TownCrier Interview Sessions with Maetriks

Maetriks d'Edonil Faendryl Race Dark Elf Class Sorcerer Profession Grandmaster Alchemist in Training

By Oubar, TownCrier Correspondent
/ 20 Lormestra 5118 // January 20, 2018

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Introduction

The Lady Maetriks is somewhat of a polarizing figure. A true friend to those she feels a connection with, she is also quite fearsome towards those who earn her disdain. A strong, opinionated Dark Elf, she is nevertheless a stalwart friend, always willing to lend a hand or a piece of advice when needed. Maetriks took some time recently to sit down with the Crier's own Oubar to share her story.

"I would even venture to say it was love at first sight because I knew at that very moment... that we were destined to be together. It took some years, but it eventually came to be." ~Maetriks

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The In-Character Interview

Shrubs, small trees and neatly bordered garden beds filled with a variety of plants and herbs are clustered about the garden, centered around sculptures of granite, sandstone and limestone.  At the heart of the park rests a bronze statue of an aged man with a thick tome open on his lap, a brass plaque set into a granite boulder at its feet.  You also see an aged crystalline woman.
Also here: Lady Maetriks
Obvious paths: out

You bow to Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you exclaim, "Good afternoon!"

Maetriks inclines her head.

You see Lady Maetriks d'Edonil Faendryl the Paragon of Reim.
She appears to be a Dark Elf.
She is average height.  She appears to be young and robust.  She has vibrant phlox-limned anthracite eyes and smooth, immaculately pallid skin.  She has very long, jet-streaked dusky twilight hair pulled into a tight roll and pierced by a set of illthorn hairsticks inlaid with channels of jet.  She has a set of symmetrically sculpted cheekbones enhancing a delicately contoured face, an upturned nose and a pair of sharply curved ears culminating to a minute taper.  She has two faint, silvery scars at the base of her neck and a spiral-shaped burn around her left wrist.  She has a small vibrant purple spider on her right upper arm.
She has a tattoo of a shadowy ring of thorny vines on her ankle, a band of inky black thorns tattoo on her thigh, an entwined black tendrils tattoo on her arm, and a pair of firestone-studded obsidian hoops adorned with black diamond fragments set along the slender tips of her pointed ears.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a wooden broom in her right hand and a metal dust pan in her left hand.
She is wearing a glazed illthorn alchemy case, a smooth illthorn bracer, a deep indigo reticule stitched from softened triton hides slung over her shoulder, an opalescent white vaalin talisman, a moon-filled alexandrite pendant, a thick choker wrought from black ora vines, a hooded cloak of iridescent thunderhead purple-black panne velvet, a small bone periapt, a diamond dahlia-shaped cluster, a blackened leather harness over a sleek fitted suit of purple-sheened jet leather with a black silk chemise drenched with blood underneath, some stygian silk casting gloves, a tiny indigo illthorn promise ring, a slender smoky glaes tube with a rune-carved imflass lid, a shimmering amethyst purple satchel, and some deep orchid leather boots studded with dark petrified wyrmwoods.

Maetriks says, "Good afternoon, sir."

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "First, thank you so much for agreeing to do this.  Your name has been high on my personal list for some time."

You grin crookedly.

You clear your throat.

Maetriks smiles at you.

You say, "Apologies, my manners...."

Maetriks says, "It is for some as well, but... more so for those who wish me dead."

Maetriks grins mischievously.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "My name is Oubar Il'Prelay, and it's a pleasure to meet you in the flesh, so to speak."

You grin at Maetriks.

You bow to Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "As we have discussed through our correspondence, I have a rough outline of questions, but it's my intent to see where the conversation leads us."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Of course. I look forward to it."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "I dare say, this is the first time I have ever been interviewed."

Speaking to Maetriks, you exclaim, "Well, I have done a few of these to this point, but I'll apologize up front for the mistakes I'm sure I'll make.  That's what editors are for, after all!"

Maetriks appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Maetriks agrees, "Of course."

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "Now then, the point of these is to get a good picture of each of the interviewees, so I'll ask for your indulgence as I ask a few questions to which the answers are already well known."

