TownCrier Interview Sessions with Faulkil

Faulkil Race Dark Elf Culture Dhe'Nar Class Wizard Profession Hedgewizard Extraordinaire Affiliation(s) House White Haven

By Oubar, TownCrier Correspondent
16 Imaerasta 5117 // September 16, 2017 - in the Office of Lord Faulkil

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Introduction

Faulkil is known far and wide, though especially in Icemule, as a generous, patient sort. Always quick to lend a hand, some advice, or a spirited rendition of a bawdy ballad revolving around roltons, he embodies the cheery, helpful disposition that is at the heart of the House he helps lead. Alongside his wonderful wife Niadja, he helps make Icemule as warm and welcoming as he can. Faulkil made time recently to host TownCrier Correspondent Oubar in his office for an in-depth interview.

"Hedgewizard extraordinaire. It's easier for most folks simply to call me a wizard though." ~ Luminary Faulkil

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The In-Character Interview

[Faulkil's Office - 15807]
Beneath an oak beam ceiling, an Elanthia map painting hangs on one of the rough plaster walls.  Some gilt kakore shelves and an ancient orase desk sit in opposite corners while a number of unopened shipping crates rests on a scraped oak floor.  You also see a crackling lightning wyrdling and a beveled cedar sign.
Obvious exits: northeast

You squint at a crackling lightning wyrdling.

Speaking to a crackling lightning wyrdling, you ask, "Keeping his seat warm?"

You adopt an agreeable expression.

Faulkil suddenly fades into view.

A vortex of air spins and whirls around Faulkil.
You see Faulkil the Hedgewizard.
He appears to be a Dhe'nar Dark Elf.
He is shorter than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has long-lashed dark eyes and dusky skin.  He has long, silky russet hair feathered with soft, shadowy strands.  He has a long face, a broken nose and thin lips.  He has a fake fancy fuzzy fuchsia goatee.
He has a rune tattoo on his arm, and a rune tattoo on his arm.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a floppy purple hat set with plumed griffin feathers, a pale crystal shard, a knitted cashmere and amethyst scarf, a frumpy fiery red greatcloak, some dark grey silver-insigiled casting gloves, an eahnor-bound fireleaf badge, an ebon-hued obsidian gate pin, a shaggy ice blue mule pin, a faceted opalescent thunderstone charm flecked with gold, a heavy dark wool shirt with long narrow sleeves and embroidered with a snowshoe hare, a slit-pupiled citrine quartz pin, a small bone periapt, a silvery ora snowshoe hare stickpin, a carved round-of-cheese locket, a voluminous haversack with a griffin claw clasp, a lilac leather weapon harness trimmed with silver and gold, a storm grey leather satchel clasped with a radiant opalescent thunderstone, some pale layered leather hunts ridged with colorful braid lacing, an etched white gold wedding band, a rune belt, an elegant black silk gem pouch, a dusty dark red sack, a dark leather bag swept with silver sigils, some pale grey silk trousers with a slight lilac tint, and a pair of resplendent white pelt boots inset with purple thunderstones.

Faulkil smiles.

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "Good morning!"

You bow to Faulkil.

Speaking to Faulkil, you exclaim, "And good morning to you as well!"

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "More like keeping me awake.  It's early!"

You nod in agreement.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I appreciate you getting up early to do this."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I'm more of a night owl but happy we could find a time to meet."

Speaking wryly to Faulkil, you say, "I know."

You stare at nothing in particular.

You mutter something inaudible.

Faulkil chuckles.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Funny enough... that's late for me as well.  My nights end earlier than they used to."

Faulkil nods slowly.

You chuckle to yourself.

You say, "I usually start out with some questions that are basic knowledge, just to get the complete picture.  So even though I know quite a few of these answers already, we're getting them on the record."

Faulkil grins.

You ask, "What is your profession, for those who might not already be aware?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Hedgewizard extraordinaire.  It's easier for most folks simply to call me a wizard though."

