DR RP... some Soul Collectors thoughts...

Well, let's start with the SC stuff. Basically, I'm still short on players and I'm going to cease nagging the people who are taking their sweet time getting back to me. Soooo... hopefully that'll leave me with 4 players without having to beg someone to play. (Argh.) I have no clue where I'll find another player, either.

Sometimes just think it's not even worth bothering to start SC. Kind of getting jaded about it and I haven't even run it yet. I just wish finding players was easier to do. :/

As for the DR stuff... well, it's not much. I went and got Talliska her first favor from Tenemlor (because Simu recently added favors to Prydaen gods, boggle). There was a bit of RP involved in it because Talliska had sworn off worshipping the Prydaen tryptich (Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor) for a while, and I wanted to play out her reasons for returning. I've posted the log below.

(Note: Jon helped me out with the RP, as Alexsei, since he's a Cleric and a close friend of Talliska's. Also, needed him to light the way in the cemetery. Portable candle! :D)

* * *

[Northeast Wilds, Bramble Thicket]
A small, thin path meanders through an otherwise daunting thicket of brambles here. Directly to the north is a dark, slate outcropping, while east lies a tall, attenuated tower. The exterior of the tower is covered with carvings of fantastic and legendary beings and creatures, whose awesome and powerful visages you can discern even from this distance. Through the foliage, you see the town gate to the west. You also see an overgrown trail.
Obvious paths: west.

You feel fully rested.

Exorcist Alexsei just arrived.

Alexsei smiles at you.

You beam at Alexsei!

You say, "Hello iluhir. Thank you for meet me here."

Alexsei says, "Oh, do not mention it. You know it is a pleasure to be of assistance."

You say, "I have small quest to do, and I wish you be my witness."

You nod to Alexsei.

Alexsei gets a suit of matte black plate armor embellished with a blood red scorpion from inside his book bag.

Alexsei says, "I would like nothing more."

You say, "As it is of matter of faith. And you are man who serve the gods."

Alexsei says, "Ah, I see... Well, I will assist you in any way I can, taylkusha."

Alexsei works his way into a suit of matte black plate armor embellished with a blood red scorpion.

You smile.

Alexsei gets a pair of midnight black handguards from inside his book bag.

Alexsei slips a pair of midnight black handguards onto his hands.

Alexsei gets a midnight-black helm shaped like a jackal's head from inside his book bag.

Alexsei puts a midnight-black helm shaped like a jackal's head on his head.

You say, "It is my wish that Tenemlor recognize me once more, as descendant of her daughter."

You nod.

Alexsei nods to you.

Alexsei asks, "Then... I take it you will present yourself before her, and ask her to be recognized?"

You say, "For despite I allow people of new races into my heart, as friend and comrade and mate, I am not changed. I am still Prydaen, I am born in likeness of Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor."

Alexsei nods to you.

Alexsei says, "I will say this once, Talliska. I was not born steeped into the traditions of your people. I have studied them, as a scholar, from the outside, to strive to understand them. I even beseeched Tenemlor myself, that she would grant me her power to strike down foes of this world. And so I am speaking these words as an outsider."

You nod.

You say, "I understand."

Alexsei says, "But I believe in the connection the Gods have with their children. Like parents who bring their progeny into the world, a parent wants the best for them. Perhaps they have expectations of them, and perhaps they chastise them at times for their choices. But at the core, children have a will of their own, and no matter what, a parent will always love their child."

Alexsei says, "No matter the choices their children will make."

You listen intently to the sounds around you.

Alexsei nods.

You say, "Then you give blessing on my quest? I still have little doubt. But I wish dispel this doubt now. You tell me, as holy man, that this is right path to take, and I will take without fear."

Alexsei smiles at you.

Alexsei says, "You have already earned my blessing, Talliska. The path you seek is noble and true. You felt like your choices made you a disgrace to the Gods that have cradled you, but there is always more than one way to look at any given situation. Maybe your choices will ensure that you do not create new life to the Wildclaw lineage... But with Tenemlor's blessing, you can still be a proud huntress of your people, and defend what life already exists. Everyone and everything has a place in our world, Talliska... Part of our journey is in figuring out where our place is."

You nod to Alexsei.

You take in a great breath of air.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

You say, "Then, is time I begin..."

Alexsei nods.

You say, "First, need sacrifice of undead flesh. For Tenemlor is foe of undead and necromancy, abomination of life."

Alexsei nods to you.

Alexsei says, "There is no greater sacriledge than the desecration of those who rest. As a scion of Eylhaar, I will fight by your side."

Alexsei's eyes become abyssal as he whispers a pleading prayer in a sonorous voice.

You smile at Alexsei.

