The man nods his head politely in greetings to the trio. “May the Far Walker bless you also. If you’re not used to the dust, it sure can hinder your senses. I am Abeodan. You want to speak with Earm? Good lad. Good worker too. Been putting in long days. Pulling lots of lumber these days.” He then turns and shouts above the saws. “Earm. Come here lad.” At the sound of the shout, a young human male stops and looks up. He has a full round head of blond hair with small stubble rounding out his cheeks. He is about six feet tall, tan and well muscled. He has on rough clothing covered in dust and dirt. He bounds over at the call of his supervisor. He looks from Abeodan, then to Memnon and Shepherd. Finally, his gaze turns to confusion and his mouth drops a little as it settles on Ormod. He seems speechless. “Earm, these fine people want to ask you some questions.”
"Thank you, Abeodan. Would you be so kind as to give us a moment alone with Earm? Again, I will be happy to bless your workers afterwards, if such is your wish..."
Veirax leads Earm toward the open south gates, hopefully out of ear shot of anyone else, and also in order to better understand the young man above the din of the saws. He smiles to the lad reassuringly. "Good afternoon to you, Earm. Abeodan has told us how fine a worker you are. I am Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker, and with me is Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania. We are visiting the mill in the company of our friend, Ormod the Baker, who you seem to recognize. Please do not be alarmed by our presence. We merely hope that you can help us find Ormod's daughter, Estra. If I am not mistaken, Estra is quite fond of you and has been spending quite a bit of time with you... is that correct? Do not fear that I shall pass judgement on you, Earm, for it is not my intention..." Veirax gives Earm a moment to respond, but for the sake of keeping the game moving, I'll just forward the dialogue based on anticipated reactions...Diplomacy check: 9 + 6 = 15; Sense Motive: 17 + 3 = 20.
"As I'm sure an honest lad such as yourself will understand, Ormod --loving father that he is -- is concerned for his daughter's welfare. He has not seen her in a while, and we thought you might know where she is... Ormod, is there anything else in particular you might wish to say?"
The foreman turns, and you notice that he is wearing a symbol of Fharlanghn around his neck. He recognizes the church affiliation of Shepherd and Memnon, puts on a helpful smile, and says, “Greetings revered, what do I owe this honor and pleasure.” He then bows his head in respect.
Memnon looks at the foreman and bows back to the man "Greetings sir we are looking for a man named Earm the foreman in the front told us we could find him here."
Veirax bows simultaneously with Memnon, studying the foreman's face as the knight introduces them.
"Good foreman, it is an honour to meet one who has placed his faith in the Dweller on the Horizon. I am one of his Errant Shepherds, Veirax Kelten. What was your name, good sir? Wise Fharlanghn has sent us here with our friend Ormod to speak with Earm... Would you be able to tell us where he is, and could we kindly ask to take a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with him?
"If time should permit, and if you and your men should be so inclined, I also would be glad to bestow the blessings of the Far Walker upon you after we have spoken to Earm... one never knows what hazards shall cross one's path in the future, whether near or far, especially in your line of work..."
The shepherd sneezes repeatedly as some of the sawdust drifts to his nostrils... "My apologies..."
This room is only half of the entire room. You notice a wall with a door in its center leading into the rest of the mill. A man is standing in the center of this room apparently supervising the operation. As you enter, he looks over with a confused look and asks, “Is there something you need?”
"Greetings. My name is Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker," says the cleric as he raises an open palm while resting against his staff. "With me are Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania, and our friend, Ormod the Baker, who has come in search of his daughter Estra. She reportedly frequents the mill and has been in the company of one of your workers, a lad by the name of Earm. Would Estra or Earm be on the premises at this time, and if yes, would it be possible for Ormod to have a word with them, kind sir?"
Veirax attempts to sense the man's motives, but no luck... 6 + 3 = 9
Aradove watches and takes in all that is being said. "I agree that there is some caution to take as we are not locals and I am not sure how it will be perceived when we all go waltzing in like we are taking over the place. I think that Memnon is right and maybe Shepherd should go inside with Ormod while the rest of us take a look around and perhaps talk to a few people to see if they know anything. Ethelwulf and I would be more than happy to take a look around the back of the mill down by the river. Would you care to join me Dinpel?"
