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Messages - Xhanum
1
« on: August 10, 2005, 01:24:00 PM »
*scrawled in a decidedly Elvin, yet hurried hand on the bottom of Roland's note*
Paladin,
I have not forgotten. It is good to see that you have thought on these things as well.
I will make myself known in town when next I return from the high forest.
May the blessings of your God guide your hand Roland.
+
//on most nights 7-11PM EST when I can
2
« on: August 10, 2005, 01:08:00 PM »
World Domination is as the weave of five
Stood there five, as the numberless fell, with purpose combined sent the hellish to hell.
Five mages might, casting one in all, to envoke and ablate til the Ogres did fall.
The weave of five, raining blast and spark, while translucent matter formed shield and arch.
Five waded deeper, then one leaped ahead, til the other four closed on the teaming undead.
The power of the weave is strong, but real power lay in the combining of all the threads. Conjuring, evocation, abjuration, these can stand alone, true, but in combination their power entwines and becomes an unbreakable weave. The adventure of five casters ended in Fort Hope, but the lesson remains with me.
3
« on: August 10, 2005, 10:07:00 AM »
Pesar Fuladi accepts. I wish to practice my art in the chaos and cloud of combat. Since they must be removed anyway, Ogres will make fine targets for my purposes.
//most evenings 7-11PM EST
4
« on: August 04, 2005, 03:05:00 PM »
World Domination is not blinded by bias
"Does it not bother you to be apprentice to a Drow?" he pointedly inquired. My response came as easily and naturally as the vapors follow new mead, "these things matter not a whit to me. So long as you have skills to teach I will embrace your lessons." I have heard of the wickedness of the Drow, and perhaps I have been tempted to caste an eye of judgment on their kind in my youth. With clearer vision, it seems to me that race, like religion, garners far too much credit and far too much blame for the deeds of its members. The sun shines upon the Top Elf as well as the Dark Elf. The dark of night settles upon all with equal embrace. Surely there is power in goodness as well as in evil. I seek the middle way, unfettered by the constraints of any dogma or social construct. Is this pursuit for freedom of mind deviance? I say that my liberation will lead to a clear understanding of my potential and unlock power unknown to the adherents. What then is race to me? Master Vindel has taken me into his apprenticeship and I will learn all that he has to teach me of the Arcane arts. I have seen his might to destroy as well as his ablatives. He has much to offer me. In return, I have covenanted not to pursue a course of evil, and to lay down my bow that I might embrace the powers of the art with full purpose of heart.
5
« on: August 03, 2005, 11:18:00 AM »
World Domination is as a stout Dwarf
Shortly after my arrival in Hlint, I made the acquaintance of one Skullcracker, a Dwarven Berserker. By the manner in which he carried himself and the many signs of wear on his armor, I quickly deduced that he was as fond of battle as he was of the drink. My insights proved to be correct. Skullcracker shepherded me from one danger to the next, explaining with some patience just how he intended to destroy his opponents. I observed closely as he fell upon skeletons, giant rats, goblins, and Lizard men. He waded into battle with supreme confidence, for he knew each enemy's strengths and tactics. He ascribed order to his targets and took them down systematically. There was no chaos... no fog of war. Skullcracker maintained complete vision and control of the battle as he strode from one enemy to the next. To know ones own skills is to become bold. To know ones enemy is to become confident. To know both, and to use this as a weapon, is to achieve world domination.
6
« on: July 26, 2005, 04:56:00 AM »
I agree with the last... As a new player I did grope a bit for where to post and what to read first. There is simply a ton of information here and it was daunting to arrive to this community as a newbie. I still make heavy use of the search tool to figure out which forum I need to be in, but Im getting used to the layout after a month.
7
« on: July 19, 2005, 03:23:00 PM »
Im spankin new to this stuff. I could suggest some good reads on WAN technologies (been doing that for 17 years) but I know diddly about D&D or FR save what I've learned since I signed up for layonara last month.
Apart from the books mentioned, can anyone suggest a quick primer on the web? For example, until last month, I still had a pretty decent image of Elves as the tiny guys in Santa's workshop. I don't want to read about Elves at some random web site and get the wrong idea. Before I jump into any heavy novel, I want to get a better feel for the genre.
For example, on the topic of age by race:
How old is a young adult Elf? When would they marry... have kids... start a career? How old is an old Elf?
Same questions for the other races, and lots more topics I'd like answered.
