Immortal Comments

Role

Chapter 17

The Acolytes of the Golden Sun walk a blessed path. You are the
embodiment of the life giving sun, and bound to the Light. In your path
you will face many challenges. Keep these oaths close to your heart.

Never allow your rage to overwhelm you. Still your anger and your
vengeance and focus instead upon the serenity of the Light.

Remember it is not only your word, but your actions that will guide
others of the Light. Be of fair tongue and of fair act.

Though you are gifted with the powers of life and light, you walk in a
world of death and darkness. You are the shield of light. Protect those
of the Light, and stand fast against the forces of the Darkness. Never
turn your back upon a comrade, there are none too far lost that they
should be greeted with hatred. This does not mean one who is turned
should be met with open arms, merely that hope must not be lost for them.

The Maran are your brothers, as you protect them, so they protect you.
There is no greater strength in Thera than the unity of the Light, do
not work against the Maran...but also do not become too much like them.
their path and yours are not the same. For even though sword may defend,
and shield may strike a foe, it is more effective in reverse.

The religions of Thera you should have knowledge of. Learn what you can
and share it with your brethren. Often, knowing the right way to phrase a
prayer may sway the priest.

Guide the squires as well as the scribes. Shepherd them as they walk
along the path to the Brigade. Guide their minds and hearts so their eyes
are always upon the Light.

Role

Chapter 32

It seems desperation on the part of Deaer's rescue has turned my mind
into something of a monster. In trying to discover ways to part Trovialis
from Deaer's body, I find myself analyzing every word it speaks in her
voice. Perhaps some part of me is so desperate for answers that I will
look for anything at all as a potential explanation. I have taken some
notes however.

Speech patterns suggest Scarab Worship.
Seeks revenge against Corrlaan for 'abandonment.'
Has needed 'ages' to gain enough power to break Deaer's will.
Powerful emotions on the part of Deaer weaken the will of Trovialis
enough to let Deaer break through.
Deaer has broken through when others have offered their blood to the
vampire.
Trovialis seems convinced my blood is 'special.'
Still has not regained his full powers.
Controls Deaer's body through an Awakened Possession, allowing Deaer to
see everything through the eyes of the vampire controlling her. Awakened
spirit within has fortified Deaer's latent vampirism. Exemplified by
enhancement of the fangs and drive to feed.
Baelen mentioned Deaer breaking through, saying 'Dwybaen is the key.'
Meaning unknown, must question Dwybaen about this.

Now... The devil in disguise, is Trovialis' interest in my blood. I have
my suspicions that Trovialis has been watching things through Deaer's
eyes for centuries, so likely he knows of the hunger I've suffered as
well. For whatever reason, to Trovialis, my blood is different from the
rest of those he's smelled. I'm an anomaly. Two possibilities exist in
this.

The first being that my blood would somehow restore his own magic through
some unknown ritual.

The second and most unpleasant being that as I do not know my father, the
possibility exists that I am Deaer's half-brother, and somehow share in
this curse with her. Baelen and Becaid seem to agree that if such is the
case, then Deaer possesses Trovialis' Spirit, while I possess his magic.

If either suspicion comes by as truth, then the possibility exists that
if Trovialis gets -any- of my blood, he will be restored completely, and
Deaer will be lost to all of us forever. Regardless, I must do whatever I
can to dig up any leads for information that might bring Deaer back to
her senses and weaken Trovialis. As well, it may be worth venturing to
the vampires themselves in search of an elder to learn what they know of
Trovialis. Perhaps we'll get lucky and an Acolyte would be able to speak
peaceably with them, without causing a stir or aggression.

Role

Chapter 31

Such a fickle thing, isn't it? Thinking in your youth that you have all
the time in the world. That time is on your side all the time. By the
accounts of others, in my hundred and eighty years upon the world, I have
experienced more in life than most, walked more paths than many would
even dare to imagine. True, I have experienced much, but it doesn't make
me better than anyone else. For two centuries, I have squandered my own
time. Hid in the background whilst others hunted me. Done nothing when I
could have been out helping others.

Now, my inaction is catching up to me. Time is no longer on my side. Time
is no longer a luxury I have. Now it's a luxury I struggle to keep within
my grasp. I can only wonder how much more time I have before my physical
body gives up on me. My Spirit is strong, but now I'm faced with my very
own mortality. And I am terrified.