You grin crookedly.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "And to that end, what is your profession?"

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Grandmaster Alchemist in training."

You nod understandingly.

Maetriks offhandedly says, "Also, a sorceress."

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "What would you say it is, or was, about sorcery that drove you to go down that particular path?"

Speaking devilishly to you, Maetriks says, "I can make the dead walk again."

You grin nervously.

Maetriks flippantly says, "And I can have a pet demon."

Maetriks seriously says, "One day, it will be a vathor."

You nod slowly at Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "What town do you currently call home?"

A small vibrant purple spider on Maetriks crawls over to her left forearm.

The thick choker around Maetriks's neck is momentarily engulfed in a shroud of darkness!

Maetriks sighs.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "I am taking up temporary residence in this town (Solhaven) as it is the most convenient currently for my alchemy training.  I call Mist Harbor my home, though.  Unfortunately, the guild has been put on what seems like a permanent delay there."

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Were you born in Mist Harbor?  Where is your family from?"

Speaking wryly to you, Maetriks says, "Now, the right and proud thing to say is I am from New Ta'Faendryl... but that is inaccurate.  In fact, I was born and raised in a small village just off Whistler's Pass between Zul Logoth and Cysaegir."

You nod understandingly at Maetriks.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "I can only assume my parents were originally from New Ta'Faendryl, but I cannot say for certain.  You see, my mother died in childbirth, and my father... well, he blamed me for the whole thing."

You furrow up your face and wince.

Speaking wistfully to you, Maetriks murmurs, "Needless to say, I did not stay long in that village."

You nod in agreement.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "My father made me leave when I came of age to be able to take care of myself... and it did not serve to keep me around as I reminded him too much of my mother."

Maetriks dismissively says, "Anyway..."

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "And I take it you went from there to Mist Harbor?  What drove you there?"

Maetriks awkwardly says, "Not... entirely..."

You nod encouragingly at Maetriks.

Maetriks says, "I actually traveled for some time... for a while, really."

Maetriks thoughtfully says, "I was never formally trained in sorcery... I just happen to be a quick study.  I had no master to work with, no one to show me the way..."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "The first time I raised the dead, it was a chicken with a broken neck... I fumbled through an incantation and ended with "Arise, chicken."  It clucked and died again very shortly after."

You blink.

Maetriks continues, "In any case, I watched others, mimicked what they said and did... made my way to Ta'Vaalor as I did and resised between there and River's Rest as I honed my craft.  Really, Mist Harbor became my home because it was mostly convenient and much more accommodating to my people than either of those towns were."

You nod understandingly at Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "I believe I can hazard a guess, given the location you chose for this interview, but which Arkati do you follow, if any?"

Maetriks breathes in slightly.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Eorgina.  In truth, I selected the Garden of Forbidden Knowledge because I felt it most fitting for this sort of thing.  That and Fash'lo'nae was a known companion of Eorgina and Luukos, plus I feel it would have desecrated her temple had I chosen to hold this there."

You blink.

You nod understandingly.

You ask, "I see, I misunderstood.  My apologies.  What about Eorgina drew you to her?  Were you raised in her service, or did you find her later in life?"

Maetriks looks lost in thought.

Maetriks says, "Yes and no."

You nod encouragingly at Maetriks.

Maetriks explains, "After I arrived in Ta'Vaalor, I felt I had a strong pull to her.  She has been depicted as strong-minded and independent and while she may be of the Lornon pantheon, she is not "evil" per se.  In fact, the sole reason she chose to go to Lornon when the Arkati fled Elanthia was because her once King had married another, Lumnis, without so much of a warning.  It was a rather deep cut of betrayal and having experienced what I did from my father... I realized she and I had more in common than I would with any of the others."

Speaking quietly to you, Maetriks says, "We did not simply survive our betrayals: we conquered them and rose above them."

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "I can certainly understand that.  Those sorts of shared experiences make for the strongest bonds."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "It was not until I met my ex-husband, however, that I truly began to walk her path."

Maetriks says, "And I did so because of and despite of him."

