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He is known more popularly by his stage name of Talinvor, which he claims is easier to pronounce for the elves. It is a portmanteau of his first name and his bloodline. He still spends most of his time in Ta'Illistim, where he had taken up a role as a delegate to the [[Argent Mirror]]'s court. In Koaratos 5119, he was recognized for his assistance in an alliance (see: [[Valley of Gold]]) between the Argent Mirror and the Tamzyrrian emperor, [[Aurmont Chandrennin Anodheles]] and awarded a blue ribboned blooming vaalin rose medal (see: [[Ta'Illistim Awards]]) in recognition of his efforts. While not particularly of a political nature, Talinvor recognizes the opportunity to continue to demonstrate his bardic talent and otherwise enlighten the elves to his faith. Other times, he can be found among the members of [[Moonshine Manor]] in [[Wehnimer's Landing]], or performing with The [[Black Iron Chalice]] in [[Solhaven]].
He is known more popularly by his stage name of Talinvor, which he claims is easier to pronounce for the elves. It is a portmanteau of his first name and his bloodline. He still spends most of his time in Ta'Illistim, where he had taken up a role as a delegate to the [[Argent Mirror]]'s court. In Koaratos 5119, he was recognized for his assistance in an alliance (see: [[Valley of Gold]]) between the Argent Mirror and the Tamzyrrian emperor, [[Aurmont Chandrennin Anodheles]] and awarded a blue ribboned blooming vaalin rose medal (see: [[Ta'Illistim Awards]]) in recognition of his efforts. While not particularly of a political nature, Talinvor recognizes the opportunity to continue to demonstrate his bardic talent and otherwise enlighten the elves to his faith. Other times, he can be found among the members of [[Moonshine Manor]] in [[Wehnimer's Landing]], or performing with The [[Black Iron Chalice]] in [[Solhaven]].


Of note, the bard has found himself a niche in the goings-on in [[Mist Harbor]], having initially found common ground with an organization called [[The Flock]]. His reputation denied him acceptance among the Defenders at the time, and because he knew from reputation the man called [[Nehor]] and the troublesome (yet entertaining) halfling, [[Ordim]] - he was accepted easily amongst the group. Punished by the betrayer [[Selbi]] who was part of the joint council of The Flock, she anchored Talinvor along with several other members by magic to protect the island. After unsuccessfully attempting to remove the crystal which bound him, a strange woman found him and Ordim to remove them and thus lifted the curse (and the obligated protection) for Mist Harbor. While Talinvor seeks out who is behind it, he has elevated his own influence among the denizens. His methods have been criticized, as he admits that he is no martyr and often helps if he can gain something in return. Recently, he was instrumental in leading events that led to the downfall of a Sheruvian threat, yet many will still refuse to acknowledge it.
Talinvor is often critical of his own work, as most artists are and he complains quietly of not having the dedication and time for him to maintain his attention on his prose. As a bard, Talinvor's specialty is in matters of the heart – where the strongest strings can be cut or tied. Quite vain, he uses his charm and wit quite often. He usually attempts to see the bigger picture, and like chess – is always trying to determine who will win. He is typically bored easily with emotionally driven people, as they often put their faith in fickle things and stubbornly cling to their own skewed perceptions of the world.

As for Talinvor's artistry is often critical of his own work, as most artists are and he complains quietly of not having the dedication and time for him to maintain his attention on his prose. As a bard, Talinvor's specialty is in matters of the heart – where the strongest strings can be cut or tied. Quite vain, he uses his charm and wit quite often. He usually attempts to see the bigger picture, and like chess – is always trying to determine who will win. He is typically bored easily with emotionally driven people, as they often put their faith in fickle things and stubbornly cling to their own skewed perceptions of the world.


== '''History''' ==
== '''History''' ==
Born in Sharath, he doesn’t know his true year of birth as such things are not celebrated by his people. He is a blood twin to Surion, a Duk’sa of the Warrior Caste. (see: Origins) In demeanor, they are complete opposites. While Talinvor enjoys attention, revels in social affairs and glories in the spotlight – his brother shuns them; finding the comfort of the wilds and the company of creatures to be more reliable and honest in intent. They are stereotypical Dhe'nar for their noble castes.
Born in Sharath, he doesn’t know his true year of birth as such things are not celebrated by his people. He is a blood twin to Surion, a Duk’sa of the Warrior Caste. (see Origins:[https://vorrith.wixsite.com/talinvor/origins-tale-of-the-twins]) In demeanor, they are complete opposites. While Talinvor enjoys attention, revels in social affairs and glories in the spotlight – his brother shuns them; finding the comfort of the wilds and the company of creatures to be more reliable and honest in intent. They are stereotypical Dhe'nar for their noble castes.


