TownCrier Interview Sessions with Dirvy

Dirvy Race Sylvankind Culture Lassaran D'ahranal Class Empath Profession Healer Affiliation(s) House Sovyn

By Oubar, TownCrier Correspondent
23 Imaeratos 5117 // September 23, 2017 - in the thinking tree of Executrix Dirvy

---

Introduction

Dirvy is a pervasive presence, as she seems to be everywhere at once. This is largely due to her willingness to travel far abroad to help those who might need it. A tireless worker, she has been a welcome presence to many a fallen adventurer. She champions for those who need help, and is generous almost to a fault with her time and attentions. Dirvy made time recently to sit down with the Crier's own Oubar for an in-depth interview, and true to her nature, she provided breakfast.

"...There is nothing more rewarding than restoring a patient back to perfect health, or aiding the fallen so that their life can be restored." ~ Executrix Dirvy Aerilithren

---

The In-Character Interview

You see Executrix Dirvy Aerilithren the Master Physician.
She appears to be a Sylvankind of the Lassaran D'ahranal.
She is of a slight height and has an hourglass figure.  She appears to be young and sprightly.  She has sparkling acantha green eyes and flawless snowy white skin.  She has ankle-length, white blonde hair caught up in a complex weave by the thorns at the back of a briar rose vine headpiece featuring gilded autumn-hued leaves.  She has a cherub-like face, a pert, daintily upturned nose and petal pink, bow-shaped lips.  She is wearing an icy blue battle standard bearing the burrows of Icemule Trace that juts over her shoulder.
She has a pitch-black crow tattoo perched upon a twisted branch on her ankle, a tiny pair of silvery clasped hands set along the slender tips of her pointed ears, a tattooed symbol of Imaera on her ankle, a series of tattooed tally marks on her neck, a blushing fairy tattoo on her finger, a tiny faenor sovyn clove in her left nostril, a silvery clasped-hands tattoo on her wrist, a vividly inked chipmunk tattoo riding in a dwarven mining cart on her wrist, and an inked bushy-tailed chipmunk on her ankle.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a white wicker picnic basket in her right hand.
She is wearing a moon-filled faenor pendant, a glowing pentagram suspended from a linked onyx neckchain, a copper-edged emerald Imaera symbol, a curling ivy choker, a glimmering silver bracelet crowned with a prismatic emerald damselfly saewehna, a blood-stained linen empath's cloak secured with an intricately carved onyx clasp, a small crystal Sovyn pin, a pale white butterfly pin with gossamer wings, a tiny golden firefly charm, a split-buckled bloodstained baldric with a twisted runestaff and a faewood staff secured to it slung over her shoulder, a plunging backless white lace sark with blood red-dipped bell sleeves over a russet leather bodysuit secured with multiple straps, a rune-worked silver engagement ring set with a trio of scarlet despanals, a silver clasped hands ring, a leaf-embossed suede belt, a hip-satchel embroidered with a sylph healing a wounded faendryl, a braided silver keyring, a blood red silk skirt embroidered with tiny black sylvan runes, a twining rose vine anklet, and some blood red silk knee-high stockings with ebon seams under some blood red crystal spike-heeled shoes inset with laje ladybugs.  Several pale spirits converge upon a nearby spot, their bodies displaying the signs of past ravages.  Soldiers in dented armor, men and woman in tattered clothing, and even a pale child in a nightgown, all converge upon a single space.  Their bodies exude a chill mist that condenses into a pale column, which suddenly parts to Dirvy.  As quickly as they came, the spirits scatter to the winds.

Dirvy covers her faenor pendant with her palm, and an incandescent green haze surrounding her form fades.

A quirky spring spirit floats in, following Dirvy.

You beam happily at Dirvy!

You bow to Dirvy.

Dirvy waves to you.

Speaking to Dirvy, you exclaim, "Good morning!"

Speaking brightly to you, Dirvy asks, "Good morning.  How does it find you?"

You adopt an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Fairly well so far, though a bit busier than usual.  Still, better that than boredom."

Dirvy starts chuckling at you!

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I am rarely ever bored, and always busy, so I can agree with that."

You grin at Dirvy.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "An enviable position to be in.  Is this still a convenient time for you?"

Dirvy nods to you.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "In that case, I'll follow your lead and let you choose whatever venue works best for you."

You bow to Dirvy.

Dirvy gently takes hold of your hand.

A pumpkin orange tabby kitten suddenly streaks into the room, pitching headfirst into the ground.

A bushy-tailed chipmunk scurries into the room.

Dirvy softly says, "It is a place not a lot of people know about or remember."

Dirvy softly says, "Which makes it perfect for me."

You nod understandingly.

Dirvy softly says, "When I want to get things done."

Dirvy chuckles.

