Description
Upon first laying eyes on him, this Half-Elf stands as the embodiment of the
Paladin's guild. He remains tall, several inches above six feet in height,
despite the slightly stooped shoulders of age. He's still leanly muscular
and seems to be carry himself as a dangerous and powerful knight. But that
image is shattered on noticing the kindly details of his face. His gentle
blue-gray eyes look out at the world with a sense of compassion, framed by
deeply set laugh-lines suggesting a very long life filled with happiness and
wrought with wisdom. His hair is nearly silver-gray, with only slight hints
of the former russet brown, though remains well-coiffed on his head, framed
by the subtly-pointed ears of his heritage. He wears a thick beard, nearly
pure white, peppered only faintly with signs of brown. Peaking through that
well-manicured beard are the pearly-white teeth of an easy and genuine
smile, as this Half-Elf carries himself with an enduring, if gentle, sense
of authority.
Role
Ardenwood Manor
Added Sun Dec 6 16:16:59 2020 at level 7:
In quiet moments, I like to think back to life in Ardenwood Manor. One day, I
hope to piece together the memories that were stolen from me in that terrible
fire. Perhaps one day I will remember it all, howevermuch those memories might
prove torturous.
I've few memories of my own childhood in Ardenwood Manor. To be honest, what I
think of now as memories are probably a collection of assumptions and dreams.
But I imagine I was an only child. I must have been, with no other Ardenwoods
to be found anywhere that I've looked. In a place as expansive as Ardenwood
Manor, the silence must have been deafening. Was I a lonely child? Probably
so, I expect. But then, perhaps that is why I felt that unceasing need to fill
my home and my heart with the innocence of youth.
My mother and father must have been truly loving, kind and generous souls. I
say that not due to my own memories, but the impact they clearly had on me.
"Goodness is passed on early and often." That is a phrase I picked up
somewhere, and it guides my every action, every day. My parents must have felt
the same to pass it along to me. I like to think it was their love that
inspired me to open Ardenwood Manor up to the orphans of Seantryn Mo'dan. It
was a place far too big, far too empty and far too quiet for one man alone.
As it turns out, fourteen cots fit easily into the expansive Great Hall. Two
neat rows of seven small beds, soft enough to suit children but not so soft as
to make the children so and each with a matching chest of drawers and a desk
for their studies. It was surprisingly easy to turn Ardenwood Manor into
Ardenwood Orphanage.
Ardenwood Orphanage
Added Sun Dec 6 16:18:01 2020 at level 7:
illing those beds was even easier. It was sad to realize how many orphans
there were in Seantryn Mo'dan, how many were eager for a home, a bed or even a
roof over their head. Of course, children need more than just those barest of
essentials. As the walls of the manor became filled with the laughter of
children, I saw to it that they recieved the structure, discipline and love
that all children need to grow up as good men and women of the Light. Each
were exposed to the arts, to literature and of course to religion. And while I
forced no child to worship any deity they did not choose, they were all versed
on each of the Lords of Light. Each of these Lords, I tauht them, were to be
respected and obeyed. "Goodness is passed early and often." I did my best to
follow that creed.
Of course, if you put fourteen children together, you will find a few
rambunctious little bugs among them. How many times did I have to pull one
away from the ancient artifacts that lined the Ardenwood Manor halls? How many
times did one of the young ones sweep the cellar, for touching what his clumsy
young fingers should never touch.
Oh yes, those little bugs were masters at getting into endless mischief in the
manor. But what can you expect when your home is filled with the innocence of
youth? I gave them structure and discipline, but I could never stay mad at any
one of them. What children need more than anything is love, after all.
It was a happier time. I remember that much, at least, through the fog of my
now-shaky memories. We were a family, if an unconventional one.
Most of all, though, I think on young Dollerveim. That young boy was always so
sweet and kind, even when being mercilessly teased by the other children. He
was too nice, they would say, too easy to push around. But did he ever lower
himself to return the taunts? Not once. And while they say a good parent has
no favorities of their children, I cannot make the same claim. Perhaps that
makes me a poor father figure, but Dollerveim could do no wrong in my eyes.
And today, I could not be prouder of what that young man has become.
Those pleasant memories are the ones I hope to sharpen, to hold on to, before
they fade away again. The wonderful memories from before that disastrous fire.