You say, "Is much honor to fight by your side, Black Wing of Eylhaar."

Alexsei says, "Show me your weapon, daughter of Wildclaw."

You draw out your scimitar from the leather sheath.

You show Alexsei your scimitar.

Alexsei appears to be concentrating intently on something.

Alexsei appears to be concentrating intently on something.

Alexsei bows his head and chants a prayer.

Alexsei gestures at you.
A glistening gold glow surrounds a scimitar.

You smile at Alexsei.

You kiss a scimitar!

Alexsei smiles at you.

You sheathe the scimitar in your leather sheath.

Alexsei says, "Now, one more thing. The dead are an aberration to the Gods, and as one who would fight them, I will give you their blessing."

Alexsei bows his head and chants a prayer.

You nod to Alexsei.

Alexsei seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Alexsei gestures at you.
You are bathed in a soft white glow for a moment.

Alexsei nods.

Alexsei says, "You are ready."

You say, "Thank you, iluhir."

Alexsei says, "Now let us bring peace to those who should rest."

You nod in agreement.

Alexsei draws forth a swept-hilt falchion.

Alexsei gets a crimson kite shield embellished with a trio of blood-red teardrops from inside his book bag.

Exorcist Alexsei's group went down a small thin path.

[Alexsei brings Talliska to the cemetery near Crossing. 5 dead ghouls later...]

[Graveyard, Tunnels]
The narrow tunnel walls change abruptly here, as smooth ancient limestone to the east gives way to packed earth. Jagged shards fallen from the wall litter the floor, forcing visitors to step carefully. A blazing fire to the east casts a faint reddish light over the whole area.
Also here: Exorcist Alexsei
Obvious exits: east, southwest, northwest.

You skillfully peel the ghoul skin off a ghoul.

You nod.

You say, "It is done."

You sheathe the outdoors knife in your tail scabbard.

You put your skin in your skin backpack.

Alexsei says, "Now... Let us go and complete your quest."

You smile at Alexsei.

You nod.

Alexsei puts his shield in his book bag.

Alexsei sheathes his swept-hilt falchion.

You say, "I bring you there once we leave cemetary."

Alexsei nods to you.

[Talliska leads Alexsei to the boulder where the Prydaen gods will hear her prayers.]

[Wildflower Meadow, Before the Gods]
Wildflowers circle a leafy bush and a large, flat boulder, the surface of which is rounded due to years of exposure to the wind and rain. Lush grass blankets the ground like a living carpet that softens footfalls. A faint path heads toward the tree line to the north, while the field drops off elsewhere in the other directions.
Obvious paths: north.
Alexsei followed.

You nod.

Alexsei smiles.

You say, "This is place..."

Alexsei ponders.

Alexsei kneels down.

You say, "Long lost place where gods of the Prydaen listen."

Alexsei just kissed a large boulder!

Alexsei stands up.

Soft birdsong fills the air, echoing faintly from the distant tree line.

You kneel down and begin to pray.

You switch into speaking the Prydaenese tongue.

Alexsei says, "Let your heart speak for you, Talliska. And the Gods will listen."

Alexsei kneels down.

You say in Prydaenese, "Tenemlor, I come to you now as your daughter, to seek your blessing after a long absence of travel."

Alexsei prays fervently.

You say in Prydaenese, "I once believed myself unfavored by Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor, for I have chosen to embrace the new ways of Kermoria, to make friends among the new races, and to love one not of the Prydaen."

You say in Prydaenese, "For my choice I will never be able to produce children, to continue the line of my ancestors, who died before me escaping the foul necromancy of Lyras."

Alexsei's eyes become abyssal as he whispers a pleading prayer in a sonorous voice.

You say in Prydaenese, "And so, in shame, I turned my face from you, Tenemlor, and to my heritage. For I believed myself unworthy, and with that belief my faith began to wither."

A few clouds drift by, obscuring the stars as they pass.

You say in Prydaenese, "I spent many years in seclusion, a self-imposed exile in the forests of Langenfirth. I strove to discover who I really am, my place and purpose in this world."

The glowing aura fades from around Alexsei.

You say in Prydaenese, "What I discovered, was that the only way to be true to myself, is to embrace every aspect of who I am. The new world and the old ways. For no matter where my mind, heart and body roams, I am still your daughter... I am still Prydaen."

You say in Prydaenese, "And in lieu of the children I will never produce from my womb, I will guide and protect all children of Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor, as well all those who walk under the stars of Tamsine. With sword and claw I shall combat the forces of the undead that once tore my home in twain. With senses and wisdom I shall guide the lost to their way, through rough terrain and elements."

You say in Prydaenese, "This I pledge to you, Tenemlor. I, Talliska of Wildclaw Hub, seek your favor, for I have come home."

