Icemule Historical Society

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Icemule Historical Society, located in a three-sided stone building on Commerce Burrow, Giantman Path, holds a collection of player character histories. Adventurers can visit the society and answer a personal questionnaire of over 80 multiple-choice questions on a variety of subjects: Infancy and Early Childhood, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Adult Life, Opinions, and Religion. Answers to these questions are kept for as long as the adventurer is active in Elanthia and can be revisited at any time.

Mind you, only some adventurers can create character histories in this fashion. Some races (half-Krolvin, Burghal gnomes, forest gnomes, Erithians, and Aelotoi) cannot take the questionnaire. If an adventurer who is of a race that the questionnaire does not cover ASKs NPC ABOUT LIST, the NPC will respond, "I'm sorry, we aren't equipped to deal with your kind yet."

The questions are as follows:


Topic #1--Infancy and Early Childhood

Question #1--"Where were you born?"

(Dark Elf choices)

 	       1. New Ta'Faendryl
              2. Wehnimer's Landing
              3. River's Rest
              4. Teras Isle
              5. Icemule Trace
              6. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              7. Near or in Sharath
              8. No Answer
              9. Other

(Dwarven choices)

              1. In a Dwarven City
              2. Wehnimer's Landing
              3. River's Rest
              4. Teras Isle
              5. Icemule Trace
              6. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              7. Within the Elven empire
              8. Near or in Sharath
              9. No Answer
             10. Other

(Elf choices)

              1. Within the Elven Empire
              2. Wehnimer's Landing
              3. River's Rest
              4. Teras Isle
              5. Icemule Trace
              6. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              7. Wyrdeep Forest
              8. Sylvarraend
              9. Near or in Sharath
             10. No Answer
             11. Other

(Giantman choices)


              1. Wehnimer's Landing
              2. River's Rest
              3. Teras Isle
              4. Icemule Trace
              5. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              6. Within the Elven Empire
              7. Near or in Sharath
              8. No Answer
              9. Other
             10. Among the [Giantman] Clan

(Half-elf choices)

              1. New Ta'Faendryl
              2. Yuriqen
              3. Wehnimer's Landing
              4. River's Rest
              5. Teras Isle
              6. Icemule Trace
              7. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              8. Within the Elven empire
              9. Wyrdeep Forest
             10. Sylvarraend
             11. Near or in Sharath
             12. No Answer
             13. Other

(Halfling choices)

 	       1. In a specific halfling village or city
              2. Wehnimer's Landing
              3. River's Rest
              4. Teras Isle
              5. Icemule Trace
              6. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              7. Within the Elven Empire
              8. Near or in Sharrath
              9. No Answer
             10. Other

(Human choices)

 	    1. Within the Turamzzyrian Empire
           2. Wehnimer's Landing
           3. River's Rest
           4. Teras Isle
           5. Icemule Trace
           6. Within the Elven empire
           7. Near or in Sharath
           8. No Answer
           9. Other
           10. In [Culture you have selected]


(Sylvan choices)

 	       1. Yuriquen [sic]
              2. Wehnimer's Landing
              3. River's Rest
              4. Teras Isle
              5. Icemule Trace
              6. Within the Turamzzyrian empire
              7. Within the Elven empire
              8. Wyrdeep Forest
              9. Sylvarraend
             10. Near or in Sharath
             11. No Answer
             12. Other


Question #2--"In which area of the Turamzzyrian Empire were you born?"

              1. Selanthia
              2. Aldora
              3. Chastonia
              4. Honneland
              5. Estoria
              6. Hendor
              7. Allace
              8. Trauntor
              9. Seareach
             10. Torre
             11. Jantalar
             12. Talador
             13. Mestanir
             14. Bourth
             15. Vornavis
             16. Highmount
             17. Oire
             18. Riverwood
             19. Dragach
             20. No Answer
             21. Other


Question #3--"In which Elven city were you born?"