It's not death I fear. It's that I may die without being able to say
goodbye to my best and closest friend in the world, Deaer. It's that I
could have spent my earlier years looking into her curse, looking for the
truth behind the monster that controls her now. It's strange being in
love with a married woman and keeping those feelings silent. All I feel
for Deaer is despair that there's nothing I can do for her yet. For all
the blessings I've been given in my life, my mortality terrifies me that
I may lose the one person I've held closest in my thoughts to a monster I
thought -I- would become.

I have the Fortress now. I am an Acolyte, and I'm supposed to be a
shining example of Living Light... Yet I cannot say so casually that I
would give -anything- to have her back to the way she was, as I know that
in my desperation, I would do something foolish. At my core, I am still a
selfish, self-centered man. I feel possessed to help Deaer as she's
helped me over the years. I feel that if I do nothing, I've failed her.
And, in my moment of weakness, I am ashamed of myself.

Role

Chapter 30

A great deal has happened in my life since I began my journey outside the
Academy. Perhaps I've grown reminiscent over time. I entered the Academy
as a Necromancer seeking cures for the worst the guild has to offer.
Misguided as I was, I believe I truly have come to something of a mastery
over those afflictions through the Healers guild. I likely wouldn't be a
Healer today were it not for Captain Neltouda coming to me in the Forest
of NoWhere with Graile and Lero one hundred years ago.

Ever since our first conversation, her words to me still ring as clear in
my mind and Spirit as ever. "As you pluck at the strings of my Spirit, so
too shall I pluck at yours." Later, she'd asked me to be the vessel of
her Spirit. I still remember being shocked beyond belief. Thought perhaps
I'd already died and had crossed over to the other side.

In all my years though... I never imagined I would have made it to the
pinnacle of any guild. As a new Hero, I wonder if perhaps my advancement
is premature. Afterall, most that enter the guilds have all their
training available to them through their guildmasters. My training comes
from my Captain, and I believe she yet has more in store for me. Not
merely in training, but in things I must do.

I look at my advancement as a new beginning. I've pleased the Guildmaster
and no longer require formal training from him. I'm free to redouble my
efforts to please the Captain, as well as serve as a guide to those
around me.

Role

Chapter 29

Long has this subject crossed my mind, and long I have rationalized my
way into staying my way on the Tribunal path. Though I have been a
Magistrate for a long time, and though I have a deep respect for those
that do call a life of Law, my Spirit is not settled here in the Spire.
My Spirit bids me to do more with my life than be a Tribunal. What all
this will entail, I don't fully know. I'm reminded constantly of my prior
promises to my friends in the Fortress, and a goal I held in my heart for
decades. Promises I'd neglected, and goals I had set aside for what I
feel to be a job now. It isn't that I have a grievance against the Spire,
nor do I regret any of my time spent on duty. My destiny is calling me,
and I must greet it with open arms and a welcome Spirit.

When the Spire calls for my aid, I will not hesitate to answer the call
in the defense of the Spire. However... I will not help the strike down
my brothers and sisters of the Light. It weighs heavily on my Spirit
already that I have marked a brother for death.

Role

Chapter 28

It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was admitted to the guild
of Healers in Voralian. I didn't know if what I sought would be a
possibility, yet here I am. Proud of my change. I have yet to visit my
mother in Darsylon, but I know that she would be proud of me today. When
I'd brought shame to the family with my chosen magic and path, I thought
that was the end of it. This path and everything in it has given me new
life. If not for the wrinkles on my face and my scars, I would think time
had gone backwards for me.

I spend my time in service of the Spire as a local healer, healing the
wounds and soothing the Spirits of Galadon's visitors and residents
alike. My abilities as a Healer may be limited, but as I have always
done, I've made the best of a limitation and turned it into a strength.
I'm near to mastering my prayers already, though I do have a few I would
like to learn soon. Traveling through Gates to give aid to those in more
desperate need of help, putting the afflicted into a deep Healing Sleep
to cure illnesses and wounds my healing prayer otherwise cannot touch,
calling a Sanctuary against harm to those I protect, and granting a
prayer to return people home if they become too lost or injured for my
help, and sanctifying places divine prayer cannot reach just as a few
examples.

I would write of communing itself as well. For many years when I'd first
been taught some of the supplications of the guild, I was unable to
commune with the Captain. I'd grown accustomed to not having anything for
a long time, and I'd even feared communing as a priest of Neltouda for
fear of my hunger reawakening. My fears were misplaced, and I am glad to
say so. I feel connected not only to Captain Neltouda, but the Spirits of
those I pray for. The best way to describe it would be having the hand of
a Goddess guide your own and touching the very essence of another person
and feeling everything that makes them who they are.