[Editor's note: Traveling to Dirvy's thinking tree]

Dirvy softly says, "And here we are."

You grin from ear to ear.

Dirvy chuckles.

You say, "I never even knew this place existed."

Dirvy softly says, "Not many do."

Dirvy carefully places a white wicker picnic basket on the ground.

You nod approvingly.

Dirvy softly says, "And I brought breakfast."

You beam happily at Dirvy!

You sit down.

A pumpkin orange tabby kitten saunters past, brushing against you only long enough to deposit a few stray kitten hairs onto your person before continuing on.

You pet the orange tabby kitten.
The orange tabby kitten nips at your fingers playfully.

You glance at a pumpkin orange tabby kitten and grin.

The fluffy kitten is a bright pumpkin orange-hued tabby with rich sienna striping.  Her long, fluffy tail is striped from base to tip, resembling that of a lemur.  Her sharply pointed ears are tufted and her paws appear larger than normal.  The kitten's emerald green eyes are vigilant, as if looking for trouble.  A silver collar etched with the runes of a summoning circle adorns her neck, bearing a tiny silver acantha leaf-shaped tag that reads, "Punkin".

In the wicker picnic basket you see some fluffy scrambled eggs, a pair of fried round eggs, a slab of smoked ham, a trio of thin bacon slices, a trio of venison sausage links, several orange wedges, a stack of blueberry pancakes, a stack of buttery griddle cakes, a glass of orange juice, a glass of cranberry juice, a small bottle of milk, a buttered herb biscuit, a large mug of dark roasted coffee and some hazelnut cinnamon coffee.

Dirvy softly says, "Help yourself to anything in the basket."

At the thought of food, your stomach growls.

Speaking to Dirvy, you exclaim, "I... don't mind if I do, actually.  Thank you!"

You blink.

You reach over to your forehead and guide the glossy black spider to your awaiting hand.

You absent-mindedly drop a small glossy black spider into your grey wolf fur satchel.

Dirvy giggles.

You mumble something under your breath.

Dirvy softly asks, "All of Imaera's children have a place, yes?"

You nod at Dirvy.

Dirvy softly says, "Sometimes, your forehead is that place."

Dirvy chortles softly at some secret joke.

Speaking dryly to Dirvy, you say, "Apparently."

A pumpkin orange tabby kitten turns away from a bushy-tailed chipmunk, ignoring it with the finality that only felines can muster.

Dirvy removes a small bottle of milk from in a white wicker picnic basket.

Dirvy attempts to feed a small bottle of milk to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten.
With supreme indifference, the orange tabby kitten calmly licks its paw.

Dirvy attempts to feed a small bottle of milk to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten.
The orange tabby kitten settles its head in against her wrist and it purrs contentedly.

Speaking softly to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten, Dirvy says, "Alright, then."

Dirvy shows a small bottle of milk to a bushy-tailed chipmunk, setting it on the ground as the rodent sneaks forward to sniff at the proffered beverage suspiciously.  Apparently satisfied the chipmunk drags the milk off a ways and begins lapping at it, watching the surroundings warily.

You grin at Dirvy.

The bushy-tailed chipmunk laps at a small bottle of milk, its eyes darting back and forth, scanning for potential threats.

Dirvy softly says, "She must have already gotten her breakfast this morning."

Finished with a small bottle of milk, the bushy-tailed chipmunk makes a cursory pass of its paws over its whiskers, nosing at the ground for spilled drops.

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "So, if you don't mind eating while we talk, we can get started?"

You smile at Dirvy.

Dirvy softly says, "As you wish."

You say, "As we discussed, if there's anything you'd prefer not to answer, please just let me know and we can move past it."

Dirvy nods understandingly to you.

Dirvy removes some hazelnut cinnamon coffee from in a white wicker picnic basket.

Dirvy blows on her cinnamon coffee.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "I generally start out with questions that are fairly common knowledge, so forgive me if I ask something that is pretty obvious.  It's setting the scene, or so my editor tells me."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "To that end, what is your profession?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I am an empath."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What would you say is the best thing about being an Empath?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy ponders, "The best thing about being a healer, for me, is the chance to help others.  It is what I like to do with my time.  And there is nothing more rewarding than restoring a patient back to perfect health, or aiding the fallen so that their life can be restored."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What about the worst part?  The thing that might make others shy away from the profession?"

Dirvy ponders.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy asks, "Things were different for me, when I first set out to practice my skills.  But, sometimes, healing seems very... competitive?"

You nod slowly.

With a happy trilling mrrrrow, a pumpkin orange tabby kitten clambers inside of a white wicker picnic basket.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "I've definitely noticed that trend myself."

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy explains, "There are a lot of healers trying to learn, so they sometimes step over each other, and forget that there are others who are trying to learn just as they are."

