Roblar (prime)/True Cap: Difference between revisions
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[[#Page 5|5]] ... If Only, by The Girdled Purser |
[[#Page 5|5]] ... If Only, by The Girdled Purser |
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[[#Page 6|6]] ... The Initiation, by Grimmark |
[[#Page 6|6]] ... The Initiation, by Grimmark |
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[[#Page 7|7]] ... Why Roblar Needed to Build A Dungeon, by Katiesa Thule |
[[#Page 7|7]] ... Why Roblar Needed to Build A Dungeon, by Katiesa Thule |
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[[#Page 8|8]] ... Last One Standing, by Cruxophim |
[[#Page 8|8]] ... Last One Standing, by Cruxophim |
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[[#Page 9|9]] ... Curses, Foiled Again!, by A Bystander |
[[#Page 9|9]] ... Curses, Foiled Again!, by A Bystander |
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[[#Page 10|10]] ... The Ship's Tour, by Luxelle |
[[#Page 10|10]] ... The Ship's Tour, by Luxelle |
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[[#Page 12|12]] ... Gracious Collateral Damage, by Oubar |
[[#Page 12|12]] ... Gracious Collateral Damage, by Oubar |
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[[#Page 27|27]] ... The Best, by Giantphang & Mel the Warfly |
[[#Page 27|27]] ... The Best, by Giantphang & Mel the Warfly |
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[[#Page 28|28]] ... |
[[#Page 28|28]] ... Hail, Roblar!, by Laelithonel |
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[[#Page 30|30]] ... Brotherhood, by Meureii |
[[#Page 30|30]] ... Brotherhood, by Meureii |
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[[#Page 23|31]] ... Illustration Plate 2: Words To Live By |
[[#Page 23|31]] ... Illustration Plate 2: Words To Live By |
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Since you're at the end of the album, you turn back to page 1. |
Since you're at the end of the album, you turn back to page 1. |
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Running across both front endsheets is the detailed image of a bear claw mark in deep black ink. The unmistakable rendering begins near the upper right side of the open page edge and swipes downwards across the page boundary, spilling loosely onto the glued sheet of the inside cover. The hand-drawn strokes are rough in spots, but the inside edge of each claw is a perfectly sharp and unbroken slash. |
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>close my album |
>close my album |
Revision as of 16:39, 9 February 2021
Roblar Coronia completed his training on the 23rd of Eorgaen, 5120. Colloquially titled True Cap, this book serves to corroborate the legends that lurk in his mighty wake.
You glance down to see a tooled dark leather album surrounded by glistening ivory bear claw corners in your right hand and nothing in your left hand. >look my album You see a tooled dark leather album surrounded by glistening ivory bear claw corners. A breathtaking image of a mighty stone fortress is intricately sculpted from cover to cover. The structure sits high within gleaming icy peaks at a daring angle. An artist created this complete scene with details so fine you can make out individual stonework engraved into the fine leather. Prominently featured in the lower right corner are the letters "R" and "C". Bound into the album are some pages of pale parchment. >open album You carefully open your dark leather album, revealing the smooth pages of parchment within. Running across both front endsheets is the detailed image of a bear claw mark in deep black ink. The unmistakable rendering begins near the upper right side of the open page edge and swipes downwards across the page boundary, spilling loosely onto the glued sheet of the inside cover. The hand-drawn strokes are rough in spots, but the inside edge of each claw is a perfectly sharp and unbroken slash. -~--~--~
