Well, my fellow worm wranglers. I have another story about an Elven Heroine in the making. Her name is Miss Tea and she is of the huntress persuasion.
Miss Tea is rather young for an elf. She's from Feywood where our very next fishing hot spot will be detailed. The Feywood elves are rather a suspicious lot, indeed. But I will tell you of them when I tell you about the grand fishing of the Feywood docks area.
Now I saw Miss Tea several times before she would talk to me. You see she is rather shy and me being a huge human six foot + giant must have frightened her somewhat. To get her to calm down long enough to have a good talk took some time, patience and a pleasant smile. After all it works for fishing; Well, all but the pleasant smile.
When I finally got to meet Miss Tea; Boy! did we have a wonderful conversation. You see She is getting ready for her grand trials of Feywood. It's a test she told me all young elves have to do before they are inducted as an adult in their society. Rather barbaric if you ask me but then again, I'm not an elf. Now since Tea was a wee girl she had been training for this very test. She studied and was mentored and went through all kinds of ceremonies safely in the comfort of Feywood lands. When she came of age some several centuries. I'm not sure how many. She was tossed to the winds to start her field work. They were nicer than my parents. My mother kicked me out the door of her ship rather rudely Then said, "Good luck and don't die. If you do, we'll come back and put flowers on your grave." I think I still have her shoe print on my butt.
So, First I will tell you about what these trials are all about. They are tests of skill, Temperament, and Wisdom. Personally, I think wisdom is overrated unless it involves knowing what a fish in a stream is going to do before they even know it. Ah-ha! I bet you are wondering just how I do that! A potion of owl's wisdom really helps. Now if you want to be a healer or gardener the tests include plant lore. That is wonderful. I'm a vegetarian so have that pretty well down pat. I would be kind of dead if I couldn't identify and use plants. Is gardener an actual profession? Really? Well, I'm thinking there must be a lot of elves that are also vegetarians too.
Miss Tea being a hunter doesn't have plant lore in her tests (At least that's what her elders told her.) Elder's tend to always spring the most perverse surprises on you in testing. She will be tested in Archery, Aminal handling, sharp eyes, And in her words, "That my brain connects with my head, mouth, hands, feet." Meaning is she wise enough to use her skills for the benefit of others. And now she is in the vast world perfecting her skills so that she may be inducted into the hunters of Feywood.
She told me of her disappointments first. She tried to tame a rabid dire tiger, but she failed, and it attacked her with claws as big as sabers and teeth jutting out of its mouth the size of small spears. A knightly man by the name of Shalthal helped to fend the great beast off. The beast only gnawing off a small part of her shoulder. She was lucky.
Then she found an evil witch in the local graveyard. She was short, scary and smelled of dead rotting flesh. I hope it wasn't mother. Na, Mom's away galivanting wherever dragging dad in tow to satisfy her carnal instincts. Poor Dad. I may not see him again. But then again, he signed up as an adventurer in his youth and that's what you get when the craziness of that life consumes you. Oh yes, Back to Miss Tea and her wicked witch.
The witch wanted her to go into a dark and dusty tomb filled with the necromancies of a thousand Thayvian mages. Tea knowing how evil and vile the witch was with the palpable darkness surrounding her and knowing that the witch really wanted to turn her to evil and become her lovely apprentice refused! A grand battle erupted from the graveyard. Miss Tea shooting her arrows, one after another and another to disrupt the evil witch's spells (I really hope that witch wasn't a puggy half-elf with red hair). Tea disrupted her again and again but at last the witch got off a spell and all went black for poor Miss Tea.
She woke up chocking on dirt in total blackness. Tea clawed inch by inch always up to freedom and air. Her nails breaking on stones, her lungs gasping on what little bit of air she had. She worked her way up until her fingers found the surface, air and freedom. She began frantically digging for the last of her air was running out. She felt cold and dizzy still she moved her hands. At last, her head and mouth breaking the surface she gasps clean air and freedom from the shallow grave she put Tea in. Most likely to dig her up later and turn her into a zombie minion.
Tea had failed to do away with the witch but later after a few days she came back to speak with me. She told me the witch was finally undone and dead. Tea had ultimately won the conflict and undid a creature of vileness and evil.
In Training for her trials Tea also told me she has had some success. She has been able to tame the local wolves and ever sharpens her archery skills on goblins and kobolds. So, Miss Tea is on the road to becoming an authentic Heroine of the island. Perhaps when you visit the island and start your fishing foray you may see the little elven girl with a great long bow carrying a string of quail and rabbit. It just may be the legendary ranger Miss Tea hunting for her family and tribe.
On the off not I told Miss Tea of a curse that my mother's elders bestowed on our own tribe. She asked why I was not preparing for the time the curse takes effect. I told her I do for the curse is steeped in sorcery and sorcery is required to get through it. Until then I will live life not thinking about it. It's unavoidable so why worry. Live every day like it's your last to be enjoyed to the fullest.
She had the perfect aphorism: "Don't worry about what you cannot control. Concentrate on what you can." I do believe Miss Tea will pass her wisdom test with flying colors.
Brath Vail
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
Ah; yes, my Tackle twisting Troubadours, I have something new for you. Poetry from a most likely source.
You see I recently met a very large man covered entirely in heavy plate mail. You know the type. Put them in a giant steel box. Give them a six-foot sword and tell them the enemy is across the field. Then they will run that way drooling, slobbering and screaming out war chants until they disappear in the distance...........or find something to kill.
What would you know that one of these giant hauberks of havoc would know poetry of all things. So, I give you Jiztroyir Miqrohoru A Kralshaman of the Hellshire Clan (whatever that means), and his poetry from a distant past. Jiztroyir is so big that not only could he be in the shield wall: He could be the shield wall. He also has a handsome voice to boot when he sings his poetry. A lovely booming bass that resonates deep down in your soul. The lady's all coo when he speaks. So here we have it.
A Secret Forgotten
By Jiztroyir Miqrohoru
A Place of Mystery
For a visitor of the island's history
Much gnawed bones
Do not speak of vaulted tomes
The pages possessed
That still lay at rest
For the teeth of Elves
Sought the strength of mind over matter
Not the matter
The monks took to mind
High up above
Where mountain of iron matches the clouds
That rain
Did live the monks who did train
Their screams of fear
Nevermore to hear
But frozen in terror
Did the elves do without error
Always be wary
of the Tel'Mordere
For the Qui Vive (Not I)
Saw only their last eve
After Jiztroyir finished his poem he told me, "For many it is nothing more than a place of bones and curiosity. A broken bridge to the past: A bridge to the past broken and bare.
I dont think Jiztroyir likes elves very much. So that was his poem. Very tragic. very tragic indeed. Perhaps I'll hire one of the local adventurers one day to track this place down and see for myself. Or maybe a small army of adventurers. One can never be too cautious you know.
I also must make a retraction to a chapter before where I mentioned 4 murderous miscreants led by the Red Wizard Seth. They said they did not murder the fair elf. So perhaps I got ahead of myself but then again Who would trust the word of a Red Wizard. Even if they didn't! They are up to something. Red wizards always have some nefarious scheme up their sleeves and down their robes. I will update everyone about this story with the continuation of my book.
You see I recently met a very large man covered entirely in heavy plate mail. You know the type. Put them in a giant steel box. Give them a six-foot sword and tell them the enemy is across the field. Then they will run that way drooling, slobbering and screaming out war chants until they disappear in the distance...........or find something to kill.
What would you know that one of these giant hauberks of havoc would know poetry of all things. So, I give you Jiztroyir Miqrohoru A Kralshaman of the Hellshire Clan (whatever that means), and his poetry from a distant past. Jiztroyir is so big that not only could he be in the shield wall: He could be the shield wall. He also has a handsome voice to boot when he sings his poetry. A lovely booming bass that resonates deep down in your soul. The lady's all coo when he speaks. So here we have it.
