TownCrier/Faction Attraction/Raise Your Stout Krew

Wehnimer's Landing. For many, the frontier town remains the hub of the traveler. This small town has a diverse population of races, cultures, and creeds. Some pass by in their visits to the invoker, adorning themselves with blankets of magical protection. Others enjoy the heavily populated area of Town Square Central, where anything from drunken dwarves to Rooks protecting the town with their vigilant eyes from the shadows to even sentient wolves asking for donuts to consume. Of course, many pubs and eateries occupy the town, occupying their time at Helga's or lounging at Wayside Inn. As a result, one can find themselves lost, alone, and perhaps feeling a void of companionship. But one group in particular prides itself on inclusivity and its many numbers. Though their population is vast, it is one where people feel connected, united, and part of a large family the most heavily populated Meeting Hall Organization in Elanthia. This is Raise Your Stout Krew or RYSK for short.

Hosts and Members

The Notorious Julenne Shiningmoon the Incantress of the Eastern Harbor

She appears to be an Aelotoi

She is shorter than average. She appears to be extremely young. She has sparkling jade green eyes and fair skin. She has waist length, curly deep red hair with lighter streaks. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and dimpled cheeks. She has a pair of jade green wings decorated with an ecru nautilus shell ornament shot with silvery marbling on each.

She has a leaping dolphin tattoo on her arm, a simple vaalin ring threaded with a tiny ruby hibiscus in her left eyebrow, and a blue-backed dragonfly tattoo on her ankle.

Miniature silver dolphins spiral outward from her before fading away.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing an enruned platinum crown, a nacre-tipped dark faenor hairpin, a polished imflass aventail, a blue-streaked emerald trident symbol, a patinated silver locket, a mottled chestnut bazan duster with ink-whorled cuffs, a vibrant blue coral armband set with silver dolphins, a small rose, a copper stein insignia, a willow wood compass pin, an onyx black leather backpack with an intricate dolphin design, a pouch-lined harness with contrasting black and white crossed straps, a side-laced dark leather underbust corset, an ensigiled silk robe, a delicate vaalin wristchain centered with a small ruby charm, an ornate gold ring, a ornate veniom ring bearing a breaching dolphin crest, an onyx-inlaid red dreamstone ring, a carved onyx signet ring etched with a willow tree, a dolphin-motif diamond-inlaid knotwork platinum wedding ring, a lattice-woven suede corset belt affixed with a strap-bound ivory peony teacup, an archaic steel dodecahedron, a silver threaded pouch, a high-slit black leather skirt draped in mesh netting, a dark green baystone-inset anklet, and some thigh-high black leather boots.

Temaari the Incantress

She appears to be a Half-Elf from Ta'Faendryl

She is average height and has a balletic body. She appears to be young and untried. She has gold-flecked amber eyes, glossy vanilla full lips, and petal-soft, tanned skin. She has mid back-length, lush dark brown hair bound into a twisted infinity knot by some fanlike jet combs. She has a delicate face and well-groomed, thin dark eyebrows. She has an ombre lilac and violet glaze brushed onto her slim oval fingernails.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a thin mottled amber ring nestled in electrum in her right hand.

She is wearing a thin ebon silk choker set with a small dark crystal, an off-shoulder jacket of floor-length sheer black lace, a supple ebon bodysuit with dual columns of slender buckles, a delicate silver ring, a lustrous cloth-of-vaalin reticule, and some tissue-thin tulle ankle-boots inset with thin bare bronze branches.

Mistress Domshella Deathgryp the Reaver

She appears to be an Aelotoi

She is taller than average. She appears to be very young. She has jade green eyes and dark skin. She has chin length, tied back russet hair tousled into a textured bun that is barely restrained by an intricately woven circlet of heath asters and dual-winged bright teal damselflies. She has an oval face, a prominent nose and dimpled cheeks. She has a grey-banded silk V'tullian nightjar perched on her shoulder. She has a pair of pale green wings decorated with some fiery crimson blazestar trinkets backed with ebon marble.

She has a silver-chased rose gold stud in her left nostril, and a tiny white crystal skull in the upper ridge of her left ear.

She has a scar across her neck, old battle scars on her right arm, old battle scars on her left arm, old battle scars on her right leg, old battle scars on her left leg, old battle scars on her right hand, old battle scars on her left hand, an old battle scar across her chest, an old battle scar across her abdominal area, an old battle scar across her back, a black-and-blue right eye, a black-and-blue left eye, and a scar across her face.

She is wearing a black silk half-mask embroidered with a red dragonfly, some dragonfly-etched silver hairsticks, a snake-chained rose gold necklace beaded with prism-cut rose-incised rubies, a pewter-stitched dusty rose mabrinus toqua veined in dark mauve, a pair of black-tinted glasses, a glossy black wood coffin-shaped pack decorated in thorn-covered roses, a skull-printed black silk dress with hip-pinned bustled skirts, a fan-bustled ebon shot silk waist-cincher, some ebon rose lace stockings inset in leather-cut leaves, and a pair of rhinestone-studded sleek dancing shoes.