You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 2. Commemorating a Grand Achievement -~--~--~ { { ROBLAR CORONIA { 5120 { 23 Eorgaen { -~--~--~ T R U E C A P -~--~--~
-~--~--~ { { Table of Contents I { -~--~--~ 5 ... If Only, by The Girdled Purser 6 ... The Initiation, by Grimmark 7 ... Why Roblar Needed to Build A Dungeon, by Katiesa Thule 8 ... Last One Standing, by Cruxophim 9 ... Curses, Foiled Again!, by A Bystander 10 ... The Ship's Tour, by Luxelle 12 ... Gracious Collateral Damage, by Oubar 14 ... Speed Trading, by Minniemae 15 ... QUOTE - by Pukk 16 ... The Spa, The Ghost, and Roblar, by Soliere Firensia 17 ... True Warrior Ways, by Hammerrhead Crusherson 18 ... He Rescues Also By Eating, by Meril 19 ... Illustration Plate 1: Portrait 20 ... Lookin' Guud, by Maylan 21 ... Tactics Are Essential, by Anonymous 22 ... Personal Shopper, by Dwi Axetoe 23 ... A Grand Adventure, by Clunk LikeARockSon 26 ... That Time When Roblar... by Seomanthe
-~--~--~ { { Table of Contents II { -~--~--~ 27 ... The Best, by Giantphang & Mel the Warfly 28 ... Hail, Roblar!, by Laelithonel 30 ... Brotherhood, by Meureii 31 ... Illustration Plate 2: Words To Live By 32 ... The Summer of Our Romance, by Rohese 33 ... The Castle Tour, by Milax 34 ... He Smiled, by Fisthave 35 ... There's Warm and There's WARM, by Captain Aar 37 ... I'll Be Right Back, by Luxie 39 ... QUOTE - Pylasar Gets Pithy 40 ... Across The Room, by Leifa 41 ... A Long Time Ago, in an Elanthia Far, Far Away.... by Ardwen 42 ... Illustration Plate 3: Bane of Luukos 43 ... Adventuring Invitations, by MeggieMae 44 ... QUOTE - Overheard 45 ... Master Classes, by Falvicar 46 ... Justice By Design, by Lylia 47 ... Highguard Keep, by Diablic 48 ... Winter's Fall
Page 5
-~--~--~ { { If Only... { -~--~--~ by The Girdled Purser -~--~--~ Bandits on my left, bandits on my right. All looks perilous. The road ahead is guarded, behind us is a blockade. Engagement: imminent. I clutch my weighty purse and watch as my companion hurtles himself into battle, gallantly attempting to defend me. Feebly striking down foes as he rages across the battlefield, soon the horde is upon us. My companion is no match for the horde, and he succumbs to the blows. Hamstrings severed, I fall to my knees. Throat slit, my last notion escaped in gurgling breaths, "If only he was Roblar. He could save me."
Page 6
-~--~--~ { { The Initiation { -~--~--~ by Grimmark of Helden Hall -~--~--~ I wanted to join Helden Hall. Roblar said, "You will need to duel me as part of your initiation." He put his weapons away and threw a punch at me. My skull exploded and I died. He said, "You're in."
Page 7
-~--~--~ { { Why Roblar Needed to Build A Dungeon { -~--~--~ by Katiesa Thule -~--~--~ You hear a click as Roblar unlocks an enormous mithril vault. Roblar grasps the large wheel on the vault and turns it hard to the left, straining a bit as he does so. With a loud *THUNK!* the massive steel bars that secure the door slide free and Roblar opens the vault. Roblar points at an enormous mithril vault. Roblar deeply exclaims, "Ma treasure!" Roblar flashes a wide grin. Mohrgan removes a sugar-dusted chocolate cookie from in an enormous mithril vault. Mohrgan raises his chocolate cookie skyward! Now and again, some resin hidden in the wood is ignited by the flames, and the fire snaps and crackles loudly. The sweet smell of the resin permeates the air and fills your nostrils. Roblar deeply exclaims, "Robbed!" Roblar growls at Mohrgan. Mohrgan exclaims, "I've stolen his cookie!"
Page 8
-~--~--~ { { Last One Standing { -~--~--~ by Cruxophim -~--~--~ Roblar -- sometimes late to the party, but he's always the last one standing. I've seen him defend the Landing, Icemule, and various other places countless times from threats both foreign and domestic. He's a good enough fellow... so I'll forgive him for his wanton slaughter of the occasional extraplanar visitor.
