Lemandria - Creating Your Own Personal History

(Lemandria shuffles her scrolls into order, and coughs softly for attention.)
You say, "Good even. For those who dun know me, my name be Lemandria D'Verethin, Lem or Lemmy if you have trouble pronouncing that tongue tangler. I would appreciate it if we can keep the movement down tae minimum, but feel free tae chime in any time if you have something tae add or discuss."
You say, "I shall be speaking today on the topic of recording yer personal history, some basic ideas tae help you get started, and some things you might try tae include and avoid when you take pen tae paper. After the lecture I should like tae talk about some of yer tales and ideas, and perhaps we can help flesh them out, add some detail tae yer thoughts before you record them."
You say, "The first thing I want tae speak about be why tis important tae record yer story. In fact there are many people who consider it essential tae yer growth as a person, and there are several good reasons tae take the time. The first be for yerself--by actually putting pen tae paper and recording yer past, you almost always discover something about yerself you didnae know before. For example, let us say you have always wondered why you have trouble concentrating--and when you pen yer tale, you suddenly find yer memories of the incredibly dull schoolmistress whose droning lectures let yer mind wander constantly as a wee bairn..."
You say, "Try tae attend me while I speak."
You grin.
say, "Cause I be that borin schoolmistress"
You say, "Then we might add that having a recorded history allows others tae know you better. Perhaps one day when yer adventures are famous, folks who do nae know you well shall read of yer story, and therefore come tae understand more about why you made some of the choices you made, did the things you did. You may help yerself make difficult choices as well, because you shall understand yer own motivations better."
Dgry asks, "Yer suggestin we record an publish our history?"
You say, "And lastly, by recording yer tale, you contribute tae the growing collection of lore about life in these lands. As a bard, the reading of lore takes a good bit of my time, and every such tale I read adds tae the rich tapestry of the world around me."
You nod to Dgry.
You say, "Many do, and some would say your life isnae complete until you do"
Dgry exclaims, "Mine'll be short. It'll ready...Noone of yer business!"
Dgry whistles tunelessly to himself.
(Lemandria shuffles to the next scroll, shakes her head and selects a different one.)
Myltha asks, "you were hurt as a child, weren't you?"
Myltha peers quizzically at Dgry.
You say, "Shall we talk about some of the things you might include in yer history? Please dun take this as some sort of outline, that we have tae know everything about you I shall mention, and I am sure I shall forget a few things that might be important. But think through all these things, and gather yer thoughts before you start penning."
You grin.
Dgry says, "I missed my childhood, slept through it."
Kayishan says, "i think your mother dropped you"
Elswick says, " i was too busy plucking turnips to pay attention to anythin"
You ask, "Family usually be very important. Who were yer parents, what did they do, where did they live? Might yer family be wealthy or poor? Do you have brothers and sisters, and how many. Be there something very good or very bad about yer family that has had a deep impact on yer life? Was yer childhood happy, and how do you get along with yer family now? Are you very like yer father or mother, did you learn yer attitudes from them or reject their teachings and do the opposite?"
You chuckle.
Courtine raises her hand.
You smile at Courtine.
Courtine blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
You ask, "Yes Courtine?"
Courtine asks, "I growed up in a orphanage til da Mistress took me ta take care of her cottage an clean an stuffs. What do I do bout not knowin who me ma an pa was?"
Courtine blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely flustered.
You nod to Courtine.
You say, "Coming ta that"
Courtine beams!
Courtine exclaims, "Tankee!"
Noghri says, "humm"
Courtine smiles at you.
You ask, "Are you an orphan? Who took care of you while you were growing up? How did you manage tae eat, find shelter, get learning? Did the lack of family support cause you tae suffer tragedy? How have you managed tae overcome the handicaps of fending for yerself? Do you have trouble with relationships because of lack of role models?"
You ask, "If you were born elsewhere, how did you get here? Was the journey long, dangerous? What adventures (or misadventures) did you experience along the way? What did you learn?"
Courtine says, "Ohh well I amember mosta dat stuff, cept da time da Mistress dropped me on me head when she were usin me hair ta wash da floors. Don't amember dat day atall."
Courtine scratches her head.
You ask, "Also very important, how yer learned yer trade. Tell us about yer early schooling, how you discovered yer talents. Might everything be easy for you and you excel at yer trade? Or do you have tae work at it constantly, struggling tae improve with each passing day? Did you attend the Bardic College, who was yer professor, what was his effect on you? Perhaps in yer birthplace was one talented person who became yer mentor and teacher, tell us about that. Perhaps you are a savant, and taught yerself yer talents with little effort, how did you suddenly find you could do things so well?"