Anstara the Elementalist

He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf

He is of a middling height and has a curvaceous figure. He appears to be youthful. He has gold-haloed lavender eyes and vibrant, dusky skin. He has short, silky raven black hair and a wide-brimmed lilac moire wizard hat pinned with a tiny brass clockwork spider preserved in amber worn at a rakish angle. He has a pointed nose and slightly downswept pointed ears. He has shimmering jewel-toned polish brushed onto his almond-shaped fingernails.

He has an inked horde of zombies wearing wizard hats on his neck, a thin golden-inked wand tattoo down the length of his forearm, a gold-inked intricate fire rune on his wrist, a rune-etched gold spike in his left eyebrow, a lustrous moonstone stud in the upper ridge of his left ear, a vaalin-swept rose gold half-ring in the middle of his nose, and a rune-etched moonstone ring in his lip.

He is in good shape.

He is holding a bottle of brown honey rum in his right hand.

He is wearing a window-winged moth cape of aeneous lotus silk, a tailored wine-dark flyrsilk jacket boasting a trio of moonstone buttons, an enruned drakar amulet set with a golden sunstone cabochon, a pink-cored cerulean opal arcrose pin caged in imflass, a cropped sable leather chest-wrap tightly cinched by a duo of buckles, a pair of marbinus casting gloves with sigils along the knuckles, an intricately woven belt of night-dark silk jacquard ribbons and gold-chased jewel-toned moths, some onyx black cordovan pants fastened with five ethereal moth buttons, and some sable kidskin ankle-boots buttoned with smoke-hazed labradorite stones.

Whimweaver Leafiara Autumnwind the Holy Flame of Tilamaire.

She appears to be a Half-Sylvan.

She has the shadows of Tilaok blanketing her and suppressing her aura.

She is moderately tall and has a well-toned frame. She appears to be youthful. She has sparkling green eyes and smooth honey-hued skin. She has shoulder length, tousled cherry red hair framing her face in a disheveled, carefree style. She has a well-defined, heart-shaped face and slightly pointed ears. She has alternating cherry and vanilla polish brushed onto her neatly rounded fingernails.

A myriad of leaf-shaped sweets and treats appear to be following her every move.

Miniature yellow treble clefs spiral outward from her before fading away.

She is in good shape.

A budding sentient potato wearing an iridescent viridian and pink fairy costume is settled on her shoulder.

Her hands are covered in a light dusting of sugar.

There is a small ruby red sprite flying above her shoulder.

Colorful, wispy threads shimmer in and out of existence, twining and dancing freely around a white imflass manacle encircling her left wrist. Its empty keyway is outlined in a bold red glow that pulsates rhythmically.

She is wearing a feystone dragonfly locket, a shimmering cherry red cloak, a leaf-spangled imflass scabbard, a radiant red zelnorn tunic accented by a shining white leaf flourish with a pure white starsilk sundress showcasing a skirt-spanning red music staff underneath, an aelotian rose gold wedding ring showcasing a stylized dragonfly design, a polished knotwork platinum wedding band, a silk-lined imflass thigh-sheath, a cherry red leaf-clasped anklet, and a pair of pure white starsilk sandals sporting starsong-reinforced soles.

Sparkling musical notes spring around her feet, dissipating into colorful mist as she moves.

Great Lord Samhail Sylvas the Master of the Order of Voln.

He appears to be a Giantman.

He appears to be advanced in years. He has blue eyes and tanned skin. He has long, straight chestnut hair.

He is in good shape.

He is holding a bottle of rose-infused absinthe secured with a blown glass orb in his right hand.

He is wearing an engraved gold monocle, a braided black leather hair tie, a lapis-inlaid mithril earring, a carved white starstone earcuff, a silver-fisted inlaid ruby medallion, a pewter and pink topaz pendant, a threadbare ruby red cloak, a mithril ruby-eyed skull buckle, a peridot inset gold stickpin, a ruby-eyed black skull pin, a crystallized silvery fossil charm, a close-fitting tunic, a pair of black ruby-clasped gloves, a copper stein insignia, a slim-linked pewter pocket chain suspending a clockwork disc, a solid silver mockingbird pin, a black bear hide pack with a clawed toggle, a gold-edged crimson harness, a brass snapped black leather backpack, a suit of stygian black leather-covered platemail center-set with a ruby-traced scorpion, a pitch black apron, a coiled mithglin chain armband, an engraved wedding band, a black latticed belt, a ruby-inlaid silver tooled sheath, a fang-fringed bronze leather pouch, a perfect maoral-handled mithril forging-hammer, a pair of supple black trousers of doeskin leather inlaid along the seams with gleaming ruby cabochons, and a pair of polished black boots.

Miss Evii Natanial.

She appears to be a Human.

She is moderately tall and has a delicately lithe build. She appears to be young and robust. She has luminous variegated crystal blue eyes and sun-kissed, lightly freckled skin. She has shoulder length, sleek wolf's bane purple hair with delicate layering in the back. She has a slender face, a freckled nose and thin, lithely muscled arms and dainty wrists. Narrow of waist, her slim hips descend into well-toned and slender legs that are supported by dainty ankles which echo her delicate bone structure.