"I trust Erian, Memnon and Aradove's judgement. Ormod, you have my word that none in this party will initiate violence. I would be happy to accompany you into the mill to find and speak with Earm and Estra, if such is your wish..."
Erian reins Sherwyn a bit as they near the mill, "That'd be it, then. Cenwalh's, oddly enough, isn't a mill even though it's named such. As I recall, it's a tavern or some such. My father liked to frequent the place, but I never went with him."
At Erian's remark, Veirax frowns and faces the baker: "Ormod... is this our destination? And if so... is there a reason you forgot to mention that the mill is actually a tavern? What kind of clientele frequents this establishment?"
Veirax attempts to assess the baker's motives... Sense Motive check: 5 + 3 = 8... guess I won't be learning much...
Nodding again, Erian replies, "Oh, that makes sense I suppose."
Apparently satisfied with the situation, Erian continues riding alongside the others (Memnon noting the young man is definitely comfortable in the saddle), "So, have any of you visited here before? I came through with my dad several times, but the last visit was over 5 years past. My father actually was here a few months back, heading off on a mission to the Vines. He's a cartographer, as am I." Erian holds up the map he is working on of the city to emphasize his last statement.
Veirax whistles as Erian shows the party his map. "That's quite the gift you have, Erian. I must confess that I myself have a fondness for maps... a record of the journeys one makes alongside the Far Walker; a tangible reminder of places been, and places to be seen. Erian's Glen is one of the latter... 'tis my first time travelling so far south in Rutania, and I can hardly wait to get myself lost in the city's nooks and backstreets... of course, one is never really lost when one places his faith in the Dweller on the Horizon. Will you be our guide to the city, then, Erian?"
After they have gone a short distance, Erian seems to remember something, "Excuse my manners, Lady Dawntracker. Would you care to ride rather than walk?" He stands up in his stirrups, obviously readying to dismount. "Also, what is the nature of our errand--this seems a large band to retrieve a load of flour. Not to mention between us all we seem to have no wagon or cart for the hauling..."
"Indeed," laughs Veirax upon hearing Erian's observation. "One after the other, Aradove, Memnon, Dinpel and myself entered the Hall of Worship, where we found a distressed Ormod in the Sun Father's shrine. He asked if we would help him find his daughter, Estra, whom he fears is being held by some lad whom she has fallen for, and who works at the mill. My kind-hearted and newly found companions consented to help, and so here we are... but you are right, we probably don't need this large a party to seek out Estra and the young lad. In the event that a dispute erupts between the various parties, I volunteered to mediate in Fharlanghn's name..."
Erian bows his head in greeting to those assembled, "Yes, I recall you and the knight from our travels south. And the lady from some of my many excursions away from the group--you seem to have as much interest in the wilds as I, though for other purposes. I've just completed a tour of the city, or nearly so, to see what might have changed since I was last here. The mill is just back the road here a bit; I'd be glad to join you."
"Great! Glad to have you with us, Erian. Now let us see this errand through... then, perhaps we can enjoy a nice meal together once the deed is done." The thought of supper seems to lighten the young cleric's scarred features, and to add a spring to his step. With every tread, Veirax's long braid sways from side to side and his wooden staff thumps the cobble stones firmly, as if to emphasize his conviction in this plan of action.
“Ruffian, I have no idea.” The man looks at a loss. “I havn’t even actually met the boy. I guess if I was thinking clearly I would have looked for her, but, in fact, I did not even think of the boy until your questions starting me thinking straight. I guess I was thinking the worst. But what if it is the worst.” His voice reaches a screeching pitch. “Please, I will take you to the mill. I just want to find my daughter. Know she’s safe. If she is with the boy and is happy, then well, so be it. I just want to see my sweet Estra.” He hides his face in his hands and starts blubbering as he walks out the Worship Hall doors and south down Frey’s Lane toward the mill.
"Now now, Ormod, let us not shed tears or think of the worst until it is absolutely certain that the worst has come to pass... let us go and find your Estra..."
Erians Glen-Age of Discovery DM wrote:
During your fast walk south, with the baker slowly getting behind and panting all the while, you see a man on horse approaching at a good speed. As you near each other, you are almost certain that it is the man from the caravan journey that assisted with the horses. You gathered that his name is Erian.