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "Though to be PROPER... naturally the full title is warranted."

You nod sagely at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "Oh to be sure!"

You ask, "What would you say is the best thing about your profession?  If you were attempting to convince someone still on the turnip truck to lean towards your profession, what would you tell them?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Apples taste much better than turnips for starters..."

You adopt an agreeable expression.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "There's a lot to speak of!  I enjoy the utility that elemental magics offers, the ability to use magic to help others, the flexibility to travel nearly anyplace in the lands in relative safety, and the crafting of powerful artifacts via enchanting to name a few."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "That was a mouthful but hopefully gives you a general idea."

You ask, "Similarly, what would you warn that same person about, if they were intending to become part of your profession?"

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Socially?  Spend a little less time in the library."

Faulkil smiles.

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "In combat?  I do tend to drop my runestave now and again but there's plenty of magic to help in those situations."

Faulkil asks, "Bring a spare maybe?"

You adopt an agreeable expression.

You ask, "How many trainings do you have currently, and how long have you been an adventurer in the lands?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "More than most giantman can count."

You blink.

You squint at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "That applies to both."

Speaking doubtfully to Faulkil, you say, "I can count pretty high..."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I said 'most'."

Faulkil adopts an agreeable expression.

You nod understandingly.

You ask, "What is your preferred method of hunting, and why?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "Whatever works!"

Faulkil grins.

You grin.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "More specifically, I use most of the magics I have available.  There's usually a few bolts and a lot of fanciful display of the elements involved though."

You adopt an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I wasn't sure if you also sometimes employed a weapon... possibly your teeth..."

You shrug at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Honestly I try to avoid anything with a sharp edge... it is too easy to cut myself."

Faulkil grins.

You grin crookedly.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Have you trained in any artisan skills?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "My craft is elemental magics.  I focus my time and energy on the study of magic leave the crafting of other items to those who have a passion for it."

You adopt an agreeable expression.

You say, "A sensible approach."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "As an additional note... always leave box opening to the professionals as well.."

Faulkil nods to you.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Voice of experience there?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Maybe..."

You grin wryly.

You ask, "What town do you currently call home?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Icemule Trace has been my home for the past dozen or so years.  I couldn't imagine living anywhere else though I do vacation a lot on Teras."

Faulkil adopts an agreeable expression.

You adopt an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "What about Icemule drew you initially?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I love this town!  I love the people!  The faces change over time but there's still always great people here willing to share a joke or a story and to help others out as needed.  I couldn't imagine calling any other town home."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Some people complain about the cold but it is one of the warmest towns I know."

Faulkil nods.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I couldn't agree more, actually.  It's been my home for nearly as long.  I wouldn't change a thing."

You ask, "Where do you typically hunt these days?"

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "For years I focused most of my energy on Teras.  More recently I've been hunting in the Confluence and the Sanctum of Sands.  I'll probably mix it up again when I grow tired of those."

You nod understandingly.

You ask, "Are you married?"

You grin at Faulkil.

Faulkil beams!

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Yes, to my wonderful wife Niadja."

Speaking wonderingly to Faulkil, you say, "You don't say..."

You try hard not to grin.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Quite the surprise for you I am sure."

Faulkil nods.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "And how did you and she meet initially?"

Faulkil says, "We both arrived in the Landing around the same time and we just hit it off right off the bat."

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Not the most romantic or exciting telling I suppose but it is what it is."

Faulkil grins.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "What are the three best things about her?"

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil asks, "Only three?!?"

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "Keeping in mind we're a family friendly organization."

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Off the top of your head.  What comes to mind first?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "She's always willing to give of herself to help others."

You nod in agreement.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Besides being beautiful AND smart she also seems to like to hang around me."

You grin.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "You're cheating a bit, but I'll allow it."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "We share the same passion for food in general."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I didn't stay married for as long as I have by being dumb."

You try hard not to grin.

Speaking dryly to Faulkil, you ask, "Do you belong to one of the Great Houses?"