Any suggestions for a primer that will give me some context like this?
8
« on: July 19, 2005, 03:04:00 PM »
Yikes!
I've been RPing some Drow mistrust, but I gotta tell ya, the stuff I saw in those screen caps bothers me. My anti-drow RP stops right now. There is no way I want to be lumped in with that kind of stuff. Just one guy's opinion, but thats over the top in my mind.
9
« on: July 18, 2005, 04:42:00 AM »
I died twice yesterday. Two deaths, two tokens. Once, lag got me while I was solo. The second, I was with a group way too high for me. I had no business fighting Fire Giants at level 8.
The bind stone isn't showing me my DT count, but I believe it is 6 now. This is my first NWN character. Heck, this is my first RPG. So, I expected to make mistakes with this character. The sad part of this is, I have really been getting into this character. I've got a good character development thread going, and I'm enjoying learning to RP her.
At this point I know I'll never be able to finish her story before she is gone. I feel like I may as well start thinking about my next character and see if I can get some more things right from the start this time, but I've become rather attached to Parvin.
10
« on: July 16, 2005, 08:01:00 PM »
Recent news came to me from a member of the brethren of the faithful. It seems that the evil one has inspired one Milara to march on Rilan with a substantial host. Though the defenders of that kingdom are mighty, they may well give way to the force in array against them, and if they do, Mistone will surely be next.
I have given my pledge to Ael, who speaks on behalf of the pious, and Nex, who represents the workers of magery. I now seek able Rangers, and any who are skilled in silent movement with a keen eye. We must discover the weaknesses in Milara's marshalling. An army of any size will require substantive supply movements, or at least clean water and plentiful game. If we can determine a means to depriving this army from supply, then we tip the defenders hand.
Once I, or my Rangers, discover the weakness, word is to be taken to the Inn within Hlint's walls. There, Ael and Nex will wait for the information that they might assemble an appropriate force to execute the plan. Disruption and demoralization of the enemy are the goals.
This is no rash action. I have observed a council of the brethren of the faithful in which I was permitted to address the body. These holy men compete on the methods by which to act, but they are unified in their ultimate goals. I spoke on behalf of those who follow no God, but pledge both sweat and blood at the side of any who would champion the ideals of peace and liberty. Many of us are prepared to take up the art of war that we may secure a lasting peace. I have made this point clear to Ael, who has been most receptive to my overatures.
The time to act has arrived.
11
« on: July 14, 2005, 04:07:00 AM »
This day, my purpose has been revealed.
I have oft contemplated the wisdom of my cohabitation among the races of Hlint. Difficult and unsettling as this has been, I have also forged relationships of trust with a few of the residents, finding a sense of belonging so nearly forgotten.
Recently, an unfamiliar race has arrived in Hlint. These creatures have the body of a lion, with the torso of a man extending from the place of the lion's neck. Their heads are as the feature of both lion and man. In the common tongue, some call them Wemics.
The first of their kind who I encountered did not speak, save unintelligable grunting, yet was clearly intelligent. The next two I encountered communicated both in a manner I could not comprehend, and after the manner to which I have become accustomed conversing with woodland beasts. With some difficulty on my part, we found common ground of language.
It seems that these Wemics have arrived in this land just as the other races have. The subject of great curiosity among the towns folk, they have been uncomfortable and vexxed. I took them to Ranger's Vale where they felt of the peace and solitude needed to sooth their agitations. I have much to explain to them. I suspect they yet know nothing of the evil one.
I could sense their discomfort in the town. My actions gave them sufficient cause to place confidence in me. With that confidence, which I will not betray, I am certain we will learn much of one another. This is my purpose as a Ranger.
12
« on: July 11, 2005, 08:13:00 PM »
I love it. Though I'd hate to be banished from the castle and miss out on the adventures waiting beyond, this sort of totally unpredictable outcome to some pretty good RP is exactly what keeps me coming back. No doubt it was a surprise to all involved... but you go with it and see where it takes you. Sometimes you'll make a bad choice, but if you back off and step carefully all the time then this world will be a lot less interesting. I'm all for losing your temper, or being a bully or just making a stupid choice now and then. Every once in a while I also expect to exercise uncommon restraint, aid the weak, and do something fantastically clever. Occassional deviations from the norm give a character some dimension, and let you express more of yourself through the RP. If I have a truly rotten day in RL, I might tend toward a bad day in RP or a great day in RP, but probably not a normal day in RP. 2 cents from a CN Godless Ranger.
