Myharl (prime): Difference between revisions
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In the Common language, it reads: Forlorn Maiden |
In the Common language, it reads: Forlorn Maiden |
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'''An Incorporeal Forlorn |
'''An Incorporeal Forlorn Maiden''' |
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The young woman's figure is lithe and loosely garbed in a sheer gown as pale as fresh snowfall. A neck-strung key rests listlessly against her bust. In gentle disarray, her hair appears constantly windswept and wild in contrast to the expression on her face. Her features are steadfast, her lips pressed into a thin line, but her gaze is intense and tearful with almost palpable sorrow. |
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Revision as of 13:35, 18 January 2024
Shadow-wreathed, cursed, and exiled Maeramil Firewalker kindred, bearer of the Eye of the Drake, wyrmslayer of the Hinterwilds. He tries to be a good man, yet struggles against his own darkness.
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Shrouded in tendrils of swirling umber and twisting shadows and accompanied by an unnaturally frigid aura, Myharl is a cursed kindred who was long ago exiled from his desert homelands in the Southron Wastes. He is a berserker and famed wyrmslayer who now hails from Cold River, a hibernal village settled beyond the Long Snow, deep in the nival heart of the Hinterwilds.
His extraordinary height and a battle-forged mettle have earned him the moniker Dark Tower, though many have taken to simply referring to him as the Wyrmslayer. He bears loyalty to no kingdom or empire, bends a knee to no ruler or sovereign, and lends no sworn faith to the divine. His allegiances are to his friends and those he considers family, and to them his dedication is unwavering.
His soul is bound to the Eye of the Drake, an ancient and mysterious artifact in his possession. Dating back to the era of the thousand years war between the Great Drakes and Ur-Daemons, the Eye has bestowed upon him a lifelong plague of draconic visions, prompting the kindred to seek out any and all knowledge related to dragons. The artifact is also the domain of a mysterious dark shadow entity who has secretly manipulated pivotal moments in Myharl's life, honing his wrath and rage and driving him ever northward.
Though oblivious to his curse and misled about the nature of the Eye for most his life, the truth was recently discovered by his closest friend, a learned scholar, who had a direct confrontation with the dark entity when researching the artifact. It was learned that it has spent a lifetime grooming the giantkin to become its Destroyer.
Despite now having knowledge of this deception and his intended fate, the his curse continues to compel Myharl to dwell at the wintry edge of the world and to hunt and destroy its most dangerous creatures, ever seeking stronger and more deadly wyrms to fell. With every passing day the combined dark magics of the Eye and the Hinterwilds wear upon his spirit, pushing him further into a grim darkness.
Current Appearance
Combat Appearance
You see Myharl the Dark Tower. He appears to be a Giantman of the Maeramil Clan. He is of an extraordinary height, even for a giant. He appears to be long in the tooth. He has darkly rimmed, piercing tenebrous black eyes and deeply coffee-hued skin. He has a bald head. He has a well-defined face, a broad and strong nose and a sloe black silver-touched beard pinioned into a single elaborate braid by a dark wyrm's-eye aetherstone. His features have a firm, statue-like quality to them. The feral, snarling visage of a wyrm glares from the black alloy battle mask he wears. He has a set of five lustrous onyx rings in his left eyebrow, a silvered ebon tattoo depicting a wyrm's talon descending from beneath his left eye, a small dark shard-shaped mark on his neck, a pair of knotwork wyrm tattoos unfurling from over his shoulders to lock gazes on his chest, a caliginous shadowy drake tattoo on his arm, and a sinuously coiled abyran'sa tattoo on his arm. Dark shadows twist and swirl around him. He gives off a fierce demeanor. He is in good shape. He is holding a glowing white sacred warsword in his right hand. An imposing fuliginous raven alights upon his shoulder, extending its tapered wings to frame him in shadows. He is wearing a slit-visored black alloy greathelm crested with shining disir feathers, a mesh black alloy aventail, a black alloy neckchain suspending a shard of rime-shrouded everfrost, a petite nacre moonflower, a deeply hooded ebon shadowsilk robe mantled in lightless valravn quills, a full suit of black alloy platemail with a mesh black alloy arming coat underneath, a pair of black alloy vambraces, a pair of scaled black alloy gauntlets, a krodera-bound black alloy tower shield slung over his shoulder, an ancient wyrm talon bound in arabesqued balenite, a wide stygian leather belt draping a pair of trio-tiered black alloy chains, a frostworn hinterboar hide satchel, a kilt of shadowy valravn quills cinched by a silver-shot wyrm's talon sporran, a pair of black alloy leg greaves, and a pair of segmented black alloy boots.
Casual Appearance
You see Myharl the Dark Tower. He appears to be a Giantman of the Maeramil Clan. He is of an extraordinary height, even for a giant. He appears to be long in the tooth. He has darkly rimmed, piercing tenebrous black eyes and deeply coffee-hued skin. He has a bald head. He has a well-defined face, a broad and strong nose and a sloe black silver-touched beard pinioned into a single elaborate braid by a dark wyrm's-eye aetherstone. His features have a firm, statue-like quality to them. He has a set of five lustrous onyx rings in his left eyebrow, a silvered ebon tattoo depicting a wyrm's talon descending from beneath his left eye, a small dark shard-shaped mark on his neck, a pulsating blue sunstone ring in the upper ridge of his left ear, a caliginous shadowy drake tattoo on his arm, and a sinuously coiled abyran'sa tattoo on his arm. He gives off a fierce demeanor. Dark shadows twist and swirl around him. He is in good shape. An imposing fuliginous raven alights upon his shoulder, extending its tapered wings to frame him in shadows. He is holding a chaya of warm sake in his left hand. He is wearing a black alloy neckchain suspending a shard of rime-shrouded everfrost, a petite nacre moonflower, a deeply hooded ebon shadowsilk robe mantled in lightless valravn quills, a half-buttoned umbral silk shirt with rolled sleeves, an ancient wyrm talon bound in arabesqued balenite, a tower-ensigiled onyx signet ring worn on the right middle finger, a sturdy ko'nag case, a wide stygian leather belt draping a pair of trio-tiered black alloy chains, a kilt of shadowy valravn quills cinched by a silver-shot wyrm's talon sporran, and a pair of sable leather boots bound in numerous buckled straps.
Current Sate of Roleplay
Currently, Myharl is experiencing a major shift in his story line—a new, darker chapter.
New visions, prompted by the Eye of the Drake, set his path to the edge of the world, beyond the Long Snow and into the Hinterwilds. Soon upon arriving, merit was given to his foresight as a fierce dragonic figure soared overhead beneath the dark skies and glowing aurora. This was the place of wyrms in the long-ago dreams which led him from the desert wastes. It goes unquestioned that his fate has led him into the endless winter, a place tainted by dark magic. Ancient magic. A force that relentlessly wears away at his soul. Day-by-day he grows distant, darker—more grim. The once joyful, fun-loving giant has grown starkly cold and notably more bloodthirsty (even for the berserker that he is). However, something draws him back from the edge of darkness after each trek into the long night. A distant warmth, a whisper, a mysterious anchor to light...
Myharl closes his eyes briefly as he gently places his right hand over his heart. His fingers brush against a petite nacre moonflower there donned and the tendrils of shadow writhing around his figure sway listlessly about the token as if drawn by some unseen force. A peaceful silence washes over his visage for a moment as he draws a deep breath. The shadows return to wreath him as his dark eyes flash open. He steels his nerves, readies his warsword and shield, and marches resolutely into the frigid gale-thrown night.
Important Shifts in Narrative with this Chapter
- Dark shadows have manifested and constantly swirl around Myharl. He has discovered that he can somewhat control the umbral maelstrom; a skill he continues to hone as the effects of his curse intensify. They have become a sort of physical representation of his grim state and the darkening of his soul.
- Having spent most of his adult life as a devout servant of Koar, the discovery that the Eye of the Drake is the source of a curse he bears, rather than a divine artifact of the Great Drake, has driven him to forsake all Arkati. Now understanding the nature of his visions and unyielding pull to the North, he feels the deception he has been ignorantly living for decades reflects on the dismissive and apathetic nature of the divine. He's just another pawn in their game.
- Since the time of exile from his tribe in the Southron Wastes, Myharl had taken the surname Gryphonwind to pay homage to the woman who sacrificed herself to save his life during the wyrm attack on his encampment the night the Eye of the Drake came into his possession. He has distanced himself from the name after uncovering the truth that Gryphonwind was actually a manifestation of the dark entity bound within the Eye, made material by the powers of two corrupt Ishan from Kilanirij, who had intentionally delivered the artifact to bind his soul in curse. The motives of the dark entity remain a mystery to him beyond the being's desire to hone his Wrath and bend his will to become its Destroyer.
An OOC Glance at Myharl
There are several underlying concepts that create the framework of the character Myharl and his progressing story. These details that aren't necessarily known by anyone (including the character himself), and most will likely never be directly approached "in-character", but they are pivotal to ongoing development of the character and understanding who he is and the general demeanor and direction of the character's story. Many aspects push the shared setting concept to its limit, but I try to keep things in the margins of (or at the very least not to directly conflict with) official lore. These details are embraced as a framework for understanding the character more than definitive character details.
| View OOC Details About Myharl |
Myharl's soul is a reincarnated Drake. After the great war, nearly all the Drakes had been slain. As beings of an unknown nature, masters of even the Arkati, the ultimate fate of the souls of dead Drakes is impossible to know. This character concept embraces the idea that the souls of some of those Drakes who died in the great war linger to be reincarnated so that, after experiencing a mortal existence, they may pass into the afterlife. Myharl's soul is one such example: a reincarnated shadow Drake. He has no memory of his past life and gains no exceptional power or knowledge from this, but the nature of Myharl's soul is used to explain the source of his Kroderine Soul as well as his Wrath (an aspect of his character that he struggles to control). It is also the reason he is cursed and why the dark entity bound in the Eye of the Drake sought to groom him to become its Destroyer — The soul of a Drake could provide great potential if it can be corrupted and bent to its will. The mysterious artifact known as the Eye of the Drake is actually a remnant of a Drake weapon from the great war. The Ur-Daemons were far too powerful to be defeated directly, even for the combined forces of the Drakes and Arkati. The tactic that lead to eventual victory over the extradimensional invaders was to shatter the psyche of the beings into fragments. The dark entity trapped within the artifact is one such fragment of an Ur-Daemon's consciousness. The entity manifests itself as feminine, but refers to themselves in the plural. They gain a perverse pleasure in corrupting the soul of one of those who defeated them eons past, and they intend to use **Myharl's Wrath** for some unknown purpose. On The House of the Rising Phoenix and the Unlife: The "Unlife" was an I.C.E. Age concept that was dropped from the world of Elanthia in 1995. However, 30 years later, its influences remain firmly rooted in official lore. It's an unavoidable conflict in game lore that usually just gets handwaved. Myharl's character concept embraces the idea that the "Unlife" are actually the remnants of fragmented Ur-Daemons (like the one trapped in the Eye of the Drake). I feel like this neatly ties together all the broken aspects of lore revolving around the Unlife and explains the animosity it holds towards the inhabitants of Elanith. This is also why Myharl is a member of House Phoenix—it was influence from his Drake soul, a subconscious desire to continue the fight against his ancient enemies. Myharl is oblivious to the blatant parallels (and connection) between House Phoenix's mission against the Unlife and his own struggles against the curse of the dark entity. Myharl's Curse: Though it would be easy to associate the mysterious shadows and frigid aura that surround Myharl as a symptom of his curse, they are in fact physical manifestations reflecting the nature of his soul as a reincarnated shadow Drake. The shadows did not manifest until his ventures beyond the Long Snow, where latent dark magic has amplified the effects of the curse. The shadows reflect the internal struggle between his soul and the curse as each vies for control of his fate. The curse was bound to him when he came into possession of Eye of the Drake the night his family was slaughtered by wyrms. It has plagued him with visions of dragons his entire adult life. Always compelling him to seek his fortune northward. From his exile in the Southron Wastes and time in Kilanirij to his travels through the Turamzzyrian Empire. From his adventures on the frontier and settling in Wehnimer's Landing to his search for truth on the summit of Aenatumgana, and finally to his travels beyond the Long Snow and into the Hinterwilds. Ever northward. Ever more wearing on his soul. As his curse drives him towards endless winter, it also provokes his Wrath, and when out of control, he becomes a violent mindless killer lending no regard in his bloodlust and brutality. Myharl has always been a berserker ever since he mechanically obtained the ability. It was always intended for him to be so from inception. The character's entire combat build (skills, maneuvers, and equipment) has been kitted for the style (with all its advantages and disadvantages in mind). In-character it represents his Wrath being unleashed momentarily, and is roleplayed that way rather than being a trained skill. |
Wyrm Slaying
Dragons, Drakes, and wyrms have been a central theme for Myharl throughout his adult life. His journey thus far has taken him from one side of Elanith to the other in search of their kind. Beginning in the Southron Wastes where his family was slaughtered by shadowy wyrms; where he came into possession of the artifact known the Eye of the Drake. To his time in Kilanirij where a life-long plague of draconic-themed visions began—dreams that drove him ever northward. His travels through the Turamzzyrian Empire that prompted his once devout service to Koar, the Great Drake, and guiding his path to the frontier in search of Kor'thriss, the shadow dragon. His pilgrimage beyond the great glacier to the summit of Mount Aenatumgana to visit the Drakes Shrine in search of truth, and his eventual geas into the Hinterwilds to become a wyrmslayer. For better or worse, the winged reptilian beasts have always driven the narrative of his life's story.