              1. Ta'Illistim
              2. Ta'Loenthra
              3. Ta'Ardenai
              4. Ta'Nalfein
              5. Ta'Vaalor
              6. No Answer
              7. Other


Question #4--"In which Sylvan village were you born?"

(Note: This question doesn't appear to have been finished, as no Sylvan villages are listed. If a Sylvan character answers "Yuriquen" to Question 1, they get this. If the sylvan character answers "Wyrdeep Forest" or "Sylvarraend" to Question 1, Question 4 will be blocked.)

              1. (NA)
              2. (NA)
              3. (NA)
              4. (NA)
              5. (NA)
              6. (NA)


Question #5--"In which Dwarven town were you born?"

(This option is only available to Dwarven characters who answer "In a Dwarven city" to Question 1. Even though Kharam-Dzu is on Teras Isle, if the character answers that they grew up on Teras Isle, Question 5 will be blocked.)

              1. Zul Logoth
              2. Kharam-Dzu
              3. Zhindel's Post   not underground
              4. Greetok
              5. Orsmanzya
              6. Khazar's Hold
              7. Zul Roram
              8. Zul Brechinzm   beneath Turamzzyrian Empire
              9. Vaslavia Meadows   not underground
             10. Rockmelderam
             11. Kherram Olt Dzu - dark dwarves near Roska-Tor
             12. Zul Zybrano   beneath Turamzzyrian Empire
             13. Eregendo Dzu
             14. Parshillam Dzu   beneath Turamzzyrian Empire
             15. Zul Mordram
             16. Chiostolis
             17. Lake Jostallim
             18. Bortrazo's Canyon   not underground
             19. Zul Golorot
             20. Zul Sharzen   not underground
             21. Ghareschnek   not underground
             22. Mithgrek
             23. Kragnek Dzu   not underground
             24. Gezunel
             25. Grentok
             26. Eregrek
             27. No Answer
             28. Other


Question #6--"Please choose the option which best describes the location of your place of your birth."

(This question only appears if you answer "Other" to the first question.)

              1. Rural
              2. Wastelands
              3. Mountains
              4. Desert
              5. Forest
              6. Plains
              7. Hills
              8. Floodplain
              9. Swamp
             10. Coastline
             11. Lake shore
             12. Valley
             13. Nomadic lifestyle
             14. I do not know
             15. No answer
             16. Other


Question #7--"Please choose the option which best describes the population of your place of birth."

(This question only appears if you answer "Other" to the first question.)

 	       1. 1-100
              2. 100-500
              3. 500-1000
              4. 1000-5000
              5. 5000+
              6. I don't know
              7. No answer
              8. Other


Question #8--"How many siblings did you have?"

              1. One
              2. Two
              3. Three
              4. Four
              5. Five
              6. Six
              7. Seven or more
              8. Only child
              9. No family
             10. I don't know
             11. No answer
             12. Other


Question #9--"What was your birth order?"

              1. First born
              2. Second born
              3. Middle child
              4. Youngest child
              5. Adopted
              6. I do not know
              7. No answer
              8. Other


Question #10--"Given your cultural perspective, what was the economic standing of your family during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. Wealthy
              2. Comfortable
              3. Genteel poverty
              4. Impoverished
              5. I had no family
              6. I do not know
              7. No Answer
              8. Other


Question #11--"What was the social standing of your family during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. Despised
              2. Disliked
              3. Feared
              4. Tolerated
              5. Well liked
              6. Exemplary
              7. Revered
              8. We had no social standing
              9. I had no family
             10. I do not know
             11. No Answer
             12. Other


Question #12--"Which best describes your parental figures during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. "Traditional" biological mother and father pair
              2. Single mother
              3. Single father
              4. I had no parental figure
              5. I was adopted by a family member who assumed the role of a parental figure
              6. I was adopted by non-relations who assumed the roles of parental figures
              7. I was raised by many in a commune-style environment
              8. I do not know
              9. No answer
             10. Other