You blink at Faulkil.

[Full disclosure: As of this date, the interviewer is a fellow officer in House White Haven.]

Faulkil grins.

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "I have the honor and privelege of serving as the current Luminary of White Haven.  I'm hoping to change the title at some point as I'm not sure how I feel about being Luminous!"

Faulkil adopts an agreeable expression.

You snicker.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I can see your point there.  It's a bit of a... cumbersome title."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "That aside... We have an awesome, and very creative member base in the house and an equally awesome and dedicated group of officers.  I enjoy the house focus on the community and frankly its just been fun to be a part of it."

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "What does being the Luminary mean?  What are your 'official' duties in that role?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Plainly I'm the head of the house.  Which means that I work for all of the other officers to insure they are happy and have what they need to be successful."

Faulkil grins.

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Fortunately they aren't overly demanding."

Faulkil grins.

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "And... to add a note... Niadja gets a lot of credit for doing what I just took credit for."

Faulkil grins.

Speaking thoughtfully to Faulkil, you say, "Very wise..."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Also a simple fact."

Faulkil grins.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Are you active in your profession's guild?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "As active as I can be.  I've mastered Alchemy and make it a point to help out younger wizards when the opportunities arise."

You nod appreciatively.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I applaud your resilience and question your sanity in mastering Alchemy."

Faulkil chuckles.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It wasn't done over night... I did have to take a sanity break for awhile before mastering it."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It turns out that a standard sanity break is about 12 months."

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Are you a member of one of the Elanthian Societies?  The Order of Voln, Guardians of Sunfist, or perhaps another one?"

Faulkil works his fingers under his floppy purple hat and scratches his head.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I don't go in much for secret handshakes or wearing funny hats."

You ask, "What would you say is your most prized possession?"

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I have a lot of toys..."

You grin from ear to ear.

You carefully say, "I understand this personality quirk."

Faulkil grins.

Faulkil nods slowly.

You ask, "Which is the most meaningful, or important, to you?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I do very much enjoy a tome that I acquired some years ago."

Faulkil just opened a dusty dark red sack.

You nod encouragingly.

Faulkil removes an ancient bronze case embossed with a regal griffon clutching a slit-pupiled eye from in his dark red sack.

Faulkil just opened an ancient bronze case embossed with a regal griffon clutching a slit-pupiled eye.

Faulkil removes an ancient yellowed tome from in his bronze case.

Faulkil shows you an ancient yellowed tome, which he is holding in his left hand.  You see nothing unusual.

Faulkil takes a long whiff of the yellowed tome, savoring the moment.

You nod appreciatively.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "How did you acquire it?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Interestingly enough... fortune smiled upon me the day I acquired it.  I won it in an auction."

You nod appreciatively.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Probably the only way I would have come into its posession.  I doubt many would part with it."

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Does it have any abilities or properties that aren't readily obvious?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "This tome is a gift from Fash'Lo'Nae himself.  The possessor can cast most any magics, even spells that may have been lost at one point or that would not normally be known to the possessor."

You nod appreciatively.

You say, "That's VERY impressive."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "This ability has become more common in recent times... but this one tome is more powerful still."

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Can I ask how much it cost you at the time?"

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It cost me a single token."

Faulkil adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "And probably a lifetime of saved luck."

Faulkil grins.

You exclaim, "Ah... a token auction.  Now I see!"

Faulkil put an ancient yellowed tome in his bronze case.

Faulkil just closed an ancient bronze case embossed with a regal griffon clutching a slit-pupiled eye.

Faulkil put an ancient bronze case embossed with a regal griffon clutching a slit-pupiled eye in his dark red sack.

Faulkil just closed a dusty dark red sack.

Speaking to Faulkil, you suggest, "A wiser man would have said that he used up all his luck finding and connecting with his wife."

You hum a random, wandering tune.

Faulkil laughs!

You wink at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "You are a wise man indeed!"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Another wonderful trait about Niadja is that she will forgive me for not thinking of that first."