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "It can be frustrating, and I hear their complaints.  And while I can only offer advice on how to make things a little smoother, it does not always go that way.  And feelings can be hurt, which is unfortunate.  Healers are an important part of any town.  And we never want to make any feel that they are unwelcome or having to fight to practice their healing arts."

A pumpkin orange tabby kitten slowly begins to crawl out from inside a white wicker picnic basket when it suddenly misgauges where its paws are!  With a small WHUMP, the orange tabby kitten lands in an ungangly heap of flailing legs and tail before righting itself with a plaintive mew.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Well said, and I completely agree, for what it's worth."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What can you tell us about your early life, before becoming an adventurer?  What got you started on the path?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "My parents are scholars.  So, naturally, they expected me to follow in their path.  But, growing up and hearing the early stories about why we no longer live in Yuriqen, and all the pain and suffering that was caused during that time... well, that and being surrounded by the beauty that Imaera and Kuon created, I felt drawn to another path.  So, with my parents' reluctant blessing, I studied the healing arts.  And once my studies were completed, I was sent to Icemule to practice them."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I lived a good portion of my childhood in libraries.  It was not a place I wanted to spend the rest of my life."

Dirvy chuckles.

You chuckle at Dirvy.

You ask, "What town do you currently call home?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "Well, I am very much your typical Lassaran."

Dirvy chuckles.

You try hard not to grin.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "So, I travel a lot.  But, Icemule will always be home for me."

You ask, "Where do you typically hunt these days?"

Dirvy softly says, "Mostly in Nelemar on the island of Teras... when I hunt, which is not often.  I never did enjoy the act of taking lives.  But, I understand it is necessary, in order to prevent the creatures from overtaking the towns."

You nod understandingly.

You ask, "And what's your preferred method of hunting?"

Dirvy softly says, "I use warding spells, have only ever used warding spells, and will likely never change this.  I find it easier than trying to study alternate methods, and what has worked for me all this time, will work for me forever."

Dirvy chuckles.

You ask, "To circle back just a touch... you mentioned that your parents are both scholars.  Would you say that growing up with that influence has had any direct impact on your day to day life?"

Dirvy softly says, "Well, as I mentioned, I spent a lot of my childhood in libraries.  I appreciated the access to books and tomes and scrolls my parents gave me as a child, so I definitely have their thirst for knowledge."

Dirvy softly says, "I am always trying to learn new things.  I know there are so many things I still have yet to learn, and every day I try to learn something new."

You nod approvingly.

You try hard not to grin.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "Are you married?"
Dirvy smiles quietly to herself.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "Not yet, but soon.  Zailon Britbane and I are hoping to be married under the stars of Imaera during Eoantos."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "My congratulations to you both!  How did the two of you meet?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "We actually met in Icemule, well over a year ago.  I had just arrived to the town, a very, very young healer who had no idea what she was doing.  I was sent there, because there was a real need for a full-time healer, and I found more than my share of work.  At first, the townspeople were reluctant to trust me.  Why would they, when they had gone without a proper healer for awhile?  But, Zailon was one of the ones who warmed up to me almost immediately, and helped me learn the town.  Made me giggle when I felt overwhelmed.  We would talk long into the night about all sorts of things.  He was my best friend for the longest time."

Dirvy furrows her brow.

You smile quietly to yourself.

Dirvy softly says, "But then, I actually did get married back then, and he was engaged to someone else.  And we grew apart over his engagement.  Partly because I did not trust the woman he planned to marry, and partly because of..."

Dirvy blushes sheepishly to herself.

Dirvy softly admits, "Well, I was jealous.  Despite being already married myself!"

Dirvy giggles to herself.

Dirvy softly says, "We reconnected sometime after the end of my marriage and the end of his engagement.  But, things did not seem to... fall into place, until we found ourselves on Teras.  We went hunting and spent time just talking and wandering around town.  And somehow, we both realized what we already knew.  That there was definitely something between us, and had always been.  So, he seized the opportunity, and a little while later, asked me to be his wife.  And, here we are.  Planning our wedding a few months later."

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "They say that those who are meant to be will find each other no matter the obstacles in their way."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What would you say are the best three things about him?"

You grin.

Dirvy ponders.

Dirvy softly says, "Gracious, I could get into trouble with this question."

Dirvy chuckles.

Speaking carefully to Dirvy, you say, "That may or may not be why it's in there."

You try hard not to grin.

Dirvy softly says, "His sense of humor.  I love that he can make me laugh, despite whatever mood I may be in."

You nod understandingly.

Dirvy softly says, "His silliness.  I get to see a side that nobody else gets to see.  Most would see a dangerous sorcerer, sometimes brooding, sometimes angry.  But I see his silly side, like his love for his kitten, Rumbles.  And how he plays with her.  Or how he always comes up with silly names for me or the things we are doing."