It's a deeply enlightening experience. It took me a long time to fully
understand who I was and what my strengths were. Even today, I still use
my sense of humor to lighten the compliments I receive from others
because I do not feel fully deserving of their praise. There is always
more I can do. More I can learn. Not for power, not for fame, not for
greatness. But because I would serve Thera as a beacon of faith and a
guiding Spirit. In a time where strife is a constant and there are always
those in need, people need hope. Though they may not always admit it,
sometimes they need help. I would do my guild, my mother, and my Captain
proud.

Role

Chapter 27

It's been almost too long since the last time I'd picked up this journal
to write, rather than to read of my own experiences in Thera. The Path of
the LightSeeker has been a long one. There had been times when I'd very
nearly given in to anger and sadness from the loss of my friends.
However, had I done so then, I would betray their memories now. For
ninety years I have walked Thera. First as a Necromancer, a tainted
Spirit with good intentions, at least before my Spirit was cleansed of
the taint. Now, I walk as a changed man. Pure in both mind, body, and
Spirit.

For all my changes though, nothing has ever very easy, and always far
from simple. For years I thought joining the Tribunal was simply a
whimsical decision made out of a mixture of both boredom and a desire to
do something different with my life. I'd wondered for a time if joining
the Tribunal came as a betrayal to those in the Fortress I'd promised to
aid, though I am afforded many freedoms as a Magistrate on my off time. I
am still free to aid my friends, though part of me still wishes to see
the inner walls of the Fortress.

To others who would follow in my footsteps, your paths will be difficult.
There will be pain, anger, and fear. You cannot allow these things to
take root in your minds and spirits. For although you will endure an
entire world crashing down upon you, you must know that the path is well
worth the time and effort. As an official study of the Healers arts, you
need only the desire to do something good with your life. If your
training is purely a destructive thing, turn it to something that would
defend others you meet on your path.

Take the unexpected as it comes as well. You can never be sure whose eyes
are watching, and whose hand is waiting to help you. Though this
concludes the Chronicles of the Lightseeker, my path is far from over.
I've still a greater story to come.

Faenral Daerisse, Guiding Light of Spirits, The LightSeeker Redeemed.

Role

Chapter 26

I've done it. Near a century of a poorly chosen path... After having
accepted the Darkness within me and purging it from my Spirit. After
having trained and studied as a Necromancer... I have -finally- begun my
journey as a true Healer. My mother would be proud of me. Even though I
cannot yet use supplications, I've officially been recognized as a
student of the guild by Jhanderin, the guildmaster in Voralian City. My
journey is far from over though. I am still the LightSeeker. There's much
I have not yet done.

Before I can continue my path as a Healer Proper, I must complete my
training with Captain Neltouda. The supplications of the guild I must
learn, and learn them I must. My path has been long, but nothing I have
done so far has not been worth it. I give my thanks to the Light, for it
has given me guidance and protection over these years. It has bolstered
my Spirit and given me strength. In this single event... My prayers were
answered.

I walk my path with renewed vigor and hope. And I pray my path is an
inspiration to those around me.

Role

Chapter 25

In many ways, I'd wondered if I would be the only one in my lifetime to
walk the path I do. It seems that now I am not. I'd met a young woman, a
Necromancer like I was. I admit that her thoughts were somewhat scary
when she'd voiced them. At any rate, she seeks to change her guild as I
am. Her desired course of action isn't near as drastic as mine, but she's
resolved herself to ask Arvam if he would be willing to help her change
her magic.

I pray she is successful. I will work as closely as I can with her to see
about walking a Path of Light as well. If I am lucky, she will use my
publication for guidance when I am beyond reach.

Role

Chapter 24

Be ready to commit. Find love. Find a reason to live. Find something that
makes all of the hardship worth it. Find -your- Beacon, and likewise be
one to Thera. Above all, never lose faith. It may seem like a daunting
thing to undergo, but be certain of your purpose. To those whose souls
have been shadowed and tainted by Darkness, seek out the Lord of Mercy.
My own experiences deal almost exclusively with Lord Corrlaan. The Misty
Ruins will hold many dangers and it is not merely the wrath of the
wildlife you should be wary of.

