caused it pain. This is when his heart drops. His breath nearly leaves him
and he drops to one knee just to catch his breath. He never knew.
A vision in Smoke. Pt2
Added Sat May 21 11:13:44 2022 at level 28:
The fog of war is a term often thrown around and can mean many things but one
thing that it often refers to is the ability for all the clamor that's
happening to obstruct the entirety of what's happening within the battle.
This is even more true when the number of adversaries or allies increases.
When magic is added, it's further magnified. Orenby now knows that he'll
need to be more mindful of the allies he calls upon because of his visions.
In the end, he doesn't know how the guardian died but ultimately that doesn't
matter. It fell because of what he did, summoned or bound to the plane and
his inattention to the fight. Following the intense visions, he ventured into
the Forest of Nowhere and spoke with a tiny guardian who directed him to the
present day and age. There he met with another guardian, although it was
clearly feeling similarly distraught over the loss of the forest, it
persevered.
The tiny being showed him a small green shoot that was just poking from under
a bit of ash. It gave them both a smile when he acknowledged it. It then
proceeded to point out another forest burner which he dispatched. At first,
he thought that to pay penance for his deed, he'd dispatch more and protect
the young growth but after some thinking, he thinks that the guardian wanted
him to know that he needs to be more careful. Whether it's a foot, a ball of
flame, or an axe, it doesn't matter how the young shoot is stamped out, only
that it is and that is an injustice in and of itself.
A vision in Smoke. Pt3
Added Sat May 21 15:10:12 2022 at level 28:
Within the still smoldering, old-growth forest, Orenby walked. Small crunches
of breaking ash and detritus crumble under his footsteps. The gentle breeze
pushes the forest smells through the remaining trees as the scent of smoke
still fills the air. Everywhere are signs of malaise and strife. A great
fire has clearly ravaged this place but many beings both sycophants, animals,
and guardians remain.
He's just spent several days visiting other forests in preparation for his
return to this place. Various fruit and nuts were chosen, things that could
grow well within the ash-laden timbers. He began with some of the sapling
varieties that he'd seen here during his last trip, walnuts, acorns and pine.
Beginning at the first northward turn, he would dig a small hole, place the
fruit, nuts, or seeds, cover and water them in before moving on. All the
while, he kept a lookout for other shoots and greenery that may have been
poking up under the ashes.
Days passed as he worked from sun up, to sun set. At night, he called for the
aid of a fire elemental to provide light and absorb any of the latent heat
from the surrounding areas. Afterwards, he spent time trying to help some of
the animals, passing through the tunnel, and stamping out some of the hotter
burning coals. Knowing that he'd made the chances of new growth catching on a
little better, he smiled to himself and continued on. He knows that nothing
can ever replace the life he took but taking time to care for and nurture
those around him is always good.
Answering the Call. Pt1
Added Sun Jun 5 10:59:33 2022 at level 38:
The day began and progressed as any other. A small shower and soaking rain
covered the lands in the morning but passed through quite swiftly. Orenby had
taken shelter in a small Inn just a league south of the Redhorn Mountains to
wait for the worst of the rain to come to an end. Although he often found
himself wet in his adventures, sometimes it was better to avoid the chafing
associated with wet armor and soggy robes. As he sat at one of the small
tables, listening to a man brag about dragon hunting, he began to think of his
family. It's been several years now since he's dared to visit and now that
he's achieved recognition as an Acolyte, he thinks it's time that he make the
journey to his childhood home and see his family once more.
The trip doesn't take too terribly long, and before he even realizes the sun
moving from morn to afternoon, he's arrived. In the distance he can see his
mother churning something on their small porch and his father leading a bull
in a new patch of garden. Slowly, he walks up to the home and to his
surprise, neither his father nor mother has notice he and his otherworldly
companions approach. However, once she notices the glare, his mother jumps up
and rushes to give him a long hugging embrace. It feels good, like home.
Several minutes later, his father comes back in from the field but when their
eyes meet, the look on his face turns from exhaustion to disgust and anger.
Knowing that look all too well, he attempts to reach out for his father with
a pleading and humble look but he's shut down immediately with a jumble of
words, essentially meaning "Why is this worthless man on my property?"
Although he gives his best effort, he's unable to sway the weather-worn
farmer and he decides it's best to bid his mother a proper goodbye and depart,
his archon, elemental, and owl fluttering overhead.
Once he's departed the homestead, his goal is heading back to the Fortress and
with the soggy ground and a rockier path on the return trip, it seems to be
taking him even longer to arrive. Just as he thinks he can make out the
ravine's outline in the distance, words from some the Maran ring out in his
head. "We're under attack! and It's the Lich!" instantly draw his attention
to the needs of the Light and his companions within the Fortress.
Answering the Call. Pt2
Added Sun Jun 5 11:00:54 2022 at level 38:
The unnatural abomination had summoned his prey from within the Fortress, to
the gates and they began a battle, hurling filthy magic back and forth.
Orenby called out for the Maran to focus on the attack and leave the healing
to him and informed all that he had backup in the form of a Blazing Archon to
help mitigate the burden. Each time the Lich struck, he'd swiftly take on as
much of the pain and torment that he could but the fight continued to spill
from the mountain down into the lush farmland to the south and as far as the
rugged foothills to the west, all the while the Lich unleashed terrible dark
magic infused diseases at the noble defenders.