A Secret Forgotten
By Jiztroyir Miqrohoru
A Place of Mystery
For a visitor of the island's history
Much gnawed bones
Do not speak of vaulted tomes
The pages possessed
That still lay at rest
For the teeth of Elves
Sought the strength of mind over matter
Not the matter
The monks took to mind
High up above
Where mountain of iron matches the clouds
That rain
Did live the monks who did train
Their screams of fear
Nevermore to hear
But frozen in terror
Did the elves do without error
Always be wary
of the Tel'Mordere
For the Qui Vive (Not I)
Saw only their last eve
After Jiztroyir finished his poem he told me, "For many it is nothing more than a place of bones and curiosity. A broken bridge to the past: A bridge to the past broken and bare.
I dont think Jiztroyir likes elves very much. So that was his poem. Very tragic. very tragic indeed. Perhaps I'll hire one of the local adventurers one day to track this place down and see for myself. Or maybe a small army of adventurers. One can never be too cautious you know.
I also must make a retraction to a chapter before where I mentioned 4 murderous miscreants led by the Red Wizard Seth. They said they did not murder the fair elf. So perhaps I got ahead of myself but then again Who would trust the word of a Red Wizard. Even if they didn't! They are up to something. Red wizards always have some nefarious scheme up their sleeves and down their robes. I will update everyone about this story with the continuation of my book.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
//OOC I will eventually split Brath’s stories and books from his experiences sometime in the future for others to read. This would not be in his book.
Webbed hands breach the surface of the water. A head raises above the surface. It is the face of an Alu’Tel’quessir. His skin is a silver green color. He has ruddy auburn hair, and his eyes are a striking color of silver. The Aquatic elf lifts himself upon the shore in the secret grotto. It is hard to get to and why he has chosen this place to make his home.
To get to it you must be able to swim a distance underwater through caves and tunnels. When you surface you find yourself in a small area along the grey mountains above the Wyrmlake. Here is his sanctuary from other beings.
The elven gets on his hand and knees. Pain starts to wrack his body as bones change form. They lengthen and thicken. His delicate elven ears grow smaller and rounder. He whimpers as the change takes hold. His skin turns an olive of a desert nomad. His eyes change to a brilliant blue. He grows from a 5ft stature to a 6ft’4 giant of a human. When done he rolls over on his back.
He rolls over in a cold sweat and looks up at the stars. “Where are you two, I wonder. Krynnspace? Nirnspace, Greyhawk? What crystal sphere are you investigating to bring our people to a safe place? Are you using the song mother? You must be. It’s the only way to bring them too you. A song I must use soon.
Brath thinks of the things ahead when he sings the song. What if she comes? What if she doesn’t What will it be like? Mother never told him. The History of the world according to his people the Irda is a song powerful in magic. It will be carried by the wind to the far corners of the realm he now lives in. If she hears it. She will join in his song and come to him.
What bothers him most though is not the trial after. Not the savagery of the curse. Nor the high sorcery they will use upon each other to subjugate the other in their mating curse. What bothers him worse is that she may not come. She may not hear. Worst still. He may be the last of his kind on Toril.
Brath sighs at the thought. Mother and father said they would look on Toril last. He knows it was for him to get through his ordeal. Still there are so few of the high ogres left spread across the worlds and the astral plane. How many? No one knows. The valin has done its job. His people still survive and still linger here and there across wildspace, the astral, and the crystal spheres.
He has already made his choice. He loves all the people of Toril. He will stay after he has done his duty. Mother was angry. His stepfather just nodded in understanding. For now, he must wait until their return maybe in a decade, score or century of years. That’s if he gets through the valin alive.
He gets up and retrieves a pile of books and notebooks from his tent. Rifling through them he takes out a set of very old books. As he opens them one would notice it is a language not even known on this world. It looks more like sheets of music rather than a language for high ogres use tones as well as words to communicate. He studies refamiliarizing himself with the ancient text and the spell used to carry it across the winds of a nation.
Webbed hands breach the surface of the water. A head raises above the surface. It is the face of an Alu’Tel’quessir. His skin is a silver green color. He has ruddy auburn hair, and his eyes are a striking color of silver. The Aquatic elf lifts himself upon the shore in the secret grotto. It is hard to get to and why he has chosen this place to make his home.
To get to it you must be able to swim a distance underwater through caves and tunnels. When you surface you find yourself in a small area along the grey mountains above the Wyrmlake. Here is his sanctuary from other beings.
The elven gets on his hand and knees. Pain starts to wrack his body as bones change form. They lengthen and thicken. His delicate elven ears grow smaller and rounder. He whimpers as the change takes hold. His skin turns an olive of a desert nomad. His eyes change to a brilliant blue. He grows from a 5ft stature to a 6ft’4 giant of a human. When done he rolls over on his back.
He rolls over in a cold sweat and looks up at the stars. “Where are you two, I wonder. Krynnspace? Nirnspace, Greyhawk? What crystal sphere are you investigating to bring our people to a safe place? Are you using the song mother? You must be. It’s the only way to bring them too you. A song I must use soon.
Brath thinks of the things ahead when he sings the song. What if she comes? What if she doesn’t What will it be like? Mother never told him. The History of the world according to his people the Irda is a song powerful in magic. It will be carried by the wind to the far corners of the realm he now lives in. If she hears it. She will join in his song and come to him.
What bothers him most though is not the trial after. Not the savagery of the curse. Nor the high sorcery they will use upon each other to subjugate the other in their mating curse. What bothers him worse is that she may not come. She may not hear. Worst still. He may be the last of his kind on Toril.
Brath sighs at the thought. Mother and father said they would look on Toril last. He knows it was for him to get through his ordeal. Still there are so few of the high ogres left spread across the worlds and the astral plane. How many? No one knows. The valin has done its job. His people still survive and still linger here and there across wildspace, the astral, and the crystal spheres.
He has already made his choice. He loves all the people of Toril. He will stay after he has done his duty. Mother was angry. His stepfather just nodded in understanding. For now, he must wait until their return maybe in a decade, score or century of years. That’s if he gets through the valin alive.
He gets up and retrieves a pile of books and notebooks from his tent. Rifling through them he takes out a set of very old books. As he opens them one would notice it is a language not even known on this world. It looks more like sheets of music rather than a language for high ogres use tones as well as words to communicate. He studies refamiliarizing himself with the ancient text and the spell used to carry it across the winds of a nation.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
Brath taps his fingers on the rock next to him while thinking. He feels saddened by what had just happened then speaks to no one musing on what occurred. “So only 6 months and someone sniffed me out. Drasta, you have no idea what I must do now. Mom isn’t going to be happy about this. My failure to stay concealed. I need to think on better names to use as cover.
Brath thinks back to a few days ago. He had been diving for pearls as an aquatic elf. No one usually comes to the Wyrmlake and when they do he backs off to the cave he was living in as far back sometimes as the waterfall. Brath was rare for his kind in that he had a love for people and their stories but even he must take time for himself. All Irda do whether they like it or not. Solitude was their prime existence and one which each relished more than being in public, even him.
Seeing no one on the beach he surfaced and made a sandwich for the afternoon to rehash his own studies for the night in his mind. That’s when Drasta came out of the shadows and started to question him and what he was doing here. He said his name was George fumbling over the words for a quick name. George being a human name Drasta didn’t think for a moment it was true. His bluff failed him.