She has an emerald-set black stone spike in her left eyebrow, and a red fox tattoo on her neck.

She gives off a devious demeanor.

She is in good shape.

She is holding some freckled strawberry wine in her right hand.

She is wearing a dark verdant velvet cloak with shadowy ebon undertones, a shadowy silk velvet corset with dragonfire emerald beadwork over a corset-tied leather shirt delicately back-laced with a tiny sparkling ribbon, a natural oak armlet carved with unfurling silver-sheened moonflowers, a wispy black skirt shot with thin strands of silver and tied on each side by a tiny sparkling ribbon, and some pale silk stockings wrapped in black velvet vines under some soft ebon velvet high-heeled boots buttoned with black roses.

Lord Vandryl the Swashbuckler.

He appears to be a Vaalor Elf.

He is taller than average and has a lithe, muscular physique. He appears to be of full age. He has silver-flecked crystal blue eyes and tanned skin. He has shoulder length, tied back platinum hair divided into several elegantly twisted sections and adorned with some hollowed black coral beads. He has a classical nose and slightly pointed ears.

He has a sleeping black dragon tattoo on his neck, an onyx-shaded crimson flame tattoo on his finger, and a trio of twisted rings beaded with black nightstones set along the slender tips of his pointed ears.

He is in good shape.

He is holding a flagon of roasted vanilla mead in his right hand.

He is wearing a twisted geldaralad dangling a scarlet-hearted twilight blue diamond, a marquise-cut amethyst circlet, a gold filigree blue sapphire necklace, a hooded shadowy blue spidersilk cloak trimmed in kelyn runes, a mechanical eonake spider, a supple leather harness, a collared twilight blue shirt with brushed silver cufflinks, a wide silver wrist cuff, an invar-bound wrist sheath, a glittering platinum ring, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a smooth bone ring pierced by tiny crystal shards, a rune-etched shadowy blue leather swordbelt with a dragonfire opal clasp, a quilted black spidersilk sack with silk drawstrings, a sleek shadowy black hip-satchel, a small black oilcloth pouch tied with silver drawstrings, some silk-lined blue leather pants with silver knee reinforcements, a thigh-strapped slim vaalorn kit, a segmented olivewood anklet set with a blue crystal, and a pair of scarlet spidersilk boots fastened with mithril buckles.

Introduction

Normally, when I conduct these meetings for Faction Attraction, I encounter a few officers and some members, and the crowds are rather small and intimate. So, I was taken by surprise to see such a crowd. Of course, this was one of RYSK's nighty musters, but I was at a party even then. Ivory grins flooded my presence as the scent of ale and libations hung in the air. It's a unique atmosphere that only a few places can replicate.

Burnished wooden planks curve out to form the massive hall of the tavern's entrance, with rows of sturdy oaken posts rising to connect with a network of rafters above. Dozens of blackened oil lanterns hang from the ceiling, their light at times a haze behind wisps of smoke drifting in from the galley. In the center rests a huge cast-iron pot surrounded by countless tables and barrel chairs. A half-circle driftwood bar is nestled in the corner beneath a salt-stained crest. You also see a jocular snow spirit that is flying around, a slender brindle lion, an open archway leading to a wooden plank bridge, a wide wooden ramp and a large driftwood box.

Also here: Fahlo, Squire Legionnaire Aerinson, Master Fisher Aerocus, Miss Toxyrox, Manndril, Great Lord Samhail who is sitting, Jurist of Tail Annarosa who is sitting, High Lady Aevilir, Mistress Domshella, Lucraine, Craeguile who is sitting, Miss Evii, Lady Lyracellan, Mister Midgar, Lady Alexandrena, Snowhulbe who is sitting, Anstara who is kneeling, Temaari, Dexflex, Lord Vandryl, Monza, The Notorious Julenne who is sitting.

A drink did not take long to find its way into my hand.

Temaari offers Yardie a polished dark walnut board inlaid with a sinuous blue resin river. "Drinks for you, Mister Yardie."

On the dark walnut board you see a goblet of red-gold beer, a glass of iced plum wine, a shot of well aged whiskey, a bottle of brown honey rum and some freckled strawberry wine.

Toxyrox hugs you, and you wrap her in a warm embrace, and you detect the faint scent of the sea, salty yet subtle around her.

Julenne: Heyas folks! tonight we are being Interviewed by one of our own. Yardie.

Considering my taste in libations, I could never pass up a good rum. I remove a bottle of brown honey rum from on the dark walnut board, then embraced Toxyrox in a hug and she wrapped me in a warm embrace in return. Toxyrox is a fellow Faendryl, motivated to partake in the Trials as I did a few years ago. She is a ball of enthusiasm and energy, as most bards are, and her voice, while deadly, can be quite charming.

Toxyrox hugs Lucraine, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Yardie: Thank you, Temaari. (correcting himself) Madame Temaari, rather.

Evii gazes with a bemused expression at you.

Vandryl leans on you, giving you a companionable grin, and you note the scent of charred mahogany dancing alongside the essence of sharpened steel around him.