The two of them have a strained relationship though. Although it is Surion's duty to support Talinvor, he feels the long shadow cast by his more charismatic brother. He has grown resentful despite (or maybe because of) the many times Talinvor has manipulated circumstances to protect him during the various trials and tribulations forced by the castes. Surion has since isolated himself, with only the company of his black panther, Khadesh.
The two of them have a strained relationship though. Although it is Surion's duty to support Talinvor, he feels the long shadow cast by his more charismatic brother. He has grown resentful despite (or maybe because of) the many times Talinvor has manipulated circumstances to protect him during the various trials and tribulations forced by the castes. Surion has since isolated himself, with only the company of his black panther, Khadesh.
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It is hard to imagine that Talinvor was once in love. A Dhe'nari woman of the Warrior Caste was to whom he had given his heart. This coupling was unapproved by the priestesses of the Temple Caste, who rule the Dhe'nar bloodlines. Whether offspring would have been magically inclined or not, didn’t matter. The fact it was not sanctioned, gave the priestesses the opportunity to put both through a series of tests that were designed with a purposeful high chance of failure for the sake of disobeying. (see: [[The Star of Sharath (poetry)]])
It is hard to imagine that Talinvor was once in love. A Dhe'nari woman of the Warrior Caste was to whom he had given his heart. This coupling was unapproved by the priestesses of the Temple Caste, who rule the Dhe'nar bloodlines. Whether offspring would have been magically inclined or not, didn’t matter. The fact it was not sanctioned, gave the priestesses the opportunity to put both through a series of tests that were designed with a purposeful high chance of failure for the sake of disobeying. (see: [[The Star of Sharath (poetry)]])


Talinvor was sent to [[Ta'Faendryl]], to masquerade within the courts and survive their dangerous political rivalries. (see: Tales of a Dhe’nar Bard and [[Her Eyes are Pools of Liquid Night (poetry)]] ) His love, was sent to the [[Sea of Fire]] to acquire an object of legend, thought to be a source of power in Bir Mahallah. With his task ultimately successful, news reached his ears that hers was not and that her body was lost to the sands. Thereafter, he styled himself a dirge-singer and wandered the world in his anguish. (see: [[Black Ash Tree (poetry)]]) After many years, and after a renewed application of 'skill training' in Sharath – he reapplied his talents not only in service to his city, but mainly to himself. He became hedonistic as a result – enjoying what the world offered while he still existed within it. (see: [[Dissemblance (poetry)]], [[Night's Symphony (poetry)]] )
Talinvor was sent to [[Ta'Faendryl]], to masquerade within the courts and survive their dangerous political rivalries. (see Tales of a Dhe’nar Bard [https://vorrith.wixsite.com/talinvor/tales-from-the-bard] and [[Her Eyes are Pools of Liquid Night (poetry)]] ) His love, was sent to the [[Sea of Fire]] to acquire an object of legend, thought to be a source of power in Bir Mahallah. With his task ultimately successful, news reached his ears that hers was not and that her body was lost to the sands. Thereafter, he styled himself a dirge-singer and wandered the world in his anguish. (see: [[Black Ash Tree (poetry)]]) After many years, and after a renewed application of 'skill training' in Sharath – he reapplied his talents not only in service to his city, but mainly to himself. He became hedonistic as a result – enjoying what the world offered while he still existed within it. (see: [[Dissemblance (poetry)]], [[Night's Symphony (poetry)]] )


He has had shira'qa, which means “pet” in the Dhe'narsi language. These non-dhe'nar servitors learn to take on the role of companion, hunting partner, muse, servant and entertainer for a time. He's had many over the long lifespan of an elf, most notably he’s possessed the collar of Raziya, an elf he met in River’s Rest ''(circa 5103)''; [[Kayse (prime)]], an aelotoi - whom he possessed twice ''(circa 5104 & 5115)'' and Sylverose, a sylvan who was literally handed to him to help protect her from herself ''(circa 5116)''. He has also possessed the Faendryl [[Berkana (prime)]] who was quite the prize and whom he enjoyed the company of for several years ''(circa 5116-5118)''. For two years afterwards, he did not have a shira'qa, thinking he was finally done with the effort of training another. It was not until he met the bardess [[Landrai]], a Loenthran elf that he attracted the attention of in the Ta'Illistim court that this changed, and who has been his constant companion since late ''5119''.
He has had shira'qa, which means “pet” in the Dhe'narsi language. These non-dhe'nar servitors learn to take on the role of companion, hunting partner, muse, servant and entertainer for a time. He's had many over the long lifespan of an elf, most notably he’s possessed the collar of Raziya, an elf he met in River’s Rest ''(circa 5103)''; [[Kayse (prime)]], an aelotoi - whom he possessed twice ''(circa 5104 & 5115)'' and Sylverose, a sylvan who was literally handed to him to help protect her from herself ''(circa 5116)''. He has also possessed the Faendryl [[Berkana (prime)]] who was quite the prize and whom he enjoyed the company of for several years ''(circa 5116-5118)''. For two years afterwards, he did not have a shira'qa, thinking he was finally done with the effort of training another. It was not until he met the bardess [[Landrai]], a Loenthran elf that he attracted the attention of in the Ta'Illistim court that this changed, and who has been his constant companion since late ''5119''.
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=='''Academics, Poetry and Songs'''==
=='''Academics, Poetry and Songs'''==
[[Image: Talinvor_3D_by_Stormyrain.JPG|500px|left|Lord Talinvor, by Stormyrain https://www.deviantart.com/suchjadedbeauty/art/Grand-Lord-Talinvor-the-Loremaster-936643420]]