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Not wishing to get too salacious, what was your ex-husband's name, and what do you mean by 'because of and despite' him with regards to Eorgina's service?"

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "And if you'd prefer not to discuss it, we can certainly scratch the question."

Maetriks inhales sharply as she crosses her arms and taps her nails against her illthorn bracer.

Speaking curtly to you, Maetriks says, "Demyse Ta'Mori."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "He is one of her clergy."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "I am sure if I had met my mother, she would have said "If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all..."  So I will have to stick by that advice on this topic."

You nod understandingly at Maetriks.

Speaking nervously to Maetriks, you exclaim, "On to other topics, then!"

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "This falls squarely under the umbrella of things that are already known, but what is your current marital status?"

You smile at Maetriks.

Maetriks excitedly exclaims, "Engaged!"

You grin crookedly.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "And who is the lucky groom-to-be?"

Speaking proudly to you, Maetriks gushes, "To the most wonderful male I could ever have the pleasure to call mine: Blade Durakar al'Yari Faendryl, my Palestra."

You nod approvingly.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "And how did you and he meet, if I might ask?"

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "I doubt he would be able to recall it as vividly... but I was married at the time to my ex.  It was at Ebon Gate... pretty sure in year 5110, during the costume contest..."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "He participated and for his costume: he was a vathor.  It was the most glorious performance I saw all day... and he was marvelous at it, both terrifying and awe inspiring.  I would even venture to say it was love at first sight because I knew at that very moment, despite being married to another, that we were destined to be together.  It took some years, but it eventually came to be."

You grin from ear to ear.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "What would you say is your most valuable possession?  Not necessarily the one with the highest monetary value, but the one closest to your heart?"

Speaking to Maetriks, you add, "Unless of course they are one and the same."

Maetriks shows you a violet-tinged veil iron locket, which she is wearing.  Meticulously fashioned from dark veil iron, this circular locket features a nearly imperceptible violet suffusion.  Etched into the face is a dozing aishan, head resting upon its paws, and behind it, a towering vathor standing guard over its restful slumber.  Surrounding the two demons is a multitude of irregular carvings, creating the illusion of peering through a portal to a different valence.  Inside, you see a grey scale dark elven portrait.

You exclaim, "Oh my... that's exquisite!"

The thick choker around Maetriks's neck is momentarily engulfed in a shroud of darkness!

Maetriks says, "I do not have my wedding ring yet, for obvious reasons, so this would be a close second."

Maetriks reaches out and touches her veil iron locket.

Maetriks says, "This is actually a representation of my fiance and I."

You flash a wide grin.

Maetriks says, "I am sure, based on how I said we met, you could assume the vathor is him."

You nod in agreement.

Maetriks says, "The sleeping aishan is meant to represent me, of course... with him always watchful and standing guard over me, ever vigilant and every protecting."

Maetriks removes a grey scale dark elven portrait from in her veil iron locket.

Maetriks says, "It, of course, houses a portrait of him that I carry with me, close to my heart, always."

You grin happily.

Maetriks shows you a grey scale dark elven portrait, which she is holding in her right hand.  Artfully sketched upon the waxed vellum, the portrait is the grey scale rendering of a sharply featured dark elven man with a hawkish nose.  Piercing eyes, which are painted an icy blue and are the only color depicted in the piece, rest within an angular face that is well defined and chiseled.  Inky black hair, highlighted in greys, frames his face, a slender braid upon the left falling before his angular ear and draping across his muscled shoulder.

Maetriks put a grey scale dark elven portrait in her veil iron locket.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Exquisite work.  Who was the painter?"

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Ziethsmet, I believe... also the creator of this locket."

You nod approvingly.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "She did a wonderful job with his likeness... and he has the partner locket.  They are attuned to one another."

You grin from ear to ear.

You exclaim, "That's wonderful!"

Maetriks exclaims, "Indeed!"

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "In much the same vein, what is your most valuable posession, from a strict resale value perspective?"

Maetriks touches one finger to her lips.

Maetriks says, "I would say my shop, but probably not."

A small vibrant purple spider on Maetriks crawls over to her neck.

You nod understandingly.