Domshella: Wonder why that is.

Alexandrena winks at Midgar, tossing her head and striking a pose.

Snowhulbe (to Julenne): I wrote a poem for tonight.

Julenne: I am so glad ye all made it! In a few moments, I will pass it to Yardie.

Snowhuble's RYSKy Poem

I had occupied the Rusty Cutlass momentarily, eager to conduct my interview. I did not anticipate a poem, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Julenne (softly): But I guess Snow wants to sing for us.

I knew Snowhuble, but we rarely spoke. However, I did admire his bravery in performing in front of a crowd.

Snowhulbe: It's not a song really. But it is a nice poem to celebrate. Snowhulbe clears his throat.

"In Elanthia's heart where Wehnimer's Landing stands"
"A band of heroes, Raise Your Stout Krew takes hands."
"Citan and Julenne, their story begins,"
"Founders brave, with hearts full of wins."
"Through the winding streets of this quaint town,"
"RYSK's kindness is renowned, no bounds."
"Bounties to hunt or Profession to mend,"
"Seek not alone, for RYSK is your friend."
"From humble beginnings to two hundred strong,"
"A brotherhood where camaraderie belongs."
"In Elanthia's taprooms and Wehnimer's square,"
"Laughter and stories shared, a simple affair."
"So raise a tankard high, let the love flow,"
"With RYSK by your side, life aglow."

As he reaches the finale, they all shower Snowhuble with cheers, myself included.

"A force for good in this land of delight,"
"Raise Your Stout Krew, Elanthia's shining light."

Snowhulbe bows.

Julenne: Thanks brother.

Snowhulbe gives Julenne a warm buss on the lips. "Thank you for coming tonight." He wiped the sweat off his forehead.

An excellent performance that had the crowd cheering before he completed his song. It embodied what the masses spoke of regarding RYSK. Merriment, cheer, good times with good friends. A celebration in almost every moment. I found myself grinning at the prospect of an interview with such a gregarious group.

Kudos and Intros

Julenne: Any quick Kudos before I pass it over to Yardie? She glances around the room expectantly before continuing. Alright then, I will ask yall to keep distractions to a minimum please.

Samhail: Kudos to Alexandrena and Aerinson for coming through for me with the Rubies!! He tips his head back and empties a flagon of roasted vanilla mead down his gullet!

Julenne: "I am so glad ye all are here. Yardie, the floor is all yers. Share with us how ye wish to run yer interview." Julenne nods.

Temaari smiles.

A sudden commotion breaks out in the corner when two unruly dockworkers loudly push back their chairs and begin shouting and waving their fists. Someone from another table shouts at them and the fight is averted, and everyone returns to their seats. Julenne turns an inquisitive ear toward you.

Public speaking is not beneath me. I've been told I have the gift of gab. But such a crowd of familiar faces made it slightly nerve-wracking. While conducting interviews, I never witnessed so many people joining a group. And so I chose my words carefully, but not before the fight at the docks caught my attention.

Monza stares at Yardie.

Domshella gazes fondly at Yardie.

Julenne pokes Samaarkan in the ribs.

Yardie: The...fight...er...anyway. I am called Yardie. You all know me from RYSKy matters and other shenanigans. Today, I'm wearing my TownCrier hat and presenting another issue of Faction Attraction to the masses. The purpose is to spotlight the MHOs and CHEs of Elanthia. Monthly, I randomly select a group to showcase, as people may know of the groups but do not know the identity or the essence of the houses here.

Manndril turns to you and cheers!

As I felt my rhythm, Leafiara came into view along a wooden plank bridge and entered the tavern. The former Mayor, Councilor, and perhaps one of the faces of Wehnimer's Landing. She's a rather interesting sort -- cheerful, courageous, and charismatic, the personification of candy-coated chaos.

Yardie: This month, RYSK was selected, and this has you all here today. Usually I interview the officers, members, and whoever wishes to chime in regarding their affiliation with the group and what it means to them. Obviously since RYSK is probably the largest group in Elanthia, it is more than great to see so many people tonight.

Julenne nods to Yardie.

What is RYSK?

Yardie: So I'll start with the first question for you all, and you all are free to answer how you wish. What does RYSK mean to you? What does it represent in your eyes?

Toxyrox nods to you.

Temaari: It means Family to me.

Temaari's answer came without hesitation. It captured everyone's attention, mine included. It was the confidence behind the word. Family. Quite often, the word is used to illustrate a closeness, but with her response, I gathered it would be a matter of time before I witnessed it first hand. The responses did not take long.

Firemizar glances at Temaari.

Snowhulbe nods at Temaari.

Teefkin agrees with Temaari.

Lyracellan agrees with Temaari.

Firemizar (to Temaari): Took the words right out of my mouth.

Domshella: RYSK means family and friends. those that will break thier back for ya, or break someone elses back if needed.

Temaari agrees with Domshella.

Yardie grins at Domshella.

Snowhulbe: RYSK is The answer is Yes, what's the question?

Perhaps it was still the singing in his ears, but I completely lost his point.