'''Lessons of Sharath'''
'''Lessons of Sharath'''
* [[The Circle of The Way (log)]]
* [[The Circle of The Way (log)]]
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'''Lectures'''
'''Lectures'''
* [[Mist Harbor Library Lectures - 2021-05-22 - Understanding Power (log)]]
* [[Mist Harbor Library Lectures - 2021-05-22 - Understanding Power (log)]]

'''Interviews'''
*[[Elanthian_Vogue:_Winter_5121_(Part_II)]]


'''Poetry'''
'''Poetry'''
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* [[Dissemblance (poetry)]]
* [[Dissemblance (poetry)]]
* [[Night's Symphony (poetry)]]
* [[Night's Symphony (poetry)]]
* [[Ode To A Slave (poetry)]]
* Shira'qa's Kiss (explicit innuendo content)


'''Songs'''
'''Songs'''
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<div style="text-align: center;">~Talinvor
<div style="text-align: center;">~Talinvor
|}
|}














== '''Vignettes''' ==
== '''Vignettes''' ==

'''Mist Harbor'''<br>
''Mist Harbor'''<br>
''Clipped Wings (QST)''
''Clipped Wings (QST)''


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|}
|}


===The Midnight Aerie, Part I (Player Vignette) (1/2/2022)===
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width: 95%; border: 1px solid black; background: #E7F6F7;"
|-
| ''Originally posted on the [https://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Mist%20Harbor/view/2704 official forums by INSPADES] on 1/22/2022 at 8:23 PM EST.''
|-
|(OOC note: This is part of a series of vignettes that are player inspired, and not directly related to the official storyline.
Special thanks to GM Quillic, and to the players of Yardie, Jaysehn, Alosaka, Yukito and Kalyrra for the use of the children they developed for sideplots.)

---
The scent of petrichor after the recent heavy rain filled Talinvor’s nostrils as he headed toward the lighthouse late in the evening. Pausing near a row of shops, he spent a moment gazing upwards, finding familiar pictures in the pinpricks of light that shone crisp against the black velvet of nighttime. Here, he pulled his peaked hood up to shadow his face and continued his path toward his favorite perch above the town.

Climbing up to the catwalk, he settled himself comfortably with one leg bent and the other dangling over the edge. Licking a finger, he held it up to the breeze in order to access the wind’s direction. Satisfied, he twisted about slightly and drew his flute, testing a few notes quietly to himself. Nodding, he hummed a few bars of a melody and then picked up the song on his platinum instrument. The metallic trill of notes floated across the breeze to be heard across all of Mist Harbor in its hours of silence.

Evening was best he knew, when most of the town was asleep. They would mainly be quiet in their dreams, and thus could hear the cascade of music even in their sleep. The music wafted in through the windows opened to let in the tropical breezes that he harnessed with his magic. He repeated the song again and focused his command through it and felt a half-dozen minds acknowledge in their tranced state. Carefully setting the flute back into his case, he pulled out a flask of bloodwine and a bundle of brown-sugar bacon. Leaning back against the rails, he settled into rewarding himself with a small personal indulgence.

Some time later he started seeing the first bits of folded paper, catching the air as they floated toward him. The first, shaped like a square kite folded at the corners, tipped, swayed and spiraled through the streets and then upwards toward the lighthouse. The second and third shaped like birds all spun and danced in the streets before swirling up and toward the lighthouse where they were caught, and set into a small pile.

It had not all gone unnoticed though. A small girl, with two twin braids was still awake longer than most children her age decided that paper birds flying about in the middle of the night was unusual. And so, she thought to follow where they were coming from and where they may be headed so that she could report back to Yardie and Kalyrra. She was excited to give herself her own mission too, and she stalked amongst the homes and business places of Mist Harbor keeping out of sight as best she could as she peered in windows and watched.

Reaching Greth’s, the girl hesitated. Zofiya frightened her, as the training with Socius gave the teen an air of danger with every glance and every movement. Taking a huge breath, she squeezed her fists and lifted herself on tiptoe to peer inside. Like others, Zofiya was writing information on paper with the quill so forcefully that ink had spattered. Then, pushing out her chair with a bit more ease, she then folded her paper into fourths and walked to the window. Her expression was pained, and her lips were a tight line. Medijine ducked quickly, hoping she wasn’t seen as the giantess opened the window and released her ink stained paper kite to the swirling air that picked it up and carried it away.