Question #13--"Which best describes your family during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. A small unit consisting primarily of parental figures and siblings (natural or adopted)
              2. A medium-sized unit consisting primarily of parental figures and siblings (natural or adopted)
              3. A large unit consisting primarily of parental figures and siblings (natural or adopted)
              4. A small family where extended family members assist in the rearing of young
              5. A medium-sized family where extended family members assist in the rearing of young
              6. A large family where extended family members assist in the rearing of young
              7. A commune-style environment (genetic relations had no greater significance than other members of the community                 
              8. An extensive group of friends creating a family environment with no parental or sibling figures
              9. No family
             10. No answer
             11. Other


Question #14--"Which best describes your relationship with your family during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. I was disowned
              2. I was scorned but accepted
              3. I was tolerated
              4. I was loved
              5. I was treasured
              6. I had no family
              7. I do not know
              8. No Answer
              9. Other


Question #15--"Were there any significant deaths of family or friends during your infancy and early youth?"


              1. No significant deaths
              2. Death of a father
              3. Death of a mother
              4. Death of both parents
              5. Death of a brother
              6. Death of a sister
              7. Death of several siblings
              8. Death of all siblings
              9. Death of an extended family member
             10. Death of the entire core family
             11. Death of the entire family (including all or most extended family members)
             12. Death of a close friend
             13. Death of a number of close friends
             14. Death of the entire community
             15. I do not know
             16. No answer
             17. Other


Question #16--"Did you experience any other significant deaths of friend or family during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. Yes
              2. No
              3. I do not know
              4. No Answer
              5. Other


Question #17--"What other significant deaths of friends or family did you experience?"

              1. Death of a father
              2. Death of a mother
              3. Death of both parents
              4. Death of a brother
              5. Death of a sister
              6. Death of several siblings
              7. Death of all siblings
              8. Death of an extended family member
              9. Death of the entire core family
             10. Death of the entire family (including all or most extended family members)
             11. Death of a close friend
             12. Death of a number of close friends
             13. Death of a love-interest
             14. Death of the entire community
             15. No answer
             16. Other


Question #18--"What type of work did your parents do during your infancy and early youth?"


              1. Adventurer / Traveler
              2. Arcane Practitioner
              3. Architect / Builder
              4. Armor-smith
              5. Artisan / Craftsman
              6. Bowyer / Fletcher
              7. Caravaner / Gypsy
              8. Cook / Baker / Brewer
              9. Farmer / Gatherer
             10. Healer / Herbalist
             11. Hunter
             12. Livestock Breeder
             13. Musician
             14. Nobility / Landowner
             15. Religious Leader
             16. Scholar
             17. Something that went against our culture
             18. Teacher
             19. Trader / Merchant
             20. Warrior / Soldier
             21. Weapon-smith
             22. No answer
             23. Other


Question #19--"Choose the option which best describes your health during infancy and early youth."

              1. Accident prone
              2. Experienced one period of serious illness or one serious injury
              3. Frequently gained bumps and scrapes
              4. Healthy for the most part
              5. Hypochondriac
              6. Often sickly
              7. Strong and energetic
              8. Uncommonly healthy
              9. No answer
             10. Other


Question #20--"Choose the option which best describes your situation during infancy and early youth."

              1. Carefree
              2. Content
              3. Content, but I had an unusual amount of responsibility for a youth
              4. Responsible for my own well-being
              5. Discontent with my situation
              6. Depressed for no apparent reason
              7. A victim of my situation
              8. No answer
              9. Other


Question #21--"What did you fear the most during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. A specific Arkati, pantheon, or other deity
              2. A specific person or group
              3. Being left alone
              4. Being unloved or unaccepted
              5. Bugs
              6. Crowds
              7. Death
              8. Disease
              9. Failure
             10. Wealth
             11. Health
             12. Imaginary monsters
             13. Life
             14. Real monsters
             15. The dark / night
             16. The day
             17. No answer
             18. Other


Question #22--"What did you desire most during your infancy and early youth?"