Arpeggia asks, "Lemandria...may I ask you a question? since I just arrived?"
You say, "Surely"
Arpeggia says, "next door, Ylena spoke of the importance of keepin our songs and performances to about 7 mintues"
Arpeggia asks, "how in the world can you get *all that* in 7 minutes?"
Arpeggia scratches her head.
You chuckle.
Arpeggia gazes heavenward.
Arpeggia says, "i'm serious tho"
Arpeggia chuckles.
Arpeggia says, "not tryin to be funny"
Arpeggia babbles something unintelligible.
Myltha says, "ok i think...since this tale is supposed to be your entire family history, the 7 minute rule doesn't apply"
Myltha says, "it's not meant to be a performance"
You nod to Myltha.
Myltha says, "it's meant to allow people to get to know you"
Myltha says, "and for you to know yourself"
Myltha drools.
Myltha says, "as lemandria said"
Myltha grins.
You say, "However if you kin keep it under 7 pages, most folks with appreciate it"
You ask, "Now we shall talk a bit about what you believe in. Everyone believes in something, be there a certain a deity you worship? What brought you tae follow his or her rites? Are you the sort that actively seeks out others tae join, do you proselytize? Or are you the quiet sort who avoids priests and conducts their own worship? Some folks dun believe in worshipping the deities; what sort of thing do you believe in instead? Might there be a cause you be willing tae die for? Why? Are you a bigot? Political? Aesthetic? Pacifist? Anarchist? Or do you just believe in the pursuit of wealth or power, and nothing else at all? Are you a leader or a follower?"
You ask, "How do you get along with others? Are you a touchy, warm person? Or a cold, nasty sort who looks at others with disdain? Do you socialize easily, or are parties difficult situations for you? Do you give or take? Might there be a group you identify strongly with? A group you find dispicable? Are you open tae new ideas, or are yer thoughts set in stone? If you encounter someone from a group you dun agree with, how do you react? How tolerant are you?"
You ask, "And lastly be the category I call "quirks", the sort of thing that makes everyone have at least one eccentric Uncle. What might there be about you other people might consider strange, possibly even a little scary? Do you have odd habits? Collect things? Frequent the dark corners of museums or galleries? Frequent other dark corners? Do you attach inordinate importance tae something other folks consider "everyday"? Are you violent at inappropriate times? Do you babble over much? Scratch yerself in public? Drown kittens? Worship rolton? Dress in clothing folks might consider odd? Or even something as simple as a stammer around women, a nervous tic in the presence of empaths, and so on. Do you have some sort of physical disability?"
You ask, "Be there a tale behind yer odd quirk? Did something happen tae you that caused it, or were you born that way? Might there be any chance it shall clear up? Something that could make it worse?"
(Lemandria shuffles her scrolls again, looking sheepish)
You say, "I just want tae squeeze in a few Do's and Dun's here, some things you may do tae make yer tale more interesting, and some things tae avoid."
You say, "Read the history of the lands. You had best be familiar with basic geography, and at least the more prominent details of it's history. Let me give you and example of why."
You ask, "I know a lad who claims tae be from Ta'Ashrim, the sea-elven city. Might anyone tell me what's wrong with that story?"
Matteo says, "been gone just a bit longer than anyone alive here"
Arianiss says, "It's very unlikely.."
Merrimac says, "it's non-existant"
You nod.
Renstar says, "the sea-elven city is destroyed buuut some sea elves do exist today they just hidden"
Merrimac says, "it got blown up by tha dark elves"
You say, "Ta'Ashrim was completely destroyed in the Sea-Elf/Dark-Elf war, almost 5000 years ago. "Their home islands were reduced to lifeless, smoking rocks jutting from the sea." Nothing lives there, and his entire tale be rendered suspect by that one detail. By understanding the basic history of the lands, you shall avoid such pitfalls ruining yer tale."
Myltha says, "i have a question"
Myltha raises her hand.
Libble raises her hand.
Libble exclaims, "me too question!"
You ask, "Aye Myl?"
Myltha asks, "how do i go about learning the history of elanthia?"
Myltha says, "i know nothing about it"
Myltha says, "i didn't even know such a city exsisted"
Elswick says, "me neither"
Dgry says, "Basic history of the lands."
Myltha says, "and i've been in these lands far too long to not know that"
You say, "Mmmm Well the public tree has documents on the basic history of the lands"
Courtine exclaims, "Oh oh I gots a answer too!"
Courtine beams happily at you!
Courtine exclaims, "Da Museum!"
Myltha says, "thank you all"
Myltha smiles.
