The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: jadewillow on March 13, 2011, 08:47:55 PM
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[SIZE=16]Tane has been getting frustrated of late. The Gloom Woods is unhappy. They can not flourish with all the undead there. They cry out for help like an elderly man waiting to die. Tane wants to help and makes numerous attempts at clearing the Gloom Woods of the undead there. Tane would kill hundreds of undead during each trip, but they never seemed to thin. They almost grew from the ground. After over twenty such trips over many months, he decides to seek help.
[/SIZE] [SIZE=16]On one of his many stays in Central, Tane sees an older balding gentleman sitting on one of the benches. He decides to walk up and introduce himself. Tane discovers that this is a man of some magic that goes by the name of Storold. They talk for a while about little things, but eventually Tane asked the obviously experienced man why his trips to the Gloom Woods have been unsuccessful. Storold shrugs his shoulders and says he doesn’t know. Apparently the undead have haunted those woods since the beginning of time. At least as long as Storold could remember. After much thought, Storold suggested that there must be source. Undead don’t just live in the woods normally. Perhaps that new castle they unburied in the northern parts of those woods could provide some clues. However, Storold did not know. He suggested Tane go visit the Aeridin temple in the Silkwood forest for some clues. Or perhaps one of the Katia or Folian temples might have some information.[/SIZE]
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Tane packed some bread, fruits and cheese for what would be a long trip. He was seeking out the Folian temple on Dregar. He had gotten directions from one of the helpful priests at the Aeridin temple in the Silkwood forest. He warned Tane, however, that it could be dangerous. It lies deep in the Fog Forest and the residents there don't like intruders.
So Tane headed out on a fairly uneventful trip across the waters to Dregar. When he reached the Fog Forest he was very careful not to disturb the locals. He had brought his most quite gear and walked barefoot across the forest floor. Tane had gotten quite good at walking silently though the woods. He took each step very deliberately avoiding any leaves or branches that might snap or crackle under his weight. He moved slowly and quietly and was able to walk unnoticed by the ugly giants. He was even able to make it past the satyr that lived close to the temple. Tane tried to move by them as quickly as he could, but we was amazed by them. They seemed so at peace in these woods. They were quite beautiful. He forced himself to move past them, however.
Soon, he reached the Folian temple. He approached he priestess there.
"My child, where is your pack?" said the priestess as Tane approached.
Tane scratches his head not understanding the question.
"Tane live wit trees since wife die. Maybes trees Tane pack?" askedTane.
The priest nodded affectionately, but was quickly interrupted by one of the clergy.
"Tane, Folian calls. I must leave you to the peaceful grove of Folian. Stay here as long as you like. Talk with my brothers and sisters, and enjoy the blessings of Folian S'pae."
She quickly turned and left leaving Tane alone in the middle of the grove. Tane felt a tranquility here that he had not felt in a long time. He forgot about the undead in the Gloom Woods and stayed in the grove for a couple days. The brothers and sisters of Folian were kind enough to invite him on their daily walks through the forest. Tane welcomed the opportunity. Not much was said during these walks. Instead they were filled with silent appreciation of the forest and the gifts of Folian S'pae.
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Over the next few months, Tane made frequent visits to his pack at the Folian temple. He would stay for a day of hunting which would be followed by a large meal of what they had hunted and talk over the fire. Talk of Folian S'pae and his followings. Tane began to think of the pack as his family and he cherished their time together.
Still on Tane's mind were the trees in the Gloom Woods, however. In time, he might ask the pack to help.
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After a few days in the grove, Tane returned to his world before. Somehow he felt happier and fuller. However, this feeling would fade after a time. As a result, Tane made many trips to the grove of Folian S'pae to 'recharge' his spirit. One one such the cleric that originally greeted him noticed him and asked.
"How goes your commune with The Prince of Wolves Tane?"
Tane scratched his head in confusion and cleric responded knowingly.
"The Prince of Wolves is our god. He provides all you see and feel. Do you have questions for Folian S'pae?"
Tane thought for a few minutes and responded.
"Yes, Tane wonder why he feel good when in grove. He feel good for some days after leave, but da feeling leave me soon too. Why dat?"
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"Ahh" said the cleric knowingly.