              1. Acceptance
              2. Attention
              3. Control
              4. Destruction
              5. Family
              6. Fun
              7. Happiness
              8. Health
              9. Knowledge
             10. Love
             11. Power
             12. Success
             13. The innocent things of childhood: candy, ponies, toys, etc
             14. To be feared
             15. Vengeance
             16. No answer
             17. Other


Question #23--"What did you wish to be when you grew up?"

              1. Adventurer / Traveler
              2. Arcane Practitioner
              3. Architect / Builder / Artisan / Craftsman
              4. Armor-smith
              5. Artist / Musician
              6. Bowyer / Fletcher
              7. Caravaner / Gypsy
              8. Cook / Baker / Brewer
              9. Farmer / Gatherer
             10. Healer
             11. Hunter
             12. Livestock Breeder
             13. Nobility / Landowner
             14. Religious Leader
             15. Scholar
             16. Something that went against my culture
             17. Teacher
             18. Trader / Merchant
             19. Warrior / Soldier
             20. Weapon-smith
             21. No answer
             22. Other


Question #24--"Did you have a happy childhood?"

              1. Yes
              2. Mostly yes
              3. No
              4. Mostly no
              5. Yes and no
              6. No answer
              7. Other

Topic #2--Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Question #1--"Were there any significant deaths of friends or family during your young adulthood?"

Question #2--"Did you experience any other significant deaths of friend or family during your young adulthood?"

Question #3--"What other significant deaths of friends or family did you experience?"

Question #4--"Choose the option which best describes your health during your early adulthood."

Question #5--"Choose the option which best describes your situation during your early adulthood."

Question #6--"Choose the option which best describes your social situation during your early adulthood."

Question #7--"How did your social circle feel about you?"

Question #8--"What did you fear most during your early adulthood?"

Question #9--"What did you desire most during your early adulthood?"

Question #10--"Where did you primarily reside during your early adulthood?"

Question #11--"In which area of the Turamzzyrian Empire did you reside?"

Question #12--"In which Elven city did you reside?"

Question #13--"In which Sylvan village did you reside?"

Question #14--"In which Dwarven town did you reside?"

Question #15--"Please choose the option which best describes the location of your place of your residence during your early childhood."

Question #16--"Please choose the option which best describes the population of your place of your residence during your early childhood."

Question #17--"Were you educated?"

Question #18--"How did you obtain your formal education?"

Question #19--"How did you obtain your informal education?"

Question #20--"Where did you complete your apprenticeship?"

Question #21--"Did you complete your education?"

Question #22--"How did you spend most of your time during your early adulthood?"

Question #23--"Choose the option which best describes your early romantic life."

Question #24--"Choose the option which best describes your first love."

Question #25--"Did you have a happy young adulthood?"


Topic #3--Adult Life

Question #1--"Have you ever followed another profession?"

Question #2--"What other profession did you follow?"

Question #3--"Why did you choose your current profession?"

Question #4--"How closely is your profession tied up with your identity as an individual?"

Question #5--"Have you ever killed another person?"

Question #6--"How would you best describe the situation involving this person's death? (If there is more than one, select the most significant.)"

Question #7--"How much have you traveled?"

Question #8--"Why did you take up adventuring?"

Question #9--"Were there any significant deaths of friends or family during your adulthood?"

Question #10--"Did you experience any other significant deaths of friends or family during your adulthood?"

Question #11--"What other significant deaths of friends or family did you experience?"

Question #12--"What is your marital status?"

Question #13--"Do you have any children?"

Question #14--"How many children do you have?"

Question #15--"How important are your family and/or friends to you?"

Question #16--"How many close friends/important people are in your life?"

Question #17--"How do you feel about relationships?"

Question #18--"Do you maintain the traditions with which you were raised?"

Question #19--"How do you feel about the arts (music, song, dance, stories, poetry)?"

Question #20--"When you die your final death, what do you hope your most significant achievement will have been?"


Topic #4--Opinions

Question #1--"Please select the option that best fits your views on the Elven Empire."

Question #2--"Please select the option that best fits your views on the Turamzzyrian Empire."

Question #3--"How do you feel about your race?"

Question #4--"How do you feel about your race in relation to others?"