You grin at Dirvy.

Dirvy softly says, "Which brings me to the third thing that I find best about him.  He never fails to feed me."

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy softly says, "He always brings me breakfast, because he says "Breakfast Dirvy is the best part of the day".  And he is frequently searching out sweets and exotic wines and foods, just so we can try them."

Dirvy chuckles to herself.

You say, "That's very sweet."

Dirvy softly says, "He is incredibly sweet, despite what he wants everyone else to see."

You grin at Dirvy.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "Are you a member of one of the Great Houses?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I am.  I am the Executrix of House Sovyn.  Which is just a fancy title for Co-Chairperson."

Dirvy chuckles.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What would you say drew you to House Sovyn initially?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I love that House Sovyn is so selective with whom they allow membership.  I love that we are a healing house, and we devote our time and effort doing just that... healing our community and helping others."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "You mentioned that the House is selective.  What would you say your criteria is?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "House Sovyn only allows members of the empath, cleric, and paladin professions to become members, as well as their spouses, despite their spouses' professions."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What about Meeting Hall Organizations?  Are you a member of any of those?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I am a member, as well as the Elder Sentinel Advisor of The Order of the Sphere and Scythe.  It is an organization that strives to preserve the past, protect the present, and predict the future.  We are a group of people, some are clairvoyant, others protect those who are, and all of us work to preserve the history of Elanthia."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What would you say is your most prized possession?"

Dirvy smiles quietly to herself.

Dirvy softly exclaims, "My kitty!"

Dirvy glances at a pumpkin orange tabby kitten as if it really needs a hug.

You grin at Dirvy.

Dirvy carefully places some hazelnut cinnamon coffee on the ground.

Dirvy carefully lifts the kitten by the scruff of its neck and then tucks it gently into the crook of her arm.

Dirvy wraps her arms around her orange tabby kitten affectionately, squeezing it enthusiastically.
Dirvy's orange tabby kitten hooks a claw in her clothing and she has to help it get loose.

Dirvy giggles.

Dirvy gives her orange tabby kitten an affectionate smooch and places it carefully on the ground.  It gazes about with wide curious eyes.

A pumpkin orange tabby kitten eyes you with flattened ears and puffs up into a ball of affronted fluff.

You chuckle to yourself.

Dirvy softly says, "I love Punkin more than all the things I own."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "Assuming it's different, what would you say is your most valuable possession?"

Dirvy picks up some hazelnut cinnamon coffee.

Dirvy takes a drink from her cinnamon coffee.

Dirvy ponders.

Dirvy softly says, "Well, I do not own a lot of valuable things.  While my kitten is certainly one of those things, I guess my other most valuable item would be my nervestaff."

You nod understandingly.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "What would you say is your most memorable moment from your time as an adventurer?  A singular event or instant that's etched in your mind..."

Dirvy chuckles to herself.

Dirvy softly says, "This would have to be one that is also etched in the minds of several, if not many, others."

Dirvy gives a sidelong glance at a bushy-tailed chipmunk.

You try hard not to grin.

You nod encouragingly.

Dirvy softly says, "When I was a very young healer in Icemule, a lovely woman had fallen in the snow of Pinefar and needed help.  I tried to help her, but failed miserably, and died on the way.  After we were both rescued and restored to life, she gifted me with my chipmunk, to show her appreciation for me trying to help her.  At the time, she told me he was a lot of trouble, which I thought was odd.  He was such a tiny little thing."

Dirvy chuckles.

The bushy-tailed chipmunk forages around, finding a long slimy grub which it pounces on and devours with rodent glee.

Dirvy softly says, "However, I named him Rashwe, which is Elven for "Trouble", since that seemed to be what he was known for.  Little did I know that he would live up to that name."

Dirvy chuckles.

You nod understandingly.

Dirvy softly says, "While getting him as a gift was memorable, the most memorable moment of my life would be the night I went to help a rogue who had injured himself and was unable to climb on his way to Zul Logoth."

Dirvy softly says, "I went to take the gentleman herbs, it was very late into the night and no others were available, and it is not uncommon for me to make long journeys to help others."

Dirvy softly says, "We travelled to Zul Logoth together, and visited an Inn for a couple drinks and some conversation while we were there.  After awhile, we went to the area where the mining carts are, and said our goodbyes, preparing to leave for the night."

Dirvy chuckles to herself.

You try hard not to grin.

Dirvy softly says, "However, the mining cart heading towards the Landing seemed to be out of order."

Dirvy softly says, "There was a lot of confusion after that, as many were trying to get from the Landing to Zul Logoth, others were trying to travel, as we were, to the Landing.  But, we all seemed to be stranded for the night, unless we had other methods of travel.  We did, of course, and we made it to the Landing via the Chronomages, and said our goodbyes."

