Opalina's Diary - Book 3

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Opalina's Diary - Book 3

Author: Opalina Jalcon

This is a personal accounting of Opalina's experiences during the year of 2024--these are her personal views, and actions from her perspective, logs are being recorded/and transcribed occasionally.

Back to: Opalina's Diary - Book 2

The Start of a New Year

10:46, 11 January 2024 (CST)

True to change, the town folk of Icemule made some very powerful decisions through a vote that will move Icemule into a new era.

Two votes were held. The first Naming a Nation! The second a decision on the use of an ancient magic that has long been banned in Icemule.

The outcomes, even though they were close, were absolutely clear on what the Majority were wanting.

Vote Tallies for New Name of the Nation of the North:

   Northwatch: 13
   Coldmarch: 5
   Frosthearth: 5
   Nilasgard: 9
   Wintersreach: 11

Vote Tallies on Blood Magic in Icemule Trace:

   No, the town of Icemule Trace should not repeal its ban on blood magic.  A successful vote for this option will keep all forms of blood magic illegal in Icemule Trace and will impose strict penalties, up to and including banishment or death, upon anyone deemed to be practicing blood magic.: 20
   Yes, the town of Icemule Trace should repeal its ban on blood magic.  A successful vote for this option will make the use of blood magic legal, but its use will still be regulated under the legal guidelines applied to all other magical acts within the region.: 27

Vote and Kai's Orb

Opalina sits in her cozy little townhouse in the southwest corner of town, the smell of cooking tarts wafting in through her window, the tip of her quill tapping against her chin as she thinks of her next diary entry and how she wants to convey her inner thoughts. She was rather disappointed with the outcome of both of the votes but has come to terms with it. She trusts the town, Perhaps this will help Icemule grow and prosper with larger views and more open minded acceptance. She's of course worried about the freedom of practicing Blood Magic will bring.. The evil behind such magic is ... unthinkable.. But .. maybe.. a balance can be found.

Opalina grabs a cricket and feeds it to her quill, watching the cricket's blood seep into it. Blood.. useful in some many ways.. She beings to write,

Falvicar told me there was a visitor in town looking for an artifact that is unknown if it exists or not. This visitor called it an Kai Orb. Said to hold great strength, or magic. The mayor confirmed such an object was rumored to exist in our Town and that Thurfel himself was once thought to be in search of it. Thurfel was always looking for more power and powerful artifacts. I wonder if he found it and put it away someplace. Sounds to me like something a lich would be highly interested in. This also brings me to the thought, Could the dark coven be looking for this item? But then again this, could just be another mule chase? Makes me wonder what we are missing.

Ohh side note, Our currency is changing to fit our new Northwatch nation, that's kinda neat.

Opalina takes a 1000 Icemule Note and glues it to the page under her last comment"

              ______________________________
             / \                            \
             |@/____________________________/
             |     _                       |
             |    |_                       |
             |    |_ lanith Bank Note      |
             |                             |
             |    ___                      |
             |    _|_cemule Edition        |
             |                             |
             | \  /                        |
             |  \/alued at:   1,000 silver |
             |                             |
             | |_|                         |
             | | |old in right hand to use |
             /@|                           |
             \_/___________________________/

Out with the old and In with the new..

The Return of Zerroth

10:26, 27 January 2024 (CST)

Diary Entry,

Sol Haven was beautiful this evening I was about to help locate lost art when a great explosion was witnessed, a volcano on Teras Island exploded sending lava high into the air, taking everyone by surprise!. I was very glad that I wasn't anywhere near it and continued searching for lost works of art. However, I was not skilled enough in the local shops to help much but I did managed to refill my box with more crickets. Lucky lizard.

The call to sail by Loralaii was issued and I made my way back to Icemule to sail. While out on the frostmain news was spreading fast in our mind networks that ghosts and clouds were being spotted first on Teras then Landing, Solhaven, Icemule, Ta'Vaalor, and many other places. The ghostly visits weren't very clear and I wasn't sure what to make of it from the ship, but one clear thought came through from Councillor Aliashyrah, "We are being summoned to town center for some important information on Zerroth. He's risen and coming to Icemule!" Luckily the ship I was on was docked when this thought came in, so I finished repairs on the ship and headed straight to Icemule Town Center, just in time to listen as Myharl was explaining what he witnessed.

