Description
A dwarf, tall for his kind stands here at nearly four and a half feet in
height. His head lacks and hair, shaven clean, but bushy eyebrows and a long
lustrous braided beard of the deepest red shine from his visage, each of
the thirteen braids tied off with mithril rope, woven of thirteen thin
strands. Eyes the color of shale peer forth through his overhanging brow,
flicking about with a calculating efficiency and brimming with determination.
A muscular body with sturdy branches for arms, bristling with muscle, and a
barrel-esque trunk for a torso, wide and stout. He walks with his head pushed
forward, in a stride of utter determination.
As you look closer you also notice:
Role
The origins of Salmt Stumpp
Added Fri Jul 13 19:02:33 2012 at level 19:
The Stumpp clan is aptly named, as all it's members, man, woman, and child
are all built with the physique of a hundred-year old tree stump. As such,
the family businesses lean towards their strength and their large capacity
for food and drink - metal smiths and tavern owners, a motley collection of
hard-working, but ever jolly tradesmen.
Salmt grew up spending his time equally between both venues, acquiring a
passion for weaponry (both forging and wielding) as well as a great taste
for alcohol. It was also within these two havens of comfort that Salmt's
faith began to take shape.
A story of Salmt's youth - told from his perspective
Added Fri Jul 13 19:03:30 2012 at level 19:
For a short time, before I found my calling as a holy warrior, I used to
wait tables at my uncle's tavern. Though I had grown up in this
establishment, I had never actually "worked" before, and it was a brand
new experience for me.
I was surprised by how many people, like myself, practically lived at the
tavern, even though, unlike myself, they could have gone anywhere else.
They were the "regulars", and they came into the tavern every single day
of the week after closing up their shops and businesses. They were an
older bunch, from all walks of life.
They would push numerous table together and they always requested me as
their waiter. Honestly, they were some of my most... difficult customers,
but after working there a while, I began to know them... what they drink,
what they like, what they disliked, etc. They didn't like to verbally
order drinks, but expected to be pampered, taken care of.
One gentleman (an elderly tailor with three children who never spoke to
him) in particular refused his ale unless the glass was wrapped within
a napkin so his hands didn't get wet or cold. But in time, I even learned
their quirks.
As I'd see them enter the bar, I would gather their their usual drinks
and have it delivered to them before they could even take their seats.
Sometimes it was overwhelming because they were never ready for another
round at the same time, and kept me running around my entire shift.
But, even though they had high expectations, I got to really know some
of them. Beneath their different exteriors, they were all incredibly
friendly and kind hearted human beings. They always tipped well,
laughed and joked with me, brought me silly little gifts from their shops,
and even encouraged me through some of my struggles.
On one particular night, I was working and one of my grumpiest regulars
came in. She must have noticed I was cold, under the weather, and
shivering a bit. We talked for a few minutes and then she disappeared
into the night. I thought nothing of it.
The next thing I knew, she comes storming through the tavern's door and
tossed a sweater at me. She didn't say a single word, and simply returned
to her drink, which I hadn't time to retrieve.
This woman, who I had served for months, who I had barely exchanged ten
words with the entire time, actually walked across town to the tailor's
and purchased me something to keep warm.
At that moment, I discovered that we were all family, as real as my blood
bonds. I'll never forget those people and think of them often, even now
that I have not returned home in many years. I hope they're all doing
well, and that my actions serving them had as great an impact on them as
how their kindness affected me.
Salmt's faith
Added Sat Jul 14 14:37:34 2012 at level 20:
Salmt has realized that it is the experiences of one's life that actually
make it worth anything, not just the belongings you collect along the way.
The people you touch, and those who touch you, the experiences, friendships,
and tales you hear (and tell) along the way are equally as important,
ensuring that your life's work will be preserved for future generations.
So that each day you walk Thera is just a bit better than the day that
preceeded it.
Whether it be in his favorite alehouses, or deep within treacherous grounds,
Salmt is quick to take a nip of his coveted rum or make a carefree quip
to his comrades, for he knows that any moment could be his last, and if
that's the case, it ought to be a good one.