Maetriks says, "Likely my leathers.  Not the ones I am currently wearing, of course.  I have a set of ethereal doubles that are currently being worked to a ninth enchant... they have been unlocked twice."

Maetriks says, "It is taking a lot of patience for that project."

You chuckle.

You nod in agreement.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "What would you say is the seminal moment of your time as an adventurer?  The moment which had the largest and longest-reaching effect on your overall journey?"

You flail your arms about.

You say, "Wait."

You say, "I'm out of order.  That one comes next.  One more easy one."

You stare at nothing in particular.

Maetriks snickers.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Would you be willing to give us a look at one of your lockers?  Just a peek... no followups or clarifications?"

Maetriks grins impishly.

Maetriks removes a black-spined niveous suede manifest from in her hooded cloak.

Maetriks says, "Let's see now..."

You grin at Maetriks.

Maetriks shows you her niveous suede manifest.
Locker contents of Maetriks d'Edonil, the Dark Elf, as recorded in Mist Harbor:
In a deep chest:
  a small round glass jar containing ayana leaves
  a royal blue satin backpack
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
    a bundle of faeroth crests
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing essences of fire
  a lime green wavy glass bottle containing lump of black ambergrises
  a tall prismatic glass jar containing glowing violet essence dust
  a crimson-hued thick glass bottle containing radiant crimson essence dust
  a turquoise glass beaker containing radiant crimson motes of essence
  a deep red glass beaker containing tiny golden seeds
  a smoky octagonal glass jar containing n'ayanad crystals
  a bronze-rimmed clear glass jar containing n'ayanad crystals
  a bronze-rimmed cranberry glass jar containing crystal cores
  a small round glass jar containing crystal cores
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing crystal cores
  a grooved pyramidal glass jar containing glimmering blue motes of essence
  a gold-rimmed carmine glass jar containing glimmering blue motes of essence
  a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing glimmering blue motes of essence
  a bronze-rimmed cranberry glass jar containing white hook mushrooms
  a clear glass bear-shaped bottle containing pristine siren's hairs
  a smoky octagonal glass jar containing hollies
  an ash grey glass beaker containing glimmering blue essence dust
  an azure flecked glass bottle containing blue moss
  a tall gold-streaked bottle containing large troll teeth
  a frosted glass beaker containing smooth stones
  a kelyn-rimmed amber glass jar containing essences of earth
  an azure flecked glass bottle containing hollies
  a slender multicolored bottle containing perfect myklian belly scales
  a blue-hued speckled glass bottle containing perfect myklian belly scales
  a laje-rimmed lavender glass jar containing tkaro roots
  a tall gold-streaked bottle containing luminescent green funguses
  a rough square glass jar containing red passionflowers
  a light tan glass beaker containing murdroots
  a silver-rimmed ash grey glass jar containing murdroots
  a gold-rimmed carmine glass jar containing murdroots
  a striped rainbow glass bottle containing spirit shards
  a saffron yellow glass beaker containing spirit shards
  an umber square-necked bottle containing spirit shards
  an invar-rimmed violet glass jar containing spirit shards
  a greenish mottled glass bottle containing spirit shards
  a saffron yellow glass beaker containing spirit shards
  a charcoal glass beaker containing spirit shards
  a rosy pink glass beaker containing stargazer lilies
  an olive green glass beaker containing pepperthorn roots
  a bronze-rimmed clear glass jar containing pristine nymph's hairs
  a kelyn-rimmed amber glass jar containing moonlight cactus-blooms
  an ora-rimmed sienna glass jar containing essences of earth
  a dark hexagonal glass jar containing pristine siren's hairs
  a rosy pink glass beaker containing small troll teeth
  a striped rainbow glass bottle containing waxy grey caederine
  a tall gold-streaked bottle containing small troll teeth
  a dark hexagonal glass jar containing white hook mushrooms
  a brass-rimmed crimson glass jar containing inky necrotic cores
  a twisted purple glass bottle containing glowing violet essence shards
  a brass-rimmed crimson glass jar containing radiant crimson essence shards