Anstara: RYSK is... yeah, I'd describe it as a social group, but family's probably better really! It's people from all walks of life coming together in the spirit of comradery and community.

I grinned at Anstara. He was another Faendryl that I became familiar with as we sat down in Greth's in Mist Harbor. He was a delight to converse with, with a spirit and mirth often not seen in my brethren. In listening to his words, I took another glance at the room. Sylvans, Faendryl, Aelotoi, Giantmen, Gnomes, etc., all here in the spirit of fun and festivities. Julenne then followed up on the comments.

Julenne: I usually say we are a group of individuals who like to have fun and help others, as well as keep things a little RYSKy.

Upon hearing this, I perked up a bit. Often, we hear the expression "be RYSKy," but rarely does one have direct context as to what it means. This would be my next question, as RYSK struck me as more of a state of mind.

Monza: I like the parties!

Leafiara: Hmm, I think of RYSK as an open invitation for people to be everything they are and be embraced by others who are also everything they are. There's no pretense, no complications, no agenda, just... company. Family, as others said.

Domshella: Walk the razor's edge.

Anstara: I've been a bit of a recluse at times, but RYSK has really helped me come out of my shell in a big way.

Monza: Good place to crack shells, indeed!

Temaari: Many of the faces here... returned to the Lands after being away several years.

Leafiara: Authenticity and camaraderie. There we go.

Samhail: I left Elanthia on a soul-searching journey about 23 years ago and found myself back in the landing a little over a year ago. When I came back, many things had changed and I felt more than lost. I'm pretty sure without the friendships I've amassed with RYSK, I wouldn't be sitting here today. These fine people have replaced my old family in ways that I would have never thought possible. Compassion, Guidance, assistance, friendship, all can be found within our group. Love you all. . . .

Teefkin (to Samhail): My Father and you knew each other back then.

Samhail: Really?

Dexflex: You know this guy?

Teefkin: Samhail? as well as Borgil did.

Dexflex: Love when people I know know each other.

Teefkin: Not.

I found it rather shocking to hear about Samhail's tale. In my experiences, I have seen and heard stories of people leaving Elanthia to find themselves, feeling lost, alone, and, in some cases, abandoned. A void pulled at the heart, sending them elsewhere. But then, to recognize after twenty-three years that RYSK not only took him in but also reminisced on the old days when his family, his father specifically, knew peers brought matters to full circle. The webs are deeply connected, more than we'll ever imagine.

Living a RYSKy Life

Yardie: There's a really big sense of family here. It's rare to see a group so big feel so tight-knitted. I want to expand on a statement made here tonight, and I think it's a good one to ask: What does it mean to be RYSKy?

Dexflex nods to Yardie.

Evii grins slowly at Yardie.

As a Landing citizen, I have encountered many people. Evii was a cleric I saw regularly. Odd as that sounds, she works at the Abandoned Inn and is a cleric of Kai. She's quite the charmer, and has a flirtatious manner. So I saw through that slow grin and knew her thoughts where in that vain.

Yardie (to Evii): I said RYSKy, not frisky.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Yardie.

Lyracellan giggles at Yardie.

Anstara: If I may take a line from an old ballad, "It's no better to be safe than sorry."

Dexflex: Means 'Never Alone'. He shrugged.

Teefkin (to Deflex): Dad is still mopy with Mom being gone, but at least he is hunting and not sitting at Mom's Memorial."

Julenne: RYSK is up to the individual person. Some takes more risk than others.

Samhail: Being able to laugh at Festered Taint jokes for an hour in TSC.

Evii nods appreciatively at Julenne.

Anstara: Try expanding outside of your comfort zone, I suppose.

Snowhulbe: Keep'n it RYSKy means you are pushing yourself to be your best you. Even if it costs ya a deed. Especially if it costs you a deed.

Anstara: After all, what's the worst that can happen?

Famous last words. But I appreciated Anstara's sentiment. Some would argue the greatest risk is not taking one. This philosophy echoed the life of adventurers, daredevils, explorers.

Julenne: We do not all fit in one catagory, neither is our rysk factors.

Temaari: Yes, that's it. Be bold. Take risks.

Dexflex (to Anstara): I mean did you STAY dead?

Toxyrox: Eat lobster.

I noted two things upon listening. The first, Toxyrox has an obsession with lobster. I'll have to arrange something for her. And the second? There is a tendency to brush with death. To Dexflex's point, I fear that anyone's next death might be their last. Perhaps I need to follow Temaari's advice of being bold and taking risks...though I have done some of that in recent memory.

Leafiara (pondering): One can either live fully or live with regret. Living fully is the RYSK.

Craeguile: RYSKy is about opening yerself to the moment. Challenging yer blade, yer social skills, yer ability to dart, yer ability to drink. Pushing yourself and yer boundaries, and finding more about yerself then ye knew before. And saving dead folks along the way.

Anstara (to Deflex): Exactly!

Leafiara points at Craeguile.

Anstara grins at Craeguile.

Dexflex: So nice to see people we welcomed back to the realms and into our little tribe come together like this.

Samhail grins.