When she left, he was quite relieved and thought he had gotten rid of her for good, but it was not to be. The very next day she showed up while he was counting pearls along the shore. He had fled to his secret place, and she followed him. Showing up in the grotto not far behind.
Somehow, he just knew that he would never get rid of her or her curiosity, so he came clean. The two of them talked and Brath found out that Drasta called upon her Fey patron, Oberon. He appeared as a strange very large satyr. While they were all talking, Brath threw a magic crystal into the water by the falls. He already knew what he must do, this was the first step. The crystal dissolved in the water and there was a soft glow that sprang up along the grass and water in the area. After a minute the glow subsided to a glimmer. That glimmer could be seen from space and told every spelljammer passing by that the spot was a safe harbor for small craft and lifeboats being that nothing bigger than a damselfly could land in the spot.
While Oberon, Drasta and he were talking Brath shape changed into his human form feeling somewhat safe now that Drasta knew he could assume other forms. Unfortunately, and unluckily for Brath Elvalith, cloaked in invisibility had been watching them and showed herself. Now two people knew about Brath. He knew he had no way to go but away from the island he had found so many stories and so much fun fishing in. He waited for them to leave and quietly packed his things.
After that he went to town buying large quantities of rations and hauling them up to the lake and to the cave. He set them just at the waterfall entrance of the system for any spelljammer needing rations. Now he waits patiently for the right one to come.
In the weeks to come several lifeboats did stop and resupply with water and some of the rations. Mindflayers were the first, then Orcs, Dwarves and Elves. Several human lifeboats came he listened carefully to those while invisible for names. None were the ones he wanted. So now he sits and waits for the right ship to land, watching the skies and hoping it’s not his mother’s ship.
Brath thinks back to a few days ago. He had been diving for pearls as an aquatic elf. No one usually comes to the Wyrmlake and when they do he backs off to the cave he was living in as far back sometimes as the waterfall. Brath was rare for his kind in that he had a love for people and their stories but even he must take time for himself. All Irda do whether they like it or not. Solitude was their prime existence and one which each relished more than being in public, even him.
Seeing no one on the beach he surfaced and made a sandwich for the afternoon to rehash his own studies for the night in his mind. That’s when Drasta came out of the shadows and started to question him and what he was doing here. He said his name was George fumbling over the words for a quick name. George being a human name Drasta didn’t think for a moment it was true. His bluff failed him.
When she left, he was quite relieved and thought he had gotten rid of her for good, but it was not to be. The very next day she showed up while he was counting pearls along the shore. He had fled to his secret place, and she followed him. Showing up in the grotto not far behind.
Somehow, he just knew that he would never get rid of her or her curiosity, so he came clean. The two of them talked and Brath found out that Drasta called upon her Fey patron, Oberon. He appeared as a strange very large satyr. While they were all talking, Brath threw a magic crystal into the water by the falls. He already knew what he must do, this was the first step. The crystal dissolved in the water and there was a soft glow that sprang up along the grass and water in the area. After a minute the glow subsided to a glimmer. That glimmer could be seen from space and told every spelljammer passing by that the spot was a safe harbor for small craft and lifeboats being that nothing bigger than a damselfly could land in the spot.
While Oberon, Drasta and he were talking Brath shape changed into his human form feeling somewhat safe now that Drasta knew he could assume other forms. Unfortunately, and unluckily for Brath Elvalith, cloaked in invisibility had been watching them and showed herself. Now two people knew about Brath. He knew he had no way to go but away from the island he had found so many stories and so much fun fishing in. He waited for them to leave and quietly packed his things.
After that he went to town buying large quantities of rations and hauling them up to the lake and to the cave. He set them just at the waterfall entrance of the system for any spelljammer needing rations. Now he waits patiently for the right one to come.
In the weeks to come several lifeboats did stop and resupply with water and some of the rations. Mindflayers were the first, then Orcs, Dwarves and Elves. Several human lifeboats came he listened carefully to those while invisible for names. None were the ones he wanted. So now he sits and waits for the right ship to land, watching the skies and hoping it’s not his mother’s ship.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
After several months the right ship finally came. I was prepared with supplies but sadly not mentally. The captain herself greeted me after reading the Koshet I had left at the natural lifeboat pad. Her name was Anel. She explained to me that someone was expecting me in a village on my forefather's home world. It is the words that every male Irda dreads.
We talked all afternoon and into the night. She would not tell me of her experience. neither would her first mate S'rk. It was decided we set off the next morning. It was decided that we should set off the next morning at sunrise. I will miss Thain. I will miss Lapis Port where I grew up and I will miss the world of Toril. One day I may return. Perhaps not. The winds of fate ever change as you live life. If I survive the next few months, then I will settle on the continent of Ansolon. It's a very dangerous place for one such as I. Both ogres and sorcerers will be killed if found out. I must be careful. I will take council with my great grandmother Diviner. Hopefully that will help.
I could always stay in that little village in the desert. I would be protected by the cliffs surrounding it as others of my kind have for thousands of years. However, I am ever the wanderer. Ever Curious. I wish to know this new home and so I shall. As I step on the ship, I look out at the lake one last time. Sadness fills my heart for the past, excitement for the unknown future.
We talked all afternoon and into the night. She would not tell me of her experience. neither would her first mate S'rk. It was decided we set off the next morning. It was decided that we should set off the next morning at sunrise. I will miss Thain. I will miss Lapis Port where I grew up and I will miss the world of Toril. One day I may return. Perhaps not. The winds of fate ever change as you live life. If I survive the next few months, then I will settle on the continent of Ansolon. It's a very dangerous place for one such as I. Both ogres and sorcerers will be killed if found out. I must be careful. I will take council with my great grandmother Diviner. Hopefully that will help.
I could always stay in that little village in the desert. I would be protected by the cliffs surrounding it as others of my kind have for thousands of years. However, I am ever the wanderer. Ever Curious. I wish to know this new home and so I shall. As I step on the ship, I look out at the lake one last time. Sadness fills my heart for the past, excitement for the unknown future.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
As Brath wakes up, he feels a searing pain all over his body. He is laying in a bed with most of his body bandaged. His arms and legs are in casts. There is a tall green skinned woman with black hair looking over him. Her silver eyes look familiar, yet he can’t seem to place them. He tries to move. A pain unlike anything he has experience stops him. His muscles go slack, and his body seems to sink further into the bed cushion.
“You are awake finally. We almost thought we had lost you.”
“Where? Where am I?”
“You are in a small village deep within the plains of dust. Tarsis is to the northwest. A small elven kingdom is to the northeast. Our village. The village that your grandmother Aiauta was born we call it Missenvale. It is a valley inside a stand of cliffs. The cliff walls are covered by illusionary magic to make it look uninviting to adventurers, armies or anything else. You are Brath are you not?”
“Yes, I would nod but it hurts too much.”
“I am diviner, Farmer. Your great grandmother and leader of this enclave. I am sorry for your ordeal. She broke your legs and arms to keep you with her. She also drained most of your sorcery and all of your wizard abilities. You put up a fight though. Luckily you were much stronger than her magically. You survived.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I know. The question is: What do we do with you, now? You cannot stay here with her in the village. She could not bear seeing you with what she has done. And you probably will not want to see her with what you have done. It is just how the curse works Brath.”
“Will I ever get to see her…… or him?”
The Diviner smiles, “It will be a boy. He will be taken care of and raised in the village proper. Her mother has little sorcery. She never developed her gifts much. If your son wishes we will have others teach him to his true potential. Now that you are here on Krynn what do you wish to do? As I said, it would be best that you leave so that your mate and you may find some peace. There are several enclaves of our people. They are hidden from the rest of the world and live in relative peace. You could wander the lands, but I caution you. Sorcerers are killed when found. So are our people. You will have to be very careful.”