First wyrm slain on Restday the 30th of Jastatos, 5122
Most recent wyrm slain by Myharl on Volnes the 15th of Lormesta, 5124
Myharl slayed his 100th wyrm on Tilamaires the 27th of Lumnea, 5123 at the Gigas Runestone on the outskirts of Fjallarhaart in the Hinterwilds; Under the Drake constellation
- Total Slain Wyrm Count: (131 Total) 33 azure-scaled cold wyrms (2 Ghostly, 2 Spectral), 98 silver-scaled cold wyrms (6 Ghostly, 2 Spectral) (as of Volnes the 15th of Lormesta, 5124)
- Member of the hunting party to fell the first azure-scaled cold wyrm (youngling wyrm) seen in the Hinterwilds. (Restday the 30th of Jastatos, 5122)
- Member of the hunting party to fell the first silver-scaled cold wyrm (adult wyrm) seen in the Hinterwilds. (Leyan the 9th of Eoantos, 5122) [External link: Combat Log ]
- Member of the hunting party to fell the first Spectral silver-scaled cold wyrm (boss monster version spawned from Lich's curse via necrotic ring) seen in the Hinterwilds. (Tilamaires, the 14th of Fashanos, 5123)
- Member of the first hunting party to fell two wyrms in one battle (a silver-scaled cold wyrm and its spectral spawn) (Tilamaires the 14th of Fashanos, 5123) [External link: Combat Log ]
- First to slay a silver-scaled wyrm in one-on-one combat. (Tilamaires the 22nd of Eoantos, 5122) [External link: Combat Log ]
- First to slay two silver-scaled wyrms (a silver-scaled cold wyrm and its spectral spawn) in one-on-one combat. (Volnes the 27th of Eoantos, 5123)
- Solo Wyrm Kills: 22 azure-scaled cold wyrms, 7 silver-scaled cold wyrms
An umbral nightwillow pipe carved in the shape of a wyrm (Magic Pipe)
A gift from Myharl's dearest friend, Lunaryna, it has become a ritual for him to smoke the pipe after slaying a wyrm. If you ever see the kindred smoking his nightwillow pipe, it signifies his recent return from a successful wyrm hunt.
Unexpected and incredibly thoughtful commemoration from the TownCrier Team
A gleaming gold medal illuminated with a giantman standing over a slain wyrm
A deckle-edged gilded ivory certificateThe page, written in Common, reads as follows: CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION Awarded to Myharl 27th Lumnea 5123 at his Momentous Milestone 100 Wyrms Slain Signed, The TownCrier Team
Wild and Free
Leafiara's song about Cold River and the Hinterwilds with mention of Myharl as a wyrmslayer, a Revelia Carnivale 5123 performance.
| View Performance |
Today is Feastday, day 8 of the month Koaratos in the year 5123. It is 21:23 by the elven time standard. It is currently late evening.
[Den of the Dragon - 24962]
Some open curtains of heavy, dark green velvet drape the vast stage, and argent tenting protects it and the closest pews from the elements without ruining the view of the rest of the audience. Globes of ethereal, magical lights hang overhead, beaming their glows in strategic directions controlled by a series of overhead ropes and pulleys that disappear behind the dark, backstage curtains. A shiny silver plaque adorns the front of a podium to the right of the stage and a walkway leads up and out. You also see the Teveriel disk, the alabaster Kialeigh disk with interlocking silver knotwork, the Dwi disk, an iron-banded wooden keg, the Tabubu disk, the Dremerie disk, the Yardie disk, a dancing couple statue with lady slipper orchids scattered around their feet, a string of mug-shaped lanterns separated by butterfly-carved crystal coasters, a garland of heath asters wrapped around a frosted crystal column and a golden silk sack.
Also here: Taraquin, Mearyn, Grand Lord Talinvor, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Miss Evii who is sitting, Kialeigh who is sitting, Whimweaver Leafiara, Adalfuns who is sitting, Imrys who is sitting, The Notorious Rovvigen who is sitting, Magister Raelee who is sitting, Warden Tolwynn, Vyrshkana, Missoni who is sitting, Lady of Manor Katara who is sitting, Pub Proprietor Lithyia who is sitting, Dwi who is sitting, Hadya who is sitting, Kalyrra who is sitting, Lord Randsford who is sitting, Lady Meliyara who is sitting, Dahcre Reader Ordim who is sitting, Chatelaine Traiva who is sitting, Jastalyn who is sitting, Sirona who is sitting, Squire Kothos who is sitting, Tabubu who is sitting, Jouster Littlemelody, Nazarr who is sitting, Argent Master Aurien who is sitting, Meril who is sitting, Rivienne who is sitting, Seomanthe, Lord Grutak who is sitting, Sarissa Tayler who is sitting, Dremerie who is sitting, Blade Yardie, Elusionari who is sitting, Xavanna who is sitting, Historian Lunaryna who is sitting, Cerysse
Obvious exits: none
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Leafiara steps out onto the stage. A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.
Leafiara smiles and strides out to center stage with little pomp or circumstance to her gait.
Katara applauds Leafiara.
You applaud.
Lunaryna hoots at Leafiara.
Katara applauds Leafiara.
Ordim applauds.
Nazarr lets out a cheer!
Katara applauds Leafiara.
Elusionari applauds Leafiara politely.
Imrys grins.
Dwi raises her blue Darkstone draught in a toast!
Randsford applauds.
Yardie applauds Leafiara.
Missoni applauds warmly.
Imrys applauds Leafiara.
Rovvigen applauds Leafiara.
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Katara turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Meril applauds Leafiara.
Seomanthe whistles at Leafiara!
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Kothos applauds Leafiara.
Lithyia turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Jastalyn turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Tabubu applauds.
Meliyara applauds.
(Leafiara wears something of a mix of casual attire and clothes suited for battle as usual, in chain mail worn over a sundress, but her lute hangs from her neck and is cradled in her arm.)
Vyrshkana lets out a cheer!
Leafiara begins, "Tonight I'll sing of a town filled with brave, hearty people making their lives in a dangerous world..."
Adalfuns guesses, "Icemule?"
Jastalyn grins.
Lithyia grins at Adalfuns.
Leafiara continues, "A town I love dearly and should truthfully spend much more time in...."
Imrys bites her lip.
Lithyia giggles.
Grutak says, "So... Icemule."
Xavanna applauds Leafiara.
Lithyia giggles to herself.
Leafiara lightly says, "A frontier town, perhaps the finest I know..."
You deeply exclaim, "Cold River!"
You duck your head.
Adalfuns snickers at you!
Lunaryna appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Leafiara says, "That's right..."
Leafiara looks at you and breaks into a cheeky grin.
Leafiara enthuses, "Cold River!"
You grin.
Leafiara nods to you.
Leafiara fondly acknowledges, "Because, sure, the Landing's ways are a mess..."
Lithyia laughs at Leafiara!
Lithyia nods.
Lithyia adopts an agreeable expression.
Leafiara cheekily says, "But hunting in the Hinterwilds is better than anything we've got down here."
Lithyia giggles to herself.
Sirona grins.
With a twinkle in her eye, Leafiara begins a jaunty melody on her lute.
Leafiara flashes a wide grin.
Kialeigh just came down a walkway.
Miss Evii just came down a walkway.
Lord Teveriel's group just came down a walkway.
(Nazarr looks doubtful.)
Traiva agrees with Nazarr.
Leafiara begins building a complex, upbeat melody in a major key, her fingers lightly springing over the strings.
Leafiara sings teasingly:
"Familiar routines are safer
And habits grow hard to break
Some choose to forego adventure
But that is a grave mistake"
Leafiara closes her eyes for a moment.
Leafiara nods knowingly.
Leafiara launches into the next verse, this time adding in an impish harmony line that seems to tease the main theme along.
Leafiara sings playfully:
"Embrace the wide world around you:
The Hinterwilds call your name!
When wondrous things surround you,
What more could you hope to claim?"
Putting a variation in her strum, Leafiara runs through the verse and into a catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days.
Leafiara sings earnestly:
"Wild and free!
Wild and free!
Light up the fires of your desires, go there and see"
Leafiara skips sideways a few strides to her right.
Grand Lord Talinvor just came down a walkway.
Leafiara skips sideways a few strides to her left.
Leafiara sings cheerfully:
"In more 'stable' lands,
Your every dream gets twisted by conflicting schemes
But up north it's given: Cold River's livin'
Wild and free!"
Dremerie grins at Leafiara.
Leafiara coaxes rich notes from her lute with a showy variant on the common strum.
Leafiara sings wistfully:
"They're people besieged by danger
Threats lurking 'round every bend
In touch with the truths of nature:
Grow strong to prolong your end"
Leafiara precisely picks out her fast-paced melody across the frets of her lute, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.
Leafiara sings flowingly:
"My troubles had once seemed vivid
Before dodging swords thrice my size
Now things that used to make me livid
Are nothing to my retrained eyes"
Leafiara winks.
Mearyn just came down a walkway.
Leafiara performs a series of vigorous strums that uplift the spirit in their powerful sound.
Leafiara sings confidently:
"Wild and free!
Wild and free!
Cold River style
Can't stop my smile
Live perilously!"
Leafiara picks up the pace of the song slightly, fingers modulating between chords in a happy major key.
Leafiara sings merrily:
"It's what people seek but rarely find
No deep concerns or cares in mind
No obligations, no machinations
Wild and free!"
Leafiara sweeps the music upward in a swelling crescendo of vibrant harmony.
Leafiara sings boisterously:
"Wild and free!
Their ways are so breezy,
Everything's freezing
Literally!"
Leafiara's face breaks into a cheeky grin.
Sirona grins.
Lithyia giggles at Leafiara.
Leafiara flashes a quick grin.
You grin.
Tabubu trembles as if a cold chill just ran up her spine.
Leafiara bridges her song into a new key, taking it to new heights of intensity.
Leafiara sings proudly:
"Even the bounties there pay more
Up in that town, they know the score!
When you have spirit, no need to fear it
Wild and free!"
(Leafiara suddenly slows her playing and brings the complexity down to a mischievous minimalism before beginning to rebuild toward her previous intensity.)
Embellishing on the simple melody, Leafiara skillfully conveys a measure of the joy she feels while playing.
Leafiara sings with jollity:
"The ice seems so nice, the cold blows so bold
But just venture out and that's when you'll know
They've formed all their hordes, their packs on attacks
Prepare to defend your soul"
Leafiara finishes the verse of the song then begins the next, further embellishing the melody by adding an ecstatic moving harmony.
Leafiara sings staccato:
"As war hits the floor, the bands take command
With swords, staves, and boards in everyone's hands
And when the wyrm lands, you might need new plans
To just watch Myharl go!"
You flash a wide grin.
Leafiara winks at you.
You raise your fist in a display of defiance.
Lunaryna grins slowly.
Lithyia grins at you.
Sirona grins at you.
Leafiara gets an excited look on her face, and her body begins to shake as her smile stretches from ear-to-ear.
Leafiara accentuates her song with emphatic strums, adding to the intensity.
Leafiara sings rollickingly:
"Wild and free!
Wild and free!
Hear the wargs howling
Hinterboars growling
Music to me!"
Leafiara jaunts through the rambunctious refrain, the melody and descant playing along in a breathless game of musical tag.
Leafiara sings brightly:
"What else would you hunt, some weak old lich?
Seek a real challenge, scratch your itch!"
Leafiara turns suddenly and begins to bound about, frolicking about the immediate area like a particularly giddy squirrel.
Leafiara dances her fingers over the strings of her lute to weave a driving melody.
Leafiara sings whimsically:
"See disirs flying, you might be dying
Wild and free!"
Kalyrra grins at Leafiara.
Jastalyn grins.
The tempo of Leafiara's song builds like the charge of a herd of thrak, unstoppable in its momentum and speed.
Leafiara sings jubilantly:
"Berserker blades swinging
Deadly skalds singing
Wild and free!"
Imrys laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Lithyia giggles.
Leafiara walks her fingers up the neck of her lute, making a bright run into the sunny chorus.
Leafiara sings hurriedly:
"Oozes dividing
Shield-maidens riding
Cannibals biting
Disciples reciting
Draugrs off stomping
Mastodons romping
Wild and free!"
Rovvigen mutters cannibals.
Rovvigen snickers.
Lithyia grins at Rovvigen.
Leafiara runs through the chorus twice, as if to make certain you will not be able to stop humming it anytime soon.
Leafiara sings clearly:
"Mutants and golems
Wendigos roaming
Wild and free!"
Leafiara strums the strings of her lute with a wide sweep of her arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering. Showoff!
Leafiara sings powerfully:
"Valravns staring
Angargeists glaring
Every day's thrilling
Up where it's chilling
Battles and clashing
Winds always lashing
Wild and free!"
Giving a final showy circle of her arm, Leafiara strums one last chord before deadening the strings.
(Leafiara dips her head back to deliver the final syllable toward the heavens as her hand simultaneously strums the last note, then smoothly sweeps out to her side in a grand gesture of her exuberance.)
Vyrshkana lets out a cheer!
Sirona smiles at Leafiara.
Jastalyn lets out a cheer!
You flash a wide grin.
You applaud Leafiara.
Lithyia applauds Leafiara.
Dwi knowingly grunts in satisfaction.
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Vyrshkana applauds Leafiara.
Katara applauds Leafiara.
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Lithyia turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Traiva lets out a cheer!
Rivienne applauds Leafiara.
Evii applauds warmly.
Mearyn applauds.
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
(Leafiara lowers her head to face the audience again with a bright grin, then pulls her free hand back to her elesine sundress for a single-armed curtsy.)
You let out a cheer!
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Imrys applauds Leafiara.
Katara turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Sirona claps her hands together in delight!
Meliyara applauds Leafiara.
Hadya applauds politely.
Kothos applauds Leafiara.
Lunaryna applauds Leafiara.
Jastalyn applauds wildly!
Uniana applauds.
You hear someone applauding from the shadows.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Leafiara.
Seomanthe lets loose a loud whoop of delight.
Traiva applauds Leafiara.
Leafiara flashes a wide grin.
Missoni applauds Leafiara warmly.
Littlemelody applauds.
Ordim applauds.
Kialeigh applauds Leafiara.
Tayler applauds.
Rovvigen whistles at Leafiara!
Dwi tips her head back and empties a mug of blue Darkstone draught down her gullet!
Talinvor applauds.
Yardie applauds Leafiara.
Teveriel applauds politely.
Rovvigen whistles at Leafiara!
Randsford applauds Leafiara.
Meril applauds Leafiara.
Rovvigen whistles at Leafiara!
Katara raspily says, "What a fun song."
Sirona beams at Leafiara and claps her hands together in delight!
Nazarr applauds Leafiara.
Rivienne turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Dremerie turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Tolwynn applauds Leafiara.
Dwi belches softly.
You quietly whisper to Leafiara, "That was awesome."
Leafiara taps her white owl pin on its tiny head and it emits a loud hoot!
Seomanthe turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Aurien lets out a cheer!
Elusionari applauds Leafiara.
Lithyia grins at Dwi.
Tayler grins.
Kalyrra applauds Leafiara.
Rovvigen nods in agreement at Katara.
Jastalyn giggles.
Tayler nods at Katara.
Tabubu applauds.
Katara raspily exclaims, "And beautiful voice!"
