Here's our OOC thread, as well as character clarifications.
I would like to finish out the rest of the backstory for those characters that are finished here. :D
Thanks again for your interest and I do hope it will be an enjoyable game for you all.
:D
Dot
Aeldris is in service to Lord Sareth, a prominent member of the elven nobility. His title translates into common as "herald"; his job is to act as Sareth's eyes, ears, and arm outside the bounds of the forest. He spent sixty years of his life in training for this role, studying diplomacy, history, horsemanship, archery, and swordplay, as well as spending time as part of the elven border guard.
Though tasked with diplomacy, Aeldris shares his kind's distaste for the other races. He particularly dislikes humans, viewing their constant activity as an irritation akin to the buzzing of flies. He is also extremely guarded regarding his motives and orders, presenting himself as a minor traveling noble to most people he meets.
Dot indeed!
What did you want me to weave into my backstory Azoun?
Dot indeed!
What did you want me to weave into my backstory Azoun?
I'm going to give you a bit more flare; so to speak. I'm going to add more to the 'dark' part of your mind and history of Minkrath for you. I will spoiler it here on this thread.
I can't get into too much detail, as you may notice some gaps, because i'm waiting on LostSoul to decide if he is going Cleric or Druid. If he's a Cleric depending on the faith and race I might tie him into your area. Or if my wife changes from the idea of Gnome Ranger to perhaps something else (different race mainly) she also may be starting with the same origin.
Aeldris: Love it! Though I did make a mistake in the original write up on the other thread. I will redo that entire bit and add more to it once Crystal is completed. I will bolden the things I corrected. The main one right now is I had the wood wrong, it's not the Elven Wood it's the Savage Wood. Just a minor thing, only one name, but still a sloppy mistake on my part. :(
Muad: For the Professor did you want him to have an emphasis on one particular subject? I understand with skill points and all he's a master of all, in a manner of speaking, but for RP was there a specific?
Once I get that bit from you Muad, I will begin weaving the Professor and Udayas together.
Aeldris and Ardil, alas i'm sorry still waiting on those other three characters. Hopefully Crystal will post up tonight corrected and the wife will have her's finished.
Udayas and Professor Lasch
Made of an odd white stone the city of Pilaxious stands out against the plains. The main keep of the city completely walled and all the buildings within the keep and the city itself crafted from this same white stone. Its origin is lost to scholars and many a dwarven craftsman has come to attempt to identify it. Most craftsmen and scholars have come to the simple conclusion that its creation and shaping was done through greater magics long forgotten. The earliest recordings of the city date back to the Time of Faith placing the city itself at least 2,000 years old. Its age not being the oddest thing about it, nor its white stone; more it’s King havening never changed. King Pilaxious sits atop his throne, his appearance of a middle aged man, and true to the legends in the past 1,000 years he has not visible changed. Because of this oddity many rumors exist about him. The elves belief he has strong elven ancestry or that he was cursed with such long life for a long forgotten crime. The rumors have become such second hand hear say that most pay no attention to them and continue about their daily business.
Under the belief that the King was either cursed to live such a long life or perhaps an elven mage that altered his appearance to that of a man has brought about the large elven population. The rest of its population is made up of Humans, Half-elves, Halflings, few Dwarves and even fewer Gnomes. For one reason or another many have come to the great city of Pilaxious. They have come to view its beauty, its stonework, or the great library of Kalidor. Rightly named after the deity it also doubles as a temple for those of the faith. Scholars have come far and wide to study within the libraries halls; and for those not of scholar pursuits the beauty of the city itself gives birth to legend on a clear day. When the sun reaches its apex the light is scattered about the lands by the stonework of Pilaxious.
Thus the city has stood and prospered all this time. Recently darkness has crept into the shadows, it began five years ago, murmurs of doom and the end of the world. Corner prophets have spouted that destruction will rain down upon the lands devouring all and that the gods themselves will abandon the world as the cosmos realigns. Until recently the ramblings were ignored as those of a madman, but in more recent times the prophets have grown in number and small cults have begun.