"You feel the harmony of the pack. It may appear more strongly here to you, but it surrounds you, everywhere you go. It is only your young faith that prevents you from feeling it."
"Ask questions of the others in our pack. Spend time with them and allow them to show you the ways of Folian S'pae."
With that the cleric rushed off to another matter leaving Tane alone again in the grove. Tane looked around and thought for a long while. He felt the unity and was glad. He wanted to feel like this always and everywhere. With that acknowledgment, he resigned himself to return frequently and spend time with the pack and learn the ways of Folian S'pae.
A sigh of relief left him as he stood to return to the world.
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"What mean to be pack" asked Tane of one of the pack on his next visit to the grove.
"Being of the pack is about finding harmony and balance in nature. The hunter and the prey are essential parts of nature. However, do not hunt into extinction since that upsets the balance. Use what is needed for survival of the pack, but do not use more than you need. If you have to take from the lands and forests, you are expected to give something in return sooner or later. You are the stewards of your hunting grounds, and all that live in it are under your protection. While some may be prey, they should be loved and protected nonetheless. Defend your grounds against those who would destroy them needlessly. Allow yourself to adapt to change. The passing of seasons will test you in new ways each year. And do not allow yourself to fall victim of ill preparations. Be an example to those who learn from you and mark each step safely, because those who come after you will benefit from the paths you tread"
Tane thought long and hard about these words and absorbed them slowly over the next few days he was with the pack.
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Tane spent much time with the pack in the woods. At first it filled a void that had been missing in him since his wife passed. But after many moons with the pack, Tane began to feel restless, confined, and uncomfortable with the pack.
The elderly cleric took notice.
"I've noticed you not spending as much time with the pack as you use to Tane. Is something wrong?"
Tane replied "Tane not know. Tane like woods and pack, but sometime he feel like running in woods. Sometime he feel like hunting and doing what he want. Pack always do sameting. Dey good to me, but do sameting all da time."
The cleric nodded "I see. You have spent much of your time since your wife passed alone in the woods. It can take time to adjust to the harmony of the pack. Give it time Tane. Go now, and don't come back for a bit. Search your heart and let's talk when you return. "
Tane nodded and gathered his things and left.
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For the next two weeks Tane roamed free through the forest of Dregar without the constraints of his pack. He hunted freely and ate in abundance, but never did he hunt needlessly. He always ate what he killed. He even began to enjoy the taste for freshly killed meat and depended on the energy it provided. It felt good. Although he missed the harmony of the pack, the feeling of independence and doing what he wanted was like a boulder being lifted from his shoulders. Even the passing of his wife seemed as if it were another's weighty memory. This was his calling, this was what he was meant to do-- to be free amongst the trees and to cherish the spirit of the forest and it's abundant gifts.
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Tane returned to Folian's grove a bit uncomfortably. He felt shame at the freedom he explored over the previous period. He hunted and ate when hungry and he ran through the woods when we felt like it. He did this all for himself, and did not bring any of his kills back to pack. As he approached the pack leader he spotted him.
"Ahh Tane. Welcome back to your pack. We have missed you, the pack is stronger with all its wolves you know. Come, we are heading out for a hunt. Join us and be part of the pack once again."
Tane smiled slightly and followed the leader to the pack. They had been preparing for days and were just heading out. Tane followed along with uncertainty. They walked for days it seemed. Looking at trees, admiring the beautiful animals of Folian, and praying to Folian at every rest. Tane was about to burst from his skin. He was hungry and had an overwhelming desire to run off into the woods. When the pack laid to sleep, Tane took the opportunity to sneak away. He ran far into the woods and proceeded to stalk prey in the wooded area the pack had been walking in for days. He struck, bringing down a large deer. Tane took out and knife and slit its throat letting the blood run through his fingers. He carved out a fist sized chunk of meat from the deer's throat and began to consume it eagerly.
"Tane I thought I might find you out here. You hunt without the pack and you take the gifts of Folian for yourself? You have lost your way wolf and must find your own path now. Your journey may be better guided by the Falcon, but If it brings you back to us, you will need to re-earn the pack's trust. Farewell Tane." said the pack leader as he departed back into the woods as quietly as he appeared.
Tane was briefly embarrassed. But once the leader left him, he returned to his kill and ate hungrily. After he was done, he cooked up the remaining meat and stored it in his pack for later. He bounded further off into the woods with determination and a sense of relief.