Faulkil nods.

Faulkil attempts to hum a merry little tune.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Would you say that tome is the most valuable of your possessions, or is there something else that takes that title?"

You grin at Faulkil.

Faulkil ponders.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I suppose...  I don't really assess the value of my possessions in terms of silver.  So for me the tome is as valuable as the stuffed animal that Niadja gave me.  I wouldn't part with either."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Would the tome fetch a higher price than my armor?  I don't know."

Faulkil shrugs.

You ask, "What's your most memorable moment from your time as an adventurer in Elanthia?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "SO many memoriess... one does stand out."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "A lesson in humility I suppose."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "You may be aware that to access certain areas a simple short sword is needed."

You exclaim, "I am indeed!"

Speaking to you, Faulkil asks, "As it turns out... kobolds love to use short swords!  Convenient, no?"

Speaking to a crackling lightning wyrdling, you confide, "He's talking about Darkstone."

The lightning wyrdling darts around the room, her movements jerky and uneasy.

You nod at Faulkil.

You exclaim, "Eminently so!"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "So... becuase its fun to show off and use different magics I chose to relieve one kobold of his sword using weapon fire."

You try hard not to grin.

You say, "I... see..."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "The spell was cast, the kobold dropped the blade as expected, I picked it up and..."

You chortle softly at some secret joke.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "The kobold had the better day."

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "And the spell did what the spell does."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It is amazingly effective."

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "A lesson in humility indeed, it would seem."

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "And I think you just answered one of the later questions... unless you have another moment that you would call your most embarrassing?"

Faulkil chuckles.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Let's go with that one."

Faulkil nods.

You nod slowly.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Can you talk about your time before becoming an adventurer?  Was your family from Icemule originally?"

Faulkil frowns.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It was not and those are not pleasant memories.  I have two sisters that could be called family..."

Faulkil asks, "You did say children might be reading this?"

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "That's entirely possible, yes."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "That's all I care to say about my sisters at this time."

Faulkil nods.

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Plus it upsets Niadja... she gets along with them for some unknown reason."

Faulkil shakes his head.

You give a short little hum of surprise.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "There's sometimes no accounting for family... I do understand that."

Faulkil agrees with you.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I prefer to think of Icemule as my family."

Faulkil smiles.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "You should try growing up in a family who honors and worships Lady Zelia."

You stare at nothing in particular.

You trace the lines of your crescent moon tattoo.

Faulkil chuckles.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I might consider that a good trade."

Faulkil looks at you and hums.

You grin crookedly.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "Would you be willing to give a rough estimate of the current value of your bank accounts?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I rarely have much silver on hand... Silver is for buying the next toy."

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I couldn't agree more, personally."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "At the moment I have around 27 million silver in various accounts."

You nod appreciatively.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Once I had more than 100 million... but then some crazy merchant started selling padded armor off the shelf."

You snicker at Faulkil.

You ask, "Would you be willing to share a look at the contents of one of your lockers?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Sure!  All of them are full."

Faulkil agrees with you.

Speaking to you, Faulkil asks, "Perhaps my locker for alchemy ingredients and enchanting projects?"

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "Whichever you prefer."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "There is some semblance of order to them."

Faulkil nods.

On an armor stand:
      some etched ora augmented chain (registered) (marked)
      a rectangular vultite greatshield riveted and spiked with silvery eonake (registered) (marked)
      some sleek black stalking leathers
      some grey mithril augmented chain (registered) (marked)
      a vultite greatshield
      some supple tawny hunts banded with narrow leather piping (registered)
      a set of dark double leather with burnished brass buckles
      an embossed vultite aegis
      some ornate spiked steel full plate
      some silver threaded double leathers
      a spiked vultite greatshield riveted with silvery eonake (registered) (marked)
      some oiled brigandine armor of night black hue (marked)
      a gold-accented black silk shirt (registered)
      some reinforced leather
      a set of storm grey adamantine coat-of-plates with silver rivets (registered) (marked)
      some gleaming ora augmented chain