Jastalyn turns to Leafiara and cheers!
Leafiara sits down.
|
Visual Vignette: The Hinterwilds is an animated visual vignette created in Lormesta 5124 by the player of Jaysehn introducing the Hinterwilds in which Myharl, the wyrmslayer, is recognized.
Notable Achievements
Historical Encounters
- Held council with Nexur, the Exiled One, Former Student to the Grandfather, Disgraced Warden of the Hallowed Scroll, and would-be "King of Elves" at his eternal frozen prison.
The Encounter (Restday the 2nd of Lormesta, 5111)
| Log of Event |
| You raise your shadowy crystal ball containing a mysteriously shifting eye blazing with an unknown power skyward! A cold obsidian shard suddenly appears in midair and falls to the ground. You reach out to pick up a cold obsidian shard, and your world suddenly shifts dramatically. [Arctic Cavern] Shadows creep along four walls of solid ice that form the small cavern. Up twenty feet in the air hovers a fist-sized glaes orb that glows with a soft white light, which only illuminates a small area of the cave. A deep chill clings to the air. Also here: The Exiled Nexur Obvious exits: out You gaze in wonder at your surroundings. You see The Exiled Nexur. He appears to be an Elf. He is tall and slim and appears to be ancient. He has cold obsidian eyes and marble white skin. He has very long, silky bone white hair. He has an angular face, a straight nose and a sharp pointed ears and a high forehead. He has strange pale sigils carved into his skin. He is in good shape. He is holding a cold obsidian shard in his right hand. He is wearing a fluid silvery robe, and a pair of soft leather sandals. You glance at Nexur. You hear a voice in your head say, "Hello." You deeply say, "Hello..." You deeply ask, "Perhaps I should not have touched that?" You hear a voice in your head say, "No. Fate has brought you here." You hear a voice in your head say, "Another step on my road to redemption." You hear a voice in your head say, "I am at your service, if you will it." You ponder. You deeply ask, "How so?" [SECTION INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] You gaze in wonder at your surroundings. You nod. You deeply say, "Alright then." Nexur grins coldly, his eyes reflecting no emotion. You deeply ask, "But, may I ask... If I am to be a part of redemption. Redemption for what?" You glance at Nexur. You hear a voice in your head say, "Sins of my past." You hear a voice in your head say, "The ancient past." [SECTION INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] You hear a voice in your head say, "The sacrifice is nearly complete..." Nexur stands in front of you. Nexur briefly touches your neck, leaving behind a small mark. You hear a voice in your head say, "It is as you have asked." You hear a voice in your head say, "Farewell." Nexur steps back, halfway into the shadows. The world grows blurry and indistinct. After a moment everything becomes clear again. Looking about, you see... |
- In attendance of the coronation of Baron Breshon Caufield of Bourth at Wyrdeep (Restday the 7th of Phoenatos, 5122)
Battles
- Sailed through maelstroms in Darkstone Bay with Captain Parlay aboard the Fall of the West in battle against the krolvin warship Gzadmor gno Prozd (The Pain of Night) to defeat Czag'Herndrok (Starbringer) Krentuk and destroy the Gate Stone/Star of Khar'ta (Restday the 22nd of Koaratos, 5112)
- Fought alongside Captain Almenduin, head of the Merchant Guard, and defenders in the battle against the Grimswarm on Mist Harbor and to bring the traitor, Melorna to justice. (Jastatos, 5112)
- Fought alongside Mayor Walkar Wellington and fellow Wehnimer's Landing citizens and supporters in the Battle of the Lich's Citadel to defeat the Lich King, Barnom Slim (Restday the 3rd of Charlatos, 5113)
- Fought against the demons of Althedeus at the battle in the Shadow Realm drawing the attention of the entity while the ritual of Palestra Blade Aralyte was completed to sever its power. (Restday the 12th of Lormesta, 5115)
- Fought alongside Sir Thadston Andrews and other heroes in the Bleaklands during the battle to defeat the witch, Raznel (Volnes the 11th of Eoantos, 5119)
- Fought alongside Marshall Kylon Oakspear against the Knave's mercenaries on the night of his last stand when the Wehnimer's Landing barracks were destroyed. (Leyan the 30th of Imaerasta, 5120)
Victories
- Current Strongest Foe Vanquished: a fearsome hellbound queen (Level 141) (Slain outside the Wehnimer's Landing North Gate during an invasion on Volnes the 31st of Jastatos, 5122)
- Previous Strongest Foe Vanquished: a shadowy Lich King's assassin (Level 140) (Slain at the Lich's Citadel in Lich's Landing on Restday the 3rd of Charlatos, 5113)
- Previous Strongest Foe Vanquished: a clawed shadowy beast (Level > 110) (Slain at North Ring Road in Wehnimer's Landing during an invasion on Niiman the 5th of Ivastaen, 5111)
- Previous Strongest Foe Vanquished: a huge incarnadine vathor (Level 110) (Slain at Stormarm St. in Wehnimer's Landing during an invasion on Day of the Huntress the 12th of Eoantos, 5110)
- Current Proudest Victory: a silver-scaled cold wyrm (Level 120) (Slain at Eldurhaart in the Hinterwilds via solo combat on Tilamaires the 22nd of Eoantos, 5122)
- Previous Proudest Victory: an azure-scaled cold wyrm (Level 120) (Slain at Ojandhaart in the Hinterwilds on Restday the 30th of Jastatos, 5122)
Big Game Hunter
- Silver-Scaled Cold Wyrm Kills: 98
- Azure-Scaled Cold Wyrm Kills: 33
- Snowy Warg Packmother Kills: 79
- Cinereous Chthonian Sybil Kills: 3
- Total Big Game Kills: 208
Politics
- Event Manager & Coordinator for the Unity Festival (Combined Global CHE & MHO Event) (5110)
- Former Lord Sage, Guildmaster of the Order of the Quill, Former Head Squire appointed by the Lady Paladin, and Bearer of the Oriflamme of House Daingneach Onoir (5110-5111) (Stripped of all Honors by no wrongdoing of his own; a result of unrelated conflicts in house leadership. Resigned membership soon thereafter.)
- Major Investor in the renovations to the Wehnimer's Landing Historical Museum (5111) (Despised Grishom Stone, but agreed there was need for a secure location to house the Gale Stone/Star of Khar'ta )
- Event Runner for House of the Rising Phoenix (5109-5111)
- Event Runner for the Greater Elanthian Merchant Society (MHO Now Defunct) (5110-5112)
- Wehnimer's Landing [Mayoral Campaign] Manager for Lady Aurla (5115) (Election went to Puptilian)
- Represented Wehnimer's Landing as a combatant at the Festival of the Fallen in Ta'Vaalor (5115)
- Represented Wehnimer's Landing as a finalist combatant at the Festival of the Fallen in Ta'Vaalor (5121) (Dined in the company of King Qalinor Vaalor with the other representatives after the contest)
Guilds, Societies & Trained Skills
- [ Profession Guild ] Registered Guildmaster and Master-at-Arms of the Wehnimer's Landing Warrior Guild (372/372 Ranks)
- [ Society ] Master in the Order of Voln (26/26 Ranks)
- [ Artisan Skill ] Master Blacksmith (Crafting & Forging All Weapon Types — 500/500 Ranks)
- [ Artisan Skill ] Journeyman in the Fletching Skill (200/500 Ranks; Capped by the Artisan System)
- [ General Skill ] Highest Non-Bard Rank Apprentice in Playing All Musical Instrument Types (10/20 Ranks)
- [ General Skill ] Master at Skilled Darts (250/250 Ranks)
- [ Adventurer's Guild ] Epic Adventurer (6 Million+ Bounty Points as of Phoenatos 5123)
Adventurer's Guild Information (as of Leyan the 16th of Phoenatos, 5123)
| Completed Bounty Tasks |
| Kill Creatures task: 361 times. Retrieve Heirloom task: 193 times. Procure Skins task: 173 times. Procure Gems task: 1,495 times. Protect Traveller task: 1 time. Procure Herbs task: 193 times. Kill Dangerous Creature task: 385 times. Rescue Child task: 5 times. Kill Bandits task: 2,926 times. Help Kill Creatures task: 167 times. Help Kill Bandits task: 885 times. |
Awarded Unique Titles
- Caligos Diving Champion (Won both 1st and 3rd place at 5120 Caligos Isle high dive competition) [External Link: Official Forums]
- Tug of War Champion (Won 1st place for both Solo and Team Tug of War at the 5123 Kindred Games)
Fun Box-Found Unique Items
Here you will find a running log of fun box-found unique items I've come across over the years. Still in progress since I need to review logs to find the ones from the distant past.
• a wild-looking stuffed nedum vereri holding a tiny mirror [Found: 01/12/23] (old style scripted toy) • slender hazelwood case spiral-bound in alexandrite ivy [Found: 09/25/23] (belt worn, medium amount)
Pets & Animal Companions
Myrkr - an imposing fuliginous raven
The unusual shadowy raven was acquired by Lunaryna during her research into Myharl's curse, selected due to its similarities with the shadows that writhe around the kindred's figure. The giant and the avian took an immediate liking to one another when they first met in her laboratory. When her research utilizing the raven was completed, she bestowed its safekeeping to Myharl, and he named him Myrkr, which is the Gigas word for 'Darkness'. An imposing fuliginous raven alights upon his shoulder, extending its tapered wings to frame him in shadows.
Aurora — a nival white arctic lemming with glowing azure eye
Myharl discovered the nival arctic lemming trapped in the nebulous void of the River of Color. She had apparently been there quite some time, weak, unmoving, and unable to escape. She managed to subsist as long as she had by consuming the motes floating among the spilling brume of color. Eating the particles of essence caused her eyes to glow with swirling hues of azure; a feature that seems to be permanent. He rescued her, returning her to the Boreal Forest, but the little creature refused to leave his side. So, he instead named her Aurora as her lucent eyes reminded him of the shifting hues of the aurora in the Hinterwilds. She's quite the nuisance, but her presence has grown on him.
Gryphonwind Ventures & Myharl's Office
Gryphonwind Ventures is Myharl's shop.
The shop is titled for the surname "Gryphonwind" that he had once taken as his own, but has since dropped when it was uncovered the namesake had betrayed him, and was in fact a manifestation of a dark entity that has cursed him in his youth. The shop is located in Wehnimer's Landing at the first block of Ebonwood Way (Lich# L337) inside the hexagonal stone building with a pair of large golden gryphon statues flanking the doorway. The shop title is maintained due to the slow-moving bureaucratic nature of the merchant guild, but plans are to rename it when the opportunity arises.
The shop was established by Myharl in 5109 and the business began as a quaint single-room antiquities shop specializing in veil iron rarities and relics from ages long past. This early venture was highly profitable and the selection of wares quickly expanded as did the storefront. In 5110 "Gryphonwind Ventures" was founded.
The shop was officially registered with the Wehnimer's Landing merchant guild, and Myharl founded his personal office in the west wing of the establishment. The location is as much a base of operations as a functional storefront, and when he's in town, Myharl can most frequently be found loitering within.
In 5113, Dallin Proudmire, a professional bard and scribe, was hired to verify new wares to be displayed and tend to the shop while Myharl was away on his adventures. He has since become a silent partner in the venture.
In 5123 Myharl officially partnered Gryphonwind Ventures with Lunaryna with his office occupying the west wing of the building, her gallery in the east wing, and a shared storefront foyer.
Gryphonwind Special Cinnamon Whiskey
Gryphonwind Special is a home-branded whiskey distilled by Myharl. The grains he uses are flavored with a hefty amount of fiery cinnamon and sweet amaranth greens, and lightly infused with hints of ground bitter delphinuris (delphira) leaves and sweet salorisa (saloryss) flower petals.
He distills a new barrel every year, and ages the spirits for five years in sephwir kegs which he keeps stowed in the back room of his shop, Gryphonwind Ventures in Wehnimer's Landing. In the shop Foyer, he usually keeps a small stock available to purchase at a cost of 1 silver. He sometimes will provide a keg and free drinks for a special event he is attending if such offering is appropriate for the event protocol. The drink is served in wooden flagons, which he insists is integral to drawing out the the true flavor of the whiskey.
A Veniom-Bound Silvery Sephwir Keg (an oversized carved wooden flagon of Gryphonwind Special)
| Further Drink Details |
|
This barrel has been coopered from staves of ancient sephwir. The silver-toned wood is bound by a duo of gleaming veniom hoops, and a golden gryphon-shaped tap bungs from the keg's head. An ovular timeworn vellum label is affixed to the bilge of the vessel and depicts a golden rampant gryphon rearing above an arched series of carmine-inked words. READ KEG> In the Common language, it reads: A product of Wehnimer's Landing. Gryphonwind Ventures ~ Established 5110. PUT KEG> You place your silvery sephwir keg on the floor and pull out a small locking pin on the tap. POUR KEG> You pour yourself an oversized carved wooden flagon of Gryphonwind Special. GET KEG> You pick up a veniom-bound silvery sephwir keg, carefully setting a locking pin back in the tap. (General) Flavor Messaging #1— The assertive fiery zest of cinnamon whiskey stings at your tongue and nearly veils a cacophony of subtle sour notes. (General) Flavor Messaging #2— The sweet aroma of amaranth leads into the sudden sharp bite of cinnamon whiskey as saporous spices mingle, leaving a faint bitter aftertaste. (Giantkin Only) Flavor Messaging #1— You take a drink from your Gryphonwind Special. A complex arrangement of bittersweet flavor faintly cascades beneath the spicy salvo of corpulent cinnamon whiskey. (Giantkin Only) Flavor Messaging #2— You take a drink from your Gryphonwind Special. A warming sense embraces your tongue as fiery cinnamon whiskey fades to the subtle bitterness of steeped delphinuris and salorisa. (Note: Myharl "distills" Gryphonwind Special by means of a custom bottomless keg.) |
The Frigid Argent Wanderlust
The Frigid Argent Wanderlust is a sloop Myharl purchased to assist with importing various wares to sell in his shop, Gryphonwind Ventures. It can usually be found docked in Wehnimer's Landing when not pressed into service. He doesn't regularly participate in Open Sea Adventures because his goals and interests are focused elsewhere.
Primary Weapons & Armaments
Myharl invests primarily into a single set of gear that includes his glowing white sacred warsword "Forlorn Maiden" and His black alloy armor set. While he does purchase other non-combat equipment from time-to-time, the bulk of his fortune is spent on improvements for this, his 'end-game' set of combat gear. The following list will be maintained and updated as improvements are made to the items.
