Author Topic: Clarissa (quest to be a champion) (Read 1200 times)

Skywatcher · « **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2007, 10:57:54 PM »

I met back with the group looking to solve the murder of the little boy. We followed a lead about a wizard named Lewis News that lived in a town Northeast of Hlint. We found the man in the inn and Storold went to talk to him and see if he could find out anything. I had to leave before finding out how the conversation went. I need to find Storold and ask him.

//Who dun it? quest 2/7/07

Skywatcher · « **Reply #21 on:** February 08, 2007, 11:03:30 PM »

I met back with the group investigating the attempted assassination in Prantz. The ones that followed the two men from Lannisport said that they discovered that the men were the source of the poison but not much else. We went to Lorindar to try to Wyleth and we didn't find much. There was a lot of bickering and basically a bunch of running around looking at random. All we found out was that it looked like he shed his identity and hopped a ride to North Point. Seeing as he's being hunted by Broegar it would be great to talk to him but I think it's going to be very hard to find him without help.

//What is and What Should Never Be quest 2/8/07

Skywatcher · « **Reply #22 on:** February 08, 2007, 11:45:53 PM »

*While spending some time alone in meditation she jots down some notes on the paladin code*

I think I will spend time in contemplation on each of these elements of the code. I have come to know it by heart and understand fully the implications in the black and white of things but things are not always black and white. Michaelis said I needed to understand why I follow Toran. I will seek him and the answer to that question in the code if it can be found there.

The first element of the code: Truth, honor, and loyalty are your highest calling. Never deviate from these principles, even if it should mean your death.

Truth. Always tell the truth. Seems pretty simple. Or is it? Must I tell my enemy that seeks to destroy all that is right the truth if I know his weakness? Must I tell the truth to a young child who has just lost his parents that his life in the orphanage will be hard? Must I tell a hurtful truth when no good can come from it? Truth is so much more than the statement of facts. Truth is purity of knowledge. Is the use of knowledge in pure way that leads to noble and good ends. The greater good must always be part of truth and the effect of the knowledge being conveyed must be understood. The words must be spoken in a way that is not easily distorted or twisted into harmful ends.

Honor. Too many hear the word "pride" when they think of honor. Many use honor as a shield to guard them having to make hard decisions. What is honor? Is it something I feel about myself? My honor. I think the wrong application of this idea leads to being arrogant and unbending. Is it something others feel about me? Should I seek for all to think well of me? I think not. Honor is being able to stand before my Lord at the end of the day and see his smile. If my heart and my actions are true it matters not what others think. Honor is seeking to please the All Watching. It is embodying his ideals. It is acting as I believe he would act. Toran is compassionate not arrogant. He seeks to aid the innocent and right injustice. If I can seek worthy ends by worthy means I will have honor.

Loyalty. Loyalty to what? Certainly to the Great Leader himself. But what else? To friends, to associates? To enemies? To the powers that be? To myself? To the code? To the masses? This is the key. Loyalty itself is a simple concept. It is devotion, steadfastness, and trustworthiness to the best interest of others. The question is what is the object that one is loyal to. Priests of Pyrtechon are loyal to him but of course the code would not call me to be. The challenge of applying loyalty as an ideal is in choosing the objects of one's loyalty. Choosing worthy allies is not as easy as it may seem. One cannot pledge loyalty without deep knowledge of the one pledged to. I will always be loyal to Toran himself. He has proven himself worthy of my fealty. I will seek others who are worthy of complete loyalty. I will remain loyal to the innocent who need protecting.

So what have I learned from this? Three small words with such far reaching implications. My eyes have been opened to a greater truth and a deeper understanding of the one whom these standards represent.

*she closes her book and quitely walks out of the temple into a slightly larger and more complex world*

Skywatcher · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2007, 07:24:35 PM »

*returning to her meditations and again opening her journal to record her thoughts*

The second element of the code: Never question Toran, nor his priesthood. Your loyalty to your God will be put to the test in a time of trial. Remain steadfast and loyal during that time and all shall be achieved.

Never question Toran. Again a pretty straight forward statement but again not so simple. Had I complete access to Toran himself and direct communication from him there would be no doubt of his will but without that how can I be sure that I am doing his will. The only way is to know him. I must seek to be so close to him that my will is his. I must understand him through his past actions. I must study his relations to the other deities.