Dirvy softly says, "I believe it was the next day, perhaps the day after, that I was in River's Rest, hunting with a friend of mine, when a messenger came to me.  The messenger asked if I had taken the mining cart in Zul Logoth."

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy softly says, "I was quite confused by this question, considering there is no need to take the mining cart from the Landing to River's Rest."

Dirvy softly says, "I told them so, and the messenger went on their way."

Dirvy giggles.

Dirvy softly says, "A short time later, the messenger returned and said, "No, you TOOK the mining cart."."

Dirvy furrows her brow.

Dirvy softly says, "Again, confused, I asked them to explain.  Apparently..."

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy softly says, "Rashwe had somehow absconded with the mining cart the night we were in Zul Logoth, and had stowed it in his nest.  Now, while this sounds completely fantastic, what is worse is, his nest was in my cloak.  So, I apparently had been carrying around a mining cart without my knowledge."

Dirvy chuckles.

You laugh with delight!

Dirvy softly says, "Nobody can figure out how he managed to steal a mining cart and hide it away in his nest in my cloak, considering his small stature."

Speaking wryly to Dirvy, you exclaim, "Trouble, indeed!"

Dirvy softly exclaims, "Unfortunately, I was not allowed to keep the mining cart, though I tried!"

Dirvy nods enthusiastically to you!

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy shows you a vividly inked chipmunk tattoo riding in a dwarven mining cart.
Scrolling letters are inked beneath the mining cart that read "Lumnea 26, 5116"

Dirvy giggles to herself.

Dirvy shows you an inked bushy-tailed chipmunk.
The bushy-tailed chipmunk is inked in a deep sienna with vivid black lines.  He is covered in spots resembling grease, and is peeking through the bars of a jail cell. Above the cell door is a plaque that reads, "Zul Logoth's Most Wanted".

You laugh out loud!

Dirvy softly asks, "So, when I am long gone, and people ask others what is the one thing that defines me?"

Dirvy points at a bushy-tailed chipmunk.

Dirvy chuckles.

You chuckle to yourself.

Dirvy softly says, "It is a night I will never forget."

Dirvy chuckles.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What would you say is your most embarrassing moment?"

You grin wryly.

Dirvy giggles.

Dirvy softly exclaims, "Besides that?!"

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Dirvy ponders.

You ask, "I suppose we could count that, actually.  Unless you have another you'd like to share?"

You chuckle.

Dirvy softly says, "Hmm.  I honestly cannot think of any embarassing moments.  I am usually very careful how I conduct myself in public.  Though I have lived around others for a year and a half, I am still learning how to act around them.  I spent all of my life in forests and libraries, so once I moved to Icemule, I was thrown into a world I had not previously known.  I am sure I have done embarassing things, I just cannot recall any... which is probably a blessing."

Dirvy chuckles.

The tips of some whiskers and a bit of nose belonging to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten appear from inside a white wicker picnic basket.  The kitten blinks owlishly for a second and then ducks back out of sight.

Dirvy glances at a white wicker picnic basket.

Speaking softly to a white wicker picnic basket, Dirvy says, "I did offer you breakfast."

You agree with Dirvy.

Speaking to Dirvy, you exclaim, "You did, I witnessed it!"

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "Would you be willing to give us a rough idea of your current bank balance?"

Dirvy starts chuckling at you!

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "Oh, my bank account is in a very sorry state, indeed.  Which, is actually typical.  I never have much money."

Dirvy softly says, "I believe... I have about 2 million silvers in my account right now."

You nod understandingly.

Dirvy softly says, "I have a bad (or good) habit of spending my money on others for things they need.  So, I can never keep money, and I definitely cannot save it."

Dirvy chuckles.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "Similarly, would you be willing to share a glimpse into one of your lockers?  No details or anything, just a peek?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "I do not mind, but be warned, my lockers are always in a state of disarray."

Dirvy chuckles.

You grin at Dirvy.

Speaking dryly to Dirvy, you say, "I can certainly understand that."

You shudder.