He strives to be a Champion amongst the mortals, encouraging and inspiring
those around him to be the best they can be, all while promoting tolerance
of those of differing cultures and faiths.
Salmt may be a Zealot of his own faith, but unless another's promotes
disrespect or destruction of others, he is understanding that others may
hold different joys in higher regard than his own.
Like many of his faith, Salmt is unnaturally drawn to the number thirteen,
an unlucky number for most, but one that comforts and offers him hope.
Drinking and Faith
Added Mon Jul 30 08:28:31 2012 at level 40:
Even having given up his work in both his family metal works and tavern for
his budding studies in the priesthood under Lord Whiysdan, Salmt is regularly
drawn to the various taverns and forges around Thera - primarily the Inn of
the Eternal Star, and the smithy in Akan (his second home).
Within the Inn, Salmt feels at ease, where the good company and a generous
pour from the barkeeps, help to relax him from his daily struggles. He may
look gruff and stoic, but experiencing the atrocities he faces on a day to
day basis takes it's toll on any man. However, no pain or frustruation seems
to break his , nor lessens his enjoyment at what he does.
From time to time, even, Salmt feels a bit a bit guilty because he enjoys
his work so much, but he believes that if you do not enjoy what you're doing
you aren't going to put your entire heart into it.
Salmt drinks early and often, but rarely to excess - though an occasional
drinking competition, celebration or a long evening of tales may bring on a
hangover that he certainly regrets the next day... and he makes sure to let
everyone know about it.
Faith and Lord Whiysdan
Added Sat Aug 4 10:27:26 2012 at level 41:
salmt realized early on in his studies in the faith that most priests he's
come across are far too grim, and take themselves far too seriously. He
thinks that they see themselves as the voice of their patron, and that
whatever comes out of their mouths is the only "right" way. Salmn does not
see himself as the only "true" religious mouthpiece, but instead he sees
himself as a facilitator - by speaking, he doesn't expect to convince people
to follow his faith, but instead hopes to open them up to whatever faith they
hold in their hearts. Salmt is willing to be an open ear and a steadying arm
for any wayward soul who needs a crutch or who has lost their faith.
As such, he was drawn immediately to the faith of the Lord Whiysdan, a Lord
who's faith is as much about enjoying your life (and your life's work),
enjoying the company of others, and bringing joy and comfort to others, as
much as it is about preaching faith. The "Lucky Lord" as he is often
called gives his priests the freedom to practice nearly any way they see fit,
instead of promoting strict guidelines on what to say and do.
Additionally, it is obvious to Salmt that Whiysdan enjoys interacting with
mortals, and not just uses them as his play things (although he does seem
to enjoy using some larger mortals as climbing equipment, and jumps on and
about them with glee).
Whiysdan, like Salmt, is quick with a drink, a quip, or a tale in his
exploration and journey of Thera's lifeblood - it's mortals.
Salmt takes joy in his drunken discussions with his Lord, and feels guided,
and not prodded by them. He sees the tasks set forth by Lord Whiysdan not
as responsibilities and duties, but more as meandering journies, exposing him
to new places, new cultures, and new memories.
More importantly, at the end of these journies, Salmt feels he has a wonderul
tale to bring back to Whiysdan - where whiskey fueled recantings of his
adventures often lead to even greater understanding of both why the tasks
were set forth to begin with, as well as greater insights into Faith itself.
Brindlebum - Salmt's project
Added Sat Aug 4 10:28:32 2012 at level 41:
When Salmt first met Brindlebum, the small svirfnebli man was a joyous,
though slightly eccentric decorator of the Eternal Star. Salmt was a young
dwarf then, eager to make his mark on the world, but was drawn to this older
man, though he was unsure why.