  an etched cubical glass jar containing waxy grey caederine
  a turquoise glass beaker containing tiny golden seeds
  a deep red glass beaker containing tiny golden seeds
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing glowing green lichen
  a rosy pink glass beaker containing n'ayanad crystals
  an invar-rimmed violet glass jar containing glimmering blue essence shards
  a perfectly spherical glass jar containing glimmering blue essence shards
  a vaalin-rimmed sky blue glass jar containing corked crystalline globe filled with glowing mineral waters
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing murdroots
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing waxy grey caederine
  a bronze-rimmed clear glass jar containing glimmering blue essence dust
  an opalescent violet glass bottle containing glowing violet essence dust
  a dark blue glass beaker containing glowing violet motes of essence
  a dappled orange glass bottle containing luckbloom blossoms
  a light tan glass beaker containing vial of farlook vitreous humors
  a vaalin-rimmed sky blue glass jar containing vial of farlook vitreous humors
  a perfectly spherical glass jar containing essences of air
  an umber square-necked bottle containing glowing green lichen
  a small round glass jar containing essences of fire
  a clear glass bear-shaped bottle containing wavepetal blossoms
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing elemental cores
  a clear glass beaker containing stargazer lilies
  a vaalin-rimmed sky blue glass jar containing ayana leaves
In a magical item bin:
  a crimson-hued thick glass bottle containing ayana berries
  an olive green glass beaker containing uncut emeralds
  a spherical glass jar containing powdered black doomstone
  a hexagonal golden glass bottle containing uncut diamonds
  a dappled orange glass bottle containing uncut star-of-Tamzyrr diamonds
  a vaalin-rimmed sky blue glass jar containing uncut diamonds
  a tall prismatic glass jar containing shard of rainbow quartzes
  an umber square-necked bottle containing golden topazes
  a bronze-rimmed cranberry glass jar containing uncut emeralds
  an iridescent citrine glass bottle containing uncut emeralds
  a crimson-hued thick glass bottle containing green tourmalines
  a sooty glass beaker
  a laje-rimmed lavender glass jar containing blue peridots
  a short ovoid glass jar containing golden moonstones
  a silver-rimmed ash grey glass jar containing green peridots
  an etched cubical glass jar containing piece of white marbles
  an invar-rimmed violet glass jar containing iridescent piece of mother-of-pearls
  a tall prismatic glass jar containing sparkling silvery conch shells
  a perfectly spherical glass jar containing pink sapphires
  a kelyn-rimmed amber glass jar containing yellow sapphires
  an ora-rimmed sienna glass jar containing star sapphires
  a rough square glass jar containing star sapphires
  a grooved pyramidal glass jar containing green sapphires
  an ora-rimmed sienna glass jar containing violet sapphires
  a brass-rimmed crimson glass jar containing violet sapphires
  a light tan glass beaker containing green sapphires
  a tawny glass beaker containing deep blue mermaid's-tear sapphires
  a rough square glass jar containing brilliant fire pearls
  a short ovoid glass jar containing tiny white pearls
  a silver-rimmed ash grey glass jar containing medium grey pearls
  a short ovoid glass jar containing large pink pearls
  a slender multicolored bottle containing medium black pearls
  a frosted glass beaker containing pearl nautilus shells
  a poppy red glass beaker containing ruby-lined nassa shells
  a dark blue glass beaker containing polished pink coral
  a saffron yellow glass beaker containing Kezmonian honey beryls
  a turquoise glass beaker containing selanthan bloodjewels
  a laje-rimmed lavender glass jar containing black opals
  an olive green glass beaker containing golden beryl gems
  a gold-rimmed carmine glass jar containing green garnets
Obvious items:  125

You nod approvingly.

Maetriks put a black-spined niveous suede manifest in her hooded cloak.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Thank you for that!  And in a similar vein, would you be willing to give us a rough approximation of your current bank balance?"

Maetriks says, "Much less than I would prefer right now, but about 50 mil."

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "Still a very respectable sum.  Thank you once more for that."

You say, "Two more... the difficult ones."