“I’m not ready for this conversation.”
“Yet you must think about it, Brath. If you go out into the world. You must be able to hide your true self, always and never let your guard down. I’m sure your mother taught you this? I have seen that you like to write stories. Perhaps instead of once again delving in wizardry perhaps an entertainer. In this way you can hide your sorcery.”
“I’ve been taught to hide since I was a small child, Diviner. I will most likely want to see what this world of Krynn has to offer. Perhaps in the days to come I will get back to my old happy self again.”
“The Valin changes you, Brath. It changes all of us. There is hope though that you will get much of it back. I warn you though. The people of the world. They are barbarians. Some are degenerates. Far too long our family has been attracted to humans and elven. Please consider this if you think about taking a mate from these people. They are not our people. They know not our ways and even an elven mate will wane and die before you even reach middle age. Your grandmother's mate was human and so is your mothers. Look for a good woman among the enclaves. It will be better for both of you this way.”
I will not tell you where they are. But you may find them if you look.”
“I need to rest now. The pain is intense.”
“I am sorry. We do not follow the gods so have no healers among us. You will have to heal in the old ways, but I understand and will leave you to rest……. And to think of your future here.”
The Diviner stands and walks away with the grace of a high ogre. Something Brath has never seen before being his mother was so clumsy even for human standards. He is slightly in awe of her retreat. Once he is all alone, he sleeps and dreams.
“You are awake finally. We almost thought we had lost you.”
“Where? Where am I?”
“You are in a small village deep within the plains of dust. Tarsis is to the northwest. A small elven kingdom is to the northeast. Our village. The village that your grandmother Aiauta was born we call it Missenvale. It is a valley inside a stand of cliffs. The cliff walls are covered by illusionary magic to make it look uninviting to adventurers, armies or anything else. You are Brath are you not?”
“Yes, I would nod but it hurts too much.”
“I am diviner, Farmer. Your great grandmother and leader of this enclave. I am sorry for your ordeal. She broke your legs and arms to keep you with her. She also drained most of your sorcery and all of your wizard abilities. You put up a fight though. Luckily you were much stronger than her magically. You survived.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I know. The question is: What do we do with you, now? You cannot stay here with her in the village. She could not bear seeing you with what she has done. And you probably will not want to see her with what you have done. It is just how the curse works Brath.”
“Will I ever get to see her…… or him?”
The Diviner smiles, “It will be a boy. He will be taken care of and raised in the village proper. Her mother has little sorcery. She never developed her gifts much. If your son wishes we will have others teach him to his true potential. Now that you are here on Krynn what do you wish to do? As I said, it would be best that you leave so that your mate and you may find some peace. There are several enclaves of our people. They are hidden from the rest of the world and live in relative peace. You could wander the lands, but I caution you. Sorcerers are killed when found. So are our people. You will have to be very careful.”
“I’m not ready for this conversation.”
“Yet you must think about it, Brath. If you go out into the world. You must be able to hide your true self, always and never let your guard down. I’m sure your mother taught you this? I have seen that you like to write stories. Perhaps instead of once again delving in wizardry perhaps an entertainer. In this way you can hide your sorcery.”
“I’ve been taught to hide since I was a small child, Diviner. I will most likely want to see what this world of Krynn has to offer. Perhaps in the days to come I will get back to my old happy self again.”
“The Valin changes you, Brath. It changes all of us. There is hope though that you will get much of it back. I warn you though. The people of the world. They are barbarians. Some are degenerates. Far too long our family has been attracted to humans and elven. Please consider this if you think about taking a mate from these people. They are not our people. They know not our ways and even an elven mate will wane and die before you even reach middle age. Your grandmother's mate was human and so is your mothers. Look for a good woman among the enclaves. It will be better for both of you this way.”
I will not tell you where they are. But you may find them if you look.”
“I need to rest now. The pain is intense.”
“I am sorry. We do not follow the gods so have no healers among us. You will have to heal in the old ways, but I understand and will leave you to rest……. And to think of your future here.”
The Diviner stands and walks away with the grace of a high ogre. Something Brath has never seen before being his mother was so clumsy even for human standards. He is slightly in awe of her retreat. Once he is all alone, he sleeps and dreams.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
Brath writes in a separate journal his own personal thoughts, so they do not get mixed up with his book notes. He writes in Kolshet so that only one of his own people could read the things he says.
It took me two years to get over my ordeal and the curse of the Valin. Diviner my great grandmother helped me along every few months. All the while I knew I could never face the one that participated in the curse with me. I also know I would never meet my son at least here. I would never even recognize him later in life, if I am to live long enough to see him in manhood. He would have to face the same as I have. The curse will continue, at least until my mother figures out a way to break it.
I know she is affected the same the awful totality of the Valin effects woman and man the same. The shame of what we did to each other. The magics unleashed along with the violence and rage. They gave me a home for this time to recover. My body recovered quickly. My mind was another matter entirely. When I somewhat felt that my spirit returned, I left.
Now I stay in Solace for now. Fishing and learning about the adventurers in this new world of Krynn. It's time to go fishing and learning of great deeds unfolding in the lands. Behind them all is Krynn's adventurers.
It took me two years to get over my ordeal and the curse of the Valin. Diviner my great grandmother helped me along every few months. All the while I knew I could never face the one that participated in the curse with me. I also know I would never meet my son at least here. I would never even recognize him later in life, if I am to live long enough to see him in manhood. He would have to face the same as I have. The curse will continue, at least until my mother figures out a way to break it.
I know she is affected the same the awful totality of the Valin effects woman and man the same. The shame of what we did to each other. The magics unleashed along with the violence and rage. They gave me a home for this time to recover. My body recovered quickly. My mind was another matter entirely. When I somewhat felt that my spirit returned, I left.
Now I stay in Solace for now. Fishing and learning about the adventurers in this new world of Krynn. It's time to go fishing and learning of great deeds unfolding in the lands. Behind them all is Krynn's adventurers.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
Chapter IV
The Solace lake of Krynn
Hello and bright sunrise to our Hatch catching fly makers of Krynn! New world, new attitude! Well slightly different attitude but what the hells! We are here to have a smashing good time. And if you want that in Krynn: The very first water you should dip your rod into is the LAKE OF SOLACE! It has everything. Bluegill, Crappie, small mouth bass, largemouth bass, channel cat of course and My oh My! RAINBOW TROUT! The very king of freshwater fishing!
The lake is several acres round and it is teaming with some of the greatest freshwater species. Haven't caught a perch or sunfish yet but I have caught Rainbow here! And so far, ... NO BOOT MIMICS EITHER! Although, the lake has a few dangers and mysteries at well.
Now to fish this lake I would suggest a light to medium fly rod with a heavy string. You never know when you latch on to that 50-inch rainbow and have the fight of your life. You have to pay particular attention to the hatches in the area. Solace is temperate with lots of hatches every week. Once you figure out a hatch sometimes it's even too late to make a proper fly. It may take a few years and making of a few steady flies over winter to anticipate the hatches next year, but We can do this! In fact, just this last fishing session I used Daddy Long Legs fall terrestrial fly with wonderful results. Write that down and get to tying my fellow Fly-fishing aficionados and get ready for the fall season.
The fishing is so wonderful here I might stay another year the lake is fed by a large underground stream and please do not fall in. There are crocodiles deep below and other strange creatures in this deep lake. Though they seem to hang out only at the bottom. Maybe they have gills. I don't know but they never seem to come up to the surface. I may have to go deep and explore taking a fishing spear with me.