Nor his priesthood. But the priesthood consists of men who are fallible. Look at what happened with the Justicers. They have been banned by the priesthood that once supported them. The priesthood could not have been correct in both supporting and banning them. What is Toran's will in this? Toran holds the place of the compassionate enforcer of the law. What if there was corruption in the clergy and they ordered something that was not in line with the character of Toran? Am I bound to obey by this code. I think the key is in the final phrase of this element.

Your loyalty to your God will be put to the test in a time of trial. The key is that one's loyalty is ultimately to Toran. When a conflict exists between men and Toran, Toran must prevail. If the Justicers act against the will of Toran then I will stand with Toran. I need to be ready for my time of testing. I will only be truly ready when my thoughts are Toran's thoughts. Toran guide me in learning to know you in all your glory.

*she finishes her meditations and closes her book*

Skywatcher · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2007, 07:31:00 PM »

The explorers investigating the mystery of what happened in Alinor had a meeting to discuss the way ahead. It was good to hear all of the story about what they had done and what needed to be done. We assigned a few small groups to do some investigation before the next time we all get together and then we would meet up some where near the Wolfswood forest and look for a pair of twin towers on our way to King's Landing to investigate the tomb of there that has a portal in it. I hope we can get the portal workng and get to the workshop. I hate that these good rulers have fallen to Milara's curse. Something must be done to cleanse that taint.

//Exploring the past quest 2/10/07

Skywatcher · « **Reply #25 on:** February 17, 2007, 09:40:59 AM »

A lot has happened lately.

First I met with the group looking into the assassination attempt and although disorganized at first the group finally came upon a plan. We will seek the ingredients for a cure to the poison that is killing the leader of the Rofireinite church in Prantz. It the same time we will try to obtain some of Wyleths belongings so we can determine his location. I am encouraged by the cooperation and I think we will make good progress now.

//What is and What Should Never Be quest 2/15/07

Daniel and I traveled to meet with a sea elf amassador and discovered some interesting information about restoring the chalice. The trip was wonderous as we were taken by dolphins to an underwater cavern. It was beautiful. I am glad we didn't get attacked by sharks like Daniel said happened last time he went.

//Side quest for Exploring the Past 2/16/07

Finally I met with Michaelis Draego. I spoke to him about some of the issues that had been coming up in my studies and meditations. It was good to be able to lay my heart out to a kindred spirit. He said that the chosen hands of Toran, his Champions must wait until a time when Toran himself reveals his will to them. He said that Toran would task them with something and that depending on how the task was handled Toran may decide that they were ready to serve him in this way. I will continue my studies and prayers and hope to be ready if Toran sees fit to call me to such service.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2007, 07:41:50 AM »

We discovered the ancient tower. There were orbs surrounding it like the ones the others had described. We deciphered the code to enter the tower. I can't wait to see what's inside.

//Exploring the Past quest 2/17/07

We have discovered Lex's mother or what used to be his mother in a grove in the Forest of Mists. She has Sonya's children as hostages Lex wants to talk to her but if she makes a move to harm those children I will end her.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #27 on:** February 22, 2007, 02:55:24 PM »

*she sits down and begins meditating on the next sections of the paladin code taking notes in her journal as her thoughts come to her*

Aid those that you can, and neither ask nor expect reward. Your valor and honor will bring glory to Toran's name.

This element of the code seems to have little to question in it but I think it is interesting that the vagueness of the element seems to be the reason that it is easier to apply. It leaves room for the individual to apply the principal in the context of the situation. What will aid someone? Well it depends on the situation. Giving money to some is not aid as it may allow bad habits to be continued. I am starting to see a patern and that patern is that doing right is more the application of principles in a given context than a set of rules that can be applied to all situations. This is paradox of law. The more you try to define right and wrong with rules the easier it becomes to find a loophole in the law. The best Laws communicate the principles and values that are desired but leave freedom to exercise these in the context of the situation. Some would say that this implies that there are no absolutes and thus there is no reason for Law at all but I find the contrary. Without any law there is chaos and each chooses his own way but with good Law enforced by those who apply it with compassion there is order and freedom. This begs the question of what is the minimum amount of Law that is needed since too much weakens its effect.