The girl with braids fell to the grass below the window with an audible gasp, slapping both hands over her lips and her eyes filling with tears. She knew something wasn’t right, and all the overwhelming emotions of responsibility flooded her small body in that moment. Through watery eyes, she stumbled forward to follow this last particular paper kite, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Yet she was still a child, and children as we know do not always make the wisest of decisions.
|}

===The Midnight Aerie, Part II (Player Vignette) (1/23/2022)===
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width: 95%; border: 1px solid black; background: #E7F6F7;"
|-
| ''Originally posted on the [https://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Mist%20Harbor/view/2705 official forums by INSPADES] on 1/23/2022 at 1:06 AM EST.''
|-
|(OOC note: This is part of a series of vignettes that are player inspired, and not directly related to the official storyline.
Special thanks to GM Quillic, and to the players of Yardie, Jaysehn, Alosaka, Yukito and Kalyrra for the use of the children they developed for sideplots.)
---

The quiet squish of footsteps followed in the wet puddles of the road, careful in their own way of keeping distant. The girl called Spinnerette ducked and weaved through the streets, and watched behind her - but keeping sight of the papers was more important. The figure followed again, only moving when she began chasing once more. He applied his own lessons of patience, following the girl he had grown to despise as his own personal challenge. Even so, he could barely keep up with her and certainly not close enough to catch.

The road split off to the northwest, and the girl paused before the ominous dark scar in the ground where once the Iyo attempted to defend the Harbor. She shut her eyes at the nightmarish memories of it all, taking in another breath to calm her nerves. She watched as the papers spiraled upward toward the lighthouse, and squinted her eyes as the beacon spun to shine across the island.

“Interesting,” the bard considered to himself as he watched the small figure appear from the edge of town toward his roost. Lifting his gaze, he had the advantage of height and noticed another figure lurking not far behind, crouched near a bit of shrubbery. Moving back away from the rail, he leaned casually against the bricks of the lighthouse, the beacon swirling above him. He was hard to see this way and as the girl approached, she would drop her gaze with a hand up to shield her eyes as the bright light swept overhead. Closer she crept and then quietly up the ladder and he could not help but grin. She was decent enough, but she was still a child in her skill.

Fishing out a coin when she had reached his perch, he flipped it upwards to catch the light and in so doing, caught young Spinnerette’s attention just as she peered over the top of the rail. Then as he hummed, the coin danced across his knuckles, first the right and then the left. He flipped it again catching the light and made it disappear and reappear. All the while Spinnerette’s eyes grew wide, easily caught in the melodic trance of the bard.

“Hello, little spider,” he crooned as he watched her eyes follow his coin. His own gaze lingered a moment over her head to see if the figure was still lingering. Then, satisfied that he was, his gray eyes turned back to the girl. “I see you’ve picked up a few things, but even your shadow knows you are here.”

“Tell me girl, what have you seen?” he asks, the suggestion timed between soft humming and the flash of his coin. “It was you,” she answers in a voice small, timid and as if she were in a dream. “Go on,” he urges. “Some of the orphans were writing,” she begins and Talinvor nods his head as she names them and where they were as he rifles through the papers he unfolded. Pictures and writing about things about town, training, new foster homes were glanced over and then put back into the pile.

“Then Zofiya…” she murmurs, her voice cracking as she holds back tears. “She wrote too,” she adds, holding up an ink stained paper kite clenched in her fist. Easily he plucks it from her grip and tucks this one in his belt. He grinned crookedly, his teeth a bright contrast to his dark lips. “This one, hm?” he mused to himself. This one he hoped would tell him what the butcher Socius might be up to or about the missing dagger.

“Excellent work,” he purrs next to the girl’s ear. “But I can’t have you telling everyone, or putting my little birds at risk can I? No, little spider - I want you to forget, go home and be happy. This never happened. Time for bed.” Tucking his coin away and gathering his papers, he guides her down the ladder and directs her back to town where she wanders along and to her bed where she should have been in the first place.
|}

===The Midnight Aerie, Part III (Player Vignette) (1/23/2022)===
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width: 95%; border: 1px solid black; background: #E7F6F7;"
|-
| ''Originally posted on the [https://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Mist%20Harbor/view/2706 official forums by INSPADES] on 1/23/2022 at 9:06 AM EST.''
|-
|(OOC note: This is part of a series of vignettes that are player inspired, and not directly related to the official storyline.
Special thanks to GM Quillic, and to the players of Yardie, Jaysehn, Alosaka, Yukito and Kalyrra for the use of the children they developed for sideplots.)
---

Stopping at some bushes, he turns his gaze at the figure attempting to look rather small suddenly. “I see you,” Talinvor says calmly without even turning his head. “Come out.” A large boy stumbles forward, his fists the size of small hams clenched at his side and his brow furrowed. “I know what you did too,” he accuses, tempting his fate with the bard. “I know, I saw,” Talinvor replied casually. “What will you do now?”