A Glowing White Sacred Warsword — 10x (+50), T5 Ensorcell, S6 Sancitfy with Holy Fire, GEF + Unique Custom Fire Flares, Heavy Critical Weighting (10 CER), Heavy Damage Weighting (10 CER), Unlocked Lore, Perfect-forged, 5 lbs. (Max Light), Holy Bastard Sword crafted of white alloy w/ Non-corporeal Undead Bane (+8 CER Damage Weighting), Legacy Permabless +5 against undead, Lesser Moods (Fire and Holy) named "Forlorn Maiden" [1,077 difficulty] Includes matching 'Incorporeal Forlorn Woman' legendary spirit beast. Wielded with Weapon Bonding and Tainted Bond.
| Further Item Details |
The hilt and quillons of the warsword are fashioned into the likeness of a gnarled and twisted corpse with its arms outstretched in ghoulish repose. A series fine chains drape from the extended arms in trio, and arc down to wrap around the torso, providing a secure grip for the weapon. The blade has been faintly etched with the image of a beautiful wisp-surrounded maiden, reaching up towards its tip. In relation, she appears to be rising from the horrid anatomy of the corpse beneath her. You notice a small enchanter's glyph and a crafting mark. A strange necrotic haze radiates from the warsword. A strong aura of holy light radiates from the warsword. There appears to be something written on it. |
Full Suit of Black Alloy Platemail — 7x (+33), T5 Ensorcell, S6 Sanctify with Holy Fire, Unbalance Flares, Spiked, Very Heavy Critical Padding (11 CER; 16/30), Very Heavy Damage Padding (11 CER; 0/30), Unlocked Lore, 38 lbs. (Max Light), Holy Full Plate crafted of Black Alloy w/ 5% Resistances against Crush/Slash/Puncture, +4 Stamina Recovery Enhancive (25 Charges Max) [868 difficulty]
| Further Item Details |
The shadowy form of the black alloy platemail confers a deep indigo blue iridescence and has been meticulously etched across its entire surface with a wyrm scale pattern. The armor has been edged and riveted with silvery palladium and lined beneath by a thick padding of flocculent hinterboar mane. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. A strange necrotic haze radiates from the platemail. A strong aura of holy light radiates from the platemail. |
Krodera-Bound Black Alloy Tower Shield — 10x (+50), T5 Ensorcell, S6 Sanctify with Holy Fire, Fire Flares, Spiked, Fully Unlocked T2 Shield Harness, Unlocked Lore, Max Light, Holy Tower Shield crafted of Black Alloy [756 difficulty]
| Further Item Details |
On the reverse of the shield, strips of warg pelt and a complex webbing of oiled leather straps and polished buckles form an intricate arm harness. The straps are arranged in a pattern that appears able to secure a weapon within. Stuck diagonally through the complex webbing is a [WEAPON]. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. A strange necrotic haze radiates from the shield. A strong aura of holy light radiates from the shield. |
Black Alloy Vambraces — Fully Unlocked T4 Brutal/Cunning Fancy Greaves (Switchable Lightning Flares/Fire Flares/Plasma Flares) with Ghost Flare Messaging, Spiked, S6 Sanctify with Holy Fire, Very Heavy Critical Padding (10 CER), Very Heavy Damage Padding (10 CER), Unlocked Lore, Max Light, Holy Arm Greaves crafted of black alloy w/ +10 Constitution (base) enhancive with Upgraded Charges (105 Charges Max). [391 difficulty] This armament can hold/equip/sheath two daggers.
| Further Item Details |
The shadowy forms of the black alloy vambraces confer a deep indigo-blue iridescence and have been meticulously etched across their entire surface with a wyrm scale pattern. The armaments have been edged and riveted with silvery palladium and lined beneath with a thick padding of flocculent hinterboar mane. As you look at the vambraces, they briefly pulse with a ferocious violet light. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. |
Slit-Visored Black Alloy Greathelm Crested with Shining Disir Feathers — Anfelt Armor Zested, Acid Flares, Spiked, HDP/HCP, Unlocked Lore, Maxlight Greathelm (head/neck) crafted of black alloy w/ +8 STR enhancive (19 charges max). [61 difficulty]
| Further Item Details |
The shadowy form of the black alloy helm confers a deep indigo blue iridescence and has been meticulously etched across its entire surface with a wyrm scale pattern. The armament has been edged and riveted with silvery palladium and lined within by a thick padding of flocculent hinterboar mane. |
Mesh Black Alloy Aventail — Acid Flares, Spiked, LDP/LCP, Unlocked Lore, Maxlight Aventail crafted of black alloy w/ +6 AGL/+7 Max Stamina enhancives (53 charges max). [14 difficulty]
| Further Item Details |
The shadowy form of the black alloy mesh aventail confers a deep indigo blue iridescence. The armament has been edged with silvery palladium and is lined beneath with a thick padding of flocculent hinterboar mane. |
Pair of Black Alloy Leg Greaves — Acid Flares, Spiked, LDP/LCP, Unlocked Lore, Maxlight Leg Greaves crafted of black alloy w/ +11 DEX/+8 Harness Power Bonus enhancives (17 charges max). [18 difficulty]
| Further Item Details |
The shadowy forms of the black alloy greaves confer a deep indigo blue iridescence and have been meticulously etched across their entire surface with a wyrm scale pattern. The armaments have been edged and riveted with silvery palladium and lined beneath with a thick padding of flocculent hinterboar mane. |
Other Notable Items & Gear
Winter's Embrace a black alloy neckchain suspending a shard of rime-shrouded everfrost Suspended by a thick black alloy neckchain traced with faint verglas, the everfrost is pale and clear, but fingers of frost clinging to its surface suggest that it is no mere diamond, but a chunk of crystallized rhimar. The jewel radiates intense cold, causing the air around it to puff into faint wisps of mist. A blizzard of frigid blue and glacial green glints wink across its jagged facets.
Ambient: A frigid helical miasma of wintry mist coalesces around a black alloy neckchain suspending a shard of rime-shrouded everfrost worn by Myharl before condensing into hoary frost particulates that embrace its deep glacial facets.
Ancient Wyrm Talon Bound in Arabesqued Balenite Shadow themed premium teleportation device (Worn as a pin, functional)
Softly Lucent Pearlescent Scale Gilded in Starveil +10 Edged Weapons, +5 Stamina Recovery, +4 Physical Fitness, +1 Mana Recovery enhancive (Worn anywhere, functional)
a deeply hooded ebon shadowsilk robe mantled in lightless valravn quills Feature Concealing Hooded Cloak, Closes, Epic Deepened to Hold Gigantic Amount, 20% Weight Reduction (Worn over the shoulders, functional)
| Further Item Details |
Fashioned from caliginous layers of fine wyrsilk to manifest a membranous shadowsilk garment, the fabric of the long robe blends stygian umbrous shade with darker tones of night. Its lightless mantle falls in riotous discord from shoulders to midriff and appears to be formed of pure shadow, the void of valravn quills seeming to drink all surrounding light to swath the attire in a tenebrous veil. |
Kilt of Shadowy Valravn Quills Cinched by a Silver-shot Wyrm's Talon Sporran Kilt/Greatkilt zested, Holds Slightly Large Amount (Worn over the legs, functional)
Twisted Widowwood Band Grasping A Glowing Madstone — +6 CON, +1 Thrown Weapons enhancive, persists, huge number of charges (Worn on fingers, functional)
Sparkling Balenite Ring Crowned With A Wintry Everfrost Shard — +7 DEX enhancive, persists, huge number of charges (Worn on fingers, functional)
Radiant Phoenix Down Mantle Clasped by a Jacinthe-Flamed Arathiel Jewel — Holds Very Large Amount, Can be Tucked, Closes, Ethereal Flames Illusion Prop (Worn as a pin)
| Further Item Details |
Incessant layering of warm carmine and bright sunset-hued phoenix down has been desultorily affixed to a veiled cloth-of-veniom undercoat bestowing an effusive, almost flame-like appearance to this regal garment. The fiery mantle is securely fastened at the collar by a warmly glowing jacinth-hued arathiel jewel. Illusion: Trails of greenish-black fire stream down from his hands, the ethereal flames striking out into the air with every gesture. |
Tattoos & Visible Markings
- a silvered ebon tattoo depicting a wyrm's talon descending from beneath his left eye
- a small dark shard-shaped mark on his neck (Branded by the hand of The Exiled Nexur)
- a pair of knotwork wyrm tattoos unfurling from over his shoulders to lock gazes on his chest
- a sinuously coiled abyran'sa tattoo
Depicted inward-stationed upon his right forearm in graceful repose, the feminine abyran'sa has been inked in detailed shadowy umbral linework. She bears striking dark elven features scarcely concealed by a clinging shroud of moonflowers that spills down over her curvy body. Her complexion is shaded in pallid hues accented by fair hair that falls riotously from a sharp widow's peak to frame her aristocratic features. Her serpentine tail coils tightly around his arm, terminating just above his wrist.
- a caliginous shadowy drake tattoo on his arm
Inked in dark ebon hues, the fierce drake is depicted inward-stationed upon his left forearm, its wings extend behind its fierce, scaled figure in partial horaltic pose to appear as if about to take to the skies. The draconic creature's fierce visage gazes upwards, bearing what seems to be a longing gaze, its eyes fixed upon a selenic crescent suspended above the backdrop of a dark tower.
- a pair of flaming drake's wings tattooed on his back
Stretching from shoulder-blade to waist on either side of his spine, the tattoo is an excellent rendering of a pair of inferno-wreathed drake's wings that lay furled and quiescent. Ebon inks create the delicate boning, while sanguine hues limned in plum create tiny veins.
About the Dark Tower: General Information & Life Story [Quick Summary FAQ]
Myharl is a berserker and noted wyrmslayer who frequently hunts beyond the Long Snow in the Hinterwilds near Cold River village, a place he considers a second home. When not braving the wintry wilds, he can usually be found either warming himself by the hearthfire in Rawknuckle's Pipe Den or taking refuge from the frigid galewinds beneath the ancient pine tree in the village center. He is frequently in the company of Kestrel, the village lookout, as the two share many late night watches together. When outdoors in the Hinterwilds, his eyes are often scanning the aurora-illuminated skies as he awaits sighting a wyrm aloft over the Angargreft or Boreal Forest locales.
He is also a citizen of Wehnimer’s Landing where he is known as a bounty hunter for hire and long-time merchant. He is the proprietor of Gryphonwind Ventures (established in 5110 of the Modern Era) [External link: Shop Listing ] which is located at the entrance to the Wehnimer’s Landing shopping district. He is a registered guild master and Master-at-Arms of the Wehnimer’s Landing Warrior Guild, a master in the Order of Voln, and member of the House of the Rising Phoenix. His moniker, "The Dark Tower" originated as a nickname from his years training at the Warrior Guild. The name began as a playful jest about his unusual height, but later—through trials and tribulations with his brethren—became a title of honor and respect.
He was born in the hour of Ronan on Tilamaires, Eorgaen 18th in the year 5079 of the Modern Era, under the sign of the Paladin, into the Firewalker tribe of the Maeramil Wind Runner Clan. He is the youngest of three children and the only son of giantman nomads Lokran (father) and Maeralea (mother). His eldest sister disappeared before his birth (lost in a sandstorm and presumed dead). His other sister and parents were all killed in 5097 when his tribe's encampment was attacked by wyrms. His name is an amalgamous play on multiple giantkin words which can be roughly understood as "gift of the feast" and was bestowed upon him in celebration of the massive white sandworm the tribe hunters, including his father, fell on the day before his birth.
Myharl’s appearance is noticeably different from most other giantkin whose clans and tribes have been long-established in the regions surrounding the northern reaches of the Dragonspine Mountains. He is unusually tall (towering well over ten feet) and bears deeply ebon-hued skin. This appearance, while atypical for highmen in Northern Elanith, isn't uncommon among members of his tribe.
He migrated to the northern frontiers during the third decade of his life, but hails originally from deep within the desolate barrens of the Southron Wastes. Nomadic like most giantkin tribes, his family was one of many comprising a wandering desert tribe of highmen that have traversed the wastelands for countless generations. His youth was spent as a shepherd herding goats as his tribe migrated across the wastelands. His journey as an adventurer began when he was exiled from his tribe after inadvertently activating an ancient and mysterious artifact he refers to as the Eye of the Drake.
Family names are not a tradition practiced by his tribe, yet are often necessary for business matters in the Empire and its holdings and frontier outposts. Gryphonwind is the name of a long-ago friend who sacrificed her own life to save his. The name was adopted by Myharl as his surname to honor her memory. However the surname was later forsaken by Myharl upon his early adventures into the Hinterwilds when, through a vision and spirit journey, Myharl learned that Gryphonwind had actually been a manifestation of an ancient evil entity bound within the Eye of the Drake. An entity who placed a powerful curse upon him in his youth and has since carefully guided his life's path northward to "hone his Wrath" and "awaken the Drake" within him. He now simply goes by his name and moniker, Myharl the Dark Tower, though many have taken to simply calling him Wyrmslayer.
The elders of his tribe profess that they are the descendants of survivors from a once magnificent giantkin kingdom far to the north. A nation that fell in ancient times during a war against a great evil. Their predecessors, forced from their homeland and driven south, adopted the practice of unending migration in lieu of founding another homestead. Though unsure whether the story of the tribe's ancestral origin has merit or is nothing more than fanciful folklore, later in life Myharl did find what appears to be the remnants of just such an ancient highman kingdom. Located deep in Stoneharrow Swale between the port city of Solhaven and the frontier surrounding Wehnimer’s Landing, within the ruins is even the visage of crowned giantkin king worked into stone. He sometimes wonders if this place could be the forgotten lands mentioned in the myths of his former kin.
In his early twenties, during the years immediately proceeding exile, Myharl found work with an Issimr merchant caravan which plied their trade by transporting goods across the wastes between the Grot'karesh fortress city of Kilanirij and the Turamzzyrian Empire. Frequent visits to Elstreth and Idolone, as well as the occasional long haul to the grand city Tamzyrr, slowly introduced him to the common cultures of North-Western Elanith. His interest and curiosity about those cultures would grow until he eventually parted ways with the Issimr merhcant caravan to explore the northern bounds of the Empire for himself.