A Disastrous Fire
Added Sun Dec 6 16:19:09 2020 at level 7:
The night of the fire is certainly not one of those wonderous memories to be
cherished. In fact, if it were not utterly selfish to do so, I would pray to
forget every scrap of memory that remains of that night. So many children
suffered that day. So many that I could not protect, could not save.
It is a sorrowful memory, that is the strongest feeling to it. But the
memories themselves are still vague, fuzzy apparitions that come in a blur and
fade as quickly. I remember the flames, to be certain. They engulfed the manor
quickly and without warning. How the fire started, I've no idea. All I
remember is heat and the screams. Those poor children, they must have been
terrified.
That fire spread so quickly, I can't even be sure how many of the children
made it to safety. Ten, perhaps? More? Less? Certainly not all of them. That
much I know for a sorrowful fact. That knowledge haunts my dreams to this day.
But there is more of that night.. hazy memories with details fading even as
they emerge from the fog of my mind. It was snowing that night. I remember
that. Or perhaps it was not snow? Lights falling from the sky. But how could
that be? Could it? I remember marvelling at the sight through the windows in
my study, before the fire. No, it was not snow. It was.. something else.
From there that memory fades yet again, reforming to the one memory that
remains mithrilclad in my mind. I remember crawling, weak and unable to stand,
through the front entryway. I remember struggling to my feet as I saw several
of the children outside. They were safe! But who was with them? Someone else.
None of the servants or house staff, I am sure. But I could not say how I know
so certainly. I remember that strange figure leading the children away. I
remember the children following, without looking back. Those innocent
children, following blindly as if.. I could not say. But they left. Left me,
and left the home I built for them, as it succumbed to the vile blaze.
Darkness closes in on the memory then, whether a fading memory or a strong
memory of unconsciousness closing in. But the rest of that night remains a
mystery.
A New Life
Added Sun Dec 6 16:24:29 2020 at level 7:
I could not say how long darkness held memories. But when I opened my eyes,
the noon sky was high above. Was it hours, or days, since the fire? I could
not be sure. The house smoldered on, as it would for days still. Nothing made
sense to me then. It makes little sense to me even now. But I remember the
pain. Blinding pain. My head. Perhaps I injured it in the fire?
As I slowly regained my senses, I began to realize that I was not alone. A
stuttered whisper from the brush nearby, seemingly from a creature that could
not decide whether it wished to be discovered. Fighting the pain to make
myself stand, hidden eyes met mine.
Those innocent, precious eyes of young Dollerveim! Oh, that sweet boy was
still here! With that, the pain was forgotten as I rushed to tend to the young
one. Minor burns and scrapes, but he was safe. He was alive! And he was with
me. It was as if the clouds parted, and the warming rays of the sun fell on my
face for the first time. My deer sweet boy was by my side.
Looking back at the smoldering husk that was once Ardenwood Manor, I realized
I had no home to raise the young boy. But I would not let him down again.
Putting my own excrutiating pain aside, I gathered young Dollerveim into my
arms and headed towards the one place I knew we would find safety. The Temple
of Light was not far. Good men were there. Righteous men. They would tend
Dollerveim's wounds and give us sanctuary.
And with that decision, our next several years were set in motion. Dollerveim
and I were together. I adopted him as my own son, as I should have done so
many years before. I served the Temple of Light as I could, earning the
support they provided us. It was an uneventful life, those years, but while
the memory of that fateful fire never fully resurfaced, nor did it ever fully
disappear.
Alas, children grow up, often faster than you ever expected. Dollerveim was no
exception. A young man, I could tell he yearned to see the world for himself.
And I could not hold him back from his dreams. As he spoke of finding religion
in the Light, of making his mark on Thera, I knew I had done wone thing right.
Goodness is passed early and often. I had raised a good man. And it was time
to let him go.
You can imagine my surprise when I was summoned into the Chamber of Divinity.
The paladins, knowing the burden of parenthood was nearing its end, offered an
opportunity a good man could never refuse. There are more children in Thera,
more innocent lives in danger. More that need a merciful hand to guide them,
to protect them and to save them. My duty to the Light was not over with
Dollerveim. It had only just begun.
It was a persuasive plea, one I could not ignore. As I realeased my precious
son onto his path, I did hte same. I boarded a ferry for the port city of
Hamsah Mu'tazz, to serve the Light and the innocent children within. Once a
bachelor, then caretaker, then father to a sweet boy. Now I am a Paladin.