“I..don’t know,” the boy replies honestly, a bit of frustration choking his voice. “I.. I don’t fit in here,” he explains and then pauses for a long moment. “And I don’t care!” he nearly shouts as he faces the town as if directing his anger. Talinvor’s huff of a chuckle interjects. “Quite so,” the bard replies casually. “Shall I presume you are done here, Evans?”

The boy nods. “Walk with me then,” he urges Evans. “I have someone you should meet.” Breathing a sigh of relief, he follows the bard to the supply harbor for Lunas Rest. “Hey dwarf,” the bard calls casually to a dark skinned dwarf unloading crates from his small craft. “I have another… removal for you.” The dwarf gives Talinvor a dubious look. Glancing between Evans and the dwarf, Talinvor shrugs. “A small miscreant has no use until they have properly aged. I think he will succeed,” his voice dropping to a sly whisper, “...given the proper motivation.”

Concluding his arrangements, Talinvor took the long walk back to his home just as the dawn’s light began breaching the horizon. Pulling Zofiya’s paper from his belt, he stifled his excitement and slowly unfolded her ink spattered kite. His eyes scanned the contents, flipped it over, tried again and then growled aspirations into the air. “I WIN” it read in shaky letters. Just this, and not the typical vitriol he would have expected. Narrowing his eyes at the disappointment and with a slow exhale of breath, he crumpled it tightly in his fist.
|}

===The Fen of Rot (Player Vignette) (05/10/22)===
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width: 95%; border: 1px solid black; background: #E7F6F7;"
|-
| ''Originally posted on the [http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Mist%20Harbor/view/2743 official forums by INSPADES] on 05/10/2022 at 07:36 PM EST.''
|-
|~squish~

"Fething Korthyr’s balls!"

Breaking a branch, Talinvor scraped the offal from his boots and flung it as far into the distance as he could manage. The subsequent plop of it hitting the muck did not appear to improve his mood.

"It’s time," he argued to himself, rather matter of fact. It was only partly because he despised the swamp, but more because he felt that enough time had finally passed that Kothos might feel a little more desperate for his aid in saving Reynai from her horrid dreams. Reynai had been targeted more specifically with nightmares, seeing through Pashtal’s illusion. Her terror caused her to tear out her eyes in fear. The physical deformity could be healed, if she wished it - but for now, it was her internal belief that blindness was her safety.

“Why did I even offer to travel this wretched swamp again?” he wondered to himself. The sweat began to bead on his forehead and his clothing was stifling. Fanning himself, the erratic movement was less about cooling off as to keep the gnats from trying to fly up his nose.

The lack of any sort of breeze made the air thick and rancid. A burning sensation slid up his throat, and he retched as the scent of a decomposing creature lay halfway across the path. Pale maggots squirmed down into flesh and fur and emerged again as flies through the mouth, leaving and returning again in this cycle of decay.

"Putrefaction. Rot. These are the traits that Ivas claims now," he muttered to himself as he stepped carefully around to avoid soiling the bottom of his boots in something foul yet again. He hadn’t travelled through the Vipershroud much and the last he was at the temple here, the place was abandoned - absorbed in the same fester as the swamp. He wondered if it was the temple that caused the area to turn to swamp, or if the swamp caused the ruination of the temple. Still, it seemed that Kothos had made something of a home here and he hoped it was a bit more hospitable with creature comforts of wine and a hot clean bath when he arrived.

His mind found itself diving down that rabbit hole of philosophical questions, in an unexpected attempt to distract his sense of smell. He paired Arkati to their Lornon and Liabo counterparts and still failed to identify how Ivas paired with diseases and the rotting of flesh as this temple’s art depicted.

There was no breeze here, so the encompassing stagnation and stench of the air simply lingered. His mind forced himself to ignore it and continue his journey toward the temple. He considered his own teachings of Ivas were those of dangerous seduction - and reminded him how much he despised this particular representation of the Arkati. It fit more with whatever was the opposite of Imaera. “Was there one once?” he wondered to himself. “Can the Arkati absorb facets of each other when they die?”

He passed brackish water that stunk worse than old outhouses, causing him to struggle in maintaining his composure. The scent of sulphur made his eyes water as he passed a disgusting yellow pool that reminded him of a pustule. He watched it oozing over that cesspit as the foul air suddenly burst from its skin. Reaching into his pouch, he pulled a scented cloth over his nose and mouth but it did little to help. The air just started to smell like shite and flowers.

But before long, he was waving it like some tiny flag of surrender to the true masters of the swamp.

Bugs. Particularly the flying kind.