The two struck up many conversations within the Inn, exchanging stories,
alcohol, and gifts. During these stories, Salmt also came to learn that they
both shared Faith in the same Lord, and had many similar passions in life, and
he enjoyed this man's company. Salmt believed that it was good Luck that had
brought the two together as friends, but at the same time, in the back of his
mind and deep in his gut, he still believed that their fates were intertwined
for different reasons.
Unlike Salmt, Brindlebum had never fully embraced the Light, and had tinkered
and consorted with those of the Dark Arts, and sometimes he wonders if these
dark encounters have tainted the svirfnebli. Though Salmt does not encourage
these dabblings, he has to trust that Brindlebum can control these dark
tuggings and use these experiences to aid in his development.
--------------
Salmt was saddened one day when he awoke to find that Brindlebum had given
into his dark urges during a period of drunken weakness, and had gone on a
rampage - destroying his reputation in the Inn and his trustworthiness with
his friends.
When sufficiently sobered up, Salmt could tell that Brindlebum was
remorseful, and that he regretted his actions. The svirfnebli was deep
in despair, and spoke openly about taking his life.
Salmt saw this moment as an opportunity to refocus Brindlebum in his faith -
both in his religion, and in himself. At the same time, it was a test for
him as well - could he apply his beliefs in a practical setting, or was
he just full of whiskey-enhanced bluster?
--------------
Salmt was able to pull Brindlebum back from the brink of despair, and has
begun to set him back on a strong footing. However, there is plenty of
work still ahead. Brindlebum's demons have not yet been vanquished,
though he has set on a path to alcoholic abstinence to help squash the
potential for flareups. He continues to wrestle with these issues, but
Salmt has vowed to continue to support Brindlebum in any way possible,
until it becomes clear that his faith has been lost forever.
PK Wins
Jul 13, 2012|Lv 19|The Eastern Road|Fhauzk vs 1: Salmt (100%, wrath)
Jul 16, 2012|Lv 20|Darsylon|Ordrasul vs 1: Salmt (100%, crush)
Jul 18, 2012|Lv 27|Galadon|Allanthas vs 3: Trenforl (8%, fire seed), Salmt (81%), Slaltra (10%)
Jul 20, 2012|Lv 34|The Inn of the Eternal Star|Garganak vs 1: Salmt (100%, heavenly wrath)
Jul 27, 2012|Lv 36|The Redhorn Mountains|Kuglib vs 1: Salmt (100%, heavenly wrath)
Aug 1, 2012 |Lv 40|Fortress of Light|Xirroc vs 2: Xasivus (31%, KB), Salmt (68%)
Aug 2, 2012 |Lv 40|Galadon|Jyspen vs 1: Salmt (100%, heavenly wrath)
Aug 3, 2012 |Lv 40|Balator|Xirroc vs 1: Salmt (100%, heavenly wrath)
Aug 9, 2012 |Lv 41|The Grove|Hiniisi vs 1: Salmt (100%, claw)
Aug 9, 2012 |Lv 41|The Ruins of Ostalagiah|Hiniisi vs 1: Salmt (100%, claw)
Aug 10, 2012|Lv 47|Mount Calandaryl|Alannah vs 3: Salmt (22%), Hael (13%), Qoouon (64%, claw)
Aug 16, 2012|Lv 51|The Eastern Road|Hiniisi vs 1: Salmt (100%, lightning bolt)
Aug 22, 2012|Lv 51|The Ruins of Ostalagiah|Abiritha vs 2: Tanion (50%, heavenly wrath), Salmt (49%)
Aug 23, 2012|Lv 51|Hamsah Mu'tazz|Ackor vs 2: Salmt (34%), Davnan (65%, smash)
Aug 26, 2012|Lv 51|Voralian City|Tarlita vs 2: Davnan (74%, defilement), Salmt (25%)
Sep 7, 2012 |Lv 51|Hamsah Mu'tazz|Narissorin vs 3: Balnor (0%), Salmt (81%), Ejomhei (18%, defilement)
Sep 13, 2012|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Ezgrint vs 4: Oshui (14%), Iklahn (5%), Drirla (48%), Salmt (30%, quick strike)