"Greetings, horseman... Erian is your name, is it not? Enjoying the town that is your namesake after such a long time on the road?" Veirax smiles at the ranger and presents his companions with a wave of his hand... "I am Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker. With me are the lady Aradove Dawntracker; Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania; and Dinpel... Jannisack?, yes that's it. Not long after journey's end, we stumbled upon one another in the Worship Hall on Freya Street... we are off with Ormod the baker on an errand to the south mill... care to join us?"
Ormod Lucan looks over the foursome that his distress has attracted. "The mill is straight down Freya's Lane on the other side of The Glen. It is about a mile and a half that way." He points again to the south. "Danger. Oh my, when that boy see all of you, if he had a tail, it would be between his legs." Then he mumble something barily audible, "Should cut off something that is between his legs." Then he looks around at you with a bit of urgency. "Shall I take you there?"
"I, for one, think you should come with us, sir. I would be happy to help you find your daughter. However, I should make it clear from the start that, having never met either your daughter or the young man she has fallen for, I shall not take sides in what I consider to be a family matter. I would recommend that you speak plainly, but politely with Estra and Earm, and let them understand the worry they have inflicted upon you. If necessary, and as befits the role of an Errant Shepherd of Fharlanghn, I would be happy to help you work towards some kind of peaceful reconciliation... but if the mill is so close, then I must confess that I do not understand why have you not tried to go there and speak to Estra and Earm yourself... is he some kind of fearsome ruffian?"
Thanks I just wasn't sure, I will try not to make a mistake like that again. Trying to fertilize the lawn and keep up on all the post going on I forgot to check the history. Sorry
Dinpel, I didn't forget your name we just have not been introduced yet :)
Don't worry, Aradove, it's bound to happen to all of us, at one point or another... can't remember everything! And as a matter of fact, I think our gnome friend was pointing out my having mispronounced the baker's name in one of my later posts... though I may be mistaken... ;-)
I am ready and willing; as you can see, I carry all I own with me as things have a tendancy to wander, curious that. As for settling, well, I agree; lets get this matter settled. As for armor, I hardly think you need it to check out a mill *chortles* but then I am wearing mine as are some others so who can know such things.
**mumbles** sheesh you forget one guys name...sounds like me old history teacher.
"My apologies, I absent-mindedly called you Orvold, sir Ormod... I meant no disrespect," he tells the baker. Then, facing his companions again: "My name is Veirax Keltan, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker. I am well acquainted with Sir Memnon, but have not had the pleasure of exchanging formal introcutions with Miss Dawntracker, and Sir...??? What was your name?" he asks the gnome.
"I won't worry about picking up my armour, if it's out of the way. I feel well protected in the company I'm in, and trust the Dweller on the Horizon to keep me safe... but who knows when misfortune will strike... fate works in mysterious ways, as does the Dweller on the Horizon..."
As the baker tells everyone where they could find his daughter and the boy she is infatuated with Memnon adds "Don't worry good sir we will find your daughter and return her safely." Memnon looks at the rest of the group and asks "Is everyone here settled in or do you need to drop off your gear somewhere?"
"Depending on how far we need to travel, and whether we anticipate any risks on the way there or while dealing with the young man, then I may need to go back to Erian's Rest to pick up my armour... I thought I could finally spend a few days without feeling its weight upon my shoulders! How far go we, sir Orvold? Do you think that we will be able to resolve the situation peacefully?"
move closer to the elf; whisper in elven; "know you this Kagen Ru?"
Aradove looks around at this strange jumble of different races and thinks to herself, "Well, this should be interesting". Aradove then looks towards Ormond and says "I hope you don't mind having so many new faces seeming so eager to help you?" Aradove moves closer to the gnome as he speaks to her in her native tongue and responds "No I am not sure who he is speaking of, do you?, Perhaps one of the other knows who this is." Shall we go.
Overhearing Aradove and the gnome's whispered conversation in elvish, the shepherd addresses in the same tongue their uncertainty concerning Kagen Ru.