Julenne: Yardie?

Dexflex: So many.

I grinned at Julenne. "Oh I'm just listening."

Julenne: I know ye askin the questions, but I'd like to know what ye thoughts are too, as a RYSK member.

This caught me by surprise. For clarity and transparency, I am a RYSK member. However, I do my best to speak as an objective party. It makes for compelling interviews and avoids biases. I usually skirt from my personal feelings to provide the interviewees viewpoint. However, Miss Julenne brought out an interesting question, and it was one that, in truth, I slowly reflected on as I spoke to the members in the Cutlass.

Evii glances expectantly at Yardie.

With Evii's look, I knew she and others were curious about my answer, so I spoke honestly.

Yardie (to Julenne): Rare that the interviewer is asked a question. I was musing to myself about how lost I was when I was reborn here. I was reborn in Icemule and an accident led me here.

With a sudden burst of enthusiasm, the sparks jump into Anstara's hand and he seems to glow with power.

Vandryl nods to Yardie.

Samhail: Wow that's much better.

Yardie: The first time I died in the Landing, I was pretty dejected and lost. Leafiara was the one that stopped and brought me back to life.

Leafiara takes a drink from her strawberry wine.

Teefkin (to Julenne): She is good like that.

Teefkin is right. But I do not think I ever expressed the impact of that gesture, of stopping as others ran past my corpse, as I, a ghost, hovered in this new town, on the verge of tears, wondering if Lorminstra would claim my soul for all my transgressions. Leafiara and I do not agree on many things, and I could never embrace the chaos as she does, or hoot like her, but for me, I suppose it was nice that she took a...RYSK in me.

Yardie: I never forgot that. And so, to me, RYSK means that you're not just a corpse on the floor or a body that is here but no one notices. That in a land where you can be lost in the shuffle...here...you are someone that matters.

Leafiara (in jest): Just think, if I'd ignored him, I could have spared us all...

That is a scary...and yet...strangely accurate thought. Even with the joke, I do wonder how many felt the same.

Teefkin leans softly against Leafiara.

Leafiara appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Julenne nods to Yardie.

Manndril: I just dig , deeper holes for the bodies.

Leafiara agrees with Yardie.

Vandryl nods to Yardie.

Temaari (agreeing): That is what it feels like.

Lyracellan nods in agreement.

Vandryl (nodding): And here we've endured some losses together; community is what keeps me from going back to the long sleep as well.

As a community, we have suffered through loss, and that has especially been felt in RYSK, as two who crossed over were members of the organization. They remain loved and cherished for all the joy they brought, and I knew Vandryl's words would have us visit their impact on the members and their loved ones upon this interview. It is an aspect I admire from this group: their resiliency. I heard it in Teefkin's words to Dexflex earlier and recognize that pain. But just as strong is the impact those who have crossed over have played in our lives and hearts.

Manndril: Thank ye, though."

Julenne: Thank ye for answering."

Yardie (to Julenne): Anytime.

RYSKy Origins

Yardie: The next question is, how did RYSK come to be?

Vandryl smirks at Yardie.

Callayne points at Julenne.

Vandryl shushes Julenne!

Lyracellan turns to face Julenne.

Temaari grins at Julenne.

Julenne had already been leading the way, but seeing everyone direct their attention to her was amusing. That element provided an amusing contrast to other interviews I have conducted.

Vandryl: Are we revealing hidden things tonight? secret origins?

Anstara: Spooky mysteries.

Samhail: Ragin hormones.

Julenne laughs! Yardie: Well, perhaps, but history is important.

It's common to see groups keep their origins close to the chest. Some groups with secrets tend to keep them close to the chest. The Dae'randir, for instance, had me use code names for certain members to protect anonymity. I did not get that impression with RYSK, however.

Vandryl: I once visited a place, they had a saying..."Nao mi diga"."

Domshella: A blood sacrafice was made by Jules, and the cutlass appeared. then people started showing up.

Snowhulbe: As most things do, it started small."

Julenne: How far do you want me to go back?

Annarosa: Jules is the heart, for sure."

Yardie: I leave that to you.

Vandryl: Tell the whole story.

Leafiara: I agree... it's not like there are time constraints; just lay it all out.

Julenne: Well I met Citan the day I was going to leave the lands. We ended up going to a wedding together. I decided to stay to be around Citan some more. After that we deciced to make RYScord for a group of us who started hunting together, sailing and well having fun. It started with 3 of us. jumped to 20 pretty quickly. The Gods decided to allow 5 new Halls to be chosen, we were one of them."

Vandryl: That's when Citan stole her and shared her with all you guys.

Julenne: So 20 people has now jump to jes shy of 200 folks. She nods at Vandryl.

Snowhulbe: You can blame muster on me.

Julenne: He did steal my heart. Was yer idea. Julenne pokes Snowhulbe in the ribs.

Of all the ways a group could manifest, this one surprised me. Some would say that Oleani has a way with individuals, blossoming love, and now, this vast group out of nowhere. Or was it Lethe? Vornavis? Whatever the case, it's stunning to think that the largest group in Elanthia came from a near disappearance due to a wounded heart, only to be mended. I wanted to talk to Citan about it, but he was conspicuous by his absence. Perhaps another day. The next question wrote itself. I had to ask it.