You grin impishly.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "What would you say is the seminal moment of your time as an adventurer?  The moment which had the largest and longest-reaching effect on your overall journey?"

Speaking thoughtfully to you, Maetriks says, "There were so many... trying to narrow it down will be difficult..."

Maetriks touches one finger to her lips.

You nod understandingly.

You say, "The last two are the most difficult, I'm told.  It's around now that I'm usually grateful I'm on this side of the questions."

You grin crookedly.

Speaking haltingly to you, Maetriks says, "It is likely... when my fiance was finally recognized as a Blade.  I know that does not affect me personally, yet it did."

You nod.

Maetriks continues, "You see, up until that point... well, I was direly in love and he thought I was insane."

You flash a quick grin.

Speaking to you, Maetriks explains, "A sociopath, if you will... due to my prior marriage and the... situations I was place in and how I had to deal with them."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Therefore, he had no desire to associate with me..."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "He was always polite, but let us call a spade a spade."

You nod understandingly.

Maetriks reflectively says, "That evening, I approached him with an offer he could not refuse.  Come under my employ... serve as my Palestra, be my Blade... and keep me from destroying Elanthia."

Maetriks grins slowly.

You nod slowly.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "What better way to ensure I could be close to him but to let him know he would be what stayed my hand should I go into a rage."

Speaking reasonably to you, Maetriks says, "He agreed... it allowed us to get closer, and well, the rest is history."

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "And last but certainly not least... who, aside from your fiancee, has had the greatest impact on your life as an adventurer?"

Speaking to Maetriks, you add, "And aside from your ex-husband, as well, please."

Maetriks chuckles.

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "Probably, and I hate to say this... Melivn.  He was a Ta'Mori long before I was... in fact, he was the one who introduced me to my ex-husband.  He is a pain in the rear, truth be told..."

You grin impishly.

Speaking vaguely to you, Maetriks says, "But he has almost been a surrogate father for me... in his odd immaturity."

Speaking to you, Maetriks says, "He still calls me kiddo from time to time and messes with my hair... which he swore he would stop doing if I could successfully attack him... which I did.  I blew his arm clean off."

You chuckle to yourself.

Maetriks says, "He still does it, though."

Maetriks rolls her eyes.

Maetriks says, "He will be giving me away at our wedding... if I have not killed him first."

You try hard not to grin.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "Thank you so much for your patience as we put this together.  That's the last of my questions for this evening."

You grin at Maetriks.

Maetriks says, "Of course.  Thank you for the honor of being interviewed."

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "You did a fantastic job.  Thank you so much."

Maetriks chuckles.

Maetriks says, "Well, I look forward to reading it."

Maetriks appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "Thank you once more, and best of luck with your guild work."

You grin at Maetriks.

You bow to Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "And I look forward to your upcoming wedding.  Hopefully I will be invited?"

You wink at Maetriks.

Maetriks says, "There are likely few that will not be, however ensuring the officiant is there has been a bit of a pain."

You grin at Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you ask, "Who is officiating?"

Maetriks says, "Silvean, a well-respected member of the Faendryl community.  He was recommended by his wife, Lylia."

You nod understandingly.

Maetriks says, "But getting in touch with him has been trying at times."

You grimace.

Speaking to Maetriks, you exclaim, "Best of luck with that, then, as well!"

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "And if you'll excuse me, I need to get these notes filed, and then I'm going to turn in.  Long day ahead of me tomorrow."

You try hard not to grin.

You bow to Maetriks.

Speaking to Maetriks, you say, "Have a wonderful evening, Lady Maetriks."

You grin impishly.

Maetriks inclines her head.

Maetriks says, "You as well."

Maetriks says, "Thank you."

---

"...the fact that we were recognized for it was just… astounding." ~Maetriks

---

The Out-of-Character Interview

What’s your real name? (First name only please)

Melissa

Where are you located, geographically?

Virginia, near Richmond

What do you do for a living?

Retail Asst Manager for Toys R Us

How long have you played Gemstone?

I think 11 years? I have to base my answer on how old my son is… I think he was 3 when I was introduced.

Have you taken any breaks, or played straight through?