In a deep chest:
      a bundle of bone-tipped fir arrows
      a shadowy black burglar's cloak
      a vine-motif small cast iron stove
      a bundle of rough faewood arrow shafts
      a bundle of rough faewood arrow shafts
      a gold-banded short glass jar
      a dark brown narrow-necked bottle
      an enruned steel strongbox
      a badly damaged iron strongbox
      an engraved silver trunk

In a clothing wardrobe:
      a weathered leather bandolier
      an opalescent glass jar containing green aventurine stones  (20/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing pink sapphires  (20/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing banded sardonyx stones  (20/20)
      a heart-etched crimson glass jar containing blue topazes  (20/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing golden beryl gems  (20/20)
      a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing white opals  (50/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing quartz crystals  (20/20)

In a magical item bin:
      an opalescent glass jar containing polished blue coral  (1/20)
      a skull-etched black glass jar
      an opalescent glass jar
      an opalescent tan glass jar containing star diopsides  (12/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing dark red-green bloodstones  (18/20)
      an opalescent azure glass jar containing clear zircons  (2/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing blue topazes  (4/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing pink sapphires  (4/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing large white pearls  (15/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing green garnets  (8/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing piece of yellow jaspers  (19/20)
      an opalescent blue glass jar containing blue tourmalines  (4/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing polished pink coral  (13/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing polished black coral  (1/20)
      a translucent glaes jar containing pink tourmalines  (3/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing mottled agates  (16/20)
      an opalescent azure glass jar containing banded sardonyx stones  (2/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing clear sapphires  (5/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing rock crystals  (17/20)
      a heart-etched crimson glass jar containing iridescent labradorite stones  (6/20)
      a slender multicolored bottle containing white opals  (6/50)
      a small round glass jar containing yellow zircons  (31/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing blue spinels  (2/20)
      a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing violet sapphires  (11/50)
      a tall silver-streaked bottle containing uncut rubies  (12/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing pink rhodochrosite stones  (13/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing blue sapphires  (15/20)
      a slender multicolored bottle containing green tourmalines  (33/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing yellow sapphires  (12/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing aquamarine gems  (4/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing deep purple amethysts  (1/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing bright chrysoberyl gems  (4/20)
      a slender multicolored bottle containing piece of green jades  (13/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing piece of black jaspers  (19/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing piece of cat's eye quartzes  (3/20)
      a thick glass jar containing piece of smoky quartzes  (15/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing rock crystals  (19/20)
      a small round glass jar containing green zircons  (38/50)
      a tall glass jar containing golden beryl gems  (1/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing green malachite stones  (9/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing star sapphires  (8/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing red spinels  (10/20)
      a slender multicolored bottle containing piece of rose quartzes  (7/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing violet spinels  (5/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing turquoise stones  (1/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing smoky topazes  (3/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing clear topazes  (6/20)
      a small round glass jar containing light pink morganite stones  (35/50)
      an opalescent dark glass jar containing green zircons  (5/20)
      a small round glass jar containing star rubies  (16/50)
      a small round glass jar containing piece of golden ambers  (36/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing black opals  (3/20)
      an opalescent red glass jar containing black tourmalines  (4/20)
      a sun-etched golden glass jar containing pink topazes  (8/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing golden topazes  (6/20)
      a swirled rainbow glass bottle containing fire opals  (46/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing almandine garnets  (15/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing pink spinels  (14/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing clear tourmalines  (4/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing polished red coral  (1/20)
      a pale green glass jar containing uncut diamonds  (20/20)
      a vaalin-banded square glass jar containing uncut emeralds  (50/50)
      an opalescent glass jar containing blue lapis lazuli  (10/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing small grey pearls  (11/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing black dreamstones  (1/20)
      an opalescent glass jar containing dragonfire quartz  (1/20)
      a vaalin-banded square glass jar containing uncut diamonds  (2/50)

On a weapon rack:
      a dark red minstrel's cloak
      a floor-length hooded black cloak
        a fuschia-hued faewood runestaff capped with a polished ruby
        a ruby-hilted black rolaren longsword
        a bamboo-hafted vultite handaxe
      a smooth orase runestaff inlaid with veins of copper
      a polished ruic long bow with a suede leather grip

Obvious items:  92

Dirvy takes a drink from her cinnamon coffee.

Dirvy softly says, "My lockers are always full of... stuff."

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy softly says, "One day, I will get rid of some of it.  One day."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "What other adventurer would you say has had the largest influence on your life to this point?"

Dirvy softly says, "Hmm.  This is a tough question."

You nod in agreement.

Dirvy softly says, "I guess I would say Eruheran.  He is the Patriarch of House Sovyn.  I say this, because he kept his eye on me when I was in Icemule.  And he is the one who extended an invitation to me to join House Sovyn.  He was also the one who recommended  me (or voluntold more like it) for an officer position as Co-Secretary.  From my position in the House, I have been able to help many more people than I could have done on my own.  Not only from the support of House Sovyn, but from the influence that I have both inside and outside of the House."

You nod appreciatively.

Dirvy softly says, "It was his trust in me, him believing in me, that enabled me to do many of the things I have done in the community.  And I strive to make him proud, though I give him a hard time.  But I must be doing a good job of it, since he recommended me for the Co-Chairperson position."

Dirvy gives a lopsided grin.

You chuckle to yourself.