Relationships & Marriages
The early years of Myharl's adult life, proceeding his exile, were spent in the company of a cafila of Issimir merchants who had employed the aimless kindred. As a caravan worker transporting goods between Elstreth, Idolone and Kilanirij, there was little time for companionship beyond the occasional noncommittal tryst on the road. It wasn't until he parted ways with his Issimir friends to venture northward that opportunity for love presented itself to him.
He had travelled north towards the frontier regions of the Empire upon having a vision of a shadowy dragon erupting from the Dragonspine Mountains. As the southern lands waned in his journey, there were rumors that the dragon he had foreseen actually dwelled in the locales near Wehnimer’s Landing. He would find the city welcoming and come to call it home. It was in those early days, adjusting to idiosyncrasies of frontier life, that he met and courted a young elven woman named Velona. She was the granddaughter of Demetria, second wife of Demyse, the head of the Faendryl Ta'mori house. Myharl and Velona were engaged to be married, and immediately this caused problems. The potential union was frowned upon and eventually forbade by the Ta'moris; of particular interest was a brilliant eahnor rose that Velona had bestowed upon Myharl as a token of their impending union.
The significance of the affectionate gesture always remained a mystery to Myharl, but it was enough to prompt house Ta'mori to hunt Myharl when he refused to break his engagement to Velona. Several assassination attempts were made by Ta'mori operatives, but Myharl managed to elude every attempt on his life. Eventually Demyse himself approached Myharl with demands. Demands which the kindred laughed at. Myharl's dismissive response to their head further intensified Ta'mori harassment placing great strain on his relationship with Velona. As time passed she seemed more and more inclined to acquiesce to her family's demands. Myharl's disposition leant great disdain of the controlling nature of the Ta'moris, and it was during these struggles when Myharl met another.
Lunaryna, a dark elf woman who was herself at odds with the Ta'moris. She had once been employed by the house, but had since earned its ire. At first Myharl suspected her of being another assassin sent to claim his head, but the two quickly connected and soon most of their time was spent together. As Velona and Myharl drifted further apart he found companionship with Lunaryna, and eventually he would return the eahnor rose and send missive via Demetria that he was dissolving the engagement. He would never see Velona again, her disappearance he suspects was a result of her being reined in by house Ta'mori.
With their respective troubles with the Ta'moris behind them, Myharl and Lunaryna established themselves as a couple and enjoyed their newfound peace together. Their relationship was fiery and intense, but eventually became complex and convoluted. Her work, shrouded in mystery, and Myharl's frequent time spent away procuring rare veil iron artifacts for his newly established shop left the two often parted. The frequent physical distance soon gave way to an unattentive nature in their relationship. Gradually their flame fell to embers and the two amicably parted to walk different paths. There was never animosity between the two, to the contrary, in the many proceeding years Myharl would often speak fondly of her. Their demeanor remained cordial and friendly any time their paths crossed.
Then upon the fourth decade of his life, after establishing himself with the Wehnimer’s Landing merchant's guild and officially founding Gryphonwind Ventures, Myharl discovered opportunity for more permanent companionship. He was married to a quartet of dark elf sisters who bear estranged, rarely discussed, ties to Faendryl nobility. Of the four, the eldest sister is Renowned Lady Aurla (Magess of the Flame), followed by Grand Lady Psyryn (Master Healer), then Grand Lady Yterria (High Priestess of Koar), and lastly the youngest of the four, Lady Yieshia, who Myharl affectionately referred to as his "little magess".
In addition to becoming certified by the local merchant's guild, Myharl had become involved in the politics of Wehnimer’s Landing serving leadership roles in several local organizations, including the Great Houses of Elanthia. His relationship with the sisters began with meeting Aurla during a Co-operative House event called the Unity Festival. As a functional officer of House of the Rising Phoenix, Lord Sage of House Daingneach Onoir, and event planner for the Greater Elanthian Merchant Society he had been put in charge of organizing and managing the event. Aurla was an officer and secretary of House Phoenix, and the two spent much time together and connected during the months invested into planning the great event.
As he spent more time with Aurla, he also came to know her three sisters. The five of them found they shared a unique chemistry and their individual relationships soon coalesced into an acknowledged shared romance. With none of the lovers willing to constrain the relationships to traditional boundaries, the sisters approached Myharl with a solution: they would all be with him. As they explored the complexities of polyamory, they would all become his wives. A solution that worked surprisingly well for all of them.
Myharl and his former wives made their home at the private suite on the second floor of the Raging Thrak Inn in the town square of Wehnimer's Landing. In the summer months they could frequently be found relaxing in the suite's private bath and in the winter, warming themselves by the massive hearth in the living room. They spent many happy years together involved in local politics, helping to defend the town in times of need, and working for the Adventurers Guild to mitigate bandit activity in the surrounding regions.
However, after nearly a decade and half, the sisters suddenly received a missive summoning them for business back in their homeland. Afterwards, much of their time was spent away tending to family matters. Meanwhile, Myharl's treks beyond the Long Snow became more frequent and sustained in pursuit of hunting wyrms. Over time, the sisters and Myharl grew apart and rarely spoke. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months between seeing one another. Finally, the sisters departed a final time, cordially with nary fanfare. After months without word, Myharl accepted their companionship had faded away. In the winter of 5122, after having requested and receiving word of their welfare, Myharl dissolved the marriage, finalizing the divorce with town officials.
Upon marrying into dark elf nobility and becoming a morganatic noble, Myharl had donned the title Grand Lord, which he maintained until their divorce.
By pure happenstance in early 5123, Myharl and Lunaryna's paths crossed once more, nearly two decades after their long-ago romance. In the following weeks they quickly rekindled their friendship, realizing that over the many years they both had retained a quiet and mostly unspoken admiration for one another. Their two souls, so altered during their time apart, re-forged a connection, though one that is vastly different than what they once shared. The two can often be found sitting side-by-side, but they wouldn't be mistaken for more than close friends. However, any who know Myharl well enough would notice an instant warming of his demeanor whenever he is in her presence.
Part I: Acquisition of the Eye & The Journey Begins (5097 Modern Era) [Backstory]
Eye of the Drake
a shadowy crystal ball containing a mysteriously shifting eye blazing with an unknown power
| Further Item Details |
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get my ark> You remove a gold-bound white veil iron ark from in your phoenix down mantle. look at my ark> The ark consists of a gold-bound box crafted of solid veil iron. It has been completely emblazoned with ancient runes and boasts a pair of miniature golden dragons that are seated in resplendent stature. The gold-cast dragons face each other, in seeming unyielding pose, with their wings outstretched behind them and their necks wrapped around an elaborate golden crown-shaped emblem. open my ark> You open the lid on your white veil iron ark, which begins to glow. look in my ark> In the white veil iron ark you see a shadowy crystal ball. get my ball> You grab a shadowy crystal ball containing a mysteriously shifting eye blazing with an unknown power from inside the white veil iron ark. |
Myharl's tribe were not the only highmen who made the wasteslands their home. Another, more ancient group of giantkin migrants were those who the tribe elders called, "the cursed." They had arrived in the Southron Wastes likely thousands of years earlier. The tribe's migration routes always steered clear of the mountain stronghold of their clan. A dark place called Kilanirij. For the most part the cursed had likewise avoided the tribe, seeming more interested in maintaining their fortress city than the activities of nomadic goat-herding peoples eking out a living from the harsh lands. That was until one day, a cafila of three cursed approached the tribe's encampment at sundown.
The three strangers spoke in a strange mesh of the Gaintkin language and another tongue foreign but very similar-sounding to Elvish. They referred to themselves as Ishan; travelers on a quest seeking to solve some ancient mystery.
The Ishan called their paths crossing with the tribe's caravan, "a destiny".
The tribe elders were wary of the Ishan, but believing that all giantkin share an ancient lineage, they still cautiously invited them to rest by the evening fires and offered them hospitality of food and water. Of the three, one was an older man with deep scars indicative of many battles, another a younger man who seemed more learned than his company, and the last a young woman with an otherworldly air about her. It was the third who piqued the interest of young Myharl. She was several years his elder, yet still the youngest of the three. He found her form appealing and her forbidden moniker intoxicatingly unique. The interest of youth appealed for him to get closer to her, and so as the three Ishan sat around the warmth of the fires speaking to the elders, he lingered.
The eldest recovered an object securely wrapped in layers of canvas from their belongings as the younger man regaled the elders with a tale about ancient evils from the past reawakening. They were seeking a way to unlock an ancient puzzle. The old man unwrapped the object to reveal a veil iron ark crowned by a pair ornamental gold dragons, and the younger of the two pointed to six golden seals around the ark's lid explaining how no method or magic had been able to penetrate the box or remove its locks. They believed that within was a powerful artifact that could be used to fight a coming evil, and their quest was to find a way to free it from its prison.
As the two men continued engaging the elders with stories about ancient wars and forgotten times, the female Ishan took notice of Myharl's presence and seemed to immediately recognize his interest in her. She smiled softly, motioning him closer. He complied, and the two began a friendly conversation. She introduced herself as Gryphonwind, and explained she was a seer and diviner of the future sent to aid her fellow travelers. As Myharl and Gryphonwind shared food and drink, the legends and myths she told him summoned an even greater curiosity from within. Devoid of awkward banter, the demeanor of the conversation seemed as if the two were longtime friends.
As the evening grew late, just as Myharl had worked up enough courage to invite her to spend the night with him, she abruptly interrupted to ask if she could divine his future. Tilted by the offer, he drew closer to sit at her side and agreed. She reached for a small woven basket worn at her hip and pulled out and handful of polished dark stones. Each was carved with a strange rune. She cast stones upon the sand at their feet. As the stones landed, Gryphonwind gasped before her breaths became near silent. Eight of the nine stones had landed with their runes facing downward in the sand, the ninth and solely visible rune bore a symbol that vaguely resembled a landslide.
As she stared at the stone, it began to violently twitch as if taking on a life of its own. Suddenly, it began to draw a line in the sand as it danced its way towards Myharl. Glancing up to notice the look of abject horror marring Gryphonwinds visage, he leapt to his feet. The stone continued towards him across the sand, and he began stepping backwards. As he withdraw the stone gave chase wobbling frantically across the sand. Now frightened as well as startled, Myharl quickened his pace in reverse until accidentally stumbling into the older Ishan. The obstacle sending Myharl sprawling backwards as he fell over the seated man. In a bid to right himself, Myharl grasped for leverage. The stone stopped moving the moment his hand landed squarely on the ark. Quickly removing his hand from the artifact, its seals loudly popped open one after the other.
The stars seemd to vanish from the night sky as an unnatural shadowy black fog sped across the landscape to envelope the encampment. Tendrils of shadow seemed to grope and caress every surface accompanied by the sound of incoherent whispering voices. Then came an ear-ringing bestial roar so loud it seemed to shake the ground itself. Several massive winged draconic figures soared low overhead, their forms discernable only as their metallic scales reflected the carmine firelight below. A contrasting moment of silence followed until overpowered by a growing cacophony of anguished screams. Seized by terror and unable to move Myharl watched as the beasts plowed through the gathered crowd of his tribesmen. Their massive razor talons shredding flesh and stripping bone as they belched caustic fluids that washed away skin and flesh in an instant. Many of the giantkin drew their weapons, fighting back against the beasts, but others seemed statuesquely motionless, as if frozen in time.
Gryphonwind cried out Myharl's name, which seemed to shake him from the unnatural paralysis binding him. She shouted, instructing him to open the ark. As he moved towards the artifact, one of the beasts shifted its stride and charged toward him. Rearing back to raise its fierce talons before striking, Myharl helplessly stared at the wyrm sure that those were to be his final moments. They would have been, but with jarring impact, Gryphonwind's body slammed into his as she threw herself atop him like a shield. Pulling her weight away from him and rising again to her feet, she desperately pointed at the ark. In response, Myharl quickly crawled across the sand until his hands rest on each side of the unsealed vessel.
He strained to pry open the tightly closed lid, and his eyes shifted again to Gryphonwind just as a silvery talon violently burst through her abdomen from behind. The beast roared again, masking the words she screamed as blood erupted from her lips. The lid gave way and the ark was opened. A blinding flash of light from within the artifact pierced through the darkness. The beasts roars suddenly became high-pitched screeches as they withdrew back towards the shadowy fog. As the light spread across the encampment Myharl's last sight of Gryphonwind was life's light fleeting form her eyes as her impaled corpse was wrent into the evaporating darkness.
Instinctively reaching into the ark, Myharl pulled forth the fiery glowing orb from within. An otherworldly flame-filled eye gazed out from within the crystalline sphere. Clutching the ball tightly, Myharl raised it high as he screamed out her name.
The sensation of a thousand infernos wracked across his body as the beasts continued to shriek. Seeing dozens of bodies littering the blood soaked sands around him, Myharl turned his eyes to the orb. His gaze locked involuntarily with the fiery eye within and the violence around him faded into absolute darkness and silence. There was only the eye. It seemed to gaze into his very soul as an overwhelming rage welled within. A feeling of anger and righteousness. He was aware of nothing else except the fiery red glow of the eye. However, soon he realized that he was not alone, and as the eye shifted, it illuminated the massive golden figure that bore it. A great gold dragon, much like the beasts from the shadows, but enormous and surrounded by a glow in a hue of gold Myharl had never before seen.
For what simultaneously felt like an instant and like eons, the golden figure observed Myharl. Then it commandingly uttered a single word. A word beyond comprehension. Reality returned in an instant to Myharl's awareness just as an explosion of luminous golden thunder pulsed from the orb, the distortions of light eradicating both the shadows and the vicious wyrms.
Myharl fell unconscious. When he awoke, he found himself still holding the eye, but surrounding by the warm glow of the campfire and the deep indigo of the star-filled night sky. The threat was gone, but the roars and shrieks had been replaced with the sounds of crying and pain-filled moans. He placed the eye back in to the ark, and weakly slid its heavy lid securely back on top. Among the dead nearby were the two male Ishan and a dozen of his tribe. Many more were grievously wounded. Gryphonwind's body was nowhere to be seen.
As the sun's light kissed the eastern skies and the last of the wounded had been tended to, those that had seen the events that transpired kept a wide birth from Myharl. He was confused by the look of fear in the eyes of his kin. Fear of him. They formed a circle around him, as if guarding a prisoner. Hushed whispers crawled through the crowd. The last of the slain were being wrapped in shrouds when the tribe elders finally approached. They were grim and hesitant.