Now for the dangers and mysteries. There lurks occasionally in the trees...... Giant spiders. They may try to swoop down and steal your catch! Those darn spiders! Always be wary of the trees my friends. and watch out for those stealthy thread spinning sinister sisters hanging just above you. If you see one run as fast as you can to the guard. The mighty Solace guard will chop their legs off and the bodies seem to disappear up an elevator to the local inn. If you're afraid of spiders.... You may not want to eat there.
The other great danger of the lake are the giant water beetles. I have encountered many more of them than spiders and man are they nasty. Folks, you can see them coming though. The banks are quite high so when you see that water turning below your feet. RUN TO THE GUARD! They will easily take care of the beetle and send it to the craftsman shop to be turned into mulch and shellac. So even these giant beetles eventually do a service for the people of Solace.
Every once in a while, you will hook on to a skull or even a waterlogged body. Probably some adventurer exploring the underworld and falling into the fast-moving current of the underground stream. What a way to go folks. But you know how crazy adventurers are. Just look at my parents! If you find a skull its best to take and dispose of it or sell it off to the local blacksmith. He seems to like these old skulls........ He even has a collection of them. If you're into that sort of thing and ask nicely........ maybe he will show you his macabre collection! Maybe you can have a time determining how the poor adventurer died. Was he speared in the head by a koa-tou? Roasted over a fire by grey dwarves? or........Sacrificed to the spider queen but the dread Drow! I wouldn't know but I do have an imagination!
The other thing you might snag is a waterlogged body and sometimes it even has treasure. I found a big diamond on one and came off with 1300 in gold. So, if you do find a dead waterlogged body call the guards over. They will look it over to make sure it's not a local instead of some masochistic adventurer and then they will take it away to parts unknown even if it's in parts! I hope there's no local necromancer in town they may be selling it too. That would be awful.
And the very best part is.......It's an adventurers' paradise! You see them everywhere here. Pinning them down and getting a story from them is.... rather hard but I got one story from a dwarven priest. His name is Nuli Rockhill the Hygar Dwarf, and I will be telling his short tale about how he became a priest in the next section. Dwarves are easy though. Stick an ale in their hand and they will start talking right away! And that my friends in The Lake of Solace. I will tell Nuli's story and of my many new friends in the next section.
The Solace lake of Krynn
Hello and bright sunrise to our Hatch catching fly makers of Krynn! New world, new attitude! Well slightly different attitude but what the hells! We are here to have a smashing good time. And if you want that in Krynn: The very first water you should dip your rod into is the LAKE OF SOLACE! It has everything. Bluegill, Crappie, small mouth bass, largemouth bass, channel cat of course and My oh My! RAINBOW TROUT! The very king of freshwater fishing!
The lake is several acres round and it is teaming with some of the greatest freshwater species. Haven't caught a perch or sunfish yet but I have caught Rainbow here! And so far, ... NO BOOT MIMICS EITHER! Although, the lake has a few dangers and mysteries at well.
Now to fish this lake I would suggest a light to medium fly rod with a heavy string. You never know when you latch on to that 50-inch rainbow and have the fight of your life. You have to pay particular attention to the hatches in the area. Solace is temperate with lots of hatches every week. Once you figure out a hatch sometimes it's even too late to make a proper fly. It may take a few years and making of a few steady flies over winter to anticipate the hatches next year, but We can do this! In fact, just this last fishing session I used Daddy Long Legs fall terrestrial fly with wonderful results. Write that down and get to tying my fellow Fly-fishing aficionados and get ready for the fall season.
The fishing is so wonderful here I might stay another year the lake is fed by a large underground stream and please do not fall in. There are crocodiles deep below and other strange creatures in this deep lake. Though they seem to hang out only at the bottom. Maybe they have gills. I don't know but they never seem to come up to the surface. I may have to go deep and explore taking a fishing spear with me.
Now for the dangers and mysteries. There lurks occasionally in the trees...... Giant spiders. They may try to swoop down and steal your catch! Those darn spiders! Always be wary of the trees my friends. and watch out for those stealthy thread spinning sinister sisters hanging just above you. If you see one run as fast as you can to the guard. The mighty Solace guard will chop their legs off and the bodies seem to disappear up an elevator to the local inn. If you're afraid of spiders.... You may not want to eat there.
The other great danger of the lake are the giant water beetles. I have encountered many more of them than spiders and man are they nasty. Folks, you can see them coming though. The banks are quite high so when you see that water turning below your feet. RUN TO THE GUARD! They will easily take care of the beetle and send it to the craftsman shop to be turned into mulch and shellac. So even these giant beetles eventually do a service for the people of Solace.
Every once in a while, you will hook on to a skull or even a waterlogged body. Probably some adventurer exploring the underworld and falling into the fast-moving current of the underground stream. What a way to go folks. But you know how crazy adventurers are. Just look at my parents! If you find a skull its best to take and dispose of it or sell it off to the local blacksmith. He seems to like these old skulls........ He even has a collection of them. If you're into that sort of thing and ask nicely........ maybe he will show you his macabre collection! Maybe you can have a time determining how the poor adventurer died. Was he speared in the head by a koa-tou? Roasted over a fire by grey dwarves? or........Sacrificed to the spider queen but the dread Drow! I wouldn't know but I do have an imagination!
The other thing you might snag is a waterlogged body and sometimes it even has treasure. I found a big diamond on one and came off with 1300 in gold. So, if you do find a dead waterlogged body call the guards over. They will look it over to make sure it's not a local instead of some masochistic adventurer and then they will take it away to parts unknown even if it's in parts! I hope there's no local necromancer in town they may be selling it too. That would be awful.
And the very best part is.......It's an adventurers' paradise! You see them everywhere here. Pinning them down and getting a story from them is.... rather hard but I got one story from a dwarven priest. His name is Nuli Rockhill the Hygar Dwarf, and I will be telling his short tale about how he became a priest in the next section. Dwarves are easy though. Stick an ale in their hand and they will start talking right away! And that my friends in The Lake of Solace. I will tell Nuli's story and of my many new friends in the next section.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
My fellow Casting Cavaliers I have met so, so many adventurers already on this new journey! They come in all shapes, sizes and flavors too including an insane dragonborn like creature named Skraak! He says his queen is going to make the world anew! This one's been adventuring way too long. Do they have hospitals for the infirm here. I hope so this Skraak obviously needs some help........... or a good smack across the back of the head. Someone told me he wasn't even born he was made! Think of that A dragonborn flesh golem. He did walk kind of funny like maybe he needs to take a sit down over a log.
There's also a beautiful avenging angel by the name of Anious or.... Ani for short. Shes a knight like no other. I think there's a halo that surrounds her head. Ok... ok... Brath, remember. You don't want to tear her apart while ummm well. That makes me sad. But Ani is my best-est buddy here at the moment. There's a cryptic mage named Mack and theres also the scary woman in black that stands outside the barracks. I think shes waiting to snatch babies from their cribs and feed them to....... Her pets. I don't know her name. I was too scared to ask.
There's Wuilborn who was lost at sea and ate kelp and crabs for years before he found his way back to civilization again. He seems none to worst for wear but he's an adventurer now, so you know that does not brood well.
But the tale I want to tell is from Nuli Rockhill the Hylar dwarf that dedicated himself to the god Reorx....... Whoever that is. So, todays story is about Da! Da! Da!.......... drum roll... DA! The Making of a Priest.
After Nuli was chiseled from stone. Isn't that how dwarves are born? ummm lets start over.
When Nuli Rockhill was a small boy....... 6 inches tall? no not that small......... A strapping barrel-chested young Dwarf He had a best-est friend by the name of Legnar. Nuli was in a dour mood. An even more dour mood that what is usual for a dwarf. His father had just told him. "Son! You must make a choice in what you are going to do in life. It's almost time and I want you to make the clan and especially me Proud! You're a Rockhill damn it! So, hold your Ale and make something of yourself!