Page 9
-~--~--~ { { Curses, Foiled Again! { -~--~--~ by A Bystander Remembers -~--~--~ Pylasar reaches into his neckpouch and removes a handful of purple dirt. He then throws it on Roblar...whose body begins to shift and...get some curves. Roblar's face turns slightly pale. Roblar taps himself on the chest. Roblar deeply says, "Well." Speaking delightedly to himself, Roblar exclaims, "Will av fun tonites!" Pylasar pouts as the purple dirt falls from Roblar. Pylasar says, "Curses." Pylasar exclaims, "CURSES!" Pylasar says, "You are immune."
Page 10
-~--~--~ { { The Ship's Tour { -~--~--~ by Luxelle Machtes Ashrim -~--~--~ It was Spring 5115 and the buzz around the Landing was that the Spitfire was docked and open for business for a week. With many shops and merchants on board, I was overwhelmed by it all. I made small trips onboard, then went back to town to think about what I saw, whether I had the money for it, and, of course, if I needed it -- I probably did not. I knew Commander Roblar in passing, he had been introduced to me already. But I was still an apprentice bardess, and far, far away from his usual company. It was late in the evening when he just walked up to me in Town Square and asked if I had been on the Spitfire Adventure yet. I was so surprised. Did I look like the adventuring type, I wondered. I was probably still hunting warcats at the time. (continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 11. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: I hesitated. He encouraged me, assuring me I would be safe, and he would be there if I needed. I was still not very sure about any of it, but he was not giving up -- he seemed to have more confidence in me than I did. We stopped by all sorts of locations once onboard the Spitfire, finding people to speak to, small tasks to be done, or little mysteries to solve. He always let me solve them myself. I was so grateful for that. He did not talk much, I think that was because I was so quiet and scared that he did not want to frighten me any worse. I kept wondering why someone this important was helping me. By the time I was able to successfully finish the small quest on the ship, I felt like I had made a friend. For the rest of the week, I sported my special Spitfire title he helped me earn. (That was the beginning of my Boatswain career.) This was a Grand Adventure for me, something I will never forget. I still enjoy it when you share an adventure with me, Commander!
Page 11
-~--~--~ { { Gracious Collateral Damage { -~--~--~ by Oubar -~--~--~ While the story itself is secondhand, I saw the effects myself, so I can accurately relate those, at least: A young gnomish couple were starting their journey together in Icemule some years back and were just getting their feet wet, as it were. They had progressed to the point where they were just thinking about trying out Nightmare Gorge and indeed were on the very rock overlooking the Gorge, debating the wisdom of attempting it, when who should appear but Roblar. However, Roblar did not come alone, as quickly became apparent. Several bandits leaped from the shadows and attacked the warrior! The gnomes were completely blinded by the flurry of action that followed, but when the fight ended, the young female gnome had wandered too far into the fray and been struck down by a wayward strike. (continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 13. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: Roblar was instantly contrite, and in very short order had provided transport back to town, and entreated one of his friends to assist with healing, a raise, and spells once the gnome was back on her feet. I can state with the utmost certainty, however, that the gnome never forgave poor Roblar. Whenever they would cross paths, she would narrow her eyes and mutter about 'careless warriors'... but both gnomes would speak of that incident over the years, remembering both Roblar's deadly strikes and the casual way in which he made it right.
Page 14
-~--~--~ { { Speed Trading { -~--~--~ by Minniemae -~--~--~ I am the fastest trader in the whole world... UNLESS Mr. Roblar is out and about, and then he beats me! I am super-fast moving from pawnshop to pawnshop by an intricate ring system. But his system outdoes mine almost every time. He is never obnoxious about it, and I have come to look forward to saluting as he passes me by at the pawnshop. He is one of my pawnshop heroes. I will never forget the first time I noticed him at a pawnshop, and then everywhere I went, he was there just a moment before I arrived! Congratulations Mr. Roblar, and may you live many more years and prosper at pawn!