Proceeding a long silence, they finally elaborated... After discussing it with the tribe, they had all agreed that whatever evil curse was lain upon the people of the Ishans had now been cast upon him. It was no longer safe for him to be among his kin. He was a danger to them. With hurtful disdain they exiled Myharl, demandeding he return the artifact to Kilanirij and never again return to the tribe.
He protested, he demanded, and finally he begged the elders to reconsider. However, realizing there was no way to convince them otherwise, Myharl beseeched the elders to at least be allowed to bid his family farwell. Enclosed by a circle of warriors, he was escorted to the blood-soaked mass of shroud-wrapped bodies. As his tear-filled gaze wandered across the pile, someone in the crowd angrily quipped, "You no longer have family here. Take your curse and be gone!"
Part II: Visions at Kilanirij & Travels to the North (5097-5104 Modern Era) [Backstory]
Myharl was allowed to attend the funeral pyres, and afterwards he accepted the small clay jars in which the ashes of his family had been gathered, along with two more holding the cremated remains of the Ishans. The contingent of armed hunters ushered him to his family’s tent and—with watchful eyes—they observed closely as he prepared to depart. Though he had not cognitively reckoned with the death of his sister and parents, he still felt a maelstrom of rage and sorrow swelling within, prompted by the detached indifference towards him suddenly bestowed by those who had always been in his memories. He felt betrayed. Abandoned. He was alone.
Entering the beit al-sha'r, he gathered the sparse belongings from within. Among them, his father’s jambiya which he secured at his side next to his own. Also, an assortment of travel gear, preserved goat’s cheese, and several waterskins filled by his mother the day before from the shallow sandstone well at the encampment. After dismantling the tent and neatly folding its black fabric into a parcel, he harnessed his father’s ebony wastesdrgon and laden it with the hefty pile.
Snugly tucking the funerary jars and veil iron ark within the goat fleece fabric, he then briskly mounted the lizard and yanked the reins, yawing the beast so its scaly tail dramatically feinted those gathered. Without words, recognizing it would be the last time he was among his former kin, he slowly and deliberately rode through the breadth of the encampment, searing his eyes into the elders as he passed. He rode away from his home, and into the darkness enveloping the setting desert sun—he road towards Kilanirij.
Still in progress...
Part III: The Great Empire & Finding the Drake (5104-5109 Modern Era) [Backstory]
In progress...
Part IV: New Home In The Frontier (5109-5122 Modern Era)
Part V: The Vixen & the Maiden — The Acquisition of Forlorn Maiden (5111 Modern Era)
In progress...
I am currently writing this section about how Myharl obtained his sacred white alloy warsword, previously named as "Forlorn Maiden", since renamed "Maiden's Wrath" upon the darkening of his soul beyond the Long Snow.
Previous appearance of the sword and Maiden's spirit before Myharl's darkening:
A Glowing White Sacred Warsword The hilt and quillons of the warsword are fashioned into the likeness of a gnarled and twisted corpse with its arms outstretched in ghoulish repose. A series fine chains drape from the extended arms in trio, and arc down to wrap around the torso, providing a secure grip for the weapon. The blade has been faintly etched with the image of a beautiful wisp-surrounded maiden, reaching up towards its tip. In relation, she appears to be rising from the horrid anatomy of the corpse beneath her. You notice a small enchanter's glyph and a crafting mark. A strange necrotic haze radiates from the warsword. A strong aura of holy light radiates from the warsword. There appears to be something written on it. In the Common language, it reads: Forlorn Maiden An Incorporeal Forlorn Maiden The young woman's figure is lithe and loosely garbed in a sheer gown as pale as fresh snowfall. A neck-strung key rests listlessly against her bust. In gentle disarray, her hair appears constantly windswept and wild in contrast to the expression on her face. Her features are steadfast, her lips pressed into a thin line, but her gaze is intense and tearful with almost palpable sorrow.
Current appearance of the sword and Maiden's spirit now altered by Myharl's Wrath:
A Glowing White Sacred Warsword The hilt and quillons of the warsword are fashioned into the likeness of a gnarled and twisted corpse with its arms outstretched in ghoulish repose. A series fine black alloy chains drape from the extended arms in trio, and arc down to wrap around the torso, providing a secure grip for the weapon. The brightly glowing white alloy blade has been etched with a beautiful flame-shrouded maiden, her lithe sinuous figure reaching up towards its tip. In relation, she appears to be rising from the horrid anatomy of the corpse beneath her. You notice a small enchanter's glyph and a crafting mark. A strange necrotic haze radiates from the warsword. A strong aura of holy light radiates from the warsword. There appears to be something written on it. In the Common language, it reads: By shadows dark from the Tower's past, 'Forlorn Maiden' awakens as 'Maiden's Wrath'. • Emerging from Myharl's glowing white sacred warsword, a fiery spectral maiden coalesces and launches straight toward his enemy, engulfing them in a searing sphere of fire! A Flame-Shrouded Maiden The maiden's slender and lithe figure is loosely shrouded by a spiraling helix of ethereal flames. In riotous disarray, her blazing hair appears constantly windswept and wild, accenting her sinuous movements as her delicate physique gracefully dances, weaving through the flaming helix that spins around her. • A flame-shrouded maiden unfurls the helix of flames around her to lash out at her enemy. • A helix of flames spiraling around her lithe figure, a flame-shrouded maiden dances while summoning a fiery maelstrom to surround her enemy.
Part VI: Endless Winter: Shadows & Talons (5122-Current Modern Era)
In progress...
Behind the Scenes
The player of the character Myharl first discovered GemStone III in June of 1996 during summer vacation from his sophomore year of high school. He played regularly for the next eight years and was active as the game world transitioned from GSIII into GSIV. He played only one character (name intentionally redacted) before going on hiatus in 2004. After a five year absence, he returned in 2009 and began his Elanthian experience anew with the creation of Myharl whom he has played exclusively since.
Myharl's date of birth (and even the hour of his birth) are exactly the same as the player's—relative to the Elanthian calendar. Perhaps a less than creative approach, but the idea was to keep the character somewhat relevant in perspective over the years. As the player has grown with time, that often gets reflected in aspects of Myharl's persona.
Year-End Progress Reports (2009-2022) This section includes the year-end data for Myharl's character progression as recorded on the night of December 31st for every year since the character's creation. This report will be udpated at the end of each new year. It's not particularly useful data, but it is a fun reflection of progress made over time.
| View Data |
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2009
Level: 18
Experience: 417,351
Fame: 488,529
Year Exp Gain: 417,351 (Avg. 32,103/week)
2010 Level: 43 Experience: 2,004,118 Fame: 5,451,787 Year Exp Gain: 1,586,767 (Avg. 30,514/week) 2011 Level: 55 Experience: 3,008,381 Fame: 8,599,195 Year Exp Gain: 1,004,263 (Avg. 19,312/week) 2012 Level: 67 Experience: 4,208,290 Fame: 12,167,333 Year Exp Gain: 1,204,909 (Avg. 23,171/week) 2013 Level: 92 Experience: 6,725,725 Fame: 28,836,022 Year Exp Gain: 2,517,435 (Avg. 48,412/week) 2014 Level: 100 Experience: 8,115,541 Fame: 33,109,012 Year Exp Gain: 1,389,816 (Avg. 26,727/week) (Note: Level Capped in June of this year!) 2015 Level: 100 Experience: 9,504,703 Fame: 37,933,717 Year Exp Gain: 1,389,162 (Avg. 26,714/week) 2016 Level: 100 Experience: 10,917,038 Fame: 43,780,801 Year Exp Gain: 1,412,335 (Avg. 27,160/week) 2017 Level: 100 Experience: 11,425,421 Fame: 45,669,521 Year Exp Gain: 508,383 (Avg. 9,776/week) 2018 Level: 100 Experience: 11,726,267 Fame: 46,928,478 Year Exp Gain: 300,846 (Avg. 5,785/week) (Note: It's interesting how little time I had for the game in 2017-2018 as I was in the process of simultaneously authoring two hardcovers for two different publishers on top of my regular game development workload.) 2019 Level: 100 Experience: 12,962,501 Fame: 57,854,824 Year Exp Gain: 1,236,234 (Avg. 23,773/week) 2020 Level: 100 (x2) Experience: 16,456,174 Ascension Exp: 963,436 Total Exp: 17,419,610 Fame: 105,614,116 Year Exp Gain: 3,456,109 (Avg. 66,463/week) (Note: Double-Capped this year!) 2021 Level: 100 (x2 + ASC) Experience: 18,390,059 Ascension Exp: 2,500,001 Total Exp: 20,890,060 Fame: 164,664,189 Year Exp Gain: 3,470,450 (Avg. 66,739/week) 2022 Level: 100 (x3 + ASC) Experience: 22,807,553 Ascension Exp: 3,096,835 Total Exp: 25,904,388 Fame: 263,049,164 Year Exp Gain: 5,014,328 (Avg. 96,429/week) (Note: Triple-Capped this year!) 2023 Level: 100 (x3 + x1 ASC) Experience: 24,145,207 Ascension Exp: 7,572,502 Total Exp: 31,717,709 Fame: 341,175,753 Year Exp Gain: 5,813,321 (Avg. 111,795/week) (Note: x1 Capped Ascension this Year!) |
OOC Contacts
I don't publicly share my contact info, and don't normally share it directly with others in GS. However, if you need to get a hold of me OOC and cannot contact me in game, I have created a stand-alone Discord account @Myharl that is only used for the Official GemStone IV Discord and for direct messages regarding GemStone IV. Feel free to DM me there or send a friend request if it's regarding the game and I'll follow up when I have time.
OOC Questions & Answers
These Q&A originated on the Official Gemstone IV Discord, in the #roleplaying channel. Conversations that I felt relevant enough to catalog are archived in this section. I've created this section in relation to the character because I think it will be interesting to see the gradual progression of Myharl as the character develops and his story continues since each answer is relative to the perspective present on the date in which it was prompted.
(12/07/2022) What are you looking for when it comes to roleplay in Gemstone?
| See Answer |
| Lots of different kinds of RP add to the experience as a whole. Sometimes it's just in-character banter in the envrions, sometimes long-running character-driven story arcs, sometime's it's self-driven building purpose and intent for a character, and then there's world-wide RP driven primarily by GM/NPC interaction. I think I'm a fan of all those styles, but what I'm "looking for" depends on a lot of factors like: my RL workload, my current mood, and what level of engagement I can dedicate currently to GS. There are times when I'm "in the groove" and then there are times I'm fairly detached beyond anything superficial. (Discord Link — 12/07/2022) |
(12/08/2022) What information do you put on your character's wiki page and what information, if any, do you deliberately avoid putting on there?
| See Answer |
| I'm a big fan of the character wiki pages. I literally just discovered these like 5 days ago; no clue how I overlooked them all this time (apparently since 2018). Already created Myharl's a few days ago, and getting it completed is like my big non-work-related project RSN. It's been fun seeing how different people have been utilizing the tool in different ways. Even if most of it becomes "information overload", it's handy to know that if someone wants to know more about the character (particularly folks he's known for years), there will be a place to go to with all the info organized. (Discord Link — 12/08/2022) |
(12/10/2022) Without getting into basic vs premium or prime vs plat -- do you feel like your roleplay support/opportunities are a good value compared to what you pay? Do you think roleplay offers a fairly equitable experience despite the increased monetization of Gemstone?
| See Answer |
| Honestly? No, I don't think it's a good value at all, but that's not why I pay for GS to begin with. The reason I continue to pay for GS is it to support its continued longevity. The sustained game world, shared experience as a whole, and the opportunity to advance my character's story over decades. It's a terrible nonsensical investment from a logical perspective, and I love it for that. That's not to say I don't very much appreciate the support/opportunities, and that they absolutely greatly enrich the experience—but that wasn't the question. Fundamentally, the way people enjoy GS is going to depend on the person. Its worth to me goes beyond its value. Those are two different things. (Discord Link #1 — 12/10/2022) (Discord Link #2 — 12/10/2022) |
(02/06/2023) We've discussed the tragic background story trope here a few times, so let's make that our next topic. Do your PCs adhere to or buck the trope? How so, and why did you make those choices? Did you start off with that story, or did it evolve over time?
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| Tragic backgrounds get a bad wrap. Tragedy is quintessential to the human experience and creates relatability. I certainly leaned into it for Myharl's backstory. When I created the character years ago, I started with the concept that I wanted to shatter the cringy stereotype of Highmen being analog for über-Scottish. I wanted the character to not only look and act different, but to establish a persona that would be foreign to Elanthian norms. This was back in the day when every-other kindred, "was'a nae all tha easy ta unner'stand, iff'n ya be know'n." I also wanted to adhere to established lore and create a plausible theme within the setting. I turned to archaic lore with elements that still exist beneath the layers (or are underpinning the framework) of "modern" Elanthia. I utilized the forgotten/lost Highman kingdom as a source: the modern site of the ruins in Stoneharrow Swale. Beyond the fact that it was destroyed in a prehistoric era by a great war against a dark magic from another realm, little-to-no lore expands upon that history. It seemed the perfect place to insert an unnamed nomadic tribe of giantkin; exiled deep to the Southron Wastes in antiquity, who are the descendants of some of those who survived that war. I figure perhaps this is also how the progenitors of the established Kindred clans may have originated as well. Other than, "Oh, he just got curious and decided to go adventuring!" as a premise for the character's endeavors, I felt it would take something tragic to uproot him from his home (his family dying and being exiled from his tribe—a sort of backshadowing of their own origins) and send him unprepared into the word at large. (Discord Link — 02/06/2023) |
(02/06/2023) What's your PC's/NPC's relationship status? Single, divorced, never married, throuple, it's complicated? None of my business? And as always, why?
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| Until very recently, Myharl's marriage to his wives played a huge role in continued character development. However, as happens sometimes, players transition away from the game for a myriad of reasons. Days between appearances become weeks, and eventually weeks become months. Having invested almost a decade and half of steady and in-depth RP into into an in-character relationship with his wives, I found recent growing distance over the long-term to be stifling to storytelling and not an enjoyable experience. When a year passed with less than a handful of awkward brief moments shared with the characters involved, I finally decided to move his story in a different direction. No bad vibes about it, and it was a wonderfully enjoyable to experience through Myharl's unfolding story. It saddened him, but after a long wait... he's no longer married. He has shifted his priority to the other major aspects of his character backstory... primarily hunting wyrms. An ironic twist of fate considering how carefully I had to tread around dragons "existing, but not existing" in the game when they have always played a huge role in his backstory. I was stupidly excited the first time I saw one actually land in the Hinterwilds. I knew I was about to move to Cold River! (Discord Link — 02/06/2023) |
(02/07/2023) Tell us about your PC's immediate family. Are they close with their mother, father, and siblings? How many of the latter do they have? Are they an eldest, middle or baby in the family? Where are they now, relative to your character?