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "And finally, what would you say your mission is?  What drives you to get out of bed every day and continue on your path?"

You grin at Dirvy.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "Helping others.  It is all I ever wanted to do.  And most of the time, it is what I am doing.  Those who know me, will have heard me say I am "working" most days.  They know this means I am doing something for someone else, or something that will help others once I am finished."

You chuckle.

Dirvy softly says, "I have had so much help along the way, and still do have help when I need it.  I want others to feel they can rely on me, just as easily."

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Of all the questions on the sheet, this was the one I felt I could have answered for you.  You've helped me on numerous occasions, and that's a sentiment that is shared by everyone I know of."

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "On their behalf, and my own, thank you for all that you do."

You bow to Dirvy.

Dirvy chuckles.

You grin at Dirvy.

Dirvy inclines her head.

Dirvy softly says, "It is always my pleasure."

Speaking to Dirvy, you ask, "And with that, I've come to the end of my sheet!  Is there anything else you'd like to discuss on the record?"

You grin at Dirvy.

Dirvy looks over at you and shakes her head.

Dirvy softly says, "Nothing that I can think of."

You nod in agreement.

Speaking softly to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten, Dirvy asks, "Get your fill, did you?"

Dirvy shakes her head at a pumpkin orange tabby kitten and clucks her tongue.

Dirvy glances at a white wicker picnic basket.

You glance at a pumpkin orange tabby kitten and grin.

Dirvy softly asks, "Did she leave anything in there?"

In the wicker picnic basket you see some fluffy scrambled eggs, a pair of fried round eggs, a slab of smoked ham, a trio of thin bacon slices, several orange wedges, a stack of blueberry pancakes, a stack of buttery griddle cakes, a glass of orange juice and a glass of cranberry juice.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Looks like she likely just took a nap amongst it."

Dirvy chuckles.

You grin crookedly.

Dirvy softly says, "Well, a little cat hair never killed anyone."

Dirvy chuckles.

You nod sagely.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Thank you so much for agreeing to this, and making time this morning for me."

You stand back up.

Interlocking your fingers, you slowly extend your arms up over your head in a long, satisfying stretch.

Dirvy softly says, "It was my pleasure.  Though, I admit, I was nervous.  I think everyone fears they will look foolish."

Dirvy chuckles.

Dirvy rises, momentarily holding the fabric of her skirt up until her feet are firmly planted underneath her.

Dirvy picks up a white wicker picnic basket.

Dirvy put a white wicker picnic basket in her linen empath's cloak.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "You did fantastic.  It's going to make my job so much easier."

You chuckle at Dirvy.

Dirvy softly says, "We shall see."

[Editor's note: Travel back to town]

Dirvy softly says, "And here we are."

You stare at nothing in particular.

A bushy-tailed chipmunk scurries into the room.

Dirvy giggles.

You say, "Amazing."

You chuckle at Dirvy.

Dirvy nods firmly.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Thank you again, Ms. Dirvy.  It was a delight, the food was wonderful, and you made it a great experience."

Dirvy softly asks, "Would you like to take the picnic basket with you?"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Dirvy removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her linen empath's cloak.

Dirvy offers you a white wicker picnic basket.  

Dirvy appears to be poking herself.

You beam happily at Dirvy!

Dirvy softly exclaims, "I do not need it!"

You accept Dirvy's offer and are now holding a white wicker picnic basket.

Dirvy chuckles.

Speaking to Dirvy, you exclaim, "Thank you!"

Dirvy softly says, "Of course."

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "It will be put to excellent use."

You nod firmly.

Dirvy softly says, "Sovyn's cart is in the square, if you want to refill it."

Dirvy chuckles.

You grin at Dirvy.

Speaking to Dirvy, you say, "Thank you once more.  It was a pleasure.  I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day."

With a daring leap, the orange tabby kitten launches itself from atop the Oubar disk!  It deftly and silently lands on the ground on all four feet looking quite pleased with itself.

You glance at a pumpkin orange tabby kitten and grin.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "You, as well.  Thank you for the discussion.  I look forward to your report."

You bow to Dirvy.

Dirvy pets a pumpkin orange tabby kitten.
The orange tabby kitten kneads its tiny paws against the ground, purring slightly.

Speaking softly to a pumpkin orange tabby kitten, Dirvy says, "Behave."

You snicker.

You wave to Dirvy.

Dirvy waves to you.

---

"Not necessarily something a player should do at least once, but players should explore Gemstone. There are so many hidden areas and forgotten secrets in this game, and all of them have a history." ~ Executrix Dirvy

---

The Out-of-Character Interview

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

Tiffany

Where are you located, geographically?

North Carolina

What do you do for a living?

N/A

How long have you played Gemstone?

Since 1995.

Have you taken any breaks, or played straight through?