You have a choice my boy. You could be a smith like me and toil away all day and night at the forge. It's hard grueling work but you'll have musckles like me and attract a wife with a proper beard.
You could be a sniveling, whiny merchant! and steal from both sides of the fence becoming rich and taking care of your poor Father and mother when we become old!
You could become a Tinker! Yes, yes tinkers are smart, but they are WEAK! They can't even pick up a proper pickaxe, so they have to make toys ones to play with.
OR! You could become a priest and read the sacred stone tablets all day while beating yourself senseless until your old and grey.
Now I know you've made the right choice son." He rolls up his sleeves and pumps his brawny arms. "But you still have a week to think about it. In seven days........ I WANT YOUR ANSWER"
And thus, Nuli goes out of the home to 'think' about his choices throwing himself into a dour. And what do you know He finds his best-est friend Legnar. "Legnar My friend, my father gave me the talk?"
Legnar laughs, "You didn't know about girls?"
"Of course, I do! It's not about the stone and pick. It was the "What are you going to be talk."
Legnar puts his hand in front of his mouth. "Oh! Now that's serious. How long you have my best-est friend?"
"Seven Days! Well Tell you what Nuli. Let's get us our picks and shovels and make a rock fortress into a wall somewhere. How's that sound to take the blues away."
Nuli snaps his fingers, "I'm with you, my friend. You bring the picks and shovels, and I'll swindle a tun of ale from home. The two friends slap the backs of each other's heads. (because that's what dwarves do) And go get supplies for their grand adventure.
They meet back up an hour later and start their glorious adventure of making a rock fort to help protect the clan home.
They start to explore the eastern side of the mountain coming to a shale ravine. They slowly travel across it and it gets fairly narrow. Legnar turns around. "Nuli my best-est friend we need to be CAREEEEEEFFFFUUUUUL!" Legnar had slid on a sheet of shale and tumbled down into the ravine.
Nuli grabs his small young beard and pulls it calling out. "LEGNAR SAY SOMETHING!"
"UUUUGH!"
Nuli acts quickly half walking, half running across the ravine until he found a negotiable way down. He half tumbles, half slides on his butt down and runs to his Best-est friend. "Legnar are you still with me!"
"Uuuugh! I'm done for Nuli, Save yourself!"
Nuli didn't know what to do. He was pulling on his beard thinking should I go back to the village? No Legnar won't make it that long. What can I do, what can I do! In desperations He raises his hands up to the stone floor. "Please, help us Reorx."
Nulis hands light up with a golden light. Legnar's body starts to levitate. The golden glow stretches from Nuli's hands and encompasses Legnar's entire body. Bones snap back into place. Bruises heal. The color in Legnar's cheeks returns. and his body slowly lowers and rests back on the ground.
Legnar stands up shakily. Nuli rushes up and hugs him. "I thought I lost you mate!"
"That was amazing! I'm healed. Let's forget about that fort and just open the tun ummm after we get ourselves out of the ravine." The pair get back out of the canyon and go halfway back to town. They party as only dwarves can do talking about this turn of fortune.
When Nuli gets home his dad is waiting. He both proud and angry. Proud that Nuli can already hold his ale and angry because he swiped a tun. When Nuli tells him the story. His father says, "Son! Ye need to go to the temple and tell the grand priest." His father takes him by the ear (He was still mad over the tun) and leads the boy to the church.
After much discussion with the Grandiose priest. His dad leaves him there. The priest takes him off to study and sets him in front of a stone tablet. "Read the tablet of truth, Nuli. Then beat your head against it. Then do it again. When your head breaks the tablet, we will know you have it memorized, and you will have learned!"
And that my fishing friends is how Nuli Rockhill began his journey to becoming a powerful war priest of the god Reorx.
There's also a beautiful avenging angel by the name of Anious or.... Ani for short. Shes a knight like no other. I think there's a halo that surrounds her head. Ok... ok... Brath, remember. You don't want to tear her apart while ummm well. That makes me sad. But Ani is my best-est buddy here at the moment. There's a cryptic mage named Mack and theres also the scary woman in black that stands outside the barracks. I think shes waiting to snatch babies from their cribs and feed them to....... Her pets. I don't know her name. I was too scared to ask.
There's Wuilborn who was lost at sea and ate kelp and crabs for years before he found his way back to civilization again. He seems none to worst for wear but he's an adventurer now, so you know that does not brood well.
But the tale I want to tell is from Nuli Rockhill the Hylar dwarf that dedicated himself to the god Reorx....... Whoever that is. So, todays story is about Da! Da! Da!.......... drum roll... DA! The Making of a Priest.
After Nuli was chiseled from stone. Isn't that how dwarves are born? ummm lets start over.
When Nuli Rockhill was a small boy....... 6 inches tall? no not that small......... A strapping barrel-chested young Dwarf He had a best-est friend by the name of Legnar. Nuli was in a dour mood. An even more dour mood that what is usual for a dwarf. His father had just told him. "Son! You must make a choice in what you are going to do in life. It's almost time and I want you to make the clan and especially me Proud! You're a Rockhill damn it! So, hold your Ale and make something of yourself!
You have a choice my boy. You could be a smith like me and toil away all day and night at the forge. It's hard grueling work but you'll have musckles like me and attract a wife with a proper beard.
You could be a sniveling, whiny merchant! and steal from both sides of the fence becoming rich and taking care of your poor Father and mother when we become old!
You could become a Tinker! Yes, yes tinkers are smart, but they are WEAK! They can't even pick up a proper pickaxe, so they have to make toys ones to play with.
OR! You could become a priest and read the sacred stone tablets all day while beating yourself senseless until your old and grey.
Now I know you've made the right choice son." He rolls up his sleeves and pumps his brawny arms. "But you still have a week to think about it. In seven days........ I WANT YOUR ANSWER"
And thus, Nuli goes out of the home to 'think' about his choices throwing himself into a dour. And what do you know He finds his best-est friend Legnar. "Legnar My friend, my father gave me the talk?"
Legnar laughs, "You didn't know about girls?"
"Of course, I do! It's not about the stone and pick. It was the "What are you going to be talk."
Legnar puts his hand in front of his mouth. "Oh! Now that's serious. How long you have my best-est friend?"
"Seven Days! Well Tell you what Nuli. Let's get us our picks and shovels and make a rock fortress into a wall somewhere. How's that sound to take the blues away."
Nuli snaps his fingers, "I'm with you, my friend. You bring the picks and shovels, and I'll swindle a tun of ale from home. The two friends slap the backs of each other's heads. (because that's what dwarves do) And go get supplies for their grand adventure.
They meet back up an hour later and start their glorious adventure of making a rock fort to help protect the clan home.
They start to explore the eastern side of the mountain coming to a shale ravine. They slowly travel across it and it gets fairly narrow. Legnar turns around. "Nuli my best-est friend we need to be CAREEEEEEFFFFUUUUUL!" Legnar had slid on a sheet of shale and tumbled down into the ravine.
Nuli grabs his small young beard and pulls it calling out. "LEGNAR SAY SOMETHING!"
"UUUUGH!"
Nuli acts quickly half walking, half running across the ravine until he found a negotiable way down. He half tumbles, half slides on his butt down and runs to his Best-est friend. "Legnar are you still with me!"
"Uuuugh! I'm done for Nuli, Save yourself!"
Nuli didn't know what to do. He was pulling on his beard thinking should I go back to the village? No Legnar won't make it that long. What can I do, what can I do! In desperations He raises his hands up to the stone floor. "Please, help us Reorx."