You rise to your feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

Alexsei bows his head and chants a prayer.

You lean forward and touch the stone reverently, with a prayer on your lips, asking Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor to take notice of you and your request for a favor.

It takes a moment to notice, but one of the twigs on a nearby bush has begun to rapidly die before your eyes. What was a perfectly healthy portion of the plant a minute ago is now completely dead and brown.

Tiny insects flit from flower to flower, oblivious to your presence.

You lean forward and touch the stone reverently, with a prayer to the Triquetra on your lips.

Alexsei gestures.
A shaft of brilliant white light descends from the heavens, bathing Alexsei in its radiance.
Alexsei appears to grow stronger.

You get a ghoul skin from inside your skin backpack.

You reverently place a ghoul skin on the boulder and watch as it changes before your eyes into a shariza symbol.

You get a shariza symbol from atop a large boulder.

You kiss a shariza symbol!

You say in Prydaenese, "Thank you, Tenemlor, for answering my plea. I am humbled and grateful."

You bow to a large boulder.

You switch back into the Common language.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Alexsei says, "And so an era comes to a close... And a new one comes to a start. Take a moment to reflect upon what you have lost, and what you have gained, daughter of Tenemlor. This moment is yours, and this memory will last you a lifetime."

Alexsei rubs a shaman's elaborately carved bone parchment case.

You nod.

You gaze up at the sky.

You say, "Is better now. I feel... peace, in my heart."

Alexsei smiles.

Alexsei says, "Your path is true and pure, Talliska. You are different than other prydaen, but all of us are born different from one another. Do not doubt your parent's love for you, however. Strength comes from difference, and that strength comes as a pride to the Gods who have birthed you and your people."

You say to Alexsei, "I thank you as well, is very encouraging that you stand by me now, and witness my prayer."

You say, "That you believe in me, is more that I can ask for. You are true friend, and such friendship is blessing."

You beam at Alexsei!

Alexsei recites:

"Tenemlor, She Who Watches the Sleep of the Departed
I thank you for your kindness and your dilligence
Thank your for accepting your daughter back into your radiance
May your blessings and dedication illuminate her path until it reaches its end
And the time comes for her to feel you protect her rest."

Alexsei's eyes become abyssal as he whispers a pleading prayer in a sonorous voice.

You kneel down and begin to pray.

Tiny insects flit from flower to flower, oblivious to your presence.

Alexsei nods to you.

Alexsei says, "I only defend what I believe to be true, Talliska. What you gained, you gained through your actions, and your own being. The thanks belong to you, and not me."

Alexsei smiles.

You rise to your feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

Alexsei stands up.

You smile and puts her symbol away for safekeeping.

You put your symbol in your suede belt purse.

You hug Alexsei who wraps his arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of dry parchment clings to his skin.

Alexsei smiles at you.

Alexsei says, "Congratulations, taylkusha."

You say, "No matter what, am still thankful to you anyway. I think I be so nervous to go alone."

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Alexsei smiles at you.

Alexsei says, "Then it was an honor to be at your side."

You beam at Alexsei!

Alexsei shows you a shaman's elaborately carved bone parchment case. Etched into the case is a detailed scene of a Prydaen lady, her hand aflame, gently cradling a fallen Prydaen warrior.

You say, "Is good time to seek blessing of Tenemlor. So much rumor of necromancy return full force to Elanthia."

Alexsei nods to you.

You say, "I wish be strong enough to fight such force when it come."

Alexsei says, "Veyne has been sighted already - I even saw him, in El'Bain's. Others whisper of the return of Darkensi... Who once served lord Sorrow."

You shake your head.

Alexsei says, "Dark times are ahead, and we must be prepared for them."

You say, "I hear Darkensi of Sunfall be tricked to serve. Still, is grave error."

Alexsei nods to you.

You say, "I do best to prepare for times to come."

The last few clouds drift away to reveal a sky full of twinkling stars.

Alexsei says, "The worrying fact is that many things seem to converge at the horizon, like dark clouds before a storm. What lies ahead might be troublesome and trying."

You nod in agreement.

You say, "Is good time be vigilant and train hard."

Alexsei nods to you.

You say, "Must show my worth now to Tenemlor, that I not waste her blessing."

You pat a beaded suede belt purse.

Alexsei says, "No matter what, however, you have to remember you are not alone."

Alexsei nods to you.

Alexsei smiles.

Alexsei says, "I am certain you will make her proud."

You smile at Alexsei.

You ask, "I try. Ready to go now?"

You angle your ears forward, gazing curiously at Alexsei.

Alexsei says, "When you are."

You smile.

You nod.