13
« on: July 09, 2005, 09:00:00 PM »
On the skills of the Ranger...
When one is learned they suppose themselves to be wise. Yet wisdom comes from reflection. Wisdom is within. Many have their Gods, and Gods may grant gifts to their servants, it is true. Yet, I do not wait on the gifts of Gods who choose to reveal themselves behind veils or turn their attentions as the wind. Some may say that all things are God, or that God is in all nature. If it be true it matters not to me, for I know whence wisdom swells in me and its source is sure.
Mine is not the way of the Druid or the Paladin. Though I am possessed of some modest understanding of the elements and forces of nature, I draw my strength from the arm of flesh. The bow is my might. The arrow is my sting. All else is as the moss to the tree; the babble to the brook. In my hand, the bow becomes flesh and bone and wisdom. It shoots fast and true to each target, finding those tender parts under the belly, behind the ear, beneath the arm. From a living stand the bow was taken, shaped, and dried. In my hand it snatches life to itself again as it delivers death to my enemies.
Of the many skills of the Ranger, silent movement, casting of a keen eye, listening for the hurried heartbeat, and all, only the grip of the nock and the light brushing of the fletching on my cheek under a steady draw, stir me to my core. This is not the path of all Rangers, but it is the only path I can be true to. I can not pretend devotion to an absent faith.
14
« on: July 08, 2005, 08:52:00 PM »
I have also learned of the peril now filling the farthest reaches of the world. Little did I understand durring those many months hiding by day and moving by night. Since arriving in the town Hlint, much has become clear.
A merciless and numberless concourse of death seekers descended on our fair home. I do not call them soldiers, for a soldier has honor, yet they do assemble and fight as an army. At the head of this dark army is the one called Blood. Some know him as Sinthar. I have watched and listened intently that I might learn something of the fate of my dear ones Pesar. Some say that captives are pressed into service in his hideous army. Others say that these wretched servants of evil have no souls, but are animated by a dark wicked power beyond this world. I have even heard tell that Dragons are caused to serve Blood in a state between life and death.
Above all, I know that I can not yet stand against the ominous power of Blood's minions, yet I am developing strength beyond my ability to imagine with each passing day. I have also been taken into the confidence of many mighty and true defenders of peace. The day will soon come Pesar, when these heroes will sever the head of the snake that the body may wither and die.
15
« on: July 07, 2005, 04:44:00 PM »
in my prayers 
16
« on: July 07, 2005, 03:25:00 PM »
Now, I tell you a portion of my preparations as a Ranger, that you may know whereby I give this counsel. In knowing one self, one must know their instruments as well. The tool is clumsy and crude in the hand of one unpracticed, but the instrument is the extension of its master. My instrument is the long bow.
This oaken long bow has become the expression of my will. It was crafted for my hand by a wood worker of some fame, name of Jacchri. It is said that even the best bow never found a hillside without an archer, and the best archer may graze a weavel's ear with a simple green reed, but the best bow in the hands of a skilled archer is a deadly implement to be sure. The blade, the club, and the spear all have their place, but with the bow, the enemy may be thwarted before effecting an offense.
Though I have little skill in the craft, I have learned the principles important to bow performance. The bow should be long, extending from the tip of the toe to no less than the top of the head. A nice straight selection of hard wood without blemish and with a uniform grain is essential. Hickory, Oak, and White Ash may be cut green and dried. Black Locust, Mulberry, and Osage should be taken dead and standing. The back of the bow should begin with the first annual ring of heartwood, or from the sapwood above it if the sap is thin. Spring may be coaxed through careful tilling of the belly, thinning the stave evenly along it's length in order to share the burden of bending. Even the best wood cannot take being mistreated by weakening one spot too much, but a bow gets stronger as it dries, which must be planned for. The best bowstring material is twisted sinew. Twisted gut or rawhide will also do.
Soon, my skills will have surpassed this oaken bow and I will be ready for a greater instrument.