After several hours of back and forth, the Lich finally returned to their safe
haven, the Tribunal protected cities for good. Once the Maran regrouped
inside the Fortress and Orenby was able to take care of their wounds and
maladies, he began to take a rest. Once he felt good enough to move, after
staving off his fourth poisoning and sixth crimson scourge, he headed back out
from their mountain headed towards Galadon, however, the sight that befell him
after leaving the riverbed turned his stomach.
As far as he could see, crops, animals, and all manor of people were in pain
and several actively bleeding profusely the crimson scourge. He called forth
his owl and sent it above the plains to help him survey the devastation and to
help guide him in his decision to bring some mercy to these farming
communities. The farmers would likely kill any of the livestock that didn't
die from the scourge but having grew up a farmer's son, he decided to take on
the pain from as many as he could save. So, it went, man, woman, beast, or
tame, all that he could deliver it to received the light's mercy that day.
When he'd pass by, Archon at his back and Owl overhead, the plains people
would ask who he was and why he was helping them when most simply left them to
their lives. He'd respond that he was Orenby Clod, he used to work some of
the lands to their northwest, and he was an Acolyte of the Golden Sun and his
duty was to deliver the Light's Mercy.
The Truth.
Added Wed Jun 15 12:52:02 2022 at level 39:
The faintly muffled sounds of a heated argument languish across the rocky
plains and rolling fields near the redhorn mountains. A small rough-hewn
cabin with small, softly glowing, windows stands out for the raucous argument
coming from within and the quaint, lush, gardens surrounding it. Within is a
weathered man of middling years who's having an argument with a buxom woman of
lean muscle and sun-kissed flesh. Only a few passersby could possibly hear the
conversation, aside from the animals outside, but they are entrenched within
it, never the less.
The man stammers point after point about how unnatural it is for someone,
anyone, to call forth creatures from another place into being in this glorious
world of nature and that it pains him to see Her potentially harmed. He
exclaims that so many people have attempted what they think is good, only for
it to go terribly wrong, good intentions or not. Truly, he thinks, that
there's irreversible harm that happens when people meddle with such forces and
that they should be given up in their entirety, no matter who is doing it.
After the man pauses, the woman begins speaking again.
Calmly but in a staunchly firm tone she speaks. Time after time, she points
out the good that their son has been doing. Taking care of the lands and farm,
even though he can't come home. She asserts that he's standing proudly as a
Clod without any recognition from his own parents and how proud she is of him,
in spite of his father's beliefs. She continues, noting that there's rarely a
week that goes by when one of their neighbors or the people they trade with
don't mention how he's been helping to heal them or care for their lands. With
tears in her eyes, she vehemently carries on with her feelings until the two
finally embrace, each shaking in the other's arms.
The two agree, he is their son and he is a good man but the look in each of
their eyes show that they'll never come to an agreement on his chosen
profession. For now, they can only continue to live their humble lives in the
only fashion that they know, each holding onto hope for the future and faith in
their son.
In Support of Light.
Added Thu Jul 14 10:29:40 2022 at level 51:
Life within the Golden Fortress can be hectic. Squires, scribes, and so many
individuals running, flying, or magically moving around and jumping from one
fight or task to another. Their lives in near constant turmoil and the
stresses that must mount on them are tremendous. Some of these bright people
are able to handle them better than others, some truly needing the support as
others seem to serve as their own "rock". The most devout and stalwart among
them rise in rank and title to fulfill ever more demanding roles, while some
make the hard choice to retire or are consumed by the madness induced by the
fight for the Light.
The fight for the Light is one that shall be of the Light, in that it can not
be won by means that are invoked by those on the side of Darkness. Their
signature lack of empathy makes nearly all that they encounter understand what
wickedness and evil truly is. When wading through this sort of thing on a
daily basis wears on one too much, it largely falls on the Acolytes to help
build those individuals back up. Having been in this role for some time,
Orenby has seen many of his kinsmen come and go, rise and some even fall. This
sort of thing only serves to further motivate him to provide the best treatment
and service to the Light that he possibly can.
During his service within the Light, he has encountered times that he questions
himself, his effectiveness, and what he really can do in the middle of ongoing
and seemingly never-ending strife. This led him to his decision on his
personal vow. The vow of a teacher of the Light where he can help others to
recognize faults but use these same faults to teach rather than criticize or
condemn, which could lead to someone's downfall. This is something that he's
done over the years, several times, but he found it incredibly difficult for
others as well as himself on occasion not to jump to a hurtful and unhelpful
conclusion when he or another makes a mistake or takes a misstep.
The ability not to hold those grudges is not inherent and the skill to hold
back condemning judgements is one that takes a consistent effort on his behalf.
This is partly what he attributes to his selection as the next Cardinal of the
Golden Sun and his decision to keep doing all that he can for the Light and the
Fortress.
PK Wins
May 16, 2022|Lv 25|The Imperial Lands|Taenar vs 2: [28] Malachus (0%), [25] Orenby (100%, whirling flames)
Jun 25, 2022|Lv 41|Grinning Skull Village|Yakha vs 1: [41] Orenby (100%, drowning)
Jul 2, 2022 |Lv 41|Grinning Skull Village|Yakha vs 2: [46] Voronwe (56%, scourge of mosquitoes), [41] Orenby (43%)