For DM, Dinpel and Aradove:
Spoiler:
"Are you serious??! How can you not know who Kagen Ru is? He MERELY was responsible for providing the religious and social foundations upon which Rutania was built, and for opening the doorways to the gods. He is the most important person in the entire history of our land!!! This Hall of Worship we stand in, and every other, exists because of him... the Holy City of Cein arose because of him!"
The baker first looks at Aradove. He seems to calm from the sound of her delicate elven voice. Shepherd’s words also seem to relax him. When the Gnome arrives, the baker tilts his head in confusion at first. “If I give you bread you will help me? Help my daughter?”
He shakes his head to alleviate the confusion then says, “I only know the boy works at the mill. My Estra goes there every day to watch him work and fawn all over him. I told her that this is not how a young lady acts. Girls these days!”
Then thinking how he just scolded his daughter, he starts blubbering again. “I just want her back. I just want her back. Will you brave people find the boy for me and get my daughter back?” He then looks directly at the Gnome. “I promise, you can have all of the bread that you want. The boy, he works at he mill. He is probably there now.” He uses his arm and index finger to point south toward the direction of the mill. “I only know his first name. It is Earm. She talks about him all the time. I just wished I listened. Please save her.” He puts his hands together, as if praying, and shakes them toward you, his moist face showing complete helplessness.
Shepherd Veirax seems surprised by the gnome's quick-witted response. "I must concede that you may have a point there, my diminutive friend."
Then, in reply to Ormod :"Come, on your feet my brave man, we shall help in whatever way we can. But first, I must ask... have you ever gone to the mill yourself to speak to this lad? What makes you think he is a danger to her? And forgive our ignorance, for we are new in town, but where is this mill? Would you be inclined, good sir, to make the journey with us? A father had better play an active role in finding his lost daughter and speaking openly with her and the lad she so loves, methinks, than to pray tearfully on a temple floor for the gods to bring her home... What think ye?"
A gnome that is wearing grey studded leather and other traveling gear steps up, where he came from was rather unnoticed, but some may remember him from the caravan and that the service he performed was checking locks and boxes to ensure they were not being tampered with, "ah, a baker with a mystery; I have always had a fondness for bakers and their craft, but boys and girls will be as all blooded creatures are, but perhaps it was a scheme of dark sundry creatures, like goblins, that lured her away. I ask you revered baker, show us your shop and her lodgings that perhaps hold a clue to this mystery and surely this boy is not just any boy if he lodges in this city he too must have friends, family and other concerns of earthly nature. Did you come here seeking an oracle about her fate perhaps or just consolance? Surely some action is better than sitting on a bench in misery, for all we know the gods have sent you us, hehe. My time is worth a loaf of bread or so, what say you?
At the gnome's entrance, the youthful, delicate-framed shepherd raises an eyebrow in astonishment, which has the effect of stretching one end of the thin V-shaped scar that originates between his eyes. Under his breath, he mutters: "By Fharlanghn's walking shoes... does the path of every last member of that caravan lead here???" Then, addressing the latest arrival: "Friend, does every good deed require a reward? Did this man call upon thine aid? I think a little bit of tact and sensitivity would be in order here. But perhaps you could start by giving us your name?"
Shepherd Veirax then looks at the small crowd that has now gathered in Pelor's shrine, and then back at the baker, clearly at a loss for words. "Sir, forgive me, I know not what to say..."
Aradove turns to see Shepherd talking to someone and decides to take a closer look. She arrives to see Shepherd and a knight who she thinks is named Memnon, talking to a man whom looks horribly in disarray. She hears this man, Ormod, speak of his daughter, Estra missing. Aradove looks at Ormod with compassion, as she knows what it feels like to lose someone whether it be to death or to other circumstances. "My name is Aradove Dawnwalker, I would like to help you if I may." "Whom is this boy that you speak of?" "What relations does Estra have with him?" Aradove looks at both Shepherd and Memnon to see what their expressions are and perhaps to get a sense of what they are feeling.
My understanding of the sequence is that Shepherd entered the Worship Halls first, Aradove entered just as he was entering Pelor's shrine, and Memnon has entered the temple last, behind Aradove. I will write my post accordingly... feel free to suggest otherwise!