On a weapon rack:
      an imposing eonake warsword (marked)
      a banded orase runestaff (registered) (marked)
      an archaic fireleaf runestaff (registered) (marked)
      a perfect mithril greataxe
      a gnarled black ko'nag runestaff (registered) (marked)
      an aquamarine mossbark runestaff with a deep blue eostone set in its shaft
      a dull ipantor heavy crossbow
      a twin-bladed silvery mithril axe with an intricate lacework pattern cut into the blades
      a lime green carmiln long bow
      a scorched vultite backsword (registered) (marked)
      an ancient mithglin spear (registered) (marked)
      a bronze-hilted kelyn main gauche (registered) (marked)

In a magical item bin:
      an eoveneh potion
      a dirtokh potion
      a mirtokh potion
      a crystalline vial containing some minor holy oil
      a rohnuru potion
      a bromin potion (registered) (marked)
      an ayveneh potion
      a duqnuru potion

In a clothing wardrobe:
      some ochre chambray gloves
      a coarse burlap sack
        a black-eared rufous squirrel (registered)

In a deep chest:
      a charcoal glass beaker containing green malachite stones  (50/50)
      a kelyn-rimmed amber glass jar containing powdered moonglae opal  (40/50)
      a large prismatic glass bottle containing white opals  (21/50)
      a gold-banded short glass jar containing black opals  (87/100)
      a large octagonal glass jar containing medium white pearls  (10/50)
      a mortar
        a spiral-ended black stone pestle
      a hammered silver cauldron (registered) (marked)
      a blue-hued speckled glass bottle containing uncut emeralds  (42/50)
      a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing uncut emeralds  (21/50)
      a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing n'ayanad crystals  (65/100) (registered)
      a dark blue glass beaker containing black opals  (40/50)
      a frosted glass beaker containing powdered dragonfire opal  (40/50)
      a sooty glass beaker containing essences of fire  (50/50)
      a slightly bulbous glass jar containing radiant crimson motes of essence  (50/50)
      a pale pink wavy glass bottle containing radiant crimson essence shards  (50/50)
      an ora-rimmed sienna glass jar containing essences of earth  (8/50)
      a greenish mottled glass bottle containing waxy grey caederine  (26/50)
      a burled walnut stationery box with brass mountings (registered) (marked)
        an oversized pale grey wax stick
        a lilac beryl intaglio signet (registered)
        a fluffy ball of white cotton
        a slender trefoil brass key
        a taupe-banded hawk feather quill
        a crystal inkpot with a hand-chased silver lid (marked)
      a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing star emeralds  (27/50)
      a mottled ten-sided glass jar containing inky necrotic cores  (26/50)
      a large prismatic glass bottle containing pristine siren's hairs  (50/50)
      an intricately painted tin carousel (registered) (marked)
      a frosted glass beaker containing ayanad crystals  (2/50)
      a vial of clear dye base
      a vial of clear dye base
      an ochre glass beaker containing tiny golden seeds  (50/50)
      a mottled ten-sided glass jar containing vial of farlook vitreous humors  (15/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing glowing violet essence dust  (20/20)
      a tapered glass bottle containing perfect myklian belly scales  (17/20)
      a slightly bulbous glass jar containing blue sapphires  (50/50)
      a dark brown narrow-necked bottle containing elemental cores  (50/50)
      a dark brown narrow-necked bottle containing copper fangs  (3/50)
      a soil-filled dragonfly saewehna-studded green ceramic pot (registered)
      a frosted blue glass jar containing faceted black diamonds  (4/20)
      a bevel-edged steel box (registered)
      an opalescent glass jar containing glimmering blue essence dust  (8/20)
      a striped rainbow glass bottle containing glimmering blue essence shards  (3/50)
      an azure glass beaker containing ayanad crystals  (50/50)
      a charcoal glass beaker containing golden moonstones  (50/50)
      a tall silver-streaked bottle containing s'ayanad crystals  (50/50)
      a greenish mottled glass bottle containing dragonfire emeralds  (28/50)
      a perfectly cubical glass jar containing blue diamonds  (41/50)
      a tapered glass bottle containing glowing green lichen  (9/20)
      a slender multicolored bottle containing pristine sprite's hairs  (37/50)
      a light tan glass beaker containing radiant crimson essence dust  (12/50)
      a pale pink wavy glass bottle containing uncut rubies  (32/50)
      a charcoal glass beaker containing essences of air  (34/50)
      a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing black opals  (100/100)
      a frosted glass beaker containing powdered moonglae opal  (19/50)
      a hazy heptagonal jar containing powdered moonglae opal  (40/50)
      a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing powdered dragonfire opal  (90/100)
      a perfectly cubical glass jar containing ayana leaves  (50/50)
      a large octagonal glass jar containing t'ayanad crystals  (38/50)
      a gold-banded short glass jar containing uncut diamonds  (32/100)
      a gold-banded short glass jar containing moonglae opals  (3/100)
      a dark blue glass beaker containing Kezmonian honey beryls  (12/50)
      a gold-banded short glass jar containing essences of water  (47/100)