The roiling mass came into the Hinterwilds from the Frostmain, created a maelstrom above the  Angargreft, and then spiraled down into Berserker's End upon the bier where the gigas avatar and high priest of V'tull, Zerroth, lay in living death with his wrist slit, his tainted blood seeping down the ziggurat. the bier is now void and Zerroth has awakened. V'tull sent droves of V'tullian gigas to bring death in his name. Word was sent to Icemule to warn them of the potential danger as the next stop beyond Cold River and the Long Snow, and several defenders amassed from across the lands to confront the V'tullians on the top of the Angargreft until their forces were exhausted, and Zerroth swore to "soon" eat our hearts on the battlefield. I don't know of any other sightings south of the Long Snow as of yet, so they maybe amassing forces in the Hinterwilds.--Myharl

I couldn't believe it. Zerroth walking again..Jastalyn started calling for the Regulators so I felt safe to go, I had to go witness for myself, if it was true, so Falvicar and I rushed north as fast as that wagon could take us and sure enough.. That frozen gigga was surely gone.

I shudder to think.. what is coming next.

The months dwindle by

Sitting next to Falvicar as Evii calls to Kai is a surreal experience. I mean here we all are waiting to hear answers from a god that may not be a Kai at all. All in the name of what progress? Healthy persuite of power? Maybe we are all just bored of hunting undead or starving for alcohol in Lithy's shop. I don't know but it's the same faces in the crowd all seeking recognition seeking validation of their own worth. Because that's what they really want to be worthy of a response from a god. Good or evil. Why am I here? I don't care about this orb. I know it will be found when the time is right. But I care about Evii and Falvicar, I want to be here to support them. I have nothing really to add.

The Icemule council is still in a rocky place. I am trying to ignore the "fake" feelings of unitedness, that I keep feeling from others. It's like they are putting on smiles that don't reflect their hearts. Even mine is covered as well in a mask of pain that haunts me regularly. My own mistakes my own faults always right there under the surface taunting me, bullying me. A constant reminder that I am the worst culprit of them all my own desires ruling my actions and decisions. Do I want recognition? no I'll humbly step back and let others take the lead. They know what's best right? My words are small and feeble in the loud roar of this sea.

When the time is right. I keep hearing that over and over. So patience will be my guide and I'll listen. watch. learn.

Koar knows my intentions. Kai knows my strength. The gods wait. So I must wait.

Tomorrow will come soon enough.

Coven's Desires made known

09:24, 3 June 2024 (CDT)

Introducing:

Nettle, the Scourge of Mularos.

She appears to be a Human.

She is of average height. She appears to be in the bloom of youth. She has sharp jewel-toned hazel eyes and dark olive skin. She has short, straight dark brown hair shaved to the scalp on one side. She has a hard face and a wide chin.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a golden neckchain dangling a niveous opal heart pierced by a dagger, a diaphanous snow white silk cloak clasped by a coiled emerald bramble, a suit of stark white leather with a briar of intricate stitchwork, a gold-buckled white leather belt, and a pair of pale leather boots.

---

The coven refuses to hand over Rammael and demands the deliverance of both the Orb of Kai and Nettle's escaped (slave?)-prisoner, Vectrus.

The search of the Orb continue, and the threat of war is heavy in the air like a thick snowy cloud waiting to explode in ice shards, making folks prickly and heated. This heavy weight upon Icemule sparks tensions and ignites small fires around every corner over the tiniest issue. Even the Kumys is tasting more sour than usual. Bad omen or just too hot, I'm not sure.