Do not suffer evil, hatred, or corruption, for these are the greatest sins of mortals. Battle against these sins and those who commit them, but be mindful that there is no shame in retreat, especially to preserve your life and the lives of other innocents around you.

The problem with this element of the code is that it doesn't provide the positive action required. It tells me not to suffer this but does not give me the action to take in response. I guess maybe that's good based on my previous thoughts. So this is not a weakness in this rule but rather a strength. It becomes my burden to determine what can be done within my power to combat these things. The principle is to resist. The value is that evil, hatred, and corruption are contrary to the greater good. These, I believe are the elements that make good law, values to be upheld and general princilpes to apply.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #28 on:** February 26, 2007, 09:31:22 PM »

We are getting so close but things still seem so far away. After floating in a darness with no clue where to go Drogo and I were finally rescued by our friends. The mages were able to use the pool to obtain some information from the weave about the chalice and its location. We just need a few more pieces to the puzzle.

//Exploring the past 2/25/07

Skywatcher · « **Reply #29 on:** February 26, 2007, 09:38:43 PM »

*continuing her reflections on the paladin code she settles again into deep meditation and records the revelations in her journal*

Your word is your bond. Keep your word, even should it bring you to death's gate. The faithful of Toran must honor their word and trust in their valor and their God to aid them in keeping their promises. There is no honor in a vow that calls for the death or dishonor of innocents, and such promises may be freely broken.

Finally an element of the code that is totally in my control. My word is my bond. I must pay special attention to my words and promises as I will be bound to keep it even if it turns out to cost me greatly. I will prepare myself to fullfil any vow. I must be aware however how my actions affect others as the one reason for breaking my own word would be that the cost to others would be too high. No personal cost will lead me to break a promise but I will not allow others to suffer from my foolishness if such be under my control.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #30 on:** March 02, 2007, 11:39:50 PM »

I have been assigned a young priestess to train. Her name is Rose and she is as green as a twig off an evergreen tree. But she has a quality about her that I like. She is single minded in her devotion to Toran. She tries her best at everything I ask of her and has very high standards for herself. I see a potential in her and in the combination of our powers that resembles how my parents used to work together. I can start to see the wisdom of the church in assigning her to me. She also has some of the same feelings I do about the politics in the church. I will have to think about how she could be of help to me in my goals.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #31 on:** March 05, 2007, 11:09:59 PM »

I spoke to Mylindra today about the division between the churches of Rofirein and Toran. She told me that some others of like mind are also working to unite the churches. She was unable to discuss the internal politics of the church of Rofirein in Prantz but I could tell that she seemed to agree with me that the source of the division lies there. I also spoke with Miss Rhynn who encouraged me to continue my pursuit of the truth through talking to Yardislan and also by investigating the atempted assassination in Prantz. It seems my path is clear and I am getting the same leading from many directions. This must be Toran's will.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #32 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:48:57 AM »

I have a horse!!!!! *smiles* The most magnificent steed I have every seen came to me. She is so smart and she is a gift from Toran himself. I have decided to call her Vision. She is so helpful and boy can she run.

We finally made it to Vanavar to find the ingredients for the poison cure. Wyleth is in chains and will eventually face justice. I only hope we can be fast enough to get the cure in time.

//What is and what should never be 3/15/07

Oh and there was this sweet man. His name was Arkolio. He kissed my hand today. He was so funny. What was it he said? At first I thought my outfit was messed up but then he started stammering. "Fuddy wuddy wuddy" I think it was. Then he started going on about how beautiful I was. It was nice but I need to be careful who I smile at maybe. I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea.

*looks up*

My heart belongs only to you Great Leader.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #33 on:** March 16, 2007, 10:35:34 PM »

*continuing her reflections on the Paladin code*

The next element of the code:
All life is sacred. Raping, pillaging, and other crimes of war are strictly forbidden to those in Toran's service. Killing should be an act of last resort. Honor your enemies, regardless of their race, even in defeat.