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Tane spent the next two weeks alone in the forest enjoying his new found independence. He hunted and ate vigorously and did what he wanted to do.
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After many days alone in the forest enjoying his freedom, the hunt, and just doing what he wanted to do, Tane began to think on what had happened to him and how he felt about Folian S'pae. Although Tane found the pack comforting during his time of need, he had begun to find it constricting as of late. Tane did not need the pack and the entrapments that came with it. He was a hunter in his own right. Perhaps he had just out grown the ways of the pack, but it was clear to Tane now that it was no longer his destiny. He would make his own mark, be free, and look after the woods in his own way.
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After many days alone in the forest enjoying his freedom, the hunt, and just doing what he wanted to do, Tane began to think on what had happened to him and how he felt about Folian S'pae. Although Tane found the pack comforting during his time of need, he had begun to find it constricting as of late. Tane did not need the pack and the entrapments that came with it. He was a hunter in his own right. Perhaps he had just out grown the ways of the pack, but it was clear to Tane now that it was no longer his destiny. He would make his own mark, be free, and look after the woods in his own way.
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After a nice long stint alone in the woods Tane returned to civilization. He had gotten a welcoming reception at the Silver Buckle in the past, so he decided to make a quick visit. Tane remembered something his old pack leader told him.
"Your journey may be better guided by The Falcon..."
The Falcon? Who is this Falcon? Tane wanted to know.
When Tane arrived at the Buckle he was greeted pleasantly by Melody and Shiff, two friends he had meet the other day while defending Center from the Orc hordes. He asked them where he could find The Falcon.
They initially scratched their heads and looked at one another. After much discussion, they realized Tane might be asking about followers of a god. They suggested he ask at the libraries at Castle Blackford. If anyone would know, they would.
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Tane grew over the next couple months in a couple of key ways. He had become more and more self reliant. Tane's belief had changed. Since Tane's departure from the Pack, he saw being reliant on others as a weakness. The best way to serve the woods is to be self reliant and exercise the freedom of choice. Act out against the status quo and oppression. It stifles creativity and limits growth.
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Tane has learned that being self reliant makes us strong. People that live in cities are too dependent on others. They would die if left on their own in the woods. Making the individual stronger makes the masses stronger. The woods promote self reliance and strength. Towns promote dependence and weakness.
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Tane spends the next months traveling the woods of Layonara, hunting, eating, sleeping, and meeting friends of nature. His skills of survival and self reliance grow every day. When he is feeling adequately refreshed he can been seen near city centers and ocassionally makes an appearance at the Buckle. The people at the Buckle are nice to Tane. He even considers some of them friends. A rarity in Tane's life and something he does not take for granted.
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Tane's trips into the woods had been growing longer and longer. Sometimes not leaving for months. On one such stretch, Tane ran into a couple elves. They introduced themselves as Rondarien & Mialeea. They stood at a rather nondescript area in the middle of the White Horn Forest. Tane asked them what they were doing.
"We are followers of the Falcon. We provide healing and provisions"
Tane had heard of the Falcon and was intrigued. However, he bit his tongue being gun shy after his last experience with "followers". He purchased some provisions and left after a short conversation resolving to return and learn more of this Falcon.
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Tane spends the next few months in the forest, hunting, caring for the woods and living free and well. However, his encounter with the Kithairien's remained in the back of his mind and his curiosity grew. It grew to the point he left the woods to ask around town for followers of the Falcon that he could talk to. His inquiries end unsuccessfully.
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After asking about in most towns, Tane posts notices in the few inns he is allowed for followers of the Falcon
http://forums.layonara.com/silver-buckle/285091-note-message-board.html
http://forums.layonara.com/wild-surge-inn/285092-note-message-board.html
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After receiving no responses to his postings at the inns for followers of The Falcon, he ventures to the Silver Buckle and expresses his frustration.
"Tane ask round, post notices at inns for Falcon followers. Tane get no response. Tane no know where to go to find out about Falcon."
"Have you tried the library at Blackford castle. It has one of the most complete sets of books on religion and deities."
Tane takes note and decides he will make a journey to the castle library to see if he can find information about the Falcon.