Page 15
-~--~--~ { { QUOTE { -~--~--~ "In the event something happens, be sure to wait until Roblar dies before you start panicking." Pukk
Page 16
-~--~--~ { { The Spa, The Ghost, and Roblar { -~--~--~ by Soliere Firensia -~--~--~ I have known Roblar for many years. I was happy he came late one night in the year 5120 to the Silvergate Spa. "Why," you ask, "would a tough guy like Roblar be coming to a spa?" Probably like others, he happened upon it by accident and came through the golden door to look around. While he was there, a ghost appeared! I talked with the ghost and tried to befriend it. Roblar and some other friends insisted on releasing the ghost with their Voln powers. I wasn't on board with that. After the ghost "died," I cried and cried. I sputtered and fumed. Roblar and his friend patiently talked me through it, insisting that the ghost was better off, now that its spirit was no longer trapped in misery. I learned a lot about Roblar's heart that night and his devotion to Voln's mission, and I appreciated that he was there to help the ghost and patient with me in the aftermath. Congratsies, Roblar!
Page 17
-~--~--~ { { True Warrior Ways { -~--~--~ by Hammerrhead Crusherson -~--~--~ A long time ago, the 'Mander showed me whut it meant ta be a True Warrior. He would asplode invasion critters left an' right, down an' up. He was and is da greatest. Den, one day, da Gods were nice 'nuff to let robes'n cloth armur be *specially* fitted wif armur accessories. Good ol' Mander Roblar put some slash resistant shtuff in my robe. Den, later dat week, er, month ... Year? The 'Mander tried ta assess me robe about a bajillion times an couldn'ts find da shtuff he spruce't em up with. So finally, after tellin' me to report it to da Gods, he left. It wus a great time and ah consider 'Mander Roblar a gute friend.
Page 18
-~--~--~ { { He Rescues Also By Eating { -~--~--~ by Meril -~--~--~ Some years ago we were at a Gnomish festival where one of the Wendwillow elders was giving an open lesson on botany. The elder was speaking of the lush flora found around the cities of the east and showed us several varieties of poisonous leaves and mushrooms to be wary of. Some of the more curious adventurers tried a few bites and became so violently ill that even us healers had trouble keeping them from passing out. That was when Roblar came to our rescue: he shoveled all the mushrooms on the table into his mouth and swallowed them in one big gulp! So, we must thank Roblar for saving the public, and must also pray on behalf of the mushrooms of these lands to be given more stout protection from his appetite.
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-~--~--~ { { Illustration Plate 1 { -~--~--~ In a striking ink portrait stands a three-quarter view of an exquisitely chiseled giantman, his head lowered. He stands, arms raised over his head and crossed at his wrists. A pair of axes extend from each hand in a frozen moment of poise and introspection before the hunt. Yet his eyes are not closed. Barely visible, there is a glimpse of intense light eyes that miss nothing. Fine lines texture the layers of a grizzly bear greatcloak piled across his shoulders, looking as much like a trophy as a garment. The fanged hood drapes loosely cowled down his back. Glints of white reflections give form to the warrior's blackest armor, perfectly fitted on his body. Light flashes against a few other pieces of gear, leaving you with a spartan impression of a Warmaster in his prime. The bottom of the page features a centered caption within an elegant bannered frame: "Commander Roblar Coronia the Warmaster of Highguard Keep"
Page 20
-~--~--~ { { Lookin' Guud { -~--~--~ by Maylan -~--~--~ That Mister Roblar is always the most popular catch at the bachelor auctions. Hooey, does he catch a pretty silver or ten when he struts about the stage! It's more muscle than this mop girl can afford. I'm too busy mopping up all the drool anyhow. And have you ever seen that fella in the Helden Hall fighting pits? I tried to go toe to toe with him and ended up in pieces. Took me days to mop up all of my broken bits. He sure was nice about it though and helped me up after. That's Roblar for you: always lending a hand, and looking good while doing it.
Page 21
-~--~--~ { { Tactics Are Essential { -~--~--~ by Anonymous -~--~--~ Back when the gate to Night at the Academy allowed people to enter separately in groups over 20 minutes apart, I joined a fairly large, but manageable, group to conquer the secrets within! Inside the maze, my group ran into Roblar, who also had a fairly large, but manageable group. Naturally, we decided to combine forces. But it turns out that combining two manageable groups results in a rather unmanageable group--we got swarmed by so much undead that everyone (except for Roblar) started dropping like flies. We spent too much time ages dying and after one particularly nasty wipeout, we congregated outside the gate. Roblar (who just sauntered outside to meet us since he was still alive) said that everyone should wait outside and he'd go find the artifacts for us. 5 minutes later, while we were still discussing whether we should go in and help him, he came back out and said "Okay, all done."