Island
Island Closer
I need the subject matter that the Professor teaches still. Also keep in mind that if it is on Religion (which is fine) he won't of been liked and definitely had some arguments with a Aasimer student. That is totally fine as i'm sure we don't all think foundly of some of our teachers. :D
As far as you both knowing each other, what i'm thinking right now is you attended his classes, though after that you spent more time with the church of Sunar. So continued contact after say middle school is not a requirement. However if you two wish it that's fine. :D
I think we'll have to base the decision on Lasch's area of expertise. If it's religion or philosophy, he could certainly be a 'guest speaker' at the church of Sunar.
I think we'll have to base the decision on Lasch's area of expertise. If it's religion or philosophy, he could certainly be a 'guest speaker' at the church of Sunar.
Right and in that instance his main focus wouldn't be religion.
Can you do up a description for a say 14 yr old Udayas. Just a quick one, I don't want to do anything up and have it not reflect on your image of your character.
Right now i'm thinking, as before, you were a student of his. There will be a gap in knowing him, unless you all want differently. :D
I would say that 14 year old UU would be pretty similar to 21 year old Udaya, actually. :)
She is brash, iconoclastic, and something of a discipline case... though the causes for this between 14 and 21 are very different. At 14, she was the 'fish out of water'. Sent from her home due to her Aasimar heritage and dumped in a different city and culture, she adapted by gaining a tough skin and a "Screw'em" attitude. Once she cowed the other kids into leaving her alone or going home bruised, she settled into something of an isolated existence - pursuing her own interests and, while not resisting offered friendships, she wouldn't seek them out. While she would be willing to study and wouldn't clash with her teachers on purpose, if what they were teaching didn't seem practical or reasonable to her, she wouldn't hesitate to challenge them on it.
I think, in UU's 'yearbook' the quote ascribed to her would be:
"Well, chief, that's a great theory... but can you prove it?"
Well what i'm thinking is that Lasch isn't so worldly, instead he is the book worm! He spent his whole life in study, and in study at that great library!
So when you head out the door it will be your first real adventure away from the books. :D
How old is Ardil? Can we make him less than 31?
Ardil and Arvala
The Minkrath Kingdom it’s heraldric marking a Mermaid holding a harp against a turquoise background. Minkrath island located just east of the Furpian Peninsula, home to the Seacoast mountains, and just west of the infamous Victorless mountains. Minkrath island itself is very large, taking at least a weeks’ journey on horseback to complete. On the northern end rests a small mountain range mostly comprised of rocky hills. Most of the island is plains, tall grass, save for the mountain range and the forest on its eastern side. Many islanders believe dwarves live within the mountain but have yet to be able to confirm such assumptions.
Farkep located just south of the mountain had lived in peace since its creation 500 years ago. That peace ended about 50 years ago when refugee’s from villages deep in the mountains came looking for safety. The spoke of grey skinned orcs bearing a symbol of arrows pointing in all directions. Farkep was quick to action, word was sent farther south to Seeg asking for aid. Seeg the capital of this young kingdom was slow to respond. It was during this time that it became evident the Kingdom did not have much of a military force.
Ardil Larst was one of these refugees, though he was but a babe. At first a Halfling family adopted the small human child; their daughter Arvala was pleasantly surprised to have a younger brother. But as they two grew their differences became evident. At the age of 12 Ardil left the Halfling home, he joined up with a known trader who travelled the island regularly. Hurvis taught Ardil all he knew as he travelled with him he passed on his wisdom of Terial as well.
Arvala watched her ‘brother’ leave, she was sad, but also happy for him. And at his departure is when her training began. With the orcs appearing closer to Farkep the milita was being strengthened. Her father had become a renowned scout and skirmisher. He took Arvala, his own child, and taught her all he could. She blossomed into an equally skilled combatant, useful in melee, but truly deadly with a bow.
The orcs began their assault on Farkep 10 years ago. It was a long campaign, lasting months, but ultimately the army was forced back into the mountain. Valas’ father fell in that great battle, ”The Battle of Home”, and it has taken a great deal for her to move on. Her mother tried to console her daughter but just like her father Arvala had shut everyone else out. It wasn’t until recently that Vala truly felt the need to breath. She ran into her little brother as he returned to Farkep with Hurvis. The two shared stories, Ardil with the most pleasing stories. He told Arvala of different races he’d encountered and even showed her some of the new goods they had. Many of the goods from off island, some from the Furpian Kingdom and some further still.