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| Myharl's family is all dead as far as he knows. His parents, elder sister, and most of his extended family were killed in an attack on his tribe's camp when he was in his teens. His eldest sister was presumed dead after being lost as a child in a sandstorm before his birth — an ambiguous window left open in case I ever decide I want to do something with that part of the story in the future. (Discord Link — 02/07/2023) |
(02/09/2023) Has your PC ever been accused, arrested, and/or convicted of a crime? Through the justice system, in their background history, or during a story? What were the charges, and were they innocent or guilty? As always: why?
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| Mechanically, once via the justice system. Was unintentional, but was having an in-character conversation with a character whose name began with "Pend" and was about reply to a question they had so I went to TAP them on the shoulder. Like half a second before that, they stepped out of the room and I instead tapped my pendant, which was embedded with an AOE spell, and triggered the justice system. In-character, Myharl hasn't been arrested, but was detained by Khylon as a suspect in the disappearance of Rinhale Hurrst back in 5114. He wasn't guilty of the crime, but was honest and told the captain that he wished he were—which didn't help his case. I don't remember why he became a suspect, but I vaguely recall using WT SPIT LEFT EYE on Hurrst when he was interrogating Myharl. (Discord Link — 02/09/2023) |
(02/10/2023) What questions does your character avoid answering? Why? Are they forthcoming, trusting, trustworthy, or introverted? *OR UP TO SOMETHING?* As always, why?
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| Myharl doesn't necessarily avoid questions about himself or his past. His past experiences serve to drive his life goals, but he does very much knowingly play into the general perception of "big dumb warrior", and has found leaning into that earns him more allies than enemies. So, usually, any answer you get out of him is going to be intentionally shaded with a hint of that perception in mind. :: hoots like a big dumb warrior :: (Discord Link — 02/10/2023) |
(02/13/2023) Are there elements of your character's nature, temperament and history that you have made changes to since you started playing them? Why did you make the change, and how painful and/or fun was it to do so?
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For like the first three or four months after Myharl was created I did some fine tuning, but the general backstory has been consistent since creation. It was the first time I had returned to the game in many years; and I had a lot of new lore to catch-up on. I found/made a few items early on that helped me to solidify the concepts. For instance, he has this really ridiculously never-should-have-been-made altered sphere that I only recalled ever seeing once back in the mid-90's. By dumb luck I acquired it about a month after creating the character. So, it immediately became a pivotal part of his backstory. I've left the lore of whatever it actually is ambiguous, but in-character he's convinced it's the eye of the Great Drake and believes it has guided him through every chapter of his life. That being said, his character development is a constant, and I adjust his personality and motives accordingly. He's certainly not the same persona that existed a decade and a half past, but the core remains the same. (Discord Link — 02/13/2023) |
(02/14/2023) What is your character *passionate* about?
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| Now? Hunting wyrms! Before that was viable, it was researching drakes/dragons/wyrms to understand their role in history as well as discovering how they factored into his established backstory. It was the appearance of the shadow dragon that prompted him to make the Landing his home. And, while it's not a mechanically viable "city", with the appearance of the cold wyrms in the Hinterwilds, Cold River has become his new home (away from home). (Discord Link — 02/14/2023) |
(02/17/2023) How did you come up with your character's name? Does it have a source in other fiction or the real world? Or was it just a collection of syllables that worked for you? Was it part of a family tradition? Do they have any nicknames?
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| It's ironic, considering how often I hear the "hurl" joke, but the name literally is syllable-vomit. As a long-time "forever DM" in tabletop gaming, and working in a profession where I'm constantly having to come up with fantasy/sci-fi names, I rarely hesitate to just type one out and go with it. I knew I wanted something with either one or two syllables. I did apply in-character meaning for it though: "His name is an amalgamous play on multiple giantkin words which can be roughly understood as "gift of the feast" and was bestowed upon him in celebration of the massive white sandworm the tribe hunters, including his father, fell on the day before his birth." For the family name Gryphonwind, I wrote the following: "Family names are not a tradition practiced by his tribe, yet are often necessary for business matters in the Empire and its holdings and frontier outposts. Gryphonwind is the name of a long-ago friend who sacrificed her own life to save his. The name was adopted by Myharl as his surname to honor her memory. " (The later name being influenced by my childhood crush on the character Goldmoon from the Dragonlance series, and applying the Qué-Shu affinity for names consisting of compound nouns.) Myharl's knickname is "The Dark Tower" which I had made into a post name title he wears. Backstory: His moniker, "The Dark Tower" originated as a nickname from his years training at the Warrior Guild. The name began as a playful jest about his unusual height (10' 5"), but later—through trials and tribulations with his brethren—became a title of honor and respect. (Discord Link — 02/17/2023) |
(02/17/2023) Have we had a question about how many times your characters have been married?
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| Myharl had four wives, technically one marriage, all Faendryl sisters. Was married to them for 13 years, but recently divorced due to player infrequently getting in the game (No bad vibes there that I'm aware of; I think they have just quit playing GS now). It was weird having such a big part of Myharl's story essentially inactive for so long, so finally decided to change directions. Not sure he'll ever consider remarrying as he's pretty preoccupied with seeking out his destiny and hunting wyrms now. (Discord Link — 02/17/2023) |
(02/20/2023) Does your PC have any leaders that they look up to? Or hold as an example of what to be, or not to be? Are they from your PC's culture, nationality, guild, circle of friends, MHO, etc?
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| Myharl acquiesces that there are tiers of leadership in society and respects those to the extent that it maintains order. However, he would never pledge servitude to any empire, province, or order. If he follows someone, it's an active choice to do so. Training at the Warrior Guild did instill an understanding of the importance of positions of command, and he admires those who embody their charge (even those in direct opposition) but feels such titles lend no significance beyond their purpose. He's found that he holds as much respect for many common folk as he ever has for powerful leaders. Myharl bears fealty for only one: Lord Koar. He believes Koar, for unknown reasons, has directly guided and led him to various moments in his life. He is not clergy, or particularly religious—just a simple warrior and wanderer. He suspects there have been and perhaps are currently other wanders across the lands who Koar has influenced in similar ways. His interpretation of Koar as the Great Drake, the last left standing of those great beings, lends a very different perspective from those who consider him to be one of the Arkati. While Myharl has a healthy respect for the power of the Arkati and often feels aligned with the agendas of the pantheon of Liabo, to say that he worships any of them would be a vast overreach. However, Myharl readily bends a knee and is willing to serve the Great Drake. As far as embracing the concept of “gods” or “sovereign”, he finds no other being other than Koar worthy of such designation. If asked who he follows, his answer will always be “The Great Drake” both in a sense of religious devotion as well as in the practical. There are a few partial exceptions to this (Lumnis, Lorminstra, Phoen, Ronan, Voln, and Kor'thriss), but their higher significance is in relation to the Great Drake. This tilted perspective of lore is how I play 'reality' for Myharl. It's up to everyone else's interpretation as to whether or not he's delusional. (Discord Link — 02/20/2023) |
(02/23/2023) Tell me about something your character wants. It could be a title, a weapon, a skill, or a possession- even a goal- that's up to you. Tell me about what they want for their future and how they'll go about getting it!
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| Mechanically: Undead Bane for my blade. I might be able to pull it off one of these Duskruins, but not this one. Reach-for-the-stars dream would be a greater transmute for the blade to white alloy. Not even really mechanically relevant, just an RP facet and character theme thing I'd enjoy. Title: Wyrmslayer. Maybe one day! Until then, I'll keep working towards being deserving of such a title. (Discord Link — 02/23/2023) |
(02/24/2023) Another fun and oft-discussed topic: What pet peeves or biases does your PC have? Are they minor irritants like people chewing, or are they full-blown phobias about spiders? Was this a conscious decision you made about your character, or did it come up because of an "incident"?
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| Myharl regards zealots with disdain. Whether their agenda aligns with his or not, the general inability to consider alternate perspectives and lack of empathy he sees as a weakness and a willful character flaw. It has put him at odds with people he cares about at times. He clearly understands being devout, loyal, or steadfast, but zealotry he sees as being akin to a power-trip more in service to one's self than one's beliefs or promulgated ideals. (Discord Link — 02/24/2023) |
(02/25/2023) Do you have a song that makes you think of your character or the current state of your character?
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| With the chapter in his life that Myharl is transitioning into, my theme for him would definitely Helvegen by Wardruna and Aurora. He's slowly shifting from the "positive fun-loving" persona he's been for many years to a much darker and grimmer side. The change is metered, but there and growing. Wardruna and Aurora - Helvegen (Live) on YouTube (Discord Link — 02/25/2023) |
(03/04/2023) What kind of season or weather do your characters prefer? What do they not like? Is it a preference or was there a specific incident or event that caused it?
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| Myharl is drawn to the cold, despite his aversion to it. He despises it in a way, but it's also where he feels at home. He much prefers warmth (it reminds him of his youth), but his soul always pulls him away, yearning for the frigid winter. (Discord Link — 03/04/2023) |
(03/06/2023) If you found out today that your character is resigning/getting kicked out of their profession, what would they choose to do instead? Or, if you could multi-class, what would you like to add to your character's abilities? As always, why?
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| Probably rogue, but just because it's another square class. I enjoy being immersed in a world filled with magic—even a "high-magic" setting, but from the perspective of someone with limited influence over that. I always vibe better off of a character who feels the influence of magic around them, but has little-to-no ability to interact with magic directly. I fall into the same tendency when I'm a player in TTRPG as well; and find myself relating more to characters in books/movies that lean into that perspective. (Discord Link — 03/06/2023) |
(03/07/2023) How old is your character, both chronologically, and culturally/racially? Why did you choose the lifespan/birthday/age you did?
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| Myharl's date of birth (and even the hour of his birth) are exactly the same as mine—relative to the Elanthian calendar. It's perhaps a less than creative approach, but the idea was to keep the character somewhat relevant in perspective over the years. As the I have grown with time, that often gets reflected in aspects of Myharl's persona. (Discord Link — 03/07/2023) |
(03/08/2023) Explain to me your character's sense of style with examples.
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| Myharl's style has shifted as I've moved his character story along over the years. For instance, at one point he was this bright, golden-clad, champion of Koar. However, it's always been an intent to in some way have the "harshness" of the world begin to mitigate that light. When the Hinterwilds showed up, along with all of its currently known lore aspects that couldn't have better fit his story, I knew it was time. Since I find the place is so amazing I've leaned heavy into it. As part of that, Myharl's appearance has begun to shift with his 'darkening' as the ancient tainted magic of the place wears away at his soul. He's shifted from veil iron to black alloy, his palette has darkened, and almost all of his gear is now notably crafted from elements of the place and his experiences there. (Discord Link — 03/08/2023) |
(03/09/2023) Is there any possession, quality or ability that your character has *lost* that you still regret or miss? Was it a choice you made, or out of your control? Or, if you don't regret it, why not?
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| I think this question pretty much entirely sums up the current chapter in Myharl's story as it unfolds. Poor guy is in the middle of an existential crisis, is losing/has lost his faith, has discovered most everything he thought to true about his destiny/fate was a falsehood, and has realized that he's literally cursed to boot. He feels rather naive and mostly alone. (Discord Link — 03/09/2023) |
(03/10/2023) How do people RP the aging aspects of youth and maturity for elves in Gemstone, what are some of everyones thoughts.
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| Myharl, as a kindred, has had a lot of close Elven friends and loved ones; he was even married to elves. The way he's always viewed it is essentially how I think I would view that dynamic projected on a RL perspective. He understands that his part of their story is perceived as a passing moment in their lives. He cognitively grasps that they've likely had relative lifetimes of experiences before him (in many cases) and will live many lifetimes after he has passed from their story. He has a sense of gratitude for being a part of those stories, and focuses on the present. Since he's going to be such a relatively short part of their lives, he wants to make sure he leaves an impression so they always remember he cared about them and they mattered to him. (Discord Link — 03/10/2023) |
(03/15/2023) With so many new additions lately, where else would you like to be able to go? And why?
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| The deserts of the Southron Wastes (once accessible via the Wavedancer, so technically already partially exists... somewhere). It's where Myharl is from and where his backstory is rooted. It would be interesting to have him return to visit his birthplace at some point later in his story, and it would be neat to actually be able to do it in-game rather than just a narrative aspect. (Discord Link — 03/15/2023) |
(03/15/2023) Tell me about your character's pets!
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| A nival white arctic lemming with glowing azure eyes. Her name is Aurora. Myharl found her lost and wandering (Hinterwilds spoiler incoming) In the River of Color. He's not sure how she got there, but he thinks her strange glowing eyes are a result of her maybe eating the glowing motes from the nebula. (Discord Link — 03/15/2023) |
(03/21/2023) If someone was asked about one of your PCs, what do you think they would say to describe them? What would you hope for?
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| Myharl's core persona and my own are somewhat analogous; perhaps a bit more than I'd like, actually. The character is significantly different from me, but the roots dig into the same soil. I think how I'd wish for him to be perceived isn't unlike how I hope to be. Whether or not someone enjoys his company, I hope they perceive him as genuine. That being said, I tend to lean into the stories I've created (and continue creating) for him along with others, giving little regard, in-character, to how he's generally perceived. (Discord Link — 03/21/2023) |
(03/24/2023) Which society is your PC in and why did you choose it? If it was purely mechanical, what ways have you adapted it to fit your background?
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| Originally, eons ago, it was a mechanical decision. But eventually got worked into Myharl's story when he was once overrun by Nediem Verrieri when the blessing faded from his sword. The spirit of one of the sisters he had just released saw his peril and chose to refuse entry through the Ebon Gate, and in an act of penance/self-sacrifice "possessed" his blade, making it holy (explaining its permabless). Afterwards the two of them made a pact, she would assure his blade would never fail him again and he swore that he would release any other bound souls he came across (which led him to the Order of Voln). It became a whole thing and led to the creation of his primary weapon "Forlorn Maiden"; custom flares are designed to be the maiden attacking his foes, and I have a custom Spirit Beast of her that often manifests to hunt alongside him. (Discord Link — 03/21/2023) |
(03/25/2023) How involved is your character in his or her guild? Is it mostly mechanical or do you incorporate guild work/status into your RP somehow?