Yardie: So, it's safe to say, you took a RYSK in him and from that, all of this manifested?

Julenne nods to Yardie.

Vandryl nods to Yardie.

Vandryl: Thankfully."

Julenne: Aye, the friendship we developed has been incredible.

Yardie: (commenting aloud): Poetry in motion.

Midgar gently brushes his black hair away from his eyes and, with a deft twist of his wrist, tucks it behind one ear.

Vandryl: She was gonna abandon us from brokenheartedness.

Julenne: Jes like Snow's poem earlier.

Vandryl: Cheers for Citan!

Julenne: Aye, I was devestated at that time.

Vandryl: I remember.

Temaari: It's amazing how such a low moment was transformed into this.

Vandryl: Was a rough bit of road from when we first found you waking back up.

I know far too many who lost purpose or value, and left on their pilgrimage away from Elanthia to find themselves. It's beautiful that Julenne had that with Citan, and the group has done the same for many.

Yardie (to Vandryl): I feel with this group, there may have been many who shared similar feelings of leaving.

Temaari nods to you, pointing at herself.

I do not know my fellow Faendryl, Madame Temaari, as I do others. But she's pleasant and adorable. I imagine many find her quite wonderful, and losing someone like her would be a shame.

Yardie: So, RYSK is somewhat of a refuge.

Vandryl: Jules was one of the first real friendships when I woke up; she was just waking up.

Leafiara (agreeing): A lot of people do walk a razor's edge...

Vandryl: One of the reasons we do so much outreach. And why many of you have recieved visits to my collection. Connection and community are paramount. Anstara: And some of us are just kind of general weirdos who don't have a "regular" place in society.

With my oddities, Anstara's words hit the heart. Again, I imagined it was the same for many.

Julenne: Honestly if RYSK was developed way back when... I probably wouldn't have slept for so long.

Monza: Thats me!

Vandryl: Same.

Yardie: That's a beautiful thing to hear.

Temaari: Also, Julenne shares encouragement every morning.

Vandryl: Hopefully we'll continue to grow and be granted a permanent place some day.

Alexandrena (to Monza): Thanks sissy!

Temaari: Back in a dark time, her words literally were a light for me. I was only going to give away my possessions and leave. But I met her. And Vandryl. And then Citan and Snowhulbe.

Julenne: So glad ye didn't.

I took a quick poll on the matter. It's often a question I ask friends and people I encounter. Many tend to feel the same was as Temaari did.

Yardie: How many of you felt similarly, can you raise your hands, please if you don't mind? Vandryl: Allegedly of course. Temaari: And suddenly. Leaving was not just an option.

In Memoriam

As the talks of RYSK's origins continued, one person came to mind. She influenced bringing people together, following the tenets of what RYSK exemplifies. I speak of Saraphenia Autumnwind, and her wife, Leafiara Autumnwind, initiated the talk of her joy and positivity that she brought to RYSK.

Leafiara: It's a little different in my case, so I won't quite raise my hand, but I'd be completely adrift by now if not for a drive to work to honor what Phenia did so much to help build.

Vandryl: Jules and I found our way together when we awoke. If not for her and a few others, I would have long faded back to sleep.

Anstara: I will say though, that while I was perfectly happy in my own space, my world has been significantly broadened and improved.

Teefkin: I mean, as many times as I slept, I never thought of givin away stuff I may need when I woke. I have given things away to people just starting, but that is different.

Vandryl: I've been fully reborn 3 times since before Icemule was discovered.

Leafiara chuckles.

Craeguile: Oh yeah, if it wasn't for RYSK broadening the folks I've met, I'd be sleepin' right now for sure.

(Vandryl is definitely old.)

Yardie: I was going to ask about founders. I gather Phenia was one of them?

Teefkin: Once for Borgil.

Leafiara: Would have to ask Jules on that, I'm not completely sure.

Vandryl: Founders eh?

Teefkin: He made 24 trainings, then the lands changed.

Julenne: Phenia loved RYSK and what we stood for. She was my right hand. She help share about RYSK, she really did promote who we really are.

I nodded understandingly at Julenne. I met Saraphenia at a Pauper's dance, and we spoke for quite a while. This was before her tenure as Town Councilor. She had always been one to enjoy engagement, conversation, and company. Quite often, when she wanted someone to talk to, I would be one of the ones who would meet up with her. So, it does not surprise me how her eagerness to aid and engage helped fashion RYSK to what it is today.

Temaari smiles at Julenne.

Vandryl applauds Julenne.

Yardie: A lot of her outreach and kindness exhibited in RYSK are characteristics of her personality. It makes total sense.

Julenne': She did a lot of things behind the scenes and was the face of RYSK for a long time.

Leafiara nods.

Julenne nods to Yardie.

Vandryl (nodding): If they say I was there when this was plotted, they lie.