Arvala shared little of her stories, not wanting to bring back any pain for Ardil, and also perhaps not wanting to mention the death of her father. It was in this silence Ardil knew something to be wrong, but not wanting to push, offered a suggestion instead. “Perhaps you would like to join me for a time? I am going off island again, back to the Furp kingdom. This time I go to set out on my own though. “
Liking the sound of a fresh start Arvala quickly gathered her gear, said her goodbyes, and was on the road to a new life. The duo took the trade road south, shared campfires with other travelers and finally enjoyed more comfortable quarters in Seeg. They rested in Seeg for a few days waiting for the next vessel to arrive traveling to Modark.
Securing passage the two left Minkrath island and in a short tenday arrived at Modark.
Northern Kingdom
Furpian Pen and Minkrath
OK,
You two can feel free to do any RP here for your journey, or if you wish to add anything more to the short childhood together that's fine as well.
:D
Professor Lasch
Thomas Bulvinn, Head Scholar at the library of Kalidor, has been acting odd recently. Professor Lasch has been an associate, and some might say close friend, of Thomas for the past 20 years. It was only in the past year that his behavior changed. He closed himself off, locked away in private study. Many of his colleagues noticed the oddity but left it as that, after all it was not uncommon for one of the professors to indulge in dedicated study. Thomas occasionally emerged from his studies, often time’s days apart, Lasch noticed that the study was coming at great price. He watched as his friend often times starved himself, his general cleanliness began to lack.
If you would like, we can RP some of this. Taking right where it is, or I can assume general actions of Professor Lasch to move the part on.
Completely up to you.
Lasch
Thomas takes a moment to recall his surroundings, his mind seems distant as if his being was somewhere else other than these scholarly halls. "No, no my friend," he shakes his head, "I um...food yes, yes lets eat."
It is evident he is physically weaker than you recall, or have known him to be. "It's true you know?" his head shakes again and he begins to mumble in a language you don't recognize. He looks back up at you, pauses, and "Darkness...it comes...but first...food, yes food." He scarfs down the bread you offer him like a starved begger, then begins his ramblings again in the unknown language.
Soon his head lowers to the table and in a few seconds you are greeted with the sounds of a slumbering man.
Udayas
As of late the Temple of Sunar has become more involved in civil matters. The odd cult happenings prophesicing the end of the world seemed to have recruited more active members. Some have become fanatical in the sense of harming themselves publicly to make their point, staining the white stone Pilaxious with their blood. Thankfully they have yet to strike out physically at others. You have been currently attached to Chief Constable Herik, a Half-Elf, who is in charge of inforcing the law in the northern district of the city.
The temple has provided assistance to the crown by assigning Paladins to each district. In most cases one paladin per district. This normally would be out of the purview of the church but the followers of Sunar crave peace in the lands as well. The priests are almost certain some strange plague may be taking the lands causing this self harm. But they have been unable to prove it.
The Northern district houses more of the nobles, and high end shops as well as the Library of Kalidor. At the end of your shift, the even meal, you and Herik go over the days events.
"All in all, not a bad day today." He drinks from his mug, "At least those damned corner burps are lessoning, though this still can't be good." He looks about the room, "Almost too quiet." Herik leans in closer to you, "They say the Head Scholar has taken to this preachings as well?"
** spoiler omitted **
Here ya go!
Well she can easily be from Pilaxious itself, though born to say a poor family. This can easily justify the bullying and what not. When she became of age and her Aasimer traits began to emerge, her parents not being prepared for such a task sent her off to the Temple of Sunar. The Temple would have raised you after that, if you wish Udaya to still have had relations with her parents that's perfectly fine.
You would of had Lasch for your course on "Battle Tactics and how the apply to you". :D
The desert sadly is too far away from the city.
At the end of your shift, the even meal, you and Herik go over the days events.
"All in all, not a bad day today." He drinks from his mug, "At least those damned corner burps are lessoning, though this still can't be good." He looks about the room, "Almost too quiet." Herik leans in closer to you, "They say the Head Scholar has taken to this preachings as well?"
UU's wide almond eyes regard the Constable over her tankard. She sips her ale then gives the brew a sour look. It's unclear whether her distaste is for the drink or Herik's news. "I guess brains and wisdom don't have to go hand-in-hand, Constable. I'll really start worrying if the church elders start spouting this babble."