Page 22
-~--~--~ { { Personal Shopper { -~--~--~ by Dwi -~--~--~ So, Imma lookin fer some new armor... (dis is befer I know'd to go steal a breastplate frem some hapless Thurfel's island idjit.) Anna ol' man Roblar says he'd go shoppin fer me! Anna he did...it fit radder good too. Lil did I know dat o'er da years he'd be willin to pick up groceries, kegs o' ale, anna barious anna sundry udder items. He mite seem likka tough ol' fiter...but really he's my sweet lil delibery boy!
Page 23
-~--~--~ { { A Grand Adventure { -~--~--~ by Clunk LikeARockSon -~--~--~ In Koaratos 5112, trouble came to Icemule Trace; some say the Fire cultists came to melt the glacier. As dangers increased, bladesmiths traveled to the town to craft rhimar blades to fight the creatures of fire. Eventually, the local townfolk found what looked to be a gateway used by those threatening the town - a warped obsidian barrier on a deep underground island. A quest ensued to investigate; Jeril, Roblar, Olgretien, Ruabdra, Oweodry, and Kaedra are the ones I remember most trying to pass that barrier. Linsha, Laelithonel, Ruabadra, Eugenides, Waybert, Sagoth, Velfi, High Lord Svardin, Kaedra, Kerl, Rioghnach, Roblar, Hoy, Olgretien, Raincail, Kirael, Jeril, and Clunk all bore witness. (Continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 24. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: About half the group took to breaking down the barrier, while the other half dealt with the various foes that came to stop us. One of the barrier's defenders was a powerful dark-robed elder fire cultist that stunned us and killed about half. Roblar took the cultist on bare-handed and was among the survivors; a good thing, too, because he later bashed the obsidian barrier with a black vultite ax, breaking it into fragments. That merely opened the door. Coincidentally, at almost the same time, Hidulah died. The next barrier was at a warped obsidian altar, next to a hardened slab of lava rock. The rock held a rune, but few took note. Olgretien immediately noted the body of Hidulah; Oweodry provided a flask and Kaedra took Hidulah to Voln. (Continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 25. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: Through it all, Roblar paused only briefly, to ask "When did Hidulah die?" After another battle, and a lot more bashing, Olgretien bashed the obsidian altar with a black mithril claidhmore. This released a long hoarbeam runestaff and a radiant azure fire that had surrounded a drakar shard on the altar flickered once and died. Oweodry asked, "Who took the staff?" This is where someone else will have to tell the rest of the story. As we all know, Icemule Trace did not thaw.
Page 26
-~--~--~ { { That Time When Roblar... { -~--~--~ by Seomanthe -~--~--~ I remember when Roblar came to an Aspis Ice Wall Race in Icemule, cheerfully and completely owning the game with his survival training! It was great fun watching all the other folks flopping around on the ground gazing at him with rightful awe. Then he gracefully declined prizes like the great sport he is.
Page 28
-~--~--~ { { The Best { -~--~--~ by Giantphang & Mel the Warfly -~--~--~ Mel an me is know mister oblar since forever probably! Even Mel think him one the best fiters what ever fiter'd. One time we was in demon arena splatting the demons and even though Mel an me splatted more demons than mister oblar, mister oblar splatted some demons real good! Also we stole mister dwen's lochbar axe thingy. That was the fun time! Good job for know everything there is to know as a fiter mister oblar! Mel an me is give the salute!