I took a break at the end of December 1999, and didn't come back until April 2015.

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

I technically have only ever had one main character, but Dirvy sort of took over once I created her. So, I guess you could say I have two main characters.

Who are/were your most notable characters

Chaddeaux and Dirvy

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

No, I am terrible at MAing. I do it when it is necessary to bring in a utility alt (cleric, mage, etc.) for someone else, but I am not a fan of people who run around all the time with a string of utility alts in their group. There are very few people I have met who can actually pull off a believable MA. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.

Do you have a Premium subscription?

Yes, two of them.

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

Stormfront

Why?

In the 90s, I used Wizard. I thought this front-end was amazing for Gemstone at the time. But, when I came back to the game, I completely forgot all about it, and the person who helped me acclimate told me to download Stormfront. I have tried using Wizard since Stormfront is so much easier and is able to provide more on-screen information in separate windows that I use regularly, i.e. arrivals/disconnects/departures, lnet/thoughtnet, speech window, combat window, inventory boxes, etc.

Do you use lich?

Yes.

Why or why not?

It was a month or two after my return, before I found out about lich. I sort of wish I had known about it from the beginning, because when I first restored my original account, I was stuck in River s Rest with no money, no maps, NO BOOT!, and no idea how to get back to the Landing. However, once I did get it installed, it made getting back into the game so much easier and enjoyable. I didn't have to worry about printing out maps or writing down or remembering directions to places I visited regularly.

If so, what are your must-have scripts?

This depends on the character. As Dirvy, I rely on the following scripts pretty heavily:

heal

empheal

waggle

spellactive

rnum

uberbarv

sloot

alchemy

wander

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

No.

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

Sort of.

Why or why not?

I have tried playing an evil character, but I just could not stick with it. It just isn't me. I think every character a person creates has some part of their personality, despite how much they may try to play them differently. Evil just isn't something I can pull off apparently.

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

Although there are many memorable moments, there are very few moments involving a singular player that affected Gemstone on a large scale. My most memorable moment would have been the night (it was actually really, really early, around 2am) that Dirvy's chipmunk, Rashwe, stole the mining cart in Zul Logoth. The hours and hours that travel was shut down for all of Gemstone across the Dragonspine Mountains using that mining cart. The visit a day later from a GM informing me that I was in possession of the mining cart in the chipmunk s sack/nest and him not letting me keep it And then having to confess that I was responsible for all of the trouble the day before. There have been a few times I have lost her chipmunk to server crashes or disconnects, and every time a GM answers my assist request to get him back, their response is always, Oh! He s THAT chipmunk. It makes me half-groan, half-giggle every time.

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

The blend of exceptional minds of the staff that created/creates Gemstone and the extraordinary personalities of the players that make Gemstone come alive.

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

I have never attended Simucon (much too shy), but I have met a few people from Gemstone.

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

I have not met anyone since returning to Gemstone, but back in the 90s, I met many people who no longer play (and unfortunately I cannot even remember who they played).

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

I would bring back the boot to River s Rest. This is often said, but never really explained why it should be brought back. River s Rest is a prime hunting area for mid-level characters. It is also a great place for undead hunting. The problem is, unless you want to spend an arm and a leg going back and forth via Chronomages, it is a hassle to take The Cutter. Awhile back, gold ring travel was updated, to make areas more easily accessible, in an effort to shrink Elanthia, due to the population in game now. But this gem is still difficult to get to, is underhunted and underused. River s Rest is rich in history, too, and it s a shame more people don t visit just because they either don t know how to get there, can t afford to get there, or don t want to waste the time figuring it out.

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

I think some people take this game too seriously.

Why?

I understand people being invested in their characters, we all are. Otherwise, we wouldn't play Gemstone at all. But sometimes, people get so involved in what their characters are doing, it clouds their judgment and makes them do something stupid, like threaten to hunt down people in real life and do them bodily harm over an in-game romantic relationship. Or smearing someone s name all over the Player s Corner, because of a misunderstanding in game. I think sometimes we forget that we aren't teenagers playing Gemstone anymore.

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

Not necessarily something a player should do at least once, but players should explore Gemstone. There are so many hidden areas and forgotten secrets in this game, and all of them have a history.

What advice would you offer to a new player?

Don t be afraid to ask for help. I have met a lot of new players (and returning players) who said they were afraid to ask for help, for fear of looking stupid or noobish. I m helpful by nature, so if I see someone struggling, I am going to see how I can help. But, there is no reason for anyone to have to struggle to learn how to play Gemstone or struggle to acclimate after a break. There are so many helpful players around, and Tillmen created the Help channel on Lnet just so we are able to help new and returning players better. So, if you have a question, are completely lost, or like a couple I have known, are ready to just give up trying to figure out Gemstone, ask for help!