I'd mentioned that were would be sacrifices on this path. Depending on
your profession, you may be asked to refrain from using certain spells or
abilities. Before I had spoken with the Lord of Archons, I had taken a
voluntary vow against using the magic of my Guild. You may be asked to do
the same. Those of you that must make this sacrifice, be strong. Find
strength in your Spirit. Find strength in those around you. Power is a
strong addition. You must be stronger. Do not let it overwhelm you, and
do not break your vows.

In time, if you are faithful to both yourself and to the Light, you will
find your way. I know in my heart that I will one day. And I could not
have done this alone.

Faenral Daerisse, LightSeeker, Grey-Not-Quite-Mage

Role

Chapter 23

So begins the second part of this journal, detailing the steps I've made
on my journey. I will start by saying this. The Path of the LightSeeker
is not an easy one. To live the life is one thing but to seek it out for
your own is another. There are many dangers, both physical and spiritual.
There will be those that seek your death because they believe you to be a
betrayer. There are those who will hunt you because they cannot decide if
you are a snake whispering deceit and lies. Do not take these threats to
heart.

This is a decision that must be made by your Spirit. This cannot be a
single conscious thought saying "I want to walk in the Light." You must
believe with all of your being that it is the right path for you. You
must not waver. You must not doubt. You must not fear. I have been a
victim of doubts and fear and they will shake your path... Your soul, to
the core. Believe that your Spirit will carry you as far as you must go.
To walk this path you must let go of all fear, doubt, and anger. These
feelings are your enemies all. Learn the arts of meditation and
self-reflection. Seek guidance from the friends you make. Find the
Fortress. They will be your guides.

As for what you must do, look to the Paladin's Code or the Acolytes
Tenets. It is a good example of how you should live. Be selfless of act,
but do not take your own life for granted. Sacrifices will be made on
this path, but senseless sacrifice would do little more than shame the
path you seek. For myself, I have gone out to the cities and fed the
impoverished. I have equipped young adventurers just out of the Academy
either with coin or ensuring they are well dressed and equipped for the
greater world around them. I became a Tribunal to protect the citizens of
the larger cities in Thera from dangerous individuals that would bring
war to their homes.

There is no single act that will declare to the Gods that you are ready.
There is no true end to this path. To wish for an end would do little
more than signify that you cannot live the life fully and dedicate
yourself to it. Let me say now that you must accept the path as a
lifetime commitment. There will be times you feel as though the Gods have
abandoned you. You must remember however that -you- must find the answers
for yourself. Look to your friends and the Fortress. They will guide you,
but you must make all of the choices. You must learn for yourself.

Role

Chapter 22

Ildilintra: A later friend in my life, though I would not realize the
importance of her until after my mid-life crisis where I'd nearly ended
my path as a Tribunal in the most foolish of ways. Where I had thought my
path was coming to an end for my lack of action, she had given me a means
to reignite the fire in my Spirit. She lives on as a Provincial
Magistrate, though I pray as the years go by, she eventually comes to be
known as the Provost.
There are so many more friends I have made on my path, but I cannot write
of them all in detail. To keep this short, I would like to thank Corlx,
Saersha, and Vateras from the Eternal Star. They have been a family and
gracious enough to accept me living within the Inn before I'd joined the
Tribunal. There have been far too many names within the Fortress to name
them, so I must thank the Fortress itself. All of you have been kind to
me in your own times. I still hope one day to return the favor, if not in
life, then in death with this journal.

Role

Chapter 21

To whomever may read this journal, whether I have lost it, or have passed
on and presented this journal for others to learn from, I would like to
summarize my journey so far in what I have taken to calling the
Chronicles of the LightSeeker A great deal has happened in my life that
I cannot begin to sum up in merely a few words. I will take this entry in
phases, cycling through various aspects of my life so far.

First, I would like to thank my friends who have been with my through my
journey. Not all of them have survived to see me get this far, but I wish
their names to be remembered. May whoever reads this journal be graced
with friends like these.

Panaver: The first elf I'd encountered after the Academy, and the first
to make me question my motives. It was he who had opened my eyes to begin
questioning myself. At the time of this writing, he has disappeared long
enough that I doubt he lives.

Graile: A dear friend for many years, and the first I'd made that I had
been able to adventure with. As loyal and faithful as a Paladin should
be, he remembers his Honor when dealing with all things. To this day, he
lives on. I am grateful to both share and receive wisdom from him.

Morgedekai: A fierce and brave Felar warrior, as well as a dear friend to
me. He fights for both love and honor, two principles I believe no one
should be without. He lives on to this day, and remains an inspiration to
me.