Here ya go!
** spoiler omitted **
Lasch
** spoiler omitted **Linguistics to determine the language? If you want I can roll another check for profession: professor if it will help me discern something in our studies together. I don't expect to interpret his mumblings though. Just wanna catch the language.
Optional Profession check:
** spoiler omitted **Here ya go!
** spoiler omitted **
Not at all, there is a fishing community due east, that keeps trade with Keepsake Island. Larence is a medium size community, with an established port, though not as extravagant as one might see in a major city. It's main population is Human, Halfling and Half-elven.
Lasch
You are unable to discern the language, however from it's dialect and lack of referrence in its tone you believe it to be a dead language.
Not at all, there is a fishing community due east, that keeps trade with Keepsake Island. Larence is a medium size community, with an established port, though not as extravagant as one might see in a major city. It's main population is Human, Halfling and Half-elven.
Woot! I've updated her STORY spoiler so it should now dovetail with your world. Let me know if it requires any other tweaks.
Awesome!
I'm good with the shared childhood story!
Glad you like it Ardil.
Thomas: I'm waiting on Udaya to catch up to you.
Udaya: Did you plan to share any conversation over that evening meal, or just finish it and bedone with the day?
Aeldris and Crystal: I'm working on your intro/baackstory and plan to have something up for both of you this evening. I apologize for the delay.
Aedlris
Returning from a month long excursion to the western woods and slightly south Aeldris is greeted by Lord Sareth, “Welcome home, enjoy a quick relaxation then join me in the council chamber for debriefing.” Sareth departs not accepting any answer from Aeldris aside from accomplishing the comfortable task he has just been assigned. His demeanor slightly off from normal, Aeldris spends most of his relaxation in contemplation of what must be bothering his Lord. After a short respite and donning his regal garb Aeldris makes it to the council hall. As he enters he quickly notices others here not normally in attendance: King Sevarious and Lord Unarin (the Queens brother in law and Aeldris’ father). Ensuring his best noble manners are in place he takes his standard position sitting opposite others of Lord Sareths command. The others go about the standard debrief: reports to the far south of increased troll activity in the marsh and rumors of the Living Marsh much further south expanding. It is evident the King is extremely interested in the rumors of the Living Marsh. Others report of normalcy to the east and no knew influx of outsiders to Kelsinko, and finally reports of the north which tell of the Dwarves of Rant becoming more paranoid.
Finally it is Aeldris’ turn to speak, standing as is protocol, giving a slight bow to the nobility in order of rank, “Much to west is as we’ve seen, the darkness has not shown any visible signs. There is nothing new reaching out from the mountain to our lands and there are no rumors of our vile kin. As my party scouted south along the border we did encounter a new small settlement, between our lands and the mountain. It appeared to have a small population, 50 or so various humans, Halflings and half-breeds. They have called this place Forness. They have no established temple or site of worship that we could identify but we did see signs of a force protecting them. We think it to be one of the elder druids, though we had no confirmation of this. I would ask the council take this up with the Circle to ascertain its truth.” Bowing with his brief ended then taking his seat.
The Kings’ eyes linger on Aeldris for a moment then back to Sareth, he nods and leaves the room. After his departure, “Dismissed, report to the scribes for written accords of these events. We shall send word in less than a tenday for new taskings. Welcome back and enjoy your return.” At this they all stand, offer a bow to Lord Sareth and make their way from the chamber. Before Aeldris can leave he finds himself stopped by Unarin, “Keep true my son.” Is all he says before he exists, put off guard Aeldris finds himself standing there, why are they acting so strange, “Please Aeldris have a seat, “ He hears Sareth, “We have something of import to discuss.”
UU's wide almond eyes regard the Constable over her tankard. She sips her ale then gives the brew a sour look. It's unclear whether her distaste is for the drink or Herik's news. "I guess brains and wisdom don't have to go hand-in-hand, Constable. I'll really start worrying if the church elders start spouting this babble."At the end of your shift, the even meal, you and Herik go over the days events.
"All in all, not a bad day today." He drinks from his mug, "At least those damned corner burps are lessoning, though this still can't be good." He looks about the room, "Almost too quiet." Herik leans in closer to you, "They say the Head Scholar has taken to this preachings as well?"