For DM, Aradove and Memnon:
Spoiler:
Veirax seems startled as the elven druidess glides in soundlessly from behind him. As she begins to question Ormod, Veirax bows in recognition and takes a step back, without saying a word. The sherpherd's expression is momentarily blank, but he turns towards the archway at the sound of approaching foot steps. He seems nervous, and grasps his staff more tightly. As the echos of the footsteps abruptly stop and the knight comes to the threshold of the shrine, Veirax nods at his traveling companion and fellow member of his faith. Yet with so many people around, he seems unsure of himself, of what to say or what to do next. He looks back at Ormod, awaiting the man's reply to Aradove's questions, oblivious to the druidess' expectant look. As if it were an afterthought, he introduces himself to the man: "I am Veirax Kelten, Errant Shephered of the Far Walker... Please, sir, forgive the interruption... and continue to share your tale, if you will..."
The young shepherd of the Far Walker ducked into one of the archways, just as Aradove entered the Worship Halls. He apparently did not notice her. A few heartbeats later, pain-wracked sobs ring out from the archway in which the shepherd disappeared.
For the DM:
Spoiler:
With empathy and concern in his voice, Veirax replies to the man: "What is your name, sir? And how long ago did you last see your daughter? Where was your Estra last seen?"
The Worship Hall’s inside is of similar form as others you have visited. There is a long hallway 20 ft wide stretching in the distance. Arches line each side forming doorways. Above each arch is the symbol of a deity.
if you make a listen check DC 12 or a spot check DC 20
Shepherd Veirax walks down the familiar halls with a purposeful stride, lightly touching the tip of his staff on the floor as he advances, mindful that it should not echo loudly and disturb the meditations of the faithful. As he passes each archway, he pauses briefly, half kneeling, and whispers a quick prayer to the deity who is honoured in the chamber beyond. "Heironeous, may thy champions preserve justice in Rutania; Ehlonna, Lady of the Forests, thy woods be forever lush and green; St. Cuthbert, thy cudgel strike gently those who do not yet know the error of their ways; O Ruby Lady, may your magic protect the dearly departed on their path through the afterlife..." Veirax's steps, bows, and prayers flow in an uniterrupted, fluid motion. The shrine to the Dweller on the Horizon nears... a few more archways to go...
"Pelor, mighty Sun Father..." Veirax's graceful steps falter as the young cleric catches sight of a middle-aged, balding man who is sobbing within Pelor's shrine. He hesitates, not knowing whether he should say anything. He looks over his shoulder, to the left and right, and sees no one else in the Worship Hall. At last, he gathers the courage to enter the shrine, stopping a few paces behind the sobbing man. In a gentle voice, Veirax asks: "Sir? Forgive me for troubling you... but is there anything an Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker might do to soothe the worries of one of Erian's children? Or shall I fetch a priest of the Sun Father for you?..."
Note: feeling safe in town, Veirax would have removed his chain shirt and left at the inn in order to lighten the load on his weary shoulders.
Unless someone corrects me, I will assume that everyone is riding in on the same caravan. If this is true, I will make one post describing what you see as you enter the North Gate of Erian's Glen. The caravan will be arriving in the early afternoon. This will give your characters the afternoon and into the evening to get settled-in, explore, investigate, interact, etc. I will ask you to establish your intent for the day and where you plan on staying that night. If you need more information, just ask.
Utak
...
So, Utak, are you assuming that all of the characters would have been acquainted while on the caravan journey, or...? I can see myself being familiar with Memnon, but I'm not sure about the others... what do the rest of you think? This may affect the tone of early roleplaying in the player thread...
For DM: Upon his arrival in Erian's Glen, Shepherd Veirax will...
Spoiler:
... begin by booking accomodation at Erian's Rest and having a quick nap. Then he will visit the Worship Hall at the corner of Freya Street, learn what he can of local events and rumours from the clergy and lay people there, and spend an hour or so in quiet meditation. After that, he will do a bit of sightseeing around the Market Square, speaking to folk as the opportunity arises. He will grab a late afternoon bite from a vendor in or near the Square, and will continue to walk around in the evening, taking a peek at the other Worship Halls, the local ruler's residence, and the Guild halls, if time permits. He will finish the evening by joining fellow travellers at Erian's Rest for a couple of mugs of ale, and plans on retiring relatively early (an hour or two before midnight).