So far Talliver has stood his ground and has provided no promises to the Coven save, a promise that Northwatch would discuss the matter and make a unified decision on what happens with the Orb "IF" it's even found. Talliver also confirmed that he was unaware of the location of Vectrus, and even if Vectrus were found he would be safe in Icemule as Northwatch does not condone, nor support slavery of any kind. There was quite a bit of frustrated disappointment with the blatant refusal of Rammael to face his own crimes within Icemule, his scoffing and smug dismissal of our attempts was quite interesting since he was quite public in his ability to escape... being held for long.

That brings me to the thought, How can we detain and hold him. Do we have some way to create a prison that could hold such a powerfully magical person? That magic seems to have been lost over time since Icemule locked up the powerful wizard council of 10. Even then we didn't hold them indefinitely as they are not only freed but some not even fully destroyed after they emerged as liches. Would bringing Rammael to trial for his crimes against Icemulian humanity be worth the effort? It wouldn't bring back the lost lives.

There's also something else to consider. Where is Zerroth. And where is Ellerel Barrowfoot.

Mayor Talliver Abducted

The Twilight Stratagem (storyline)/2024-15-08 – Mayor Talliver Abducted (log)

The Mayor's Fate

Opalina lifts a small box out of her pocket and opens its lid, a creaking sound emits. The sound triggers a head bob from the lizard across from her on the table. Opalina lifts a cricket from the box and shuts the box. Leaning foreword she rests on an elbow and examines the cricket in her finger wiggling and attracting the lizard's, across from her, attention. The lizard's head, bobbing and twitching, while its eyes watches it's prey eager to taste the crunchy morsel. Even this small of an action makes her wonder if this is a similar feeling to how she feels.. hungry for more.. Hungry for even the tiniest morsel.. Maybe I am a lizard she shakes her head with a little chuckle.. I am not a lizard. and she lowers the cricket within the lizards reach. He quickly snatches the morsel from her hand and gobbles it down contently a rumbling lizards purr signalling his happiness and he begins to look for other entertainment.

Opalina drags her a paper closer to her and removes her quill to begin writing.

Diary Entry

08:46, 24 September 2024 (CDT)

Today as I write we finally might have a way forward. We've been at an impasse these many days. A stalemate as it were. We've had no leads to the whereabouts of Talliver. It's known he's in a tower and being hidden from our sights. We've managed to discover through Coven Spies that he is indeed being held within Sablecross. The access of which we once had within Icemule but, the magical doorway was closed by the demilich merely weeks before by our own demands! Now we once again seek the demilich to help us re-open the doorway so we can go rescue him. It begs to wonder, Could this be a ploy to regain entrance into Icemule? Could Talliver be working with the coven and wanting this doorway within our city? Why didn't I mention this at the meeting? I have no proof .. It may just be my own imagination... I do hope I am not blinded by faith on this one. I do find it interesting however, that the Mayor was taken After the doorway was closed and not before. Then again my timing may be off. I forget if we found the orb after we closed to way or before we closed the way.

Opalina sets her quill down and sits back in her chair, her eye's watching the mischievous lizard as it pokes at a piece of lint floating across the table, outloud she says, "No way there's no way..could it?" She grabs her lizard and leaves her writing and rushes out of the room...

The Mayor's Fate: A Battle 'Twixt Life and Shadow

The Mayor lies in shadows, bound and torn,

By hands that twist his flesh and crush his will.

The coven's ransom—a cruel price they've sworn—

The Orb of Kai, untouched, lies hidden still.

His body bends, his mind on madness' brink,

Yet hope persists within the hearts of men.

The townsfolk gather, desperate, on the brink,

To find a path where mercy reigns again.

A demilich is summoned, pale and grim,

To speak of powers ancient, dark, and vast.

The blood of life invoked—a sacred hymn,

Once damned, now used to break this deadly cast.

The morning breaks, the bells toll out in fire—

A victory march, or funeral’s pyre?

The Rescue of Mayor Talliver

The Twilight Stratagem (storyline)/2024-09-25 - Mayor Talliver Rescued (log)

13:19, 17 October 2024 (CDT) With Talliver falling ill and finding out half his soul is lost in the Realm of Niadiam some of Icemule City folk go searching..