17
« on: July 06, 2005, 08:58:00 PM »
Wonders all have I beheld, and more than once have the strange powers of conjurers stayed my end. I confess openly in the reality of the divine and the arcane. I have stood in the company of those few who wield a spectacle of might against evil. These truths I shall never esteem lightly, yet I say plainly, even loudly for the Gods to hear my words, if there truly be Gods to listen, I trust in none of these. Gods may fail the heart of the follower. Mystic powers may evaporate as morning dew. Spectacular and inspiring to the weak in character though the works of magery may be, the greatest power one may possess is to know one' self... to accept both flaw and strength, trusting in self... to become perfect in spite of imperfection. I have begun this journey. My trust lay in the arm of flesh where derelict Gods and peeping wizards do not fail me. The bow does not quit me before my strength. My shafts do not scatter in the wind, but fly true. The sting of each volley does not transform, at its mark, to a puff of smoke or a tinkling chime.
Pesar, the greatest among us know themselves. They trust in themselves. This is the power they wield, and it does not fail them. Seek this first, that you may never find yourself wanting in the absence of an unseen God.
18
« on: July 05, 2005, 03:19:00 PM »
I have oft considered how, by some means unspoken and unseen, the woodland creatures take flight from danger. This flight however, is not deliberate action, but the consequence of being acted upon, for a beast gives no thought to its flight, save the next step, or leap, or glide. They are compelled to preserve their lives and in so doing, fill the measure of their creation. This is peace.
I am beginning to find peace Pesar. Though my torments have long wracked me with guilt over the abandonment of my dear ones, I know that my actions were not my own. I made no decision to flee or hide in cowardice, but to take only my next step, and then the next until, danger at my back, I had secured life for the coming hour.
At last, in the city Hlint, among many of the noble and the great, I have begun to fill the measure of my creation. I have hearkened to the lessons of our fathers and tasted of my potential. I have shaken off the rags and soil of the vagabond, having gained the wisdom to take deliberate action at all times, in acknowledgement of all senses. I have arisen a Ranger.
19
« on: July 02, 2005, 12:09:00 PM »
In truth, I rehearse this tale not for your edification alone, but for mine. Long seasons and unknown days I remained in the shadow of destruction, fear... my only companion. Laughter, song, and life eluded my recollections. Spoken words became strange to me. Even the brightness of your eyes seemed a distant and fading memory.
Like the spring fawn seizes upon the Doe's teet, I did seize upon a knowledge of my potential Pesar. The history of our ancestors pierced my heart and I grew in courage. I saw the world through my mother's eyes as she struck out from her war ravaged home, carrying her tiny bundle in one arm and a blade in the other. She rehearsed this same story to me, of how the few remaining Esfehani Elves fled toward distant lands and a distant promise. Our history recalls a division among Elves which had been free of bloodshed. It is told, as the Metallic Dragons had retreated centuries earlier, the more spiritual part of our people had pursued them. In her desperate struggle to preserve my life, your grandmother pressed on with nothing more than hope for a welcoming kindred home in a peaceful land. How then could I abandon hope?
Now Pesar, you must understand, when destruction was visited on our peaceful home, it came without warning. As I returned to our Vale that bitter supper hour, that dark day, it was as if a shadow had been cast, stretching Eastward beyond the horizon. No woodland creature remained to make a sound, save the very trees which quaked and trembled where they stood. In place of the warm fires and inviting hails of dear ones, I discovered a dark and numberless host of invaders. A trail of fantastic desolation, wide as a sunset, plainly marked their course. Had I not fled in that moment, I too would have surely been cut down in the same hour.
20
« on: July 01, 2005, 04:57:00 AM »
Now my son, this is not all. Having laid down their weapons of war, and after a season of peace, our grandfathers stalwart were visited once again with hellish destruction. I speak of the division between Top Elf and Dark Elf. It is true, Pesar'am, that in the beginning, Elven kind was of a single house, but this history is for another time. I wish you to know of the deeds of our fathers in this struggle. This new generation had been born into peace, yet delivered unto conflict. Our fathers, like their fathers before them, heeded the call to arise and take up arms. They practiced the art of war and visited swift death upon their enemies. Again, we see Pesar, that in the hour of need, the Esfehani have found within themselves the capacity to confront any enemy who would destroy peace.
I tell you of myself, this is not vengance. It is not hate or rage. I am compelled by the cause of peace to raise my hand where chaos has overpowered order. It is the desire of my heart to spare all people, even all races, from the pains of warfare, but to do so requires first that evil be subdued. Our grandfathers and our fathers understood this Pesar. They sacrificed their all for this cause. I now do the same. If you yet live, I pray you see a lifetime of peace beyond the ending of the conflict now joined.
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