Page 29
-~--~--~ { { Hail, Roblar! { -~--~--~ by Laelithonel -~--~--~ Roblar is essentially the king of the entire glacier. I am certain he has a crown somewhere and it is made of pure ice and the bones of his enemies. Imagining Roblar with many enemies is near impossible, he's entirely too likeable. I bet the Argent Mirror would like him so much she'd entrust him to lead the Nations with his axe! The creatures and numerous sources of evil that have cropped up in Elanthia over the years couldn't stand a chance. Fairly certain I saw him brawling a polar bear with one hand while clutching a mammoth by its tusk with the other arm. There was a lot of snow, but truly how far off could I have been? I could go on for hours about the hordes that have tried demolishing our home of Icemule Trace and how Roblar has met them in a blinding fury of speed, skill, and overall excellence. His axe is basically a well-crafted extension of his natural strength and capabilities. (continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 29. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: But he's not all muscle and brute force! He's wise and calculating! Clever and decisive! He is adept at many things magical, he even has a telescope! Roblar! King of the Glacier, Axe-Wielding Astounding Wonder of Accomplishments! A stargazer! One time he let me see as far as my wizardly eyes could see atop Highguard Keep. And The Keep? Positively wondrous and he is nothing short of a fantastic host. That man knows fine cooking when he smells it. Wines, ales, roasted meats, rich desserts - he knows them all. You would never know it by looking at him, all muscle and all, but you'll never starve at Highguard Keep. I'm certain that his next step in this lifetime is to ascend to the moons as one of the Arkati, and we will be talking about it centuries from now about how we knew Roblar before he just flung his axe spiraling into the star-lit void to pull himself through towards a more godly greatness. Naturally he'd come visit us mortals for a good meal from time to time.
Page 30
-~--~--~ { { Brotherhood { -~--~--~ by Meureii -~--~--~ No fluff. The Commander is who they say he is. For the Brother's and Sisters at Helden Hall that means something extra. Without getting into it, it has been an honor to call him a Brother for all these years. He has lived for us, and I would die for him!
Page 31
-~--~--~ { { Illustration Plate 2 { -~--~--~ Honor, Strength, and Loyalty.
Page 32
-~--~--~ { { The Summer of Our Romance { -~--~--~ by Rohese -~--~--~ For one glorious and unforgettable summer (actually 2 days during the Midsummer Night's Festival in 5117), Rohese was betrothed to Roblar. Ignoring the fact that she was already married and Roblar never actually proposed, it was a whirlwind romance made true by the mischievous woodland sprites that inhabited the Monsoon Jungle for a brief time. If asked, Rohese will merely blush because a lady never gives up her secrets.
Page 33
-~--~--~ { { The Castle Tour { -~--~--~ by Milax -~--~--~ Some time last year, Roblar ran me through Black Swan Castle. Or I should say, Roblar threw me on his enormous back and carried me through, stopping only to laugh at me for making every conceivable mistake along the way. I spent most of the time purposelessly paddling a boat by myself, scouring the muck at the bottom of a moat for an object that wasn't there, and nearly killing myself any number of ways. He's just as tough as they say he is, and I love him!
Page 34
-~--~--~ { { He Smiled { -~--~--~ by Fisthave -~--~--~ Oh, Fisthave will never forget the time that the great, big Roblar of Icemule smiled down upon Fisty. It was the most golden moment of Fisty's life and I would rather become a silverback orc's dinner than forget that day. Fisthave walked straight into Clovertooth Hall, doing my job of deliveries -because Fisthave has to eat dinner too, and there! There he was! He smiled! Smiled at Fisty! He assured me he did not smile because I walked into the Hall to do deliveries, but I know the truth. He blessed me that day. One day the great Lord Roblar will smile again at Fisthave and then we will be married and he will be my fifth husband.