The Twilight Stratagem (storyline)/2024-10-16 – Spit Shake Bargain (log)

The Twilight Stratagem (storyline)/2024-11-02 – Talliver Revival (log)

Songs Created for Talliver's Soul

Talliver Return to Us

You grab an iridescent ammonite ocarina from inside your elesine sack.

"Talliver, Talliver, lost to the night,

Hidden in shadows, veiled from the light.

Your name echoes softly, a whisper of grace,

Come back from the mist, come take your place."

You bring an iridescent ammonite ocarina to your lips, letting a slow, gentle breath flow through the instrument as a soft, soothing melody begins to emerge.

"Return from the silence, break through the wall,

We ve bound you in memory

we answer your call.

The path is before you, aglow with our song,

Talliver, Talliver, where you belong."

Your breath carries the ocarina's tune with delicate care, a soothing, quiet song that seems to weave a sense of peace around you.

"The stars hold your story, the breeze speaks your name,

A life left in waiting, a soul s gentle flame.

From the deep wells of sorrow, from the edge of despair,

Reach out from the shadows, we know you are there."

The melody swells with purpose, each note rising higher as if reaching for something beyond, filling you with inspiration.

"Return from the silence, break through the wall,

We ve bound you in memory

we answer your call.

The path is before you, aglow with our song,

Talliver, Talliver, where you belong."

Your fingers dance across your ammonite ocarina, crafting a melody that grows with hope and intensity, rising like the first light of dawn.

"Snow may lie heavy, and the night may be cold,

But courage lives stronger in hearts that are bold.

Your people await you, your promise is clear,

Talliver, come home no longer a shade here."

The tune of your ammonite ocarina carries with it the thrill of adventure, each note filled with a triumphant energy that propels the melody forward.

"So break from the silence, step into the light,

We've bound you in memory, and we hold you tight.

The shadows are fading

the dawn leads you on,

Talliver, Talliver, where you belong."

Your ammonite ocarina hums with soft, mellow notes, each one lingering in the air like a whisper, soothing and warm.

Remember the Locket

"There s a locket of silver, tarnished with time,

Once close to your heart, it carried a rhyme.

A promise was whispered, gentle and clear,

Talliver, Talliver, do you feel it near?"

Your ammonite ocarina emits vibrant notes that seem to lift the very air around you, carrying with them a sense of courage and boundless energy.

"Remember the locket, worn close to your chest,

Bound to a memory, guiding your quest.

The silver still shines, though covered in gray,

Talliver, Talliver, don t drift away."

Your fingers dance across your ammonite ocarina, crafting a melody that grows with hope and intensity, rising like the first light of dawn.

"In days now forgotten, it gleamed like the dawn,

Held safe in your keeping, when hope felt withdrawn.

Its chain might be broken, the clasp may be bent,

But inside holds the warmth of all you ve meant."

Your breath carries the ocarina's tune with delicate care, a soothing, quiet song that seems to weave a sense of peace around you.

"Remember the locket, worn close to your chest,

Bound to a memory, guiding your quest.

The silver still shines, though covered in gray,

Talliver, Talliver, don t drift away."

A soft, slow tune hums from an iridescent ammonite ocarina, each note stretching out as though trying to lull everything into a peaceful slumber.

“Feel the weight of it resting, gentle and true,

Bridging your past with all you once knew.

A heart s vow was hidden within that small frame,

Talliver, can you recall her name?"

The intensity of the music grows with each breath, starting fast and sharp before transitioning into a slower, heavy tune that seems to pulse with the very beat of your heart.

"Come back to the silver, let memories unfold,

Bound in that locket, the stories it holds.

The shadows may linger, the darkness may stray,

But Talliver, Talliver, find your way."

Your ammonite ocarina emits vibrant notes that seem to lift the very air around you, carrying with them a sense of courage and boundless energy.

The tune of your ammonite ocarina carries with it the thrill of adventure, each note filled with a triumphant energy that propels the melody forward.

The final note rings out, clear and true, hanging in the air for a moment before slowly fading away, leaving behind a sense of triumph and possibility.