Nulis hands light up with a golden light. Legnar's body starts to levitate. The golden glow stretches from Nuli's hands and encompasses Legnar's entire body. Bones snap back into place. Bruises heal. The color in Legnar's cheeks returns. and his body slowly lowers and rests back on the ground.
Legnar stands up shakily. Nuli rushes up and hugs him. "I thought I lost you mate!"
"That was amazing! I'm healed. Let's forget about that fort and just open the tun ummm after we get ourselves out of the ravine." The pair get back out of the canyon and go halfway back to town. They party as only dwarves can do talking about this turn of fortune.
When Nuli gets home his dad is waiting. He both proud and angry. Proud that Nuli can already hold his ale and angry because he swiped a tun. When Nuli tells him the story. His father says, "Son! Ye need to go to the temple and tell the grand priest." His father takes him by the ear (He was still mad over the tun) and leads the boy to the church.
After much discussion with the Grandiose priest. His dad leaves him there. The priest takes him off to study and sets him in front of a stone tablet. "Read the tablet of truth, Nuli. Then beat your head against it. Then do it again. When your head breaks the tablet, we will know you have it memorized, and you will have learned!"
And that my fishing friends is how Nuli Rockhill began his journey to becoming a powerful war priest of the god Reorx.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2143
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Brath Vail
Brath goes south of the city then west to crystal lake. He walks to the middle where there is an abandoned adventurer’s camp. He smiles and remembers the old adventurers camp back home in Lapis port. They have a sign there now talking about the legendary people that used to park their butts there. Names like Ammothrawen Hener, Darias Mars, Ruidari Sithmore, and Shaia Ferelden. He opens his story journal and writes.
My fellow Tackle Junkies I am almost a master fisherman on Krynn. I hope to gain the title soon. I’ve been fishing at the lake in Solace for so long now but have not found another place as of yet to apply my grand hobby. That’s ok, there are plenty of adventurers to drop by and tell their tall tales to us. It’s not like we don’t have our own tall tales at times. You can’t see it but I’m chuckling at myself.
As I was fishing this week a beautiful short blonde woman came up to me to watch me fish. She was gorgeous, my friends. I could not believe my eyes. She told me the tale of her bestest friend that has been missing for many years. I will tell you the talk of………… The Lady and the Staff! Yes.
There once was a woman that wielded a great staff of healing magic. War came to the lands, and she gathered many companions to defeat the great evil dragon that caused all the chaos in the Kingdom. They fought a great wall of enemies always pushing to their goal: The Great dragon of darkness.
Eventually the two sides fought directly. Mina’s friend. (The woman who used the staff) fought valiantly with her companions there was a great explosion, and her friend was sent to the abyss with the dragon they fought. All that remained was a piece of the crystal staff she used to defeat the mighty creature.
Now others search far and near for the staff. When all the pieces are found, and it is mended back together, her friend will return to the lands to protect the world once more. I think she told me the story of a woman called Goldenmoon but I am not sure. There could be another you know.
While she was telling her tale Ani came up to talk to me be stopped and gave Lady Mina much reverence. When Lady Mina left Ani told me she was actually a real goddess. Wow! And her name is Mishakal The one that saved my tribe so long ago. And she stopped to talk to me! It’s a wonder. Of course, Ani could be lying. What goddess would talk to a simple fisherman. Maybe she was just trying to stroke my ego. I think Ani has plans for me, but I found out something about her: Something dark. I will have to wait until I go to another land to tell her tale. It is something and I know this story is at least in part truth.
Brath looks up as he suddenly hears singing in his head. The song is in Kolshet, the language of his people. He stands and looks at the white moon wondering what is going on. “That sounds like my mother.” As he watches a cold feeling comes over him. He abruptly turns around to see a giant of a creature with horns growing out of its head sitting on one of the logs by the fire. The figure stares at him silently.
Brath sucks in his breath. “You’re………”
“Tal-Vashoth Kadan of a Random Few.”
Brath shakes his head, “Why are you here. Does this have to do with the song in my head?”
“Yes and no, Brath. Your mother is calling her people to come with her, along with the Mischta. The Nzunta will hear the call too and try to stop her, but she called the guild to her aid.”
“All of them?”
“Some will heed her song. Some will not. She is the Sierra, the grand enchantress of the Irda people, and they know her voice.”
“Ummm so why are you here and not helping her?”
“I’m here for you, Brath. Do you not think a son of the guild would not be looked upon every now and then. You did so well on Thain. Here you fucked up so badly. Everyone with any grey matter in their head know exactly what you are. You have become a moron.”
Brath falls to his hands and knees. He strains as bones lengthen and change. His skin becomes a light emerald green. His hair grows to a black mass and his eyes change to silver. After recovering his strength, he stands again. Now he is almost 7 ft tall. As tall as the giant that sits before him. “I am tired of the hiding, the lying, the running. I just want a good and peaceful life. I have not found another enclave as of yet to go too. I have to hide in human form. A form I have come to hate.”
“Have you not heard the tale of your mother almost dying at the hands of Ogres. They wanted her skin for shape changing items, her blood for longevity potions and her brain to make things for perfect memory. Have you not heard the tale of her being captured by a great Deamon that wanted to enslave her. All because those damn Ogres sniffed her out. What’s wrong with you Brath.
This is a necessary thing. If you want to walk among others, you must hide your true form. Nowhere is safe for you. At least in this universe. It must have been the curse of the valin that changed you. Have you mated yet?”
“Yes.”
The Tal-Vashoth looks around. “I hate this place. It makes me queasy somehow but Good! Your chore is done here. I am to take you back to the guild in Sigil. There we will help you find a new place to live. Kynn is an old and dying world. It’s not worth your time Farmer. The people here are closed minded, and the mages here; like on my home world, Thedas, only respect mages that seek power for power’s sake. It’s time to go. They do not see the pure beauty of magic. Your people are the only ones on this world that do.”
“I was just about to take my test…….and become a master fisherman.”
Kadan laughs, “They would kill you as soon as you stepped in that tower Brath. Why do you think your grandmother Aiauta never took her test. All people here fear your kind. It doesn’t matter if you’re good or like your evil ancestors. You are a creature straight out of legend and that legend terrifies every non ogre on this planet. Grow up.”
Brath feels another chill and Melocia, the grey elf from Oerth steps into camp from the border ethereal. “BRATH!” She stretches out her hands.
“Auntie Melocia!” Brath runs over and picks her up while he hugs her. After a long moment he sets her down.
The Tal-Vashoth grumbles, “Crazy elf and crazy ogre reunion………. great!”
Melocia smiles. “Last I saw you; you were this high. She holds her and at about 4 ft. 6inches “And now look at the magic surrounding you. 4th circle in both disciplines. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Auntie, Mel.”
She turns her head toward Kadan, “The Nzunta that heard the call and came to stop it are defeated most dead the others fled.”
Brath sucks his breath in, “Where are mother and father?”
Melocia looks up, “They are collecting all the ogres that want to come with them. They’ll travel the astral sea next and collect as many as they can.”
“Where are they going with all those people?” Brath asks.
“We don’t know yet other than somewhere safe.”
Kadan comments, “They are doing the job you were supposed to do Farmer. Unfortunately, all you think about is fishing and stories.
Melocia cuts in. “Don’t listen to him, Brath. Most Vashoth are total bores and Qunari are even worse.”
Brath looks up. “Will I see them?”
Both Melocia and Kadan shake their heads. Kadan says, “They are on a higher mission for the ones we cannot speak of.
Brath looks around, “Why can’t I stay here?”