Page 35
-~--~--~ { { There's Warm and There's WARM { -~--~--~ by Captain Aar -~--~--~ I bought a fancy little fishie from the Commander and we met at the bank. We exchanged a princely sum for Prince Bucky and he handed me the sack with some specific instructions. Roblar deeply said, smacking his lips, "Feed it all da meat." Then he handed me a rose-marrow potion and told me to put it in the fish's sack. Very carefully, I put it in the sack, taking care not to put my fingers in harm's way; I'd seen Prince Bucky's teeth! Predictably, carnage ensued and the potion was gone! With a gasp, I told him, "This is freaking incredible!" And I gave him a hug. Now, we've done business many times before, so I do understand he would hold me in a warm regard. But I was not expecting a giantkin-huge warm embrace wrapping around me. I said, "Ohh little friendly, aren't you?" Roblar gazed in wonder at his surroundings and I went with the moment, kissing him! (continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 36. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: It was one of those mouth lingering kisses. He took a few steps back, but chuckled. Teasing, I pushed my luck and snuggled up to his cradling arm, saying, "Ohh honey bunch sugar plum." He chuckled and exclaimed, "Lay off da rums!" With a wink and a laugh, I reached for my black demon rum. He was grinning, but backpedalling, "Wells, enjoys da fish." Then he grabbed at his flask, too, and started guzzling it down! He started looking more relaxed and pleased with his drink. I told him quickly, "Ok be gone with you or else i'll stun ya and drag you to the latching rooms!" Raising his copper flask into the air, Roblar loudly slurred, "It ain't the same without ye, ye featherless cockatrice!" before taking a swig from his flask. I waved a hand at him, dismissing him indifferently. He was grinning from ear to ear when he leaned on me. He smelled of rum, sweat, and the open sea. The last thing he said before he headed off was, "Open seas." And he vanished.
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-~--~--~ { { I'll Be Right Back { -~--~--~ by Luxie -~--~--~ I was training to be Bo'sun on board the Agile Ashen Tiger with Captain Commander Roblar. We had been out before, there is no end of pirates befouling the seas! I expected all to go great. He had never led us into trouble. The black flag was up, the cannon balls were stacked and ready, and I had gathered material to patch up the sloop in case of damage. A small vessel took aim at us with hostile intentions. We started returning cannon fire. "I'll be back," he suddenly said, and headed up to the crow's nest. I continued to return the enemy's fire, expecting Commander Roblar to step back any moment with a report from above. Cannon after cannon went sailing over our direction, some were direct strikes. I scurried to patch up things and keep everything ship shape as I had been trained. "Where is he?" I wondered to myself, but was just too busy to do anything but keep up the repairs. (continued on next page) You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 38. The page, written in Common, reads as follows: That was when we were boarded by the enemy. Now I'm staring down vicious and dangerous pirate scum by myself. I dispatched one, then another with a song, but they kept coming. It was quite the boarding party. One got away from me and headed up to the crow's nest. It did not come down. Neither did the Captain. When I finally got to a lull, I climbed up, too, he might need a hand, right? That scourge of the sea had actually scratched Mister Roblar! Who was ... just standing there. I certainly had no idea what to do with non-pirate corpses at sea, and he was way too heavy for me to drag, so I jumped in to save his life! About the time the cretin was down, Commander Roblar chuckled. "Someone had to save you," I grinned. He nodded, "Guud job! Now da rest." We headed down to root them out. And that's how I saved his life one night on a storm-tossed ocean against a whole ship of dread pirate scum!
Page 39
-~--~--~ { { QUOTE { -~--~--~ Pylasar Gets Pithy -~--~--~ "May your Strongest Foe Vanquished be a Roblar!" ~Pylasar
Page 40
-~--~--~ { { Across The Room { -~--~--~ by Leifa -~--~--~ For the last 20 plus years, every time Roblar walks into the room, Leifa sighs and gasps and fawns over Roblar, as if she were a silly teenage girl and he was the star football player. In the same fashion, Roblar would always notice Leifa and wink at her, causing her to further fluster and babble foolishly. It has been a constant that has always given me joy over the many years. Thank you, Roblar, for being such a hunk!
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-~--~--~ { { A Long Time Ago, in an Elanthia Far, Far Away ... { -~--~--~ by Ardwen -~--~--~ About two decades far, to be more exact - A young warrior named Roblar came out with the silvers to purchase a rather mundane, fel hafted vultite waraxe, from an even younger warrior named Ardwen, probably smarter and better looking too! It had 6 enchants and the standard heavy crit weighting. Had some griffin alter if I recall, and I do, Moving forward to today, having added several hundred services the now elderly Roblar deep into his dotage has made a little something special out of that simple axe he bought all those years ago.