A Summary of Events, Part 1
Added Sat Dec 12 16:53:46 2020 at level 21:
After graduating the Academy, Umbrand sought out the Golden Host, Azorinne due
to a shared affinity for protecting the children and redeeming the lost. He's
given a vow to see them the children protected from harm, and brought back
into the Light. He become a Scribe of the Fortress, hoping to further his
mission of protecting those who need it, just as he strives to protect all the
children that scattered years ago.
After joining the guild, Umbrand set out to find the remaining children. Thus
far, he has found all but two of the survivors:
Tristhana - A transmuter and Magistrate, she seems to have suffered from great
hardship after the fire. She believes she was tortured within alab in the
Manor, which Umbrand can not believe. Despite her anger, she had opportunity
to attack Umbrand, and did not.
Veldren - He's become a drunk, bitter and angry about what happened at the
fire and afterwards. He blames Umbrand, but refuses to speak about anything
that happened.
Vrimold - Entangled with the Empire somehow, Vrimold carries too much anger to
say anything of himself, apart from threats and vile insults. He's threatened
to kill Umbrand on numerous occasions. He also claims that the Ardenwood Manor
was not the place of happiness that Umbrand prefers to remember.
Nastrella - A priest of the woods. She remembers finding Druids near Seantryn
Mo'dan, and being guided away by them. She remembers little else, though still
has nightmares of the fire. She also seems to believe that Tristhana's story
of the laboratory at the Manor was true, though that may be due to loyalty to
a fellow Magistrate.
Ahrloire - A Paladin and Squire to the Holy Brigade, Ahrloire seems to have
been raised by strict parents in Voralian City. He is a strong boy now, but
does not recognize Umbrand as anything but an elder. He remembers little of
the Manor.
Andreste - An assassin of few words, Andreste seemed uninterested in
conversation beyond basic pleasantries. He's proven difficult to track down
for more in depth conversation.
Feldscren - He would not talk about what happened after the fire, but does
speak often of his best friend Grombie. Umbrand has met no one named Grombie
of yet.
Dollerveim - Umbrand's son. He's become a Magistrate in the Spire, though
still lets the Light guide him. He has spoken of nightmares and of being
stalked by some sort of creature, but does not speak of it often.
Ehrion and Leopohl remain lost to him.
Additionally, Umbrand has met others of similar circumstances. Ganndretia and
Lonfedric were both somewhere near Seantryn Mo'dan the night of the fire, and
were affected by what seems to be different fires to what burned down the
Ardenwood Manor.
Finally, Umbrand spoke at length with Ariendil in regards to what caused the
fire. The Elder Prophet is convinced it was a dark ritual performed by
Maeneekoni, a Priest of Loss, that caused those events. The purpose behind it
remains a mystery.
A Reflection on Purpose
Added Thu Mar 4 13:51:31 2021 at level 51:
What's a father do, when he's outlived his only son? That's the question I've
been wondering in recent days.
Now I know, some may think I'm a fool for not asking bigger questions.
Questions about what's real, what's not. If the rumors are to be believed,
maybe I should be wondering about what happens to a dream, when the dreamer's
moved on to the great hereafter.
Well, I may be an old man, but I suppose I'm just not wise enough to tackle
that one. I figure I'm here still, so I must still have a reason for it.
I thought I knew what that purpose was, once. A young man who didn't know he
was young swore an oath to our Lady Azorinne once, years and years ago. It was
an oath about protecting his son and the other orphans, never giving up on
them and never losing hope. That young man had some good intentions, but by
most measures he was a bit of a fool.
You can't protect someone that doesn't want to be protected, afterall. That's
what he didn't know. I sure wish I could tell young Umbrand that back then.
In any case, most of the orphans are gone now too. There's Tristhana left, but
she veers further and further from the Light by the day.. in league with the
Scions now, after everything else. There's Veldren and his caustic insults.
Nastrella, that sweet druid who just can't seem to open up. Andreste, the boy
who refuses to grow up. Is that it? Surely not. It seemed like so many of them
once.
They do still need protecting, whether they'll admit it or not. That Zorellaia
is still out there, trying to destroy them. Others too, maybe. The Lord of
Loss has an agenda, I know that much. And that eye.. it hasn't been seen in a
while, but I can't be naive enough to think it's gone for good.