Awesome, couldn't ask for more, and everything is very appropriate... thanks! All additions have been incorporated into the profile. Thanks also for pointing out the language thing...
Erian_7 will be providing a beautiful map within the next few days, but I wanted to give you a text version of some of the places so you can decide where you will be on the night of your arrival in Erian's Glen.
Utak,
Great list! Shepherd Veirax will bo found at the following location upon his arrival in Erian's Glen:
Spoiler:
Erian's Rest. Tired from weeks spent on the road, he will be happy for the comfort of an inn frequented by folks from all walks of life. Who knows what path his conversations with the other guests will lead him on?
Thanks for the kind words. This is only my second PbP game, and I only rarely get to play PnP... so any kind of gaming is a treat for me. Given the effort you're putting into this campaign, it's only right that I should put the same amount of effort into my character... and I'm happy that you feel I've added to your setting thus far. In light of the material you've generated, it's clear that you are passionate about the game/setting, and have some very original ideas... and that is what attracted me to your game. If your writing style and background info did not grab me right away, I would not have joined. Don't worry about me enjoying the game, I'm sure I will... no need to put so much pressure on yourself (players need to be responsible for creating their own fun)! And don't feel the need to rush things... I'm sure none of us here want to be a source of marital strain!;-) It sounds like you've got a fairly mature group for this PbP... Have a great weekend!
I have reviewed the background. Here are a few thoughts.
** spoiler omitted **
Cheers,
Utak
Hey Utak,
Thanks for the feedback and creative freedom. I've gone back and made some modifications to my character background, as per your tips (the changes extend beyond the first paragraph). Let me know if the background warrants additional feats and/or skills.
Now I just have his physical description left to do...
In the original draft of my character background (which I had not posted), I initially had the festival of Kagen's Binding take place in Kveld. But then, I wasn't sure if Kveld was actually the name of a town/trade outpost, or if Shelby's Rise was the town (trade outpost?) and Kveld actually the name of the forest...??? So I then switched the festival to Seward... but the latest background info makes Seward seem like a major city, and perhaps too big a place for something like Kagen's Binding to occur?
Utak, what are your thoughts on this? Would Kveld/Shelby's Rise have been a better location than Seward (for Veirax's human upbringing), or would there be small villages outside of Seward (not depicted on the map) that would fit the bill?
I will adjust my background accordingly... And did you like the whole festival idea, or does that need to be changed as well? The festival defines in a significant way the nature of the relationship between elves and humans in northern Rutania, and I don't know to what extent my ideas gelled with your own... I also thought it was fairly novel/original and consistent with the themes you had presented thus far, but...???
Twiceborn is your character coming from Cein? I will be and I figured maybe I could be part of your escort or something since we are part of the same faith and all.
I wasn't planning on him being originally from Cein, but he could certainly have passed through Cein as part of his pilgrimmage to Erian's Glen. It would make sense for Memnon (cool name) to have been part of the escort.
I have added a first draft of my PC background to my profile. I'm pasting it here for the sake of convenience. Let me know what you think... perhaps I've painted certain races and their practices in a way that is inconsistent with your view of the world?
If you approve it, there's stuff in there that might be of relevance to the backgrounds of Lady Janas (if she ends up playing an elf) and Dreamwalker (please wait for Utak's approval before reading!).
Warning... it's quite long!
Spoiler:
Though born among the elves of the Hrafn Hrani Isleif, I more recently hail from Seward. To some, the circumstances of my birth may seen unusual, perhaps even immoral. To the people of Seward and of the Great Elf Forest, they were the product of tradition and necessity, no more or less harmful than the rites practiced by folk from other cultures.
Every half century, elves from Hrafn Hani Isleif come to Seward to engage in the festival of Kagen's Binding. Although the elves of the forest generally remain reclusive by human standards, they do respect the principles that Kagen Ru stood for, and honour the alliances that have led to long lasting peace and progress among the folk of Rutania, and that is what they celebrate with their neighbours on the plateau during Kagen's Binding (also known as the Mating). In addition to mainaining trade and diplomatic relations with the other folk of the realm, the elves (and nearby humans) believe that ritualistic interbreeding is the key to harmonious relations. The offspring of such trysts increase blood ties and mutual understanding between elves and humans, and many ultimately become ambassadors to the world at large. Children of mixed blood are seen as a blessing from Kagen Ru. When born of a human mother in Seward, they typically are raised communally, by the entire village. After a a decade or so spent in the company of humans, they are sent to live with their elven cousins (and vice versa), who have a decidedly different approach to child rearing. For their part, the humans also view this interbreeding as a step towards increasing the longevity of the human race, which shall be essential towards the accomplishment of the great tasks that Kagen Ru set out for them to do.