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Tane makes the long journey from the Silver Buckle to the Blackford castle library. He does not take the most direct route and decides instead to go through the White Horn forest. He takes his time, hunts vigorously and absorbs the energy and freedom of the woods. He eats and sleeps well, but ultimately moves on to Blackford castle to learn what he can about the Falcon.
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Tane makes his way to Blackford castle.
"Excuse me sir, what is your business here" says the guard
"Tane look in library for information on Falcon."
The guard looks at him suspiciously and then reluctantly lets him. However, he does not allow Tane to enter without escort. The guard shows him the library and introduces him to the librarian. The guard whispers in the librarians ear...
"Do not let him out of your sight. If he steps out of line, give me a holler. I will be right outside the door."
The librarian nods indiscreetly to the guard and turns to Tane.
"*clears his throat* What can I do for you Mister ???...."
"Me Tane. Tane tree friend. Tane look for book on Falcon"
The librarian looks at him and gauges his reading abilities quickly and nods.
"Oh The Runner? Very well, this way..."
He leads him past a number of voluminous stacks, and into a larger more brightly colored section of the library with large letters on the floor. The books in this section are much thinner with much larger letters and many pictures. A few children are interrupted from their readings and look up in awe at Tane lumbering through the library. The librarian picks out a particularly thin book colored in vibrant blues and white and motions Tane to follow. The librarian leads him out of the brightly colored area into a much darker corner of the library closer to the entrance and the guards. He places the book down on a desk (much too small for Tane) and motions him to sit and read.
"Let me know if you have any questions"
Tane pulls the smallist chair away from the desk and sits gingerly and begins to read slowly dragging his finger across the large and vibrant text.
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My true kin, rely on your strengths and run free. See all that there is to see of this land. With your bonds to one another and your independence, there is no one stronger than you. Let no bond of mortal making hold you back. Rebel against those who seek to bind you. Remember always, the vilest of all prisons is a stale mind and hard heart. Run free. Be true to yourself and your kin. Let no one hold you back.
After a laborious and vocal pronunciation of the above, Tane looks up from the book with an open jaw and glitter of recognition in his eyes. He nods and immediately goes back to reading in earnest.
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Tane’s search for followers of the Runner had been unsuccessful. It had been months. Tane had asked everyone he knew, searched every corner of every forest he was familiar with, and posted notices in all inns he was allowed. No response.
Since it had been so long without finding any follower of The Runner, Tane began to focus his efforts on following the words of the Runner he had read the best he could. It was not ideal, but it was the best he could manage.
That was until one day he was preparing for a hunt into the spider caves of Silkwood. A young woman walked up to him. She had a strange aura about here. As if Tane had known her for a long time. She walked up and introduced herself.
"My name is Andraia Benteel"
Tane nodded and introduced himself. She looked closely at Tane as if looking through his skin, through his heritage, to his core. She smiled. Tane looked confused.
"A child of The Runner I see", she said
"How you know? Tane look for Runner for long time. No find any." Tane looked at her confused.
"If you are looking for The Runner you will never find him. The Runner finds you my new friend." she said.
Tane looked at her with a spark of recognition.
"You follow Runner?"
*she nodes* "I am one of the Falcon's feathers."
Tane's face lit up. He and Andraia hunted for the rest of the afternoon together. Few words were exchanged; they ran free anticipating each others actions as if they were brother and sister. They departed after a long day of camaraderie; they split the spoils of their hunt and parted ways knowing that they would see each other again.
Tane was fulfilled for the first time in many moons.
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Tane becomes a product of his environment. Hunting endlessly in the ample forests of Layonara, being free and sharing the spoils of the hunt with others that will travel with him. On one such trip an admirer commented on the many feathers Tane had in his belt.
"Nice feathers there friend. What bird are they from?"
"Tane falcon friend. Tane tame falcons and fly them sometimes. Day drop feathers, and Tane take dem for own."
The stranger nods and says "Ahh, Falcon. A majestic bird indeed. You wear them well."
Then, almost as an afterthought he says "Ya know, I've oft read of a mythical creature. The Great Falcon. Not sure if its real, but if you had one of its feathers it could command a significant amount of true."
Tane tilted his head. He had not heard of the Great Falcon before. He did not care about the true it's feathers might command, but he needed to know more. He took a mental note to ask around about it, and then continue on his hunt with the stranger.