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-~--~--~ { { Illustration Plate 3 { -~--~--~ Broad and fine strokes of ink combine in a play of paradoxes within this master drawing of a legendary weapon. The immense dual-hafted waraxe is circled by intricately grooved metal bands that unite the grey half with a deep black half. Contrasting metals extend from each wood; a deep black weapon head extending from the lighter haft, a brilliant light metal completing the blade of the dark wood. The edge gleams sharp and ready from hook to hook on this twin-headed waraxe. Brilliant runes burned into the metal radiate across each contrasting blade side within the remains of a serpent surrounded in white-hot flames. At the very lower edge of the drawing's field, a pair of strong hands grasp the end of the haft, beginning to split it into twin weapons, one for each hand. The weapon has a small display of Giantkin markings. The bottom of the page features a centered caption within an elegant bannered frame: "Bane of Luukos"
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-~--~--~ { { Adventuring Invitations { -~--~--~ by MeggieMae -~--~--~ From time to time Roblar invites me to go hunting with him. Be it bandits, Reim, or sailing. Roblar seems to like to show me things. My first time sailing was with him, and he taught me how to sail. One thing I have noticed while we are hunting is while he is uninjured, I look like a healer's wish list full of injuries. I believe it's because my being a Dwarf, Roblar picks me up and uses me as a shield. But I go with him as it's an exciting experience every adventure.
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-~--~--~ { { QUOTE { -~--~--~ "Leave it to Roblar to kill the unkillable thing." ~Althaz
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-~--~--~ { { Master Classes { -~--~--~ by Falvicar -~--~--~ Many tales of Roblar come to mind and most involve him fighting valiantly and leading people to victory by deed and example. He does that, and more - he teaches and suggests to others how they might train so they, too, can fight stronger. A few years ago, I was struggling to fight and survive as a paladin. More often than not, bandits would get the better of me so I sought out answers to my vexing questions and came across a giant warrior by the name of Roblar. Roblar went in depth with me, encouraging me to get better with my maneuverability and to keep my eyes open so that I could see the dirty tricks coming before the pesky bandits landed them. He also taught me to slay my foes faster by beheading them when able so that I could get through the 25 foes in Duskruin Arena. To this day I pass on what I have learned to other adventurers that might be struggling to survive. Thank you, Roblar and congratulations!
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-~--~--~ { { Justice By Design { -~--~--~ by Lylia -~--~--~ When Roblar acquired the deed to Highguard Keep, he asked my opinion on a few details of its decor. I was delighted to help in any way I could, and we discussed everything from the trophies mounted on the walls in the great hall to what would be stored in the buttery. I learned something new and fascinating about him when he described the needs of his dungeon. This affable man, a pillar of the community from Icemule to the Landing and beyond, wanted a dungeon? Yes, it turns out. Bandits and miscreants, beware his wrath -- and his choice selection of torture implements!
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-~--~--~ { { Highguard Keep { -~--~--~ by Diablic -~--~--~ Roblar and I have been around the lands for a long time. It was obvious he was knowledgeable and knew his surroundings well. We had hunted many times in the past. He was always powerful and quick to kill his enemies. As time went on we would do bandit patrols and he would smash everything as usual. One day he approached TC in Icemule and said, "I want to show you something" to a group of us. Only two people, Enestrie and myself went with him. From there he showed us his new private residence! It was only then I realized how much lore and knowledge beyond killing things Roblar had! This enthusiasm and pride in showing us his castle showed me another side of Roblar. Every room, every item had a story. It was obvious he had been planning to have a castle for a while. If you have time and he's able, ask for a tour. It is something one will not want to miss!
You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 48. This page is written in what looks like Giantman. You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 49. This page is written in what looks like Giantman. You turn to the next page of your album. You're now on page 50. A watercolor vista graces the endsheets, its wintry blues and greys suggesting cloud-topped mountains and a boundless snowy plateau. Between them on a jagged slash of a path stands a majestic keep in darker tones. Its crenellated inner keep rises above the imposing stone walls as if it were part of the mountains that flank it. One window in the high keep is aglow with mellow light, a hint of warmth in a place that knows no summer. Since you're at the end of the album, you turn back to page 1. >close my album You gently close your dark leather album, taking care not to bend any of the pages.
- * Pages 48 and 49 are intentionally left obscured at the request of Luxelle, publisher.