Obvious items:  103

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

You ask, "What would you say inspired you to begin on the path you're currently on?  What was your mindset when you began, and do you feel like you've been true to that path on your journey?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "I've always loved magic... and wizards have more magic than anyone else!"

You nod in agreement.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It's still a journey on progress though so I'll let you know how it turns out when I get to the end."

You grin.

You ask, "Is there a particular goal that you feel like you're driving towards?  Something that you're striving for, that keeps you motivated?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Recently I've been on a quest to master the harnessing of mana... it may seem like a minor thing but more mana unlocks the ability to use your magic in ways that you might not otherwise consider."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "So I am striving to always have the mana to cast whatever I want, whenever I want... or something along those lines."

Faulkil grins.

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "An appropriate goal for a hedgewizard extraordinaire."

You nod approvingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Exactly!  I see you understand."

Faulkil nods to you.

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "And finally... with the exception of Niadja, who would otherwise be the natural answer, what other adventurer would you say has had the most impact on your time as an adventurer?"

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "He is long gone from the lands but I would have to say the wizard Rnombi.  We hunted together for many years and had some great adventures in the process..."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "There was one time he spent 2 or 3 days with a finger puzzle on his hands."

Faulkil grins.

You grin from ear to ear.

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "He was determined to figure it our for himself though... I give him credit!"

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "There's something to be said for tenacity."

Faulkil adopts an agreeable expression.

Faulkil says, "I respect and admire it."

Speaking to Faulkil, you ask, "That's the extent of my notes, I believe.  Is there anything you'd like to discuss for the record?"

You grin at Faulkil.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "I have to say this has been an enjoyable experience!  It has brought up some fond memories that have been buried for some time."

You beam!

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Thank you for your time and patience with my responses.  Hopefully you got some of what you were looking for."

You say, "I'm very glad.  I feel like these are important, but it's always nice when it's a good experience for the interviewee."

Faulkil smiles at you.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "You did great, truly.  I appreciate you being prepared, and being so forthcoming."

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "It's always better to be prepared so that you can toss it out the window when the unexpected happens."

Faulkil nods.

You chortle.

You agree with Faulkil.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "Thank you very much for getting up early, and making the time to do this.  I truly appreciate it."

Speaking to you, Faulkil exclaims, "It's no trouble at all.  That is what weekends are for!"

Faulkil shakes your hand.

Speaking to Faulkil, you say, "I should go file these notes.  Thanks so much for the time this morning."

You give Faulkil a firm handshake.

Speaking to you, Faulkil says, "Have an enjoyable rest of your day and let me know if anything else is needed."

Faulkil bows to you.

Faulkil smiles.

Faulkil waves.