You know, come to think of it, that's the crux of it all, isn't it? I can't
afford to be naive anymore. Hope's well and good, hope'll see us through. But
that doesn't mean I can deny what's before my eyes. I suppose I did for too
long. Maybe if I'd seen how Tristhana was toying with poor Dollerveim's
heart..
Well, enough of that. There's still those orphans out there. They'll need me
to be ready, to protect them and guide them and show them the right way, when
the time comes. Far as they've fallen now, they can still find their way back.
Even Tristhana, maybe. And there's still the Fortress, still all those souls
of the Light out there. Thera's not getting any safer, after all. At least not
yet.
I suppose my purpose is still out there. It's just grown a bit, as we all do.
PK Wins
Dec 18, 2020|Lv 33|Graveyard|Khendrik vs 3: [33] Umbrand (27%), [32] Asultal (67%, wrath), [29] Daezara (4%)
Dec 23, 2020|Lv 37|The Eastern Road|Mallister vs 3: [37] Umbrand (2%), [51] Limdabod (70%), [36] Lonfedric (26%, searing cut)
Dec 25, 2020|Lv 40|Fortress of Light|Hamredat vs 1: [40] Umbrand (100%, backhanded blow)
Dec 29, 2020|Lv 44|East Sumner's Road|Vrimold vs 2: [51] Jackra (40%, throw), [44] Umbrand (59%)
Jan 1, 2021 |Lv 46|Fortress of Light|Phelan vs 3: [51] Seniroban (7%, surprise attack), [46] Umbrand (31%), [51] Minverna (61%)
Jan 3, 2021 |Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Vrimold vs 1: [51] Umbrand (100%, heavenly wrath)
Jan 4, 2021 |Lv 51|BattleRager Village|Tylluan vs 3: [51] Ganndretia (11%), [51] Umbrand (50%), [51] Dollerveim (37%, torments)
Jan 5, 2021 |Lv 51|The Inn of the Eternal Star|Vrimold vs 2: [51] Sertif (15%), [51] Umbrand (84%, slash)
Mar 2, 2021 |Lv 51|The Eastern Road|Zorellaia vs 3: [51] Folthendr (17%, quick strike), [51] Umbrand (47%), [51] Aelynthi (35%)
Mar 11, 2021|Lv 51|Ruins of Maethien|Tjur vs 3: [51] Umbrand (0%), [51] Aelynthi (88%, heavenly wrath), [47] Avaraia (11%)
Mar 11, 2021|Lv 51|Ruins of Maethien|Nateh vs 3: [51] Umbrand (36%), [47] Avaraia (7%), [51] Aelynthi (55%, claw)
Mar 14, 2021|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Jagre vs 1: [51] Umbrand (100%, fire and brimstone)
Mar 26, 2021|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|Veristrix vs 1: [51] Umbrand (100%, prismatic spray)
Apr 8, 2021 |Lv 51|Shepherd's Row|Vikrtor vs 1: [51] Umbrand (100%, shield jab)
Apr 9, 2021 |Lv 51|The Eastern Road|Dhutharlig vs 2: [51] Aelynthi (30%, lightning bolt), [51] Umbrand (69%)
Apr 9, 2021 |Lv 51|The Imperial Palace|Dhutharlig vs 3: [51] Umbrand (30%), [51] Aelynthi (61%), [51] Alendross (7%, whirling strike)
Apr 12, 2021|Lv 51|Voralian City|Jagre vs 1: [51] Umbrand (100%, heavenly wrath)
Apr 14, 2021|Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Nateh vs 2: [51] Umbrand (20%, heavenly wrath), [51] Kastari (79%)
PK Deaths
Jan 3, 2021 |Lv 51|Fortress of Light|vs 3: [46] Vantwiss (8%), [51] Zraldar (32%), [51] Vrimold (58%, punch)
Feb 7, 2021 |Lv 51|The Inn of the Eternal Star|vs 1: [50] Nulgha (100%, stab)
Feb 9, 2021 |Lv 51|Fortress of Light|vs 2: [50] Nulgha (68%, savage feeding), [51] Mordrel (31%)
Feb 16, 2021|Lv 51|Fortress of Light|vs 2: [50] Trroug (47%), [51] Bibbery (52%, KB)
Apr 4, 2021 |Lv 51|Bramblefield Road|vs 1: [51] Kira (100%, bleeding)
Apr 4, 2021 |Lv 51|Seantryn Modan|vs 1: [51] Ahinu (0%, ) *Assassinated*