Deaer: The Fanged Mistress. The very first Acolyte I had spoken to after
meeting Panaver. It was her advice that first led me to the Lord
Corrlaan's ledge. It was her insight that opened my eyes. Having
neglected the long-game of the path I had taken with Necromancy, it was
she who made me remember my Spirit and to follow it. I still seek her
guidance today, as she has been an endless wealth of knowledge.

Trenloch and Pamalynn: Two acolytes I'd met very closely to one another.
Well. One Acolyte and a Scribe seeking the path of a Maran. Pamalynn's
path of seeking to be a Maran had later inspired me to seek to become an
Acolyte as a Tribunal. Trenloch I'd been able to meditate with on one
occasion, and he'd brought me wisdom from the Lord Corrlaan. Pamalynn has
since disappeared while Trenloch lives on.

Valanthiriel and Amatrysti: Two Cardinals I've had the pleasure of
knowing. Valanthiriel was not near as well known to me as Amatrysti, but
I think she believed in me, even if she would not directly say as much.
Amatrysti remains a beacon of hope and an endless fountain of support on
my path, no matter what decisions I make. Valanthiriel as passed, and
I've been graced with the opportunity of watching as Amatrysti rose from
the rank of Acolyte to being the Cardinal and lives on to this day.

Role

Chapter 20

Okay. First OOC post. Figured I'd help clarify a few things about Faenral
that I'd never really written down. Just as a note to the Imm's that read
this, this is my first returning character after a two-year haitus, as
well as being quite easily the most invested in a character I've ever
been in my 13 year history with CF.

With a lot of my characters, I've generally tried to run an organic
character with a fixed role. Faenral is my attempt at a truly organic
character. One of the difficulties with characters in general is that
they're always dead-set. I've tried to make Faenral feel as human as
possible. He's not perfect. He makes mistakes. He gets scared over really
silly things. He has addictions that he fights. That's it for the general
character stuff though.

Character Profile Sheet for Faenral (Previously unwritten)
Name: Faenral Daerisse (Fane-Ral Day-Rese)
Parents: Elythyrra Daerisse (Mother, Elf, Healer, Darsylon) Illit'vanyre
Drayees (Father, Drow, Unknown/Unknown
Personality: Mix minor OCD/ADD. Highly analytical but easily distracted.
Near zero pride. Unwilling to acknowledge his own accomplishments as
"great." Always looking to do more with himself. Uses meditation to
alleviate boredom. Strong believer in the strength of ones spirit. Very
fatherly/brotherly to those he meets. Intense distrust of Imperials. Very
good at hiding his true feelings. Dislikes seeing others being hurt or
suffer.

Vices: Magic is like a powerful drug. Causes feelings of euphoria as well
as deep cravings. Also inspires sense of invincibility. Has difficulty
controlling emotions. Anger/Rage particularly difficult to subdue. Has
difficulty expressing emotions at times, particularly those of
love/affection, uses jokes to compensate for this. Takes serious matters
too casually from time to time.

Role

Chapter 19

Journal, Page 12: The Healer In Training
Some time has passed again since the last time I'd written in my journal.
The longer I live on this path, the harder it is for me to see items of
significance in my life. The good I do has become more than merely a way
to live my life. It's simply become a part of my life. But, of the things
I've done, one thing that stands out in particular is having the Captain
ask me to learn about first aid from the priests I do now. So, likely
this page is merely going to be a list of my notes.

The Priests I've spoken to thus far have been Ipyme, Deaer, and
Amatrysti. Ipyme being a Paladin, Deaer and Amatrysti being professional
Healers.

What I'd learned from Ipyme was more from a soldiers standpoint, which in
its' own right is very important. Many times in the field, you face a
variety of creatures, beasts, and people. Each has found their own way of
inflicting lasting harm. One of the difficulties in performing first aid
is that it typically must be done on the field. Conditions are usually
far from ideal. Simple wounds must be cleaned and dressed, bones must be
set, and bleeding staunched. The difficulties therein being that first
aid is easier when one knows exactly what inflicted the wound.

Amatrysti and Deaer touched on the field being a far from ideal place to
dress wounds. Oftentimes clean, fresh water is not available, nor can you
heat it to properly disinfect wounds. First aid is a medical necessity to
prolong the life of the injured and suffering, but it is a basic one.
Infected wounds can lead to a complicated healing later on. Improperly
set bones will not heal properly and can inhibit movement, and bleeding
wounds if left untreated may