I spent the first fifteen years of my life among the elves, and the last ten on the outskirts of Seward, near Mord Mottal. A few years after my introduction to and upbringing among my human kin, I became a shepherd, wandering the lofty meadows of Mord Mottal with my goats. One day, the village elders introduced me to Gwydion Halden, Esteemed Pathfinder of the Far Walker. After asking me a few questions and conferring with the village elders, the Esteemed Pathfinder determined that I demonstrated the potential to become a great servant of Fharlanghn, the Far Walker. Since my 25th birthday, I have become not only a shephered of goats, but a shepherd of people as well. Also, Gwydion has taught me that I have the skills and attributes required to become an ambassador not only among men and elves, but among the other peoples of Rutania as well. This helped me understand my place among the peoples of the realm, for I must confess that up to that point, I felt a little bit lost and unsure of myself, as many half-elves do; and to that end, Gwydion and his brethren in the order of the Far Walker further broadened my mind by instructing me in the tongues of dwarves and the 'walking devils.'
I am proud to have been selected by Gwydion and my village elders to walk the path of the Dweller on the Horizon. I believe it to be the path truest to Kagen Ru's intentions. It is the Far Walker who reveals the path out from the darkness and towards the light of Pelor, at sunrise. All roads, and all faiths, lead to Kagen Ru... and the Far Walker maketh the roads that all faiths follow to their source. In his wisdom and with his open mind, the Far Walker maketh few enemies among peoples far and near, human and other... for all folk, good and evil, walk their own paths, and he walketh with them. He protects noblemen, commoners and poor folk alike along their journeys, and provides an escort and spiritual nourishment to those who would travel great distances, through territories both peaceful and hostile. He is humble, as are his shepherds. The Far Walker judgeth not, but seeks to understand, to build bridges between peoples and cultures. And thus, his servants are often called upon to mediate between parties to a dispute.
During my first year as Errant Shepherd, Gwydion taught me how to unlock the gifts that our divine patron hid deep within the souls of all. He led me on journeys near and far. Until now, I have faced little danger on my travels, but have always revelled in the freedom, in the wondrous sights and experiences brought by each new day, and in the new faces I have met at every bend in the road; in the knowledge and comfort that where I lay my head is home. The Far Walker has a grand destiny in store for me -- whether o'er yonder, far beyond the Vines, across the Skyward Peaks, or at the end of the Voyager's Ocean, I know not -- but I do know that Kagen Ru and I shall join paths in some remote place. This the Far Walker has shown me in dreams too real to be mere conjurations of a tired mind.
I have just completed my first trip ever to Erian's Glen, having been part of an escort for a large group of pilgrims eager to visit the southern frontier of the realm... the edge of destiny... of course, our arrival in Erian's Glen is but a mere thread in the tapestry that is the neverending journey...
If you like the background, Utak, might I recommend the following for my character...
Spoiler:
The "smatterings" feat, from Races of Destiny. Also, perhaps I could add Knowledge (local) and Knowledge (geography) to my list of class skills... if you approve this, I might need to modify my current skill point allocation (unless you grant me a few bonus skill points). Of course, I'm willing to consider any other suggestions you may have... or even to get no bonus feats at all, if such is your judgement. Thanks in advance for your feedback and consideration!
Physical description coming up next...
By the way, I'm really impressed by the feel and flavour of your world. Very original! You've been putting alot of effort into this, and it shows. Thank you! Can't wait to start playing...
Shepherd Veirax will tentatively be my character name/avatar. Click on the name to find his stats. I still have to enter his equipment and then add his background, appearance and personality (much of which I already have in my head). I should have everything finished over the next few days. Let me know if any changes are required.
Posts