Udaya
"Ha, I agree if the Church of Sunar falls under such influence I think things would indeed be lost." He drinks from his tankard finishing it and orders another, it's evident he enjoyed the levity, "I think we may have to take a tour of the Library tomorrow, see if these rumors have any truth." Herik looks at you for a moment, perhaps a tinge of sadness in his eyes, "So you and I have worked alongside for a full year now. Rumor i'm hearing is your about to be replaced. Guess they got better things for you lot then this task?"
UU accepts the next drink gratefully, silently toasting the doughty Constable with the raised tankard and a smile. "You're alright Herik; I've liked working with you. Scaring the crap out of scholars tomorrow sounds like a fun way to end this tour - count me in."
"...Rumor I'm hearing is your about to be replaced. Guess they got better things for you lot then this task?"
UU's unladylike snort at his assessment has her nearly choking on her ale. "Yeah, *cough* they are going to send you some fresh-faced-squeaky-clean-upstanding-pillar-of-the-church probably; sorry about that. They like to rotate us around for some reason... But sure as hell I'm not getting some glorious quest. I'll probably be mucking out donkey stables in the poor section of town by next week. Half the reason they dropped me on you was to get me out of their hair, I think. I'm sorry to report that I have a reputation as a bit of a... um... 'problem child'." Her cynical smile lets him know she isn't, in any way, sorry.
Good RP stuff here
"Then," He offers up his mug for a toast, "To tormenting the book smarts!" He doesn't get carried away this night, in fact since you've been with him you notice he never over indulges. At the end of the evening he bids you farwell and asks that you meet him at the Library just past the morning meal.
UU joins in Herik's toast and also doesn't over-indulge, though her last toast of the evening (when they have both reached their limit) is a bit perplexing:
"To ink-stained romeos and women with long legs that reach the floor!"
Returning to the table, Aeldris's diplomatic training is not enough to keep the consternation from his face. "What is it, my lord? Was something amiss in my report?"
Returning to the table, Aeldris's diplomatic training is not enough to keep the consternation from his face. "What is it, my lord? Was something amiss in my report?"
Aeldris
"No, your report was fine." He pauses, "Though a bit disconcerning. A druid you think? No, now is not the time for that discussion." He shakes his head, moves to a side table and pours to glasses of wine, returning he offers one to you, "You have served me well and in that served the Kingdom well. It is time you are up for a promotion." He smiles, "This promotion comes at a cost though, you will have to put all your diplomatic training to use."
Crystal
Kelsinko; an elven city full of life from across the world, its foundations and architecture clearly elven in design, though its residents a myriad of races. Elves do dominate much of the city, after all it is their kingdom, but next would be the humans, halflings, gnomes, and few dwarves. Minotaurs travel through on occasion, though not often as they tend to stay closer to sea and even rarer still are the half-breeds. It matters not whether they are half-elven or half-orc they will both experience the same discomfort here.
Some unwanted progeny still survive on these streets often becoming masters of disguise or simply having a strong enough hiding place. Crystal had neither, but what she lacked was made up for in sanctuary. Mother Herillyn, head Priestess of the temple of Hanali, adopted the young creature when she found. Herillyn knew her blood was tainted, but Hanali teaches there can be beauty in all it just needs to be nurtured. And so Herillyn took in this unwanted child and did just as she always preached. Crystal grew up loved and cared for, she still faced a degree of harshness among the city streets, mainly from the elves, but she knew in the end she had a family in the church.
When dignitaries would come from Saldarne Herillyn would most often send Crystal to the port town of Kelsinko; for weeks at a time. She never went alone though; there was always someone there to watch out for her. Mother Herillyn always had hoped these trips to the port would help immerse her in other cultures and show her a bigger world than just Kelsinko. On these port visits she would hear of faraway lands, full of adventure, dwarves, minotaurs, elves, and men. The tales would come in all shapes and sizes, some so alive with fantasy she knew them to be false and some so down to earth she wished them to be false.
After one of these trips, Mother called for Crystal to meet in her private chambers. Crystal arrived as normal not thinking anything of it, after all Mother was more to her than just the Mother of the Temple she was Crystals’ Mother. As Crystal entered the room she saw Herillyn sitting a parchment in her hand, the wax seal was busted, “Please child come and sit with me we,” she paused “Have much to discuss.”