He had finally reached the large tree that was carved through for passage. The air steamed with the putrid scent of insects and held the deafening drone of a million tiny wings. His hand irritatedly waved before his face, then clamped the cloth to it again as he choked in breath. He scanned quickly for the way through, but had to quickly squeeze his eyes shut again to dissuade the tiny monsters from trying to purposely fly up into them and resenting that his spells required him to actually open his mouth.

He had to concentrate to escape this infested six-legged sanctuary, his fingers aiding as needed. A shiver of disgust ran though his body as something very leggy slithered over his hand. Finally exiting that confined space, he was relieved when the swarms left him alone to return to their haven. Taking a large inhale of breath in relief, he immediately regretted it again.

"Fething swamp! Fething bugs!"

His foot squished. Again. This time, the mud would not release it and his boot stubbornly stuck like a sentinel fortress surrounded by a moat of filthy water. Hopping to regain his balance, he tugged his boot free and slid his foot back within its cold clammy soaked leather. His fists clenched as he took a calming breath, then scraped what he could off a nearby log. In so doing, he disturbed a group of slugs freshly sliming a trail in their meagre escape. In irritation with his other boot he simply squished them in turn. Wrinkling his nose in disgust, he scraped off the ichor by stubbornly scuffing a few steps down the trail.

He exhaled another long drawn out sigh. “Ivasians. Sheruvians. Will we have Koar zealots from Tamzyrr next?” He had meant to say that in his head, but it came out in a vicious oath of frustration as he trudged on, swatting at mosquitoes as he growled under his breath. "I did promise, didn’t I?” he muttered to himself for the hundredth time since his first step in the swamp. He needed to fulfil his agreement both to Reynai and to Kothos, and going to the temple would demonstrate sincerity when he said such things.

He recalled that promise too, reminding himself again why he was here. The children had simply been moved off the island, but the damage was in their heads. And nightmares aren’t something that distance will fix. He knew something of the subconscious mind and how to retain lucidity. Self control. The realm of dreams and emotions could be tapped into by his particular bardic skills. His fingers reached into his case, touching the small paper kite that had proven it.

Calling his attention away from his thoughts, a sharp buzz near his ear caused him to growl once again in annoyance as the little pests were simply too numerous to kill with any real permanence. Still, he pulled up his hood to shadow his face. A smirk played across his features as he added the words to his bardic undertone, "An’sui Dhar!" The enchanted air around him shimmered until it exploded into a resonating ring of force. Thousands of insects exploded outward with a squish and fell like rain with a satisfying plop to the ground.

With his vengeance satiated for the moment, he slogged through the boglands as quickly as he could. He actually looked forward to meeting with Kothos and hoping to the entire pantheon and Noi’sho’rah himself, that he had a stocked bar.
|}

=== Mist Harbor: Hyacinth (Storyline) 2023===

[[/Where There is Smoke|Where There is Smoke]] 1/19/2023 <br>


[[/The Constable, Malthros|The Constable, Malthros]] 9/24/2023


== '''Appearances''' ==
== '''Appearances''' ==
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[[Image:Talinvor_-_The_Smirk_-_by_Farwin.jpg|500px|left|The Smirk, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/]]
[[Image:Talinvor_-_The_Smirk_-_by_Farwin.jpg|500px|left|The Smirk, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/]]

[[Image:Talinvor_-_To_All_My_Haters_-_by_Farwin.jpg|500px|right|To All My Haters, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/]]
[[Image:Talinvor_-_To_All_My_Haters_-_by_Farwin.jpg|500px|right|To All My Haters, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/]]



<span style="color:green"> '''Commissions by Farwin at https://farwinart.carrd.co/'''</span>
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Latest revision as of 08:35, 24 September 2023

Talinvor (Tah'lon Vorrith)
As rendered by Divone Lerade
Race Dark Elf
Culture Dhe'nar
Class Loremaster
Profession Bard
Religion The Way
Affiliation(s) Officer of The Obsidian Tower, Proprietor of Black Iron Chalice, Member of Moonshine Manor
Disposition Narcissic, perfectionist, artistic
Demeanor sarcastic, easily amused, flirtatious
Flaw what?
Greatest Strength confident, high expectations for himself
Greatest Weakness looks for challenges to thwart ennui, sometimes getting himself in awkward situations
Habits drinking wine
Hobbies writing prose, performances, teaching
Likes Bloodwine and bacon
Dislikes toxic people, over-emotional displays, whining, Akenna's tea kettle, Socius
Fears failure
Loyalties Surion, his twin
Best Friend The closest currently he trusts are Debia, Berkana, Sweetsin, Landrai and many he's encountered at Moonshine Manor
Spouse what?
Loved One His Star of Sharath (unnamed) (deceased)
website: https://vorrith.wixsite.com/talinvor

Tah’lon Vorrith, or otherwise known as Talinvor, is a Dhe'nar bard and Lorekeeper of the noble Warlock Caste in his home city of Sharath. Named in honor of Tahlad, he is a follower of The Way, a faith that reveals that the Arkati were teachers, and like his forbear Noi'sho'rah – that all elves are welcome back into the fold. He currently resides in Ta'Illistim, where once he was paying the coffee shop owner for the use of her couch. Due to the city's former dark elf restrictions, he was more often found sleeping under the stars or other clever places in the city where he could find lodging and how he learned to appreciate it's beauty. Only recently has the elven cities begun to open up to his kind and he believes he may be personally responsible for pushing the Argent Mirror, Myasara into taking more grounded action in this regard.