Killing, hmm. This is an area that is definitely grey and I have even heard much debate on it in recent days. Lexor's order is against most all killing for any reason. This seems extreme. The protection of the innocent requires the removal from society and various areas those threats that would harm people. What is it that qualifies people for protection and what measures can be taken to protect short of killing? Beast could be relocated to areas remote from civilization but some don't go willingly and lack the intelligence or will to negotiate and establish peaceful coexistance. If hostile beasts were allowed to breed uncontrolled and expand their areas of influence society would fall. So there must some value system on which to base a decision of when it is just to take life. What are the values and the principles?

Values. Life itself is sacred. All life is sacred and should only be ended for good reason. Creatures, including people, simply trying to live at peace with others and not threatening others should be allowed to be at peace. These same creatures should be protected from those that would do them harm. Defense of one's self and of others is a valid reason to use force. A peaceful resolution is always preferred to a violent one.

Is there a difference between "murder" and "killing". There must be. Since murder is always wrong and killing can be justified in some cases. Murder is killing without justification. So what makes killing just. It comes back to that. The general principle seems to be that as a last resort in the defense of those that would otherwise be put at risk it is ok to kill another creature. This would include such activities as clearing roads or areas near towns and vilages of creatures that would harm travellers and residents, courts putting to death criminals that show no sign of repentance, war if it is for a just cause, self defense and the defense of others from direct harm.

Honor your enemies. This means that even after having killed a foe one must honor them as part of the great world we all live in and has having value even though they made choices that led to their demise. This is an area I must strive to improve. How to honor them? I must at least remember to say a prayer for the fallen that their souls will be taken to a better place.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #34 on:** March 26, 2007, 09:49:07 PM »

It was so sad I almost can't stand it. Those poor people. I have been going about trying to do good and totally ignoring the common people that I pass by on a daily basis. That was a wake up call. I will not be blind to their plight any longer. The time has come for action. I spoke with Krys and he has some ideas about forming a group that will aid in making things better. He asked if I would be the spokesperson for the group at its start. I told him I would be honored. I need to find out information on the local leadership around Port Hempstead and around Stone. Port Hempstead is part of the Brelin Kingdom. Stone is part of the Sun Kingdom in Alindor. I need to do some research on the organization of these governments. I will start asking around. This problem is too big for individuals and governments must sanction major efforts inside their realms or there could be big problems. I need to pick a few trusted friends that may want to help us. Toran smile on us and help us show your compassion to those in need.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #35 on:** April 05, 2007, 04:38:16 AM »

A very strange and very perplexing thing has happened. I was standing by the docks in Leringard and I heard a whistled tune of bitter icy notes. I went to the place on the wall where I thought I heard it and suddenly I felt pulled through space and I found myself suddenly in Port Hempstead. I went back to the spot and there were a bunch of shiny lights in the spot I had been. I could hear noises from Port Hempstead like it was a portal or something. I stepped into the lights and was transported once again to Hempstead. I spoke to the local component vendor and he said that he also had heard some of the tune and was able to add a bit to it. He had no idea what it was or what it could mean. I thought to myself who would know about songs and the only person I could think of was a master bard that is frequently around Port Hempstead. I asked Ozy if he knew anything and after some research he told me that he thought the tune was part of an ancient Song of Power. He was concerned since these songs are appearently never to be sung because of their power and the potential for them to do great harm. This one is likely one of 4 dirges due to its bitter tone. Ozy said he would speak to the merchant and see if he could find out any more information about this song. I hope he finds out something soon before any harm comes from this.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #36 on:** April 10, 2007, 03:07:39 AM »

Well I was hanging around the area in Port Hempstead where I heard the tune and I got this strange feeling that made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I looked over behind the building and a strange little man was walking by. I tried to talk to him but his eyes where void and he didn't seem to hear me or respond. He was radiating alternating hot and cold. Even his footsteps were alternately freezing and scorching the ground. I followed him and he eventually stopped in a grove outside the walls of the city. Along the way some other people happened by and decided to lend their aid since the little fellow could have been dangerous. I keep hearing various series of notes coming from the stranger. It was almost like he was using the notes to communicate. I sensed saddness from him and need and a struggle between two possible ends. He stopped at a tree and looked up reaching out as if he wanted something. Gilli climbed into the tree and found a nest with a small crystal sphere in it. He managed to bring it down. It reminded me of an orb I had seen once. Erk had it and said that it was a prison sphere of sorts. Erk had seen others that had bad things in them. The one Erk had when I saw it he destroyed to prevent whatever was in it from getting out. Somehow I sensed that it was ok to give it to the little man. When I did there was a sharp note as if a significant movement of the song had been completed and he disappeared. He left a lingering series of 8 notes repeated over and over that were coming from where he left. I am going to go after him. I think these sounds are like the ones I heard in Leringard and I expect to be transported the moment I step in.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #37 on:** April 10, 2007, 04:25:55 AM »