Question #5--"How do you feel about the undead?"

Question #6--"How do you feel about the law?"

Question #7--"How do you feel about politics?"

Question #8--"What sorts of foods are your favorite?"

Question #9--"What is your favorite beverage type?"

Question #10--"How much do you drink alcoholic beverages?"

Question #11--"How do you feel about magic?"

Question #12--"How do you feel about weapons?"

Question #13--"How do you feel about combat in general?"

Question #14--"How do you feel about your abilities and talents?"

Question #15--"How do you feel about honor?"

Question #16--"How do you feel about silvers?"

Question #17--"How do you feel about wealth?"

Question #18--"How do you feel about shopping?"

Question #19--"How do you feel about material goods?"

Question #20--"What is your grasp of language?"


Topic #5--Religion

Question #1--"Describe the subject of your religious persuasion."

Question #2--"Toward which Arkati grouping are you more inclined?"

Question #3--"Toward which god are you MOST inclined?"

Question #4--"Describe the nature of your religious persuasion."


NPCs

a potbellied halfling historian (asks no questions, but answers questions about lists)

look at historian

Wrapped in a fur-trimmed robe, the round-faced halfling historian looks very cozy and settled. His soft-soled slippers are ornamented with crewelwork in dark black wool and his curly brown hair is partially restrained by a tasselled cap.

---


an energetic halfling matron (covers List 1 -- Infancy and Early Childhood; ASK MATRON ABOUT LIST, ASK MATRON FOR QUESTION [insert number])

look at matron

The halfling matron has bright, rosy cheeks and her steely grey hair is coiled around her head in a tight braid. A white cotton apron with decorative hemstitching protects her sunny yellow dress. Hanging around her neck is a large brass key on a linked chain.


---


a stern halfling lecturer (covers List 2 -- Adolescence and Young Adulthood; ASK LECTURER ABOUT LIST, ASK LECTURER FOR QUESTION [insert number])

look at lecturer

Peering out from under his peaked black cap, the halfling lecturer looks ready to administer discipline at any time. White eyebrows like furry caterpillars shade his watery grey eyes, and his heavy jowls drape over the high collar of his quilted wool jacket. In one hand he carries a long, tapered haon pointer.

---


an old halfling woodcarver (covers List 3 -- Adult Life; ASK WOODCARVER ABOUT LIST, ASK WOODCARVER FOR QUESTION [insert number])

look at woodcarver

Snowy white curls of hair top a face deeply touched by the passage of time. The halfling woodcarver wears a thick leather apron and a patched flannel shirt, though his large feet are quite bare. Peeking out of one apron pocket is a tattered book with a saffron cover.

---


a lethargic halfling chronicler (covers List 4 -- Opinions; ASK CHRONICLER ABOUT LIST, ASK CHRONICLER FOR QUESTION [insert number])

look at chronicler

The halfling chronicler gazes out from under heavy lids, his very skin drooping with weariness. The wrinkles in his coat have settled into permanent furrows, mapping out alluvial fans across his hollow chest. A fresh iceblossom adorns his lapel.

---


a quiet halfling acolyte (covers List 5 -- Religion; ASK ACOLYTE ABOUT LIST, ASK ACOLYTE FOR QUESTION [insert number])

look at acolyte

Her graceful form wrapped in layers of pale green silk, the halfling acolyte looks like part of the garden herself. A circlet of braided holly branches is perched atop her mass of sandy blonde hair, and a knotted rope belt is wrapped around her waist three times.

---


a bewildered halfling notary

look at notary

Frantic-looking eyes dart about under a thatch of matted black hair. Crumpled scraps of paper spill out of the bulging pockets of the halfling notary's braid-covered doublet. Perched on his shoulder is beady-eyed black and white magpie.

If you ASK NOTARY ABOUT LIST, this is his response:

The halfling notary looks at you eagerly and says, "If you have comments or suggestions about the information we gather, just TELL me what's on your mind."


See also: Ta'Vaalor Historical Society, Wehnimer's Historical Society