He is known more popularly by his stage name of Talinvor, which he claims is easier to pronounce for the elves. It is a portmanteau of his first name and his bloodline. He still spends most of his time in Ta'Illistim, where he had taken up a role as a delegate to the Argent Mirror's court. In Koaratos 5119, he was recognized for his assistance in an alliance (see: Valley of Gold) between the Argent Mirror and the Tamzyrrian emperor, Aurmont Chandrennin Anodheles and awarded a blue ribboned blooming vaalin rose medal (see: Ta'Illistim Awards) in recognition of his efforts. While not particularly of a political nature, Talinvor recognizes the opportunity to continue to demonstrate his bardic talent and otherwise enlighten the elves to his faith. Other times, he can be found among the members of Moonshine Manor in Wehnimer's Landing, or performing with The Black Iron Chalice in Solhaven.

Of note, the bard has found himself a niche in the goings-on in Mist Harbor, having initially found common ground with an organization called The Flock. His reputation denied him acceptance among the Defenders at the time, and because he knew from reputation the man called Nehor and the troublesome (yet entertaining) halfling, Ordim - he was accepted easily amongst the group. Punished by the betrayer Selbi who was part of the joint council of The Flock, she anchored Talinvor along with several other members by magic to protect the island. After unsuccessfully attempting to remove the crystal which bound him, a strange woman found him and Ordim to remove them and thus lifted the curse (and the obligated protection) for Mist Harbor. While Talinvor seeks out who is behind it, he has elevated his own influence among the denizens. His methods have been criticized, as he admits that he is no martyr and often helps if he can gain something in return. Recently, he was instrumental in leading events that led to the downfall of a Sheruvian threat, yet many will still refuse to acknowledge it.

As for Talinvor's artistry is often critical of his own work, as most artists are and he complains quietly of not having the dedication and time for him to maintain his attention on his prose. As a bard, Talinvor's specialty is in matters of the heart – where the strongest strings can be cut or tied. Quite vain, he uses his charm and wit quite often. He usually attempts to see the bigger picture, and like chess – is always trying to determine who will win. He is typically bored easily with emotionally driven people, as they often put their faith in fickle things and stubbornly cling to their own skewed perceptions of the world.

History

Born in Sharath, he doesn’t know his true year of birth as such things are not celebrated by his people. He is a blood twin to Surion, a Duk’sa of the Warrior Caste. (see Origins:[1]) In demeanor, they are complete opposites. While Talinvor enjoys attention, revels in social affairs and glories in the spotlight – his brother shuns them; finding the comfort of the wilds and the company of creatures to be more reliable and honest in intent. They are stereotypical Dhe'nar for their noble castes.

The two of them have a strained relationship though. Although it is Surion's duty to support Talinvor, he feels the long shadow cast by his more charismatic brother. He has grown resentful despite (or maybe because of) the many times Talinvor has manipulated circumstances to protect him during the various trials and tribulations forced by the castes. Surion has since isolated himself, with only the company of his black panther, Khadesh.

The Warlock Caste of Sharath ordered Talinvor to travel north in order to keep an eye on a rogue branch of Dhe'nar, that left their designated caste duties. While the Obsidian Tower is a mere outpost, and of little influence at home, the word of Noi'sho'rah and enlightenment of the masses was the shouldered burden assigned to him as one of the most talented Lorekeepers of the current age. While still affiliated with the Tower, Talinvor has decided to press his influence on his own merits, so as not to be overshadowed by the actions of others.


