Description
The ageless man is before you. His face carries all the
youthfulness of a young child, yet in some way an ancient
existence permeates his delicately fair skin. Such is the
appearance of Elves - paradox. Even his clothing reflects
a dualistic nature. Drab, scholarly robes hang loosely from
his slender frame and yet they are adorned almost playfully
with flowers and vines that a young girl might twine into
her hair. Such an activity for him would be fruitless.
His own hair, while a striking shade of silver, is much too
short for decoration of that sort. Surveying him further
you are drawn to his face. His bright, almond shaped eyes
shine a starless blue and are accented by finely curved
brows. Aside from flowing garb and a fair appearance
little else can be ascertained about this Elven man.
Perhaps a keen eye might notice a slight difference in
his pair of boots caused by a limp he compensates for.
Role
Priest of the War God
Added Sun Jul 11 22:05:07 2004 at level 51:
On the matter of Rage -
It would seem that the rage of youth is felt most often among the world,
for often the young do not hold the temperance required to keep such feelings
of utter turmoil and anger at bay. The common origins of rage are manifold.
It could be that you were physically struck, it could be tension within
a household, it could be jealousy, or a great number of other things -
petty and valid alike.
Ah, but holy rage...righteous anger..
is another thing all together.
Indeed holy rage works precisely the opposite of normal rage.
There is no petty origin at all.
The only source of holy rage is injustice in the eyes of the furious - unspeakable wickedness.
These statements are to illustrate that Vahletharien is an interesting case
and seemingly paradoxical to the common populous. As the elf grows ancient,
the injustice he has witnessed in his long life grows so far and long that
he could struggle to remember every wicked act he has seen or felt.
His rage develops precisely opposite of normal anger, for it is holy rage.
The longer he lives, the more wickedness he sees, the more fury he has.
So instead of drifting off into the peaceful winter of life, he holds
his duty as a priest of the War God paramount in his mind and morals.
as he continues to struggle to balance that with the duties of a
Council Leader.
To some, this may be shocking...to those who know the ways of the Clarion, likely not.
A Transition
Added Sun Mar 21 14:53:26 2004 at level 51:
As Vahletharien ages, he slowly begins to view himself as more of a priest
than any sort of magi. He fully realizes that between magical discipline
and spiritual discipline, the spiritual must take precendence. And so he
often finds himself fulfilling his duties as an Acolyte, studying different
aspects of the Light, aiding those in need, speaking to those who are lost...
rather than studying elemental power.
On Being an Elf
Added Tue Feb 24 20:13:35 2004 at level 41:
Vahletharien is an Elf in the classic sense of the word.
He is conservative both in morality and mannerism,
slightly prejudiced when it comes to the other races,
and highly reveres the Light and the Gods of the Light.
Specifically, these traits can be seen through his interactions with others:
On the negative side of the spectrum:
he tends to be impatient with those who are weak of mind,
has a hard time seeing any Felar as something other than a familiar...
(which isnt as bad as it sounds in the mind of an Elf, imagine how an owner treats his favorite pet)
and is on occasion, overly critical.
On the positive spectrum:
He genuinely seeks to bring the light to all races (including Felar),
and would even put himself in dangers way if
it meant safety for another child of the light.
He sees beauty in people beyond the physical, and views spiritual maturity
as the most beautiful thing of all. He does, of course, hold a high regard
for natural beauty as well, but sees the spiritual as being greater than the physical.
Nature and Civilization
Added Fri Feb 20 11:53:19 2004 at level 29:
After befriending the Goddess Amaranthe, the youngest magi of house Maerderinathas
began to reasses his ideas on nature and civilization. Vahletharien believes that
civilization is not in and of itself 'wicked', but was rather made into existence
because of wickedness. The earliest sons of men did not build stone walls because
they enjoyed the aesthetics of it, they did it to protect their people and possessions.
If evil was erradicated, such fortification would not be needed, and the races of Thera
could once again move back into whatever level of isolation they desired. But as it is now,
civilization exists. Some civilizations harbor injustice, others strive for righteousness.
Either way, one cannot blame civilization itself for existing.
However, a respect for nature, Vahletharien has found, is lacking in most of the sentient races.
While we build walls to protect ourselves, we must keep care to nurture what living things still remain.
Seeking Knowledge Elsewhere
Added Thu Feb 12 19:37:07 2004 at level 4:
(A letter from a young Vahletharien to a friend)
As you know, Tallanthalasanarianas Ar'dan Sithiathas is the current master
of the invokers in Darsylon. What you may not know, is that Tallanthalas
no longer holds the light in his heart. I speak only truth for I know the
implications of such a grave accusation. However, this is no accusation.
It is observation. I have personally sensed his loss while in his presence.
It would not take long for even a commoner to see. His attitude is increasingly
demeaning towards his students. It begins now to border on hatred. He teaches,
yes, but not with the same patient motivation that the masters before him have had.
He frequently wears a sword at his hipside. A sword! It is vile.
The evil infesting the blade is tangible. I fear that it corrupts
his soul with each passing day. I cannot learn from such a man.
My gift was given to me for the same purpose it has been given to each
descendant of Maerderin - to serve only the light! This man can teach me nothing of that...
House Maerderinathas
Added Thu Feb 12 18:30:24 2004 at level 4:
Vahletharien was born into an ancient Elven family. Before Darsylon, there was Maerderin.
This noble house joined with King Darsylonathas millenia ago, in order to devote their
time to magikal study without having to concern themselves with protection that this
new kingdom would surely provide.
House Maerderinathas, while respected by the nobility and royalty of Darsylon,
remained somewhat reclusive due to their insatiable desire for scholarly endeavours.
This lack of social interaction has a wide range of affect on the general population
even today. Some commoners see the family as shrouded in mystery, other think them
arrogant and unwilling to mingle. Either way the family remains one of the most ancient
of the Kingdom to date.
It is rumored that their ancient patriarch, Maerderin, bargained with the Gods of Light
and as a result every fifth child has had the gift of invocation since.
The price he paid for this blessing...remains unknown, or perhaps, undisclosed.