I’ve had several breaks, more so earlier in my playing. The last one I took was in 2012 and it lasted a month. In that time, I wrote a fairly decent backstory for my bard.

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

Too many? Seriously. I have two that are really, really known as being played by me. They’re the ones I’m most notable for. I don’t like to think of myself as having a main as I would play all my characters equally if I had all the time in the world to do so. For now, I’m trying to master things like alchemy or forging and can’t.

Who are/were your most notable characters?

Maetriks and Nihrvanah

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

Yes and no. There are times that I have characters on both accounts that I hunt together (manually), and other times I end up fletching or forging on one when I hunt the other.

Do you have a Premium subscription?

Yes, two

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

Stormfront, though, if I had to use my tablet in a pinch, I’d have to see if Profanity would work on it.

Why?

It’s what I was intro’d to GS with… ease of use… windows… I don’t have God awful start up music. The better question is why WOULDN’T I?

Do you use lich?

Yes

Why or why not?

Mostly to help with tedium. I’d never do half the stuff I’m doing without it. Travel, forging, fletching, alchemy, etc. I don’t use it to hunt.

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

;alchemy, ;arenatimer, ;duskruin_watch, ;forgery, ;sammu

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

One time. It was the first character I ever rolled up but I sold her due to her having a lot of bad juju tied to her (mostly OOC juju). It was weird seeing her logged in a few times a couple weeks ago. Almost made me miss her. Almost. I also sold a self-charging wand with 102 on it after DMC because why would I need that?

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

Yes, all the time!

Why or why not?

I actually have an acting background. I like to explore different backstories, races, and things that make them click. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to sort out who they are by playing, sometimes I go into it knowing who they are. It’s why I have a vast cast of characters to play with.

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

There’s been so many… I think the moment that really sticks out in my head right now is when Nihrvanah (and Rohese) were both honored with the Patron of the Displaced title simply for holding a fundraiser in the Nations to help with the half-elven refugees from the West during one of Kenstrom’s storylines. It wasn’t big… it didn’t even have that much attendance… but the fact that we were recognized for it was just… astounding. I didn’t even find out about it on that character. I found out about it when I was lurking at an announcement in game with one of my lesser known alts. I was in tears.

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

The community. The fact that I have over a dozen best friends that I haven’t already met. The fact that I can go to SimuCon and associate names to real faces and just be able to be out of my normal shell instantly because I’ve already built a rapport with them.

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

See above. I’ve been to 3 SimuCons now, and I’ve hung out with GS people IRL twice now. I really do enjoy it and will continue to do so.

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

Drinking, conversation, random other things (going to a zoo, for instance, like I did with Ewin’s player at Con with my kids). Honestly, just a lot of fun. Like normal people hanging out.

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

I was a Wyromling for a weekend last EG (maybe it was most of the week)… I got to shamble all over the place… gnaw on people… totally worth the silvers from the Con auction. Seriously, though, I would make all items able to be ensorcelled or enchanted… really ensorcelled. I think not allowing merchant ensorcelling and capping player abilities to do so is ridiculous.

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

Not separating in game from real life. This can be taken in multiple forms… taking real offense to something said in game to your character, about your character, as a personal offense… to getting romantically attached to the character you’re RPing with and trying to take it into the real world (without any indication from the other side that this is returned).

Why?

It’s a game. Trying to take everything that happens in game into the real world can have severe consequences. I’ve seen/heard of real life relationships that have been ruined or damaged because of that. Learn to separate… I find I have to make an OOC disclaimer sometimes at the forefront of one of my characters getting into a relationship in game clarifying that I am happily engaged in real life and this is to be segregated to the game only. Sometimes, it limits me, others, I get a relieved “Oh, thank God” from someone who was worried about it as well but didn’t want to voice as much.

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

Go to SimuCon, or barring that, meet your fellow players.

Why?

We’re a community of the internet age. We all enjoy this game for one reason or another and it’s easier to bond with people when you already know you have that one thing in common.

What advice would you offer to a new player?

Don’t post in politics on the PC.

Also of interest: Maetriks and Durakar's feature story during Sweetheart's Week.