I chuckled at Vandryl. Vandryl is a Vaalorian, one of the many who spends his time in the West. Modest, cunning, a bit on the zany side, but one to break this ice with a stranger. He's not bad with a lockpick, either.

Nickonai: Sorry I'm late.

Temaari: Vandryl must have recruited half of us.

Vandryl: Lies and spurious rumors. Propaganda! Inflammatory allegations even.

Julenne: Honestly, RYSK would not be where we are now if it wasn't for all our great members.

Vandryl turns to Julenne and cheers!

Temaari agrees with Julenne.

Leafiara taps her white owl pin on its tiny head and it emits a loud hoot!

Evii raises her strawberry wine in a toast!

Evii: Cheers to that.

Julenne: We have accomplished show much in a year, tis crazy! So much, too.

Toxyrox: Toxy wanted to say...before she had to run...that she is thankful to some who are no longer her...

Leafiara: Because you all found the need, you filled it, and you kept at it.

You hug Toxyrox, stirring the scent of the sea, salty yet subtle from her skin, and she wraps you in a warm embrace in return.

Toxyrox: Jadedragan gots Toxy in to RYSK...

Nickonai: Nice.

Monza: I remember them!

Vandryl: I remember when you woke up as well.

Domshella: Phena brought me in.

Toxyrox: Gwrawr was greatest drinkin partner at Duskruins."

Vandryl: And Jade is missed. He sighs. Gwrawr.

Toxyrox: And Phenia my friend.

It was hard to keep it together, seeing how many people who had crossed over had impacted many lives. They live on through the good times and the moments of cheer and happiness they brought to many. Hearing all the names of those who recruited or accompanied, here and gone, highlighted the importance of friendship. We all began raising our glasses and mugs in a toast.

Vandryl: We just gotta honor them by continuing to uphold the values they stood for.

Toxyrox: So not forget how those help build this.

Julenne: Aye.

Vandryl: Toxy still wears G's cape. Even made it nicer.

Julenne: They will always be One Of Us!

Vandryl: One of us!

Toxyrox: And froggy.

Domshella: One of us! one of us!

Vandryl turns to Domshella and cheers!

Nickonai: Cheers to Ferghal!!!

I cheered Nickonai in response.

Vandryl: Cheers to fallen until they hear us beyond!

Anstara: The fallen aren't gone as long as people remember them.

Midgar grins.

I agreed with Anstara. And to Vandryl's point, I was certain with the amount of love and support radiating in the room, it would be impossible for those two who had crossed over recently, and the many others on the other side to not hear the chorus of those who loved and missed them.

Ouidanna sits down next to Craeguile.

Craeguile gives Ouidanna a lingering kiss.

Ouidanna gives Craeguile a lingering kiss.

Annarosa hugs Ouidanna, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Rasson grimaces as his grey and tan assapan suddenly cranes around his face to see something, its paw anchored onto his nose. A sudden slip sends the rodent flailing and clinging wildly to Rasson's front before scrambling back up to his shoulder with an embarrassed and sulky squeak. Julenne: This has been a hard few weeks for us as we lost two amazin people. Saraphenia and Ferghal. We celebrate their lives, their accomplishments and will take their memories with us wherever we go.

Julenne was right, and this spoke to the strength of RYSK as a family. In the last few weeks, two people had crossed over, and they extended much joy and happiness to RYSK and throughout Elanthia. Their absence weighs heavily, but not without the appreciation of their kindness and goodwill.

I spoke to Ferghal a few times. On the few occasions we joked around, I found him to have a similar sense of humor. Cordial, polite, and remarkably charming, I knew no one who spoke ill of the Faendryl, and many regarded him as an exemplary individual, fun to be around, a talented craftsman, drink mixologist, and chef. His award-winning Strawberry Delight remains a staple in the community, and it is just one of the many ways he will live on in our hearts and minds.

Saraphenia and I became friends after the Pauper's dance. She enjoyed company and made it her purpose to aid people and learn about their lives and stories. I know many people who talked about how she would aid strangers. In that regard, her generosity may have saved others who felt alone, abandoned, or forgotten. RYSK exhibits a quality of unity, and as Julenne's right hand, I imagine she carries a lot of strength in those who now feel at home. It was an honor to witness her marriage to Leafiara, and I am thankful to have been a part of such a joyous occasion. They will be greatly missed, but they continue to live on through RYSK and our memories, as Anstara eloquently stated.

Monza nods in agreement at Julenne.

Domshella: Bare the way!

Leafiara kisses her wedding ring with a warm and loving expression on her face.

Nickonai: Here here!

Leafiara hugs Ouidanna, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Many hugs were given to each other, and I had to join in. I hugged Leafiara, stirring the scent of cookie dough, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate from her skin, and she wrapped me in a warm embrace in return. I felt for her but always admired her strength in the arena, combat, and life. I and RYSK would provide whatever Leafiara needed, to the best of our ability, and I am glad to be a member of such a friendly group.

Vandryl hugs Leafiara, who wraps him in a warm embrace.

Temaari offers Ouidanna a polished dark walnut board inlaid with a sinuous blue resin river.

Leafiara hugs you, then extends a hug to Vandryl.