You say, "The Mentors give tours of the museum regularly"
Dessedemona says, "where is the public tree"
Libble says, "I learn lots listenin to da story tellers too"
Merrimac asks, "when do the mentors give tours?"
You say, "Mmmm first Monday of the month I believe"
You ask, "Another thing tae keep in yer thoughts be you dun know everything, even in yer own history. Who was that mysterious man who visited yer parents when you were wee, and why did his visit upset yer mother so much? Yer brother wandered into the wilds south of the Landing with a sword ten years ago, and never returned, whatever became of him?"
You say, "Leave some open questions in yer history. Just by being there, they have potential tae become "story hooks" at a later date...meaning something odd happens tae you, and it fits in perfectly with yer history. Suddenly that long-ago question mebbe answered, and yer life shall be more complete."
You say, "You may give yerself a quest, a goal or purpose tae yer life. But there be a caveat tae that; avoid making the quest so narrow in scope that it shall be accomplished quickly and yer life shall be essentially complete. At the same time, you cannae make yer goal so broad that it shall never be completed. You must very carefully consider all of the ramifications before you choose yer life mission."
You ask, "Let me give you another example here. I knew a lad, this was quite some years ago, whose parents were killed by Thraks. He made it his quest in life tae destroy all Thraks everywhere, tae wipe the breed out. Might anyone tell me what be wrong with that concept?"
(Ahmeuseng appears to be listening intently to all that Lemandria says.)
Arianiss says, "They breed like roltons."
Libble says, "thraks make babies too fast"
Merrimac says, "it'd be perty impossible"
Krall says, "they breed faster than rabbits"
You say, "First off, it isnae possible. The Thraks breed faster than they kin possibly be killed. Secondly, Thraks are very wee young creatures. Meaning that no one with more than 17 trains kin learn anything from a hunt there. In order tae pursue his life's goal, he effectively limits his personal growth forever. Lastly, hunting the same thing for many, many years would be quite likely tae drive you insane with boredom...I have no idea what became of the lad, but I hope he revised his purpose as he bacame older."
You nod.
Krall says, "and none knows ther source"
Matteo says, "he will get too old after a while and the story will not carry through"
You nod.
Courtine asks, "Umm well how ya splain Voln folks smashin undead as a mission?"
Courtine peers quizzically at you.
Krall says, "well undead get more powerful"
You say, "Verra broad mission, goes on for years and years"
Merrimac says, "cuz theres lotsa undead wif various ages"
Courtine says, "Aye but after da rift ain't no more undead."
You ask, "How much beyond the century mark will you hunt?"
You smile.
Courtine exclaims, "Uh uh acuz dere still be's ghosts an skeletons!"
You say, "A problem to worry about when you come to it"
Merrimac says, "well Voln's a lesser god, ya gonna hafta ask him the "why"s"
Merrimac giggles.
Courtine says, "Eben once ya get dat high dere allas gonna be undead."
You say, "Some thoughts on avoiding the trite. How many orphans do you know in these lands? Nae that it cannae be done well with the right story, but there be so many orphans out there that it has become passe, rather dull really. The same goes for dark, sinister sorcerers, there be one under every rock. Lost elven princesses, dour drunken dwarves, bastard children of incognito deities, and so on...they've all been done tae death, and reading such a tale inspires nothing but yawns."
You say, "Dun honey-coat everything about yer life. Everyone has flaws. What things about you do you nae like, or might the reader nae like? What are yer frailties? Let the reader know you be fallible; they shall surely like you better if you are nae a paragon of virtue."
Courtine asks, "Ya mean ya gonna yawn acuz I growed up wid da ladies at da orphanage?"
You look at Courtine and shake your head.
You say, "Not if you tell it just right"
You say, "But be aware a lot of folks have that same sad story"
You say, "Try nae tae tell the reader what tae think. You might best avoid statements like, "Soandso be a very likeable fellow, everyone enjoys his company." Because nae everyone will. Tell yer tale in a straightforward manner, and let the reader draw their own conclusions about ye."
Myltha says, "an orphan who organized a revolt against their mistresses"
Courtine says, "Ohh okay. Cuz I did an I ain't gonna change da story jes so's people like what dey hear."
You nod to Courtine.
Arpeggia asks, "I came from a gem.......a magical gem........will my history be chastised?"
You smile at Arpeggia.
You say, "Different anyhoo"
Arpeggia says, "aye...my thoughts exactly"
You ask, "Read other people's tales, with a thought tae what there be good and what isnae in them. Do ye like the writing style? What parts of the tale best hold yer interest? What might ye do tae keep the reader interested in ye?"