Melocia looks sadly at him, “You have done your work here for the continuation of your race Brath. Don’t you think it’s time to go home? Or somewhere where mages are treated better than here or Thedas. Perhaps Nirn, or Oerth. We can talk about it when you get to Sigil. I have to go dear. See you at our headquarters.” Melocia turns takes a step and disappears.
Brath shakes his head. “I have to learn to do that.”
Kadan smiles, “You really don’t have the discipline yet to planes walk. It will take centuries. I’m about to throw up. This curse place called Krynn doesn’t like me here. Come on hold my hand. Next stop is Sigil.”
“I’ll have to remember to write Ani’s story.” Brath says as he takes the other giant’s hand.
“Do it later. I have to concentrate. And do not under any circumstances break the laws of Lady Pain.” The Tal-Vashoth concentrates. Brath suddenly can perceive the border ethereal. Before they step into the mists, Brath looks back one last time and waves Ansolon good-bye with a smile.
My fellow Tackle Junkies I am almost a master fisherman on Krynn. I hope to gain the title soon. I’ve been fishing at the lake in Solace for so long now but have not found another place as of yet to apply my grand hobby. That’s ok, there are plenty of adventurers to drop by and tell their tall tales to us. It’s not like we don’t have our own tall tales at times. You can’t see it but I’m chuckling at myself.
As I was fishing this week a beautiful short blonde woman came up to me to watch me fish. She was gorgeous, my friends. I could not believe my eyes. She told me the tale of her bestest friend that has been missing for many years. I will tell you the talk of………… The Lady and the Staff! Yes.
There once was a woman that wielded a great staff of healing magic. War came to the lands, and she gathered many companions to defeat the great evil dragon that caused all the chaos in the Kingdom. They fought a great wall of enemies always pushing to their goal: The Great dragon of darkness.
Eventually the two sides fought directly. Mina’s friend. (The woman who used the staff) fought valiantly with her companions there was a great explosion, and her friend was sent to the abyss with the dragon they fought. All that remained was a piece of the crystal staff she used to defeat the mighty creature.
Now others search far and near for the staff. When all the pieces are found, and it is mended back together, her friend will return to the lands to protect the world once more. I think she told me the story of a woman called Goldenmoon but I am not sure. There could be another you know.
While she was telling her tale Ani came up to talk to me be stopped and gave Lady Mina much reverence. When Lady Mina left Ani told me she was actually a real goddess. Wow! And her name is Mishakal The one that saved my tribe so long ago. And she stopped to talk to me! It’s a wonder. Of course, Ani could be lying. What goddess would talk to a simple fisherman. Maybe she was just trying to stroke my ego. I think Ani has plans for me, but I found out something about her: Something dark. I will have to wait until I go to another land to tell her tale. It is something and I know this story is at least in part truth.
Brath looks up as he suddenly hears singing in his head. The song is in Kolshet, the language of his people. He stands and looks at the white moon wondering what is going on. “That sounds like my mother.” As he watches a cold feeling comes over him. He abruptly turns around to see a giant of a creature with horns growing out of its head sitting on one of the logs by the fire. The figure stares at him silently.
Brath sucks in his breath. “You’re………”
“Tal-Vashoth Kadan of a Random Few.”
Brath shakes his head, “Why are you here. Does this have to do with the song in my head?”
“Yes and no, Brath. Your mother is calling her people to come with her, along with the Mischta. The Nzunta will hear the call too and try to stop her, but she called the guild to her aid.”
“All of them?”
“Some will heed her song. Some will not. She is the Sierra, the grand enchantress of the Irda people, and they know her voice.”
“Ummm so why are you here and not helping her?”
“I’m here for you, Brath. Do you not think a son of the guild would not be looked upon every now and then. You did so well on Thain. Here you fucked up so badly. Everyone with any grey matter in their head know exactly what you are. You have become a moron.”
Brath falls to his hands and knees. He strains as bones lengthen and change. His skin becomes a light emerald green. His hair grows to a black mass and his eyes change to silver. After recovering his strength, he stands again. Now he is almost 7 ft tall. As tall as the giant that sits before him. “I am tired of the hiding, the lying, the running. I just want a good and peaceful life. I have not found another enclave as of yet to go too. I have to hide in human form. A form I have come to hate.”
“Have you not heard the tale of your mother almost dying at the hands of Ogres. They wanted her skin for shape changing items, her blood for longevity potions and her brain to make things for perfect memory. Have you not heard the tale of her being captured by a great Deamon that wanted to enslave her. All because those damn Ogres sniffed her out. What’s wrong with you Brath.
This is a necessary thing. If you want to walk among others, you must hide your true form. Nowhere is safe for you. At least in this universe. It must have been the curse of the valin that changed you. Have you mated yet?”
“Yes.”
The Tal-Vashoth looks around. “I hate this place. It makes me queasy somehow but Good! Your chore is done here. I am to take you back to the guild in Sigil. There we will help you find a new place to live. Kynn is an old and dying world. It’s not worth your time Farmer. The people here are closed minded, and the mages here; like on my home world, Thedas, only respect mages that seek power for power’s sake. It’s time to go. They do not see the pure beauty of magic. Your people are the only ones on this world that do.”
“I was just about to take my test…….and become a master fisherman.”
Kadan laughs, “They would kill you as soon as you stepped in that tower Brath. Why do you think your grandmother Aiauta never took her test. All people here fear your kind. It doesn’t matter if you’re good or like your evil ancestors. You are a creature straight out of legend and that legend terrifies every non ogre on this planet. Grow up.”
Brath feels another chill and Melocia, the grey elf from Oerth steps into camp from the border ethereal. “BRATH!” She stretches out her hands.
“Auntie Melocia!” Brath runs over and picks her up while he hugs her. After a long moment he sets her down.
The Tal-Vashoth grumbles, “Crazy elf and crazy ogre reunion………. great!”
Melocia smiles. “Last I saw you; you were this high. She holds her and at about 4 ft. 6inches “And now look at the magic surrounding you. 4th circle in both disciplines. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Auntie, Mel.”
She turns her head toward Kadan, “The Nzunta that heard the call and came to stop it are defeated most dead the others fled.”
Brath sucks his breath in, “Where are mother and father?”
Melocia looks up, “They are collecting all the ogres that want to come with them. They’ll travel the astral sea next and collect as many as they can.”
“Where are they going with all those people?” Brath asks.
“We don’t know yet other than somewhere safe.”
Kadan comments, “They are doing the job you were supposed to do Farmer. Unfortunately, all you think about is fishing and stories.
Melocia cuts in. “Don’t listen to him, Brath. Most Vashoth are total bores and Qunari are even worse.”
Brath looks up. “Will I see them?”
Both Melocia and Kadan shake their heads. Kadan says, “They are on a higher mission for the ones we cannot speak of.
Brath looks around, “Why can’t I stay here?”
Melocia looks sadly at him, “You have done your work here for the continuation of your race Brath. Don’t you think it’s time to go home? Or somewhere where mages are treated better than here or Thedas. Perhaps Nirn, or Oerth. We can talk about it when you get to Sigil. I have to go dear. See you at our headquarters.” Melocia turns takes a step and disappears.
Brath shakes his head. “I have to learn to do that.”
Kadan smiles, “You really don’t have the discipline yet to planes walk. It will take centuries. I’m about to throw up. This curse place called Krynn doesn’t like me here. Come on hold my hand. Next stop is Sigil.”
“I’ll have to remember to write Ani’s story.” Brath says as he takes the other giant’s hand.
“Do it later. I have to concentrate. And do not under any circumstances break the laws of Lady Pain.” The Tal-Vashoth concentrates. Brath suddenly can perceive the border ethereal. Before they step into the mists, Brath looks back one last time and waves Ansolon good-bye with a smile.