Returning to the table, Aeldris's diplomatic training is not enough to keep the consternation from his face. "What is it, my lord? Was something amiss in my report?"
Aeldris
** spoiler omitted **
Aeldris
"You are aware of the Queens prophocies?" He swirls the wine, they sighs, "They have begun making her ill. It is a sickness the healers can't discern. She is still very sane I assure you." He looks at you pausing, "I was not ready for this, not ready to lose my best, but what she decrees is my bond. You will be leaving the wood, but first she will tell you more. We shall meet with her tomorrow evening."
Udaya
Dawn comes as like every other morning to Pilaxious and quickly the streets are full with people and business. Udaya leaves the temple on her way to the library, she is greeted by the smells of the streets, freshly baked bread greets her nose, and the morning pastries tempt her eyes. As she comes around the corner to see the library she sees Herik standing outside talking to one of the scholars. Their conversation ends before Udaya can hear any of it.
“Morning!” Herik greets Udaya and offers her a morning pastry. “I do love a fresh breakfast, one of the perks to early morning work I suppose.” Herik also produces his own pastry and proceeds to enjoy the treat.
Professor Lasch
Dawns light wakes the scholar from his slumber, performing his morning stretchs he dresses and heads to the common hall. Breakfast a simple one, as is normal here, and so the joys of the first meal are interrupted with the revelation Thomas is not here. Assured he must be in the main library Lasch finishes his meal and looks for his friend.
Upon entering the library Lasch quickly finds his friend, face down in a book, no sounds of breathing. After a quick examination his fear is realized, Thomas is dead. Though no wounds mark his body his face seems pale, to pale for such a fresh corpse.
Aeldris
Morning comes, a cool dawn, the sunlight that breaches the trees gives light to the beauty that is Saldarne. Aeldris partakes in his morning meal, stretchs, and dresses in his best finery. He leaves for his appointment with the Queen (his aunt) and as he approaches the main tree (also the royal home) Lord Sareth greets him outside.
“I must warn you,” He pauses, examining Aeldris appearance, “The Queen is not in a well state. Her prophecies have taken a toll on her body. Do not let the appearance hinder your bearing. Do you have any questions before we enter?”
Nursing a slight headache from the night before, UU accepts the tantalizing pastry and plows into it gratefully. "Herik, you are a gem among men. If you make it a habit of getting breakfast for your women, I may have to marry you."
With a nod and a tip of her pastry, she indicates the library's door and speaks around a mouthful of flaky crust and apricot, "So, any changes since last night or are we just gonna blow in there and see what's what?"
Also, I'm thinking that they haven't seen each other much in the intervening years. It could make a reunion a bit more fun. :)
Absolutely on the long reunion...I was thinking he taught, "Battle tactics and how they apply to you."
Perfecto!
Just waiting for Lasch to move you two along. :D
Ardil did you want to do an RP with Avala during your travels? You will be moving to one more city past Modark. I just didn't want to force either of you past that incase you all wanted to RP it some.
Aeldris, we are good with you and what we are doing, though it will eventually get to tieing into Crystal.
Lost is working on his character, doing most of it via email with myself, he should be posting a complete character shortly.
And then once I get everyone together here on this thread the campaign will begin in the actual game thread. :D
WOOT!
Udaya
** spoiler omitted **Professor Lasch
** spoiler omitted **Aeldris
** spoiler omitted **
After a brief moment of thought, Lasch decides to notify the Library's Headmaster. On his way to his office, a long life of caution tells him to bring his special cane with him. Too soon Thomas, what drove you to this?
Returning home for the night, Aeldris spends several hours caring for his wargear, as he always does when returning from a mission. His sword is a family weapon, given to him by his grandfather when he came of age; and the armor was granted him by Lord Sareth when he was sworn into his service. Those two items cleaned and polished, he also checks the remainder of his gear before finally sleeping.
The next morning, Aeldris ponders the situation as he dresses. Everyone has been so mysterious...it's unlike them. I wonder what cause there is for this secrecy? Preoccupied, he barely notices the beauty of the city this morning, and he finds himself standing next to Lord Sareth almost accidentally. Greeting him, he replies, "I think the answers to my questions will be answered soon enough; let us proceed to see the queen."