You wave.

You grin.

---

"We ended up standing next to each other for about 5 minutes before we figured out who we were because apparently my shirt was "aqua" (which isn't the same as green it seems)" ~ Luminary Faulkil

The Out-of-Character Interview

What’s your real name?

Robert

Where are you located, geographically?

Texas

What do you do for a living?

I work for a bank.

How long have you played Gemstone?

Somewhere around 1989.

Have you taken any breaks, or played straight through?

I stopped playing years ago on Genie once I capped my wizard. Since then I've been playing straight on since roughly mid-2004 until now.

How many different ‘main’ characters have you had over the years?

Just two. Theldorn back in Gemstone II and Faulkil here in Gemstone IV.

Who are/were your most notable characters?

Faulkil most likely.

Do you have multiple accounts that you play at the same time?

No. Just the one Premium account.

What front-end do you use? (Stormfront, Wizard, Profanity, other)?

1. WizardFE4Lyfe! :-)

Why?

Besides simply being used to Wizard FE, I find the Stormfront FE to be sluggish.

Do you use lich?

Yes.

Why or why not?

Mostly for the ;chat channels, ;go2, and the handy ;narost map features.

If so, what are your ‘must-have’ scripts?

go2

Have you ever bought or sold characters or items for real money?

Characters: Never. Items: I've sold one item for cash but I much prefer dealing in silvers.

Do you now, or have you ever roleplayed a character that was very different from your real personality?

All of my characters are unique and different. Faulkil is the one that is most like me.

Why or why not?

That's part of the fun of this game. Most players don't know my other characters (there are a few exceptions) and it's fun to have people react to my individual characters based on the character and not the person behind the character.

What would you say is your most memorable Gemstone ‘moment’ (as a player) , and why?

Stealing a newspaper and portrait out of the rogues guild in Gemstone II (back then the guilds were run by other players) to win a bet.

What, in your mind, is the best thing about Gemstone?

One of the things I've enjoyed about Gemstone over the years is it's long term playability. Both in terms of the time and effort it takes to achieve various goals (which is a plus in my book) and even now, I still continue to discover new things about the game.

Have you ever attended Simucon, or otherwise met up with a person from Gemstone?

I attended a vegas get together held at someone's house back around 1989 or so. I've travelled to Wisconson to meet a Gemstone buddy around the same time period. And, I flew out to MA to meet the love of my life around that time period as well!

If so, describe the experience (PG-13, please)

I'll go with flying out to Mass. to meet my (now) wife for the first time. We didn't exchange pictures or anything so we didn't know what each other looked like the first time I flew out. I told her I would be wearing a green shirt. We ended up standing next to each other for about 5 minutes before we figured out who we were because apparently my shirt was "aqua" (which isn't the same as green it seems).

Imagine you're Wyrom for a day and can 'do' one thing. What are you changing/removing/adding/replacing, and why?

I'm not convinced that Wyrom has the ability to influence this but I'd really look at keeping some of the events less monetized - I'm sure the financials are looking better with all of the slot machine based events but I really think it will eventually drive some of the core players away over time. It's certainly been a big turn off to events for me. Failing that, I'd push for giving elemental lores more "elemental flavor" vs. utility categories - I don't expect to ever see that happen given what it took to get where we are but it is an "imagine" question!

What do you feel is the biggest mistake that most GS players make?

Hmmm... I think people miss a lot by jumping to the automated scripts too quickly. e.g. ;go2 - spend some time exploring any areas manually before jumping to ;go2.

What’s something that you feel every GS player should do at least once?

For every negative post you post on the forums, make sure to post at least two positive ones. :-) In game, make it a point to hunt in the hard areas that you may have avoided with your past characters. There's a lot of fun out there!

What advice would you offer to a new player?

There is a lot of depth to the game. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are a lot of helpful folks out there. Don't be afraid to experiment and try things outside of the "best build". The game allows for a lot of variety and odd builds to be successful as well.