History of Joryll Boreas

Joryll was born on a clear, moonlight sunset during the Anlas of Phelim's Vigil on Elandu 20, in the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in 334 VLR (Victory of Lanival the Redeemer), the Year of the Emerald Dolphin. Joryll's family regarded this as rather curious during her teenage years because she never developed the love and reverence for the ocean that the rest of her family always had. Her father, Montarr Boreas, served as Constable of the bustling, medium-sized town of Niole Dra in western Therengia until his retirement in the year 352 VLR. His wife, Raziel Boreas, was a bank manager in town until retiring in 354. Montarr and Raziel were always content with the simple Common life, unlike Montarr's two sisters, Amaterasu Quondai and Austeria Tollemache, who have carved out their own names in Elanthian history as a Paladin and Bard of the realms, respectively.

Joryll, although a healthy child, never had the same athletic inclinations as her aunt Amaterasu, instead tending toward academic studies. An only child, Joryll had no siblings to play with as she grew up, having to rely on her two aunts, who doted on her, and her friends. Joryll's parents tried to instill in her the same reverence her whole family held toward Eluned, goddess of the oceans. However, Joryll developed only a simple respect for the goddess as patron of learning and knowledge. Outside of this, she developed a 'live and let live' policy, believing that if she stayed out of the gods' way and left them alone, they would leave her alone. Joryll's mother prayed to all the gods that one of them give her a purpose in life and a reason to pay homage to one of them.

Kertigen heard Raziel's prayer, and his positive aspect Divyaush sent a favored merchant, Seryn Poih, to Niole Dra to sell some wares. Once Seryn was in town, the yaks pulling his caravan developed moderate stomach ailments. The town animal doctor told Seryn the yaks would need some rest and a diet of a certain grass that was abundant in Niole Dra, before they could pull the caravan again. So it was that Seryn stayed in Niole Dra for two weeks, during which time Raziel came to the town square, where the open market was held, to shop for vegetables. Joryll, now eight years old, had watched a lynx catch and eat a rabbit the previous winter and, stricken with horror, swore to follow a strict vegetarian diet ever afterward. She had also swore never to deliberately harm a living thing even if it meant her death. The town healer thought Joryll had a future as an Empath, but Joryll was not fond of either the smell of blood or the mental picture she drew in her mind of herself covered with ugly scars, which would become a certainty if she became an Empath. Although short for a human girl-child, Joryll was very pretty, with long, thick honey-colored hair, light gray eyes, an oval face and full pink lips. She preferred to stay that way.

Seryn happened to have a fresh supply of succulent carrots and tender water chestnuts, which were among Joryll's favorite vegetables. Raziel bought some from Seryn and, while chatting with the merchant, learned that he was staying in an inn not far from her husband's house. Raziel invited Seryn to join her family for dinner that night, believing it the least she could do in return for the bargain prices he had given her.

That night, Seryn joined Joryll and her parents for dinner. At the dinner conversation, Seryn spoke of his life as a merchant and a Trader- the traveling, the bartering, the chaos of the commodity pits- he even had grown accustomed to the smell of the yaks. Joryll was fascinated. Her family lived comfortably, but imagine what further things she could buy with the money a Trader makes! And these 'yaks'- what did they look like? She had never seen one before. Montarr and Raziel took a liking to Seryn and let him take Joryll to the stables where his yaks were being cared for. Joryll looked enraptured. Such magnificent, stately animals! From then on Joryll knew she wanted to be a Trader when she grew older, and one day own her own yak.

Seryn returned to Niole Dra every so often afterward, and Joryll always looked forward to his visits. She longed to learn just a little of the business, but Seryn regretfully told her that these were guild secrets that could not be revealed to her until she formally requested to join the guild, in front of a guildmaster. Seryn told Joryll about guild leaders Imaar, Willowbrook and Raelem. He recommended she go to the Crossing when she was old enough and seek out Imaar. Joryll was a little nervous about it- Imaar was a S'kra Mur, and this race had once enslaved the Gor'Tog people. Seryn assured her that, although not necessarily 'nice' per se, Imaar was not mean or nasty, and would treat her fairly and honorably as long as she worked hard and diligently, once she joined the guild.

It was a bright, crisp morning one day in the year 349, shortly after Joryll's 15th birthday, when Seryn came to visit. "It's time," he said. "I believe you are ready to embark on your career. I will give you a ride on my caravan to the Crossing now, if you desire and your parents agree. You can stay with your Aunt Amaterasu, and I will watch over you as well."

Joryll was bursting with excitement. Not only was she ready to live her dream, she was ready to go to the Crossing, that huge city in the middle of the realms! Her parents were nervous, but they trusted Seryn, and they knew Montarr's sister Amaterasu was in the Crossing, already embarked on her path as a Paladin. They agreed that she could go.

The town of Niole Dra held a modest farewell party for Joryll, to wish her good luck on her chosen career. Joryll promised to return now and then to visit.

Joryll's eyes grew wide at the sight of the Crossing. Such a huge city, so many people, so many shops, so much- everything! Seryn took her to the Moneylender and arranged for her to get a loan, which was given to most new citizens. Then he sought out her aunt, Amaterasu, so Joryll could stay with her. Amaterasu welcomed Joryll warmly, excited at the news that Joryll was to become a Trader. After a few days, Joryll settled down, accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the city. Seryn showed her to the various centers where she trained her various attributes. Then he gave her a few maps of Zoluren and brought her to the Traders Guild.

Joryll bowed her head respectfully upon standing before Imaar. She glanced up and noted his clothes. Here was a man with a great deal of wealth and possibly political power as well. Imaar looked Joryll up and down, and then quietly gave her the standard guild introductory speech. Slightly curious, Joryll asked Imaar for some information about the guild. Imaar told her about the life most Traders lead. Slowly, resolutely, Joryll said, "I want to be a Trader. Please accept me into the guild."

Imaar's brow furrowed. He looked slightly dubious. Joryll knew she couldn't let this chance slip away. "I'm very smart," she insisted. "I'm ready to work hard. I won't fail you."

Slowly, a warm smile spread across Imaar's face. "Wise choice," he said, motioning her toward the learning center where new Traders were inducted. Joryll returned his smile and took a seat to learn.

Joryll kept her promise, working hard and diligently to succeed in her profession. In time she was awarded the title of Traveler, then Bursar. She learned the intricate workings of the Commodities market and became successful in trading there. Her success attracted the attention of a senior Trader named Tera. Tera was a member of the esteemed Lorethew Mentor Society, and as such was well-respected in the Crossing.

Tera asked Joryll to give a lecture to junior Traders on the working of the Commodities market, offering the sponsorship of the Mentor Society. Joryll agreed, and the two began preparing the lecture. Joryll was ready to give this lecture when Tera mysteriously disappeared from the Crossing. Puzzled, Joryll contacted Ehlissa, another senior Trader in the Mentor Society, and explained the project to her. Ehlissa took over sponsorship of the project, fascinated by the idea.

Joryll gave the lecture, and many were impressed. Ehlissa invited Joryll into the ranks of the Mentor Society. Joryll was amazed. The Lorethew Mentor Society was such an elite group of people. A little nervously, Joryll went to the Mentor offices and applied for an interview. In time she was granted the interview, and accepted into the Society. Joryll gave thanks to Kertigen at his shrine in the Crossing. What a story she had to tell to her parents and friends back home.