Relationships

It is hard to imagine that Talinvor was once in love. A Dhe'nari woman of the Warrior Caste was to whom he had given his heart. This coupling was unapproved by the priestesses of the Temple Caste, who rule the Dhe'nar bloodlines. Whether offspring would have been magically inclined or not, didn’t matter. The fact it was not sanctioned, gave the priestesses the opportunity to put both through a series of tests that were designed with a purposeful high chance of failure for the sake of disobeying. (see: The Star of Sharath (poetry))

Talinvor was sent to Ta'Faendryl, to masquerade within the courts and survive their dangerous political rivalries. (see Tales of a Dhe’nar Bard [2] and Her Eyes are Pools of Liquid Night (poetry) ) His love, was sent to the Sea of Fire to acquire an object of legend, thought to be a source of power in Bir Mahallah. With his task ultimately successful, news reached his ears that hers was not and that her body was lost to the sands. Thereafter, he styled himself a dirge-singer and wandered the world in his anguish. (see: Black Ash Tree (poetry)) After many years, and after a renewed application of 'skill training' in Sharath – he reapplied his talents not only in service to his city, but mainly to himself. He became hedonistic as a result – enjoying what the world offered while he still existed within it. (see: Dissemblance (poetry), Night's Symphony (poetry) )

He has had shira'qa, which means “pet” in the Dhe'narsi language. These non-dhe'nar servitors learn to take on the role of companion, hunting partner, muse, servant and entertainer for a time. He's had many over the long lifespan of an elf, most notably he’s possessed the collar of Raziya, an elf he met in River’s Rest (circa 5103); Kayse (prime), an aelotoi - whom he possessed twice (circa 5104 & 5115) and Sylverose, a sylvan who was literally handed to him to help protect her from herself (circa 5116). He has also possessed the Faendryl Berkana (prime) who was quite the prize and whom he enjoyed the company of for several years (circa 5116-5118). For two years afterwards, he did not have a shira'qa, thinking he was finally done with the effort of training another. It was not until he met the bardess Landrai, a Loenthran elf that he attracted the attention of in the Ta'Illistim court that this changed, and who has been his constant companion since late 5119.

His first-born attitudes have made traditional relationships impossible. He finds Dhe'nari women so cold and resentful in life that he finds them depressing. Other races have demonstrated a liveliness that he enjoys as a bard, but the inbred sense of superiority he possesses – disallows relationships of equality and the devastation of losing his first love has deterred him from allowing himself to truly fall in love once again. Instead he embraces his hedonistic tendencies, which often raise an eyebrow in certain companies that still cling to social moralities.

Academics, Poetry and Songs

Lord Talinvor, by Stormyrain https://www.deviantart.com/suchjadedbeauty/art/Grand-Lord-Talinvor-the-Loremaster-936643420

Lessons of Sharath

Lectures

Interviews

Poetry

Songs







Vignettes

Mist Harbor'
Clipped Wings (QST)

A Morning After Dawn (Player Vignette) (01/11/2020)

The Arrival of Children (Player Vignette) (01/12/2020)

Shattered Glass (Player Vignette) (01/17/2020)

Mist Harbor
All That Remains (QST)

Artifact Scar (Player Vignette) (05/21/2020)


Mist Harbor
Inevitable (QST)

In Need of Sleep (Player Vignette) (02/04/2021)

re: Crackers and Teapots (Player Vignette) (03/25/2021)

Slaves of Survival (Player Vignette) (04/06/2021)


Mist Harbor
Inevitable II (QST)

The Stage is Set (Part 1) (Player Vignette) (06/05/2021)

The Stage is Set (Part 2) (Player Vignette) (06/05/2021)

The Herald's Action (Part 1) (Player Vignette) (06/06/2021)

The Herald's Action (Part 2) (Player Vignette) (06/06/2021)

Saving Katillios (Player Vignette) (06/06/2021)


Mist Harbor
What Dreams May Come (QST) (preamble)

The Minister of Enlightenment (Player Vignette) (10/27/2021)

Awakenings ~ Vignettes(GM Quillic Vignette) [partial, Talinvor only] (12/29/2021)

The Midnight Aerie, Part I (Player Vignette) (1/2/2022)

The Midnight Aerie, Part II (Player Vignette) (1/23/2022)

The Midnight Aerie, Part III (Player Vignette) (1/23/2022)

The Fen of Rot (Player Vignette) (05/10/22)

Mist Harbor: Hyacinth (Storyline) 2023

Where There is Smoke 1/19/2023

The Constable, Malthros 9/24/2023

Appearances

You see High Lord Talinvor the Loremaster. 
He appears to be a Dhe'nar Dark Elf.
He is strikingly tall and has a hard-muscled physique. He appears to be youthful. He has piercing stormy grey eyes and ebon skin. He has very long, straight jet black hair pulled into two chain-bound braids over each shoulder, the rest left loose beneath a blackened silver headband. He has an angular face, a straight nose and strong, chiseled features. He has a faded x-shaped scar on his right temple.

You see Grand Lord Talinvor the Loremaster. 
He appears to be a Dhe'nar Dark Elf.
He is strikingly tall and has a hard-muscled physique. He appears to be youthful. He has piercing stormy grey eyes and ebon skin. He has very long, straight jet black hair pulled into five asymmetrical ring-pierced braids with three over his left and two over his right shoulder, the rest left loose beneath a blackened silver headband. He has an angular face, a straight nose and strong, chiseled features.


Additional Art

The Smirk, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/
To All My Haters, by Farwin https://farwinart.carrd.co/


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