*finally settling down after making a few business deals she slips back into deep meditation and contemplates the Code she has sworn to uphold. After a long time of inner searching she opens her eyes and writes ger thoughts in her journal*

Make no demands of others. A knight of Toran should be proud and self sufficient. There is no shame in accepting offers of help, but a Paladin in Toran's service should never reduce himself to beggary or desperate pleas.

Proud and self sufficient. Could this be the downfall of those that hold to this code to the letter? Too many times I have heard that all Toranites are "arrogant and unyielding." There is a thin line between arrogance and pride. Its one thing to not be a burden to others but quite another to come to think of oneself as above others or independent of others. Everyone needs others help at times. Upholding the honor of Toran himself seems to be the key to this principle. Toran does not demand and neither should his followers. Toran desires to serve others not to be served. When his followers elevate themselves above those that they serve they depart from the truth. When I hear the stories of the fallen of Toran there seems to be a common theme. Isolation. When the code causes you to lose touch with those you serve and one's arrogance prevents them from seeking help you are weakened and ripe for temptation. Each soul needs the touch of others and even a paladin of Toran is not above this need. I will seek this connection with those I serve and strive to never have it broken so that I do not become isolated and vulnerable. I will be proud of Toran and his love for others but not of my own strength or accomplishment as these are all to Toran's credit anyway.

Skywatcher · « **Reply #38 on:** April 18, 2007, 04:08:29 AM »

*finding a relaxing solitary room in the temple and brushing the sawdust off her outfit she sits and again meditates on the code that she has sword to uphold. she thinks of her father and if he had any of the questions she has about the code*

I must go see my father and talk to him about what I am learning. For years I did not fully understand what he had to deal with in the real world. I find myself longing for his companionship. When I have completed my meditations on the code I will go and share my thoughts with him.

The next to last element of the code:

Unless specifically directed by Toran or his priests, do not enter another god's temple except in times of extreme duress. Even when desperate, you may only enter temples of gods sympathetic to Toran.

This seems simple at first blush but yet it somes to definitions again. What is extreme duress, desperation? Based on my past revelations I supose this is a good rule but I must think about when this caveat could be executed. The principle is to only enter a temple of Toran. Will I know when the situation is so extreme that I must enter another temple? Should I just leave it to that and assume that I will know when to enter. I think the answer is if any other values would be sacrificed to keep this rule then this is one that can be set aside. If an innocent would be harmed if I stayed out clearly I would enter. If I had to break a vow by staying out I would enter to fullfil the vow. At the moment the decision will be mine to make and I will ask myself the question if staying out will maintain all of Toran's other values. If not I will act to uphold honor and protect the innocent.

The last phrase seems to indicate that even in these extreme situations only the temples of those that agree with Toran are permitted. Are these two statements related or is this desperation a situation like needing healing supplies or to raise a fallen commrade? Would Toran have me allow a Corathite priest to sacrifice an innocent simply because he fled into his temple. Certainly this is not the intent. Why can't anyting even be simple?

Skywatcher · « **Reply #39 on:** April 24, 2007, 12:34:47 PM »

Well all of this business with the assassination is finally over as far as I can see. We found the cure and got it to the Rofirein leader and although it was not our intent Wyleth was turned over to Broegar who promptly put an end to his life due to incompetence. He deserved death for other reasons but these were the charges that he faced. I will have to keep an eye on Galen from now on as he clearly took things into his own hands and betrayed the groups intention. I am just glad it turned out ok. I con't wait to hear what the great announcement is that was interupted by the attempt.

//What is and What should never be quest 4/12/07