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| Myharl is a registered Master-at-Arms at the Wehnimer's Landing Warrior Guild, his name appears on the building's plaque outside. It's more difficult now days to be available to be active with training assistance with the time he spends beyond the Long Snow, but he still stops by whenever he's in town. If he hears a call for guild masters to be present to confirm a new master, he'll make a special trip for that. I tend to drop off stuff (like guild voucher packs) on or behind the fountain for general use whenever I have them. For a while years ago, when Myharl was younger, I used to RP that he had a crush on Klidel, and was always trying to get her to go on a date with him when she finished her tasks. His time training at the warrior guild (a part of his backstory) is where he got his moniker "The Dark Tower" (also a postname title he wears) -- it began as a jovial jab at his unsual height, but eventually became a nickname he respected and accepted though the years of difficult training and fighting along side fellow frontier folk while defending the city from invasions and other threats. I think of guild speak more along the lines "technical jargon" than an actual language. It just means he's drawing from a lexicon that would be familiar to other warriors in a given conversation. (Discord Link — 03/25/2023) |
(03/28/2023) Is there something unexpected your character came across that you never would have thought of for them yourself, but ended up being a PERFECT FIT? This could be an item, location, or event (or series of events).
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| Myharl (and through him, myself) have a few friends that this criteria pretty much sums up perfectly. As far as places go, it would be the Hinterwilds. Wasn't always expected, but his story went from one edge of Elanith to the other, and it's been incredibly fun to experience. (Discord Link — 03/28/2023) |
(04/04/2023) What idiosyncrasies or minute details about your character manifested as part of your presentation of their persona or appearance?
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| Myharl stands 10’ 5” (319.5cm) tall (described in-game as ‘an extraordinary height, even for a giant’), but the number wasn’t arbitrarily selected, instead it was intentionally calculated. The percent of increase between average human height (180cm) and the tallest recorded human (271cm) is 50.5%. Taking what was described at the time as a reasonable height of giantmen (213cm) and increasing it by 50.5% resulted in value for his height (319.5cm, or 10’ 5.7”, then rounded down). Or, another example is how Myharl has always wielded a bastard sword, not as a specific mechanical choice, but because my original character concept was that his weapons were actually massive twohanded swords that—relative to his size—he wielded in one hand. (Discord Link — 04/04/2023) |
(04/16/2023) Where is your character's ideal vacation spot? Why?
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| I think probably up around Pinefar. There's just something... quiet about it. The whole rustic seclusion feel of the place is calming in all the right ways for Myharl. Occasionally rent out a cabin near a local lodge in RL, and Pinefar always kind of reminded me of that place; especially in the winter. (Discord Link — 04/16/2023) |
(05/04/2023) What makes your character so angry they lose control of their better sense? So happy they forget a bit of their dignity? So tired they ignore their obligations?
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| Angry—Tyranny and exploitation, particularly against those unable to defend themselves. And, wyrms (rooted in his backstory), but he's driven to destroy them and does so in a fury of wrath. Happy—Very little; he has brief moments of happiness. Seeing the happiness of those he cares most about always warms his spirit and brightens his general demeanor. Tired—(insert a lot of backstory) the weight and wear upon his soul from his curse; the same that has driven him to the edge of the world beyond the Long Snow and called him to become a wyrmslayer. (Discord Link — 05/04/2023) |
(05/08/2023) This is a new project of Alosaka’s, asking as many people as he can what they believe the most important virtue is.
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| If he were asked, Myharl would reply, "Empathy. Whether friend, stranger, or foe, being able to better understand the perspectives and emotions of others is a measure by which every decision should be weighed." (Discord Link — 05/08/2023) |
(05/09/2023) Why does your character live where they currently live?
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| I'm not sure Myharl lives anywhere anymore. He's a citizen of Wehnimer's; has an old homestead there on the frontier he's been to maybe half a dozen times in the past decade, and his shop, Gryphonwind Ventures, is located there, though he hired a young bard to maintain it and recently partnered with friend who shares the building, so he only makes occasional stops there for business. He used to live in the private suite at the Raging Thrak Inn with his wives before they divorced awhile back, but never returned to the place afterward. Developing player-driven RP (character storyline) has him more frequently drawn beyond the Long Snow—his curse beckoning him to the frigid cold of the long night and feeding his growing wrath and rage (which translates into his becoming a wyrmslayer). So most of his time is spent in the Hinterwilds. He does consider Cold River a home of sorts, I suppose. Honestly, though, I think the closest place he has to a home is Luna Rest Tavern in Mist Harbor. He often retreats there to visit a table frequented by a great group of friends where he finds the warmth and sense of himself that the icy gale of the Angargreft (and the "darkening" of his soul) steal from him. I guess he's a wanderer or sorts now—or maybe he just feels like "home" is a moment spent with friends rather than a place. No clue where he'll end up going forward, but it's fun experiencing his story as it progresses. (Discord Link — 05/09/2023) |
(05/15/2023) What festival does your character wish were celebrated in their town? What would they like to see people spend a week relaxing, hustling, celebrating or fighting to honor?
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| Assuming Cold River is "Myharl's town"... a Rite of Redemption. They know why. (Discord Link — 05/15/2023) |
(05/21/2023) Does your character have any animal or non-people friends - be it a pet, a specific familiar, an animal companion, a recurring spirit servant, a favorite mount, or a preferred demon? What are they and what are their names? Why did did your character (or you) pick that type specifically? Is there a type that you really want but are missing?
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| Myharl discovered a stray nival arctic lemming trapped in the nebulous void of the River of Color. She had apparently been there quite some time, weak, unmoving, and unable to escape. She managed to subsist as long as she had by consuming the motes floating among the spilling brume of color. Eating the particles of essence caused her eyes to glow with swirling hues of azure; a feature that seems to be permanent. He rescued her, returning her to the Boreal Forest, but the little creature refused to leave his side. So, he instead named her Aurora as her lucent eyes reminded him of the shifting hues of the aurora in the Hinterwilds. She's quite the nuisance, but her presence has grown on him. (Discord Link — 05/21/2023) |
(06/27/2023) What do you enjoy about / what keeps bringing you back to the character(s) you play?
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| The same reason I'm one of those folks who only plays one character. Over the years I've come to care about the character and his story. As much as I'm a part of him as a player, his experiences become a part of who I am. They enrich my life and my perspectives in ways that are often unique and unexpected. It's like having a favorite character in a series of books, but walking by their side through the entire journey. Myharl is more than just some character I play in a game, he's a friend whose story I genuinely care about. Someone who taught me a lot about myself over the years. (Discord Link — 06/27/2023) |
(08/22/2023) What deadly sin best represents your character and why? (Lust, Glutton, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride)
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| Wrath. His wrath is a central theme to the character's backstory, persona, and current ongoing roleplaying. He's a cursed kindred berserker whose potential for unbridled wrath piqued the interest of a shadowy entity that has been manipulating him since youth to stoke the pyres of his rage while also driving him ever northward (now to the edge of the world) for some unknown dark purpose. (Discord Link — 08/22/2023) |
(09/14/2023) What would you consider the biggest difference between yourself and your character(s)? Feel free to answer for as many of your toons as you wish- and outside of the obvious, none of us (I think) are elves or dwarves or wizards. Are you lawful, and they're chaotic? Are you a follower and they're a leader?
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| Appearances aside, I think it's our experiences. Myharl, for all intents and purposes, is mostly just me if I were him with his life's experiences. I don't think I've ever made a choice for him in-character that would be outside of those parameters. It was a cognitive decision about the character when I created him, sort of the way he and I are exactly the same age down to the hour. I wanted the character to grow as I grew as a person. It still requires a substantial amount of RP as his life and mine have been very different, but his behavior and persona are very much who I believe I would be in his shoes. When I'm playing TTRPGs, I tend to lean heavy into varied RP (I'm all over the board with my characters), but the amount of time invested into characters in GS, for me who only plays one character at a time for... decades, the best bet to keep the character enjoyable is to keep them relevant to who I am in the now. (Discord Link — 09/14/2023) |
(10/12/2023) What does your character think about death - and final death? Are they surprised when they're able to be resurrected, or are they content in the knowledge that they know how to acquire a deed from Lorminstra? What do they believe will happen to them when they run out of deeds? How do they reconcile any of this with entering Naidem?
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| All journeys eventually come to an end. Until Myharl's story concludes, every moment is but a step traversing unknown paths. Each stride unique and unrepeatable—a moment cherished or despised—one in a finite collection memories that make him who he is. As long as the moment exists, he'll continue forward with each new experience becoming a landmark charting his course. For those in Naidem, their journey has not completed, it's simply a continuation, albeit a different road. He leans very heavily into the belief that every moment should be respected as one that will never happen ever again. (Discord Link — 10/12/2023) |
(11/13/2023) Out of all the areas described in Elanthia (or outside of Elanthia, for that matter), which would your characters and you be most excited about, if it were to suddenly become accessible, to live in, or at least visit?
| See Answer |
| While the Hinterwilds are my favorite locale in the game (very closely followed by Naidem), Atan Irith, would be first on my wishlist hands down. If/when it opens Myharl intends to go on a walkabout there. It's a culture with many traditions and aesthetics he's always been drawn to, but potential exposure was so severely limited in-game that I never explored it much with the character. I feel like actually experiencing it in-character is the best way to introduce those aspects organically. I kind of love the idea of taking a chapter of his story, as an established warrior and weaponsmith, towards meeting and maybe becoming an apprentice under an Erithian swordfather. (Discord Link — 11/13/2023) |
(11/21/2023) In a world where the wiki and old logs are at every player's fingertips, are there times where you intentionally make the decision that your character wouldn't know or remember something? How do you approach situations like this when they come up? Do you ever have difficulty reining in yourself when your interests or background doesn't actually align with your character's?
| See Answer |
| Myharl can read, and has access to a library, as well as a small personal library in his office. My assumption is most information that is on the wiki in a historical context would be written about in books in Elanthia. If I recall something I read on the wiki, I assume Myharl read about it in a book. Likewise, if I need to research something, Myharl can make a stop by the library to read up while I search the wiki. Of course, there are times that I legit forget about something or mis-remember an event; that just carries through to the character. (Discord Link — 11/21/2023) |
(11/23/2023) What is something (or a few somethings) your character is thankful for? (Feel free to be serious or silly.)
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| Might seem like a corny answer, but it's the honeset one. Myharl (and his player) are thankful for the friends he's made over the many years—all of them, but especially those he is or has been close to. They are his family. Many of those people no longer roam Elanthia for various reasons. Some followed different paths for a time then returned, others have been away for a long while, a few have been forever lost, but the impact each had upon him remains and is a part of his story. Those he is closest to tend to become central to his story in many ways, and though he tends to keep a very tight social circle of those he considers his closest comrades, there are many folks who he views as people who he would stand by if need arises. Despite his darker/darkening demeanor, if Myharl has ever randomly initiated friendly banter with a character, that's most likely someone he admires in some way or thinks of fondly for one reason or the other. He's always grateful for those who lend a bit of light to his existence. (Discord Link — 11/21/2023) |
(01/12/2024) Do your characters nap? How long do they sleep? DO THEY SLEEP?
| See Answer |
| Myharl grew up as a shepherd and nomad in the Southron Wastes, he adapted to being able to sleep anywhere when its convenient. Its one of the habits he maintained as an adult. So, he tends to take short rests wherever he may be whenever opportunity presents itself... at a table, under an outcropping, beneath a tree, etc. When he was married and had a home, the concept of a bed never suited him. More times than not he would wake in the middle of the night to wander around the dark alleys and back streets of Wehnimer's, usually ending up in his office at his desk by sunrise. (Discord Link — 01/12/2024) |
Requiem Request
While it’s certainly not a part of the plan, being involved as a part of an ongoing fantasy world that spans decades and includes multiple generations, it is inevitable that sometimes players pass away. Their characters too pass on, often leaving in their wake legends and legacies as well as heartbroken friends and loved ones. It is a morbid topic to be sure, thus my inclusion of this section at the very end of this character entry.
Over the years I’ve lost more than my fair share of old friends and great allies in the world of Elanthia. Some prepared the closure of their character’s story—others were taken unexpectedly. This section is to reflect on the potential that I, the player of Myharl, could one day meet my end before the grand stories of GemStone reach conclusion. I despise unfinished stories. And so, this section presents how I would want to envision Myharl’s stage-exit from an in-character perspective should the unfortunate unexpectedly happen.
If his story dramatically shifts, this section is maintained to express how I would desire closure to the character’s story in the present.
| Reveal: The Final Night |
| Gathered with good friends around the usual table at the Luna Rest Tavern in Mist Harbor, Myharl spent the evening enjoying being regaled with tales of adventure shared among the many seated. A delicious meal and plentiful drink was accompanied boisterous conversation filled with merriment and laughter. The gathering seemed not unlike any typical night. His demeanor was notably warmer than usual, yet he was distracted—present yet somehow absent. He sat quietly smiling, occasionally joining in laughter and jest, as he listened to story after story. He lent no tale of his own. His eyes lingered upon those loved ones so near to him, his gaze adverting when noticed. As the night grew long, and one-by-one his friends began to depart, Myharl waited to bid each farewell. He hugged every one of them with an exaggerated embrace that was attributed by most to the abundance of ale consumed (none noticed his tankard remained full). He was the last to leave, pausing briefly as he walked towards the exit to glance back fondly at the now empty table. Much later that same night, deep into the witching hour, a few townsfolk caught sight of Myharl in Cold River as they made their way towards the tavern. The night was particularly inclement, a blizzard casting a near blinding cover across the wintery landscape as the gale howled fiercely. The kindred was kneeling beneath the ancient pine in the village center, his garments violently whipping around his dark armaments. It was not unusual to see him stationed there with his eyes turned skyward, though something out of the ordinary this time caught attention of passers-by: In one hand Myharl grasped a strange sphere encompassing the blazing fiery shape of an eye. Then suddenly, over the rushing winds, bellowed an ear-splitting roar announcing a wyrm soaring overhead. The sound sent the villagers scrambling for their destinations, and their last sight of Myharl was as his towering figure arose and grimly made way towards the Boreal Forest. His distant figure was quickly obscured and faded into the cascading waves of snow and ice. His disappearance remains a mystery, but it can be assumed he was prepared and finally fulfilled the destiny he so often referred to. |