You say, "Ye might best consider writing both a short and long version of yer tale. Some places where personal histories are published only allow for a certain amount of paper tae write it on. "
You say, "Finally.."
You pant.
You say, "Sit down and write. And rewrite. And write it again. Dun put it off, dun let yerself off with excuses, dun accept anything less than the best tale ye kin tell. Because this be about YOU, and folks may judge ye by yer tale if they read it before meeting ye."
Courtine asks, "Where dese histories gonna be published?"
Courtine peers quizzically at you.
You say, "Many message trees allow places to publish them"
Ahmeuseng says, "Oh, I'm so glad you asked that question, Courtine."
Merrimac says, "mebbe we kin put 'em in da bard guild when it finally gits goin"
Libble asks, "lady teacher mistress can I ask a question?"
Courtine beams happily at Ahmeuseng!
You say, "For instance the Harper's Hall message tree has a number of tales on it"
You say, "If I might speak mundane for just a second.."
You say, "http://unofficial.gemstone3.com/%7Eharpers/harpers.html"
You say, "Has some very good scrolls for the reading"
You duck your head.
You say, "My apologies"
You ask, "Now, who wants to tell us their tale?"
Myltha says, "me"
Myltha raises her hand.
You point at Myltha.
Libble says, "somebody taller raise their hand for me"
Myltha drools.
Libble says, "I gotta ask a question"
(Courtine picks Libble up and places the hobbit on her shoulder so she can raise her hand high.)
Myltha says, "my mother and father were veggie farmers"
You say, "Okay, Libble first, real quick"
Libble giggles.
Dgry says, "Er this isn't the roltons anonamous..."
Libble beams happily at Courtine!
Myltha says, "we grew bout everything but turnips"
Courtine flails her arms about.
You chuckle.
Libble says, "well I come from a place that only halflings have ever seen"
Libble asks, "is that a problem?"
You look at Libble and shake your head.
Libble says, "I come from da shire"
Libble says, "no bigguns have wandered there yet"
You say, "As long as you kin describe it fair well"
Courtine says, "Well she jes said nobodies cept some odder halflins ever seen it."
You say, "And it's location isnae impossible"
Libble says, "it da Bramble Berry shire"
You nod to Courtine.
Libble nods to you.
Libble says, "okay.. I be quiet again"
Libble says, "thank ya"
Courtine asks, "Ooh da's a purty name fer a shire. Err whassa shire?"
Merrimac says, "an I's a halflin, but I's only lived here an a little tiny halflin village"
You say, "Myltha, please do on"
Courtine glances at Libble bashfully, blushes, and mumbles a few words, plainly embarrassed.
Myltha drools.
Myltha clears her throat.
Myltha says, "my mother and father were farmers"
Lustra begins chuckling at Noghri.
Myltha says, "we grew bout everyithing but turnips"
Myltha stares off into space.
Myltha says, "i have younger sister named dextra"
Myltha says, "and our family goal is peace"
Myltha says, "although..."
Myltha says, "that's not always possible with me and dextra"
Myltha says, "like just the other day, i asked Tsalin and Dissipate to help me destroy the landing"
Myltha says, "he"
Myltha says, "i was kinda sick of the treehouse"
Myltha says, "and wanted excitment"
Karanaya sits down.
Myltha says, "it's hard to be peaceful when all i want is adventure"
Myltha whimpers.
Myltha says, "in case you havent' noticed..."
Myltha says, "i drool a lot"
Myltha says, "i'm not sure why"
Myltha says, "it's just an expression"
You ask, "Okay, so what makes your parents crave peace, and you crave excitement?"
Myltha says, "i like to rebel"
Myltha says, "my parents were brainwashed by the rolton clan long time ago"
You chuckle.
Myltha says, "they made me wear a daisy for years"
Myltha stares off into space.
Medley laughs!
Dgry asks, "A clan of roltons?"
Myltha says, "sides"
You say, "And so you might understandably have a dislike fer rolton priests"
Myltha says, "peace is boring"
Merrimac says, "naw, the rolton worshipers"
Myltha says, "well i do"
Myltha says, "but i try not to"
Myltha stares off into space.
Libble asks, "roltons be worshipped?"
Libble's jaw drops.
Myltha says, "oh heh"
Myltha nods to Libble.
Dgry nods to Libble.
Merrimac nods to Libble.
Myltha says, "my sister worshiped roltons for a long time"
Myltha stares off into space.
You say, "By an odd sect in Ice"
You nod.
Libble says, "yer teasing the short lass"
Libble begins pouting.
Merrimac says, "down here too, but they hide mosta the time"
Myltha says, "she declared herself the queen of roltons"
Courtine looks over at Libble and shakes her head.
Libble's jaw drops.
Myltha says, "and made her king the empath Matren, king of roltons"
Courtine exclaims, "No dey came to da gates one day I amember it!"
Medley says, "But.. Fairehart's th'Rolton Empress."
Courtine says, "Dey was givin out daisies."
Medley fidgets.
Myltha says, "even though they were never married...they were just friends who ruled together"
You say, "Another thing to avoid in yer tales..silliness"
You grin.
Myltha says, "heh"
Myltha says, "that's hard to aviod when yer around me"
Dgry says, "Define that"
Myltha says, "it's just me, my personality"
You say, "Myltha, it's a perfectly workable tale"
Myltha giggles.
Myltha says, "i can't stand being serious for long periods of time"
You say, "You just need to expand it"
Dgry asks, "Silliness, would that include things that wouldn't be accepted by the whole of Elanthia?"
You look at Dgry and shake your head.
Dgry asks, "Like if I said I came from a potato?"
Myltha begins chuckling at Dgry.
You say, "That would probably qualify, aye"
Noghri smiles at Lustra.
(Libble hugs her knees and rocks back and forth.)
Courtine says, "Mister potato-head."
You grin.
Courtine pokes Dgry in the ribs.
Myltha drools.
You say, "The problem with such a tale, it be fun to write"
You say, "But you have to live with the consequences"
You ask, "Anyone else want to give us a tale?"
Myltha says, "i wanna hear starsnuffer's tale"
You smile at Starsnuffer.
Starsnuffer raises an eyebrow.
Dgry pokes Libble in the ribs.
Myltha stares off into space.
Myltha cowers away from Starsnuffer!
Myltha says, "please don hurt me"
Myltha's face turns slightly pale.
You ask, "Dhe'nar or his own or both?"
Starsnuffer says, "My tale is a long one, though I suppose I could abridge it."
You beam at Starsnuffer.
You say, "Please"
(Starsnuffer moves into the corner and sits down, making himself comfortable)
Starsnuffer sits down.
Starsnuffer says, "The meaning of life is simple."
Starsnuffer says, "You exist. I exist."
Starsnuffer says, "Your purpose is to serve me, so that I may exist in comfort."
Starsnuffer says, "Simple really"
Libble gawks at Starsnuffer.
Myltha says, "i...never really thought of it that way"
Myltha says, "heh"
Libble asks, "do ya pay yer servants in cookies sir?"
Starsnuffer surveys the area.
Starsnuffer says, "Now then. ."
Starsnuffer glances at you.
You smile at Starsnuffer.
Starsnuffer asks, "are you sure my telling of my story would not disrupt your class?"
Starsnuffer raises an eyebrow.
You say, "Please, I've heard it, they might learn from it"
Starsnuffer smiles.
Myltha stands up.
Starsnuffer says, "well then."
(Starsnuffer straightens the folds of his robes as he ponders a starting point.)
Starsnuffer says, "Let us begin with childhood, it seems a likely starting place."
Libble nods.
Starsnuffer says, "I was the only child belonging to two un-notable dhe'nar commoners near the base of the Great Mountain."
Starsnuffer says, "The village I was raised in was a small one, a farming community."
Starsnuffer says, "Things were pretty uneventful for the mostpart, at least until later, when I was about ten years of age or so."
Starsnuffer says, "It was then that I realized that I had a lust for learning. I saught to find out all I could about the world around me. History, lore. . everything."
Starsnuffer says, "The problem with that. . "
Starsnuffer says, "In dhe'nari culture, almost all but magi and priests are forbidden to learn to read."
Starsnuffer says, "And I was certianly not magi, and most certianly not a priest."
Libble gawks at Starsnuffer.
(Noghri leans on Lustra's lap as he listens to the story)
Starsnuffer says, "Yet still I made every attempt to seek what I could in secret. I would find the tattered remains of a book on whatever remains of a warparty or slaves were brought into the village.. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I would stare for hours at the strange writing. .I could not read, but I tried desperatly to, I put all of my energy into deciphering the cryptic scratchings of the quill."
Starsnuffer rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Starsnuffer says, "One day, I was caught. . I was hidden away in my corner of the cave we called home, with a blanket up around my head and a small candle to serve as illunination for my tome. . "
Starsnuffer says, "Luckily it was those who called themselves my parents who caught me. . "
Starsnuffer says, "They beat me quite severly, and threatened that if they ever found out again, I would be turned over to the town officials. . "
Starsnuffer surveys the area.
Myltha's face turns slightly pale.
Myltha shudders.
Libble sniffs.
(Courtine leans into Dgry and rests against him while the mage continues to speak.)
Courtine snuggles up to Dgry.
Starsnuffer says, "The penalty for such treason was death. Burning at a stake in the center of town."
Noghri mutters tattletales.
Libble exclaims, "run away. fast as ya cans!"
Libble clasps her hand over her mouth.
Libble ducks her head.
Starsnuffer says, "But, for those who know me, I was no less anarchistic then then I am now, and I cared little for their threats or laws."
Starsnuffer smiles.
Starsnuffer says, "And so I found new hiding places, and new ways to steal away with my studies. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I cared little for the common work the people of my village performed, I certianly had no love of farming or herding"
Starsnuffer smirks.
(Noghri leans his head back agaisnt the wall and starts to think of his past)
Noghri shivers.
Starsnuffer says, "It was around my thirteenth birthday that I decided enough was enough, and set off on my own. . the plan was to leave the village forever in the past and make my own way."
Starsnuffer leans back.
Starsnuffer says, "The mountainside was riddled with caverns and caves, and I decided this was my best bet. I picked one at random and decided to call it home. .. traveling deep into the depths of the underworld."
A black vortex descends on Noghri and sucks him into an abyss of night!
Libble gasps.
Starsnuffer smiles.
Courtine blinks.
Starsnuffer says, "one down."
Starsnuffer says, "a dozen or so left."
Starsnuffer says, "hmm"
Courtine stares off into space.
Myltha asks, "noghri isn't exactly bright...is he?"
Starsnuffer says, "From here I hunted what I could and lived off the lichens and mushrooms I found growing there in the caves."
Starsnuffer says, "I was quite content, to be honest."
Starsnuffer says, "Until one day, I sat down against a wall to see what one of my snares had caught. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I leaned back against what I thought was solid rock. . and fell right through."
Starsnuffer says, "I tumbled head over heels. . quite suprised and flabbergasted . . and found myself in the most amazing of caverns."
Myltha grins.
Lustra blinks.
Starsnuffer says, "To tell you what I saw was anything less then ecstasy to my own eyes would be a lie."
Starsnuffer says, " and no, it wasn't filled with scantily clad sylvan girls."
Starsnuffer says, "I found a library there. . each wall filled with books and tomes. . "
You beam at Starsnuffer.
Starsnuffer says, "from the floor to the ceiling. . every manor of shape and subject. . "
Libble says, "oh my"
Starsnuffer says, "I immediatly went to the closest wall and began to pour over the scribblings on the bindings of the tomes. . "
Starsnuffer says, "Then suddenly a voice came from behind me! Demanding to know who I was and what I was doing there. . "
You feel the blood drain from your face.
Starsnuffer says, "I turned. . there was a flash. . and that is all I remembered."
Starsnuffer says, "I awoke later. . finding myself bound to a bed. . "
Libble gasps.
Starsnuffer says, "and no, still no sylvan girls."
You hear the voice of Noghri say, "kinky"
Starsnuffer says, "I opened my eyes and glaring down at me was an ancient man, certianly not elven by his whiskers coming from his face and ears."
Starsnuffer says, "He again demanded to know what I was doing there. . and I told him the truth of it, telling him of my life and exactly how I ended up to be in his study"
Starsnuffer says, "he thought about this a moment, and asked if my lust for knowledge was truly as great as I had said it was."
You say, "Best not tae lie tae ancient ones"
You nod.
Libble says, "uh oh"
Noghri says, "greed"
Starsnuffer says, "I told him it was, and it was then that he offered me a deal that changed my life."
Starsnuffer says, "He promised he would teach me to read. And that he would guide my studies. . so long as I obeyed his every word, and did everything he asked of me."
Starsnuffer says, "Eager to learn the mystic art of literacy, I agreed."
Starsnuffer says, "He had me perform menial tasks mostly. . cleaning, hunting, gathering. . I was completly content with this really."
Starsnuffer says, "And he held up his end of the deal, teaching me to read."
Starsnuffer says, "As time passed I read every single book in that study. . all subjects. . History, Philosophy, Medicine, Lore. . and even the Arcane."
Starsnuffer says, "These interested me most, and I implored the old man to teach me more of what was in these books"
Starsnuffer says, "He smiled to himself and agreed. . and I became his apprentice, learning the ways of the elements under his guidance."
Starsnuffer shifts his weight.
Starsnuffer says, "Things were going perfect, as far as I was concerned."
You smile at Starsnuffer.
Starsnuffer says, "Until one night. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I returned from a hunt, two cave lizards strung on a tether over my shoulder, and entered through the secret wall to prepare supper."
Starsnuffer says, "What I saw there. . "
Starsnuffer shakes his head.
Starsnuffer says, "haunted me for years."
Starsnuffer says, "The books were dishelved and lie in piles on the floors. . the furniture was broken and tossed about. . "
Starsnuffer says, "Then I saw my master, on his knees in the corner. . two Dhe'nari warriors holding either arm while another grinned wickedly up at me. . . "
Starsnuffer says, "Just as he slit the mans throat."
Starsnuffer says, "I knew I was about to meet the same fate. . I waited for it to come, but it did not."
Starsnuffer says, "Instead I was caught and bound, and forced to watch as the library was set afire. . I watched as all that I had learned and cared for burned to ashes before my eyes. ."
Starsnuffer says, "My head was spinning with the death of the wizard and the end of all that I knew. . I was knocked in the back of the head and rendered unconcious. . "
Starsnuffer surveys the area.
Starsnuffer says, "When I finally came to, I found I could not move."
You say, "Take care folks"
Lord Dgry's group just went east.
Starsnuffer looks very far away for a moment, a wistful expression on his face.
Starsnuffer says, "my hands were tied behind me. . a large wooden stake between them and my back. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I looked up to find myself in the center of the village I was raised in. . . the citizens of the town surounding me. . hatred upon their faces."
Starsnuffer says, "I was bound there to a stake, my fate quite apparent by the kindling that lay at my feet, and the torches in the hands of the warriors that brought me there."
Libble gawks at Starsnuffer.
Lord Dgry's group just went east.
Starsnuffer says, "but, I had never been one to succumb to my own circumstances. I knew that this was the punishment for what I had done, and accepted this long ago."
Starsnuffer says, "I was still dhe'nar, and still had fire within my blood. The same fire and lust that led me to search out every last shred of knowledge ever since I was young."
Starsnuffer says, "Once again I felt this fire burning within my chest."
Starsnuffer says, "I closed my eyes and remembered the arcane words in a tome I had read. . and incanted only once before in solitude. . "
You gulp.
Lustra raises an eyebrow.
Starsnuffer says, "The strength flowed from within me and I broke the ropes at my wrists, sending my hands into the air. . "
Libble beams!
Lustra says, "woah"
Starsnuffer says, "Thunder filled the sky and chains of lighting struck out from the clouds, cones of it smiting the warriors around me, and every citizen of the town. . "
Starsnuffer says, "but my rage was not over. . "
Starsnuffer says, "I called forth flaming rocks and meteors from the heavens, bringing them down upon the village, until it burned. . .all of it burned. . "
(Starsnuffer looks up into your eyes.)
Lustra looks over at Starsnuffer and shakes her head.
Starsnuffer says, "Not a soul was left alive that day. I swore that no laws, no person, and no peoples would ever hold me back from my wants."
Libble cowers away from Starsnuffer!
Starsnuffer says, "Some of you know the dhe'nar custom to go forth as a right of adulthood and take the skin of a beast with ones bare hands, and fashion it into a headband."
Starsnuffer says, "My headband is made from the scalps of the seven warriors I slew that day."
Starsnuffer shakes his head.
Starsnuffer says, "It is not a proud thing to slay kin, do not misunderstand the point of this, my tale."
Starsnuffer says, "But it is indeed a shameful thing to succumb to the repressions society places upon us, and let it put a shadow over the light that burns inside us."
Starsnuffer smiles quietly to himself.
Starsnuffer asks, "What happened then?"
Starsnuffer says, "the rest is simple really"
Starsnuffer says, "I went to the top of the Mountian where the council of Magi resides, and demanded to be accepted for apprenticship"
Starsnuffer says, "they agreed. . . eventually.. . "
Starsnuffer says, "When that was done, I was given a name."
Lustra says, "m'Lord Starsnuffer...I have long awaited you tale..and am honored by your telling"
Starsnuffer says, "Shtar'shiru. . this was the same name the people of my village chanted when they meant to burn me. This was a curse, dating back to a legend about an overzealous mage who's lust for power brought death rampant upon the dhe'nar people."
Starsnuffer says, "it means "the starkiller" When I left the dhe'nar homeland of Sharath, and traveled here, I took it's common meaning for my own name.. . and I have been proud of that curse ever since."
Starsnuffer says, "the rest."
Starsnuffer smiles.
Starsnuffer says, "is history."
You say, "Is an excellent tale"
Libble bows to Starsnuffer.
Myltha says, "clever"
Starsnuffer says, "thank you for bearing with me, Lemandria"
Libble says, "I thank ya for the story sir"
Starsnuffer says, "you're all welcome."
You say, "A bit of danger, intrigue, and most importantly how he came to be who he is"
Libble asks, "Mister Lord Starsnuffer?"
Myltha says, "origional, well detailed, and interesting"
Starsnuffer asks, "Eii, Libble?"
Libble asks, "can only the dark elves find that Great Mountain?"
Starsnuffer shakes his head.
Noghri says, "others have found it"
Libble asks, "would they teach a halfling then?"
Starsnuffer says, "It is there, as it has been, south of the Southron Wastes, in the forest of ash. . the jungle that was once Sharath."
Starsnuffer smiles at Libble.
Starsnuffer says, "they'd likely eat a halfling."
Libble snaps her fingers.
You ask, "Would you all like ta hear another tale?"
Libble says, "much as I thought"
Noghri smiles at Starsnuffer.
Starsnuffer nods to you.
You smile at Ylena.
Ylena says, "Well.. if you want.."
Ylena says, "I'll tell you of my life."
Starsnuffer smiles.
Myltha beams happily at Ylena!
Libble beams happily at Ylena!
Ylena giggles.
Ylena leans back.
Ylena says, "Once, not all that long ago.."
Ylena says, "In the deepest heart of the forests of my people, a sorcerer was born."
Ylena says, "Sylvans tend to be.. "
Ylena says, "Nonpolitical."
Ylena says, "But this man was born with power, and an innate need to control."
Ylena says, "He managed to persuade some of the neighboring groups to follow him, and began to annex the forest."
Ylena says, "Killing, if necessary, but ruling by power when he didn't have to kill."
Ylena says, "This man is my father."
Ylena says, "Who shall remain nameless, because to speak his name would not be wise."
Ylena says, "My father saw my mother one day, and wanted her."
Myltha says, "well now she just has me curious"
Myltha stares off into space.
Ylena says, "And in his own fashion, he kidnapped her for his bride."
Ylena says, "He hoped to sire a son to rule the kingdom he was creating."
Ylena says, "Imagine his disappointment when I was born."
Libble mutters men.
Noghri just tickled Libble.
Ylena says, "He picked me up by the heels, ready to dash my head against the wall.."
Ylena says, "But my mother managed to stay his hand."
Libble gasps.
Ylena says, "She told him he could marry me off to someone, to gain more power."
Ylena says, "So he restrained himself, and instead, held a Naming."
Noghri raises his hand.
Ylena asks, "Yes?"
Noghri asks, "can i volunteer?"
Noghri chuckles.
Noghri blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Ylena taps a delicate silver band with two white dreamstones inlaid on both sides of a single flawless soulstone.
Ylena says, "Too late."
Noghri mutters grr.
Ylena says, "At my Naming, the seers were gathered."
Ylena says, "It was told that I would bear the child to overthrow my father."
Ylena says, "You might think that this would have angered him."
Ylena says, "But my father is - different."
Ylena says, "He constructed a tower in a large tree, and had me imprisoned there."
Ylena says, "Isolated, save for tutors."
Ylena says, "I learned dark magics."
Ylena says, "And history, and literature.."
Ylena says, "And that's where I learned to sing."
Ylena says, "I spent a great deal of time alone."
Ylena says, "On my eighteenth birthday, my father came to me."
Ylena says, "And, well."
Ylena sighs.
You feel the blood drain from your face.
Ylena says, "Afterwards, I was able to overpower him, and escape."
Ylena says, "I ran for days."
You nod to Ylena.
You shiver.
Libble rubs Ylena gently.
Libble sobs.
Ylena says, "I renounced my power, gave up my innate magic"
Ylena says, "Because to practice it would lead him to me."
Ylena says, "And in my wandering, I ended up here."
Ylena says, "Alone, and renamed."
Libble says, "oh ya poor lady.. that was the saddest tale I hears in a long long times."
Ylena says, "It's not cheerful, no."
Ylena says, "But, I live, and I prosper."
Ylena smiles.
Ylena says, "And someday, I may go back."
Libble says, "Mister Lord Fisdan would kill him dead prolly"
Ylena asks, "Who knows?"
Ylena says, "Fisdan.. is not ready to deal with that sort of power."
Noghri asks, "who knows?"
Ylena whispers, "Heh, Soap Opera Ylena."
You ask, "Verra well, does anyone have any questions before we break this up?"
Lustra says, "and ye be a wonder here in Elanthia"
Ylena blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Noghri raises his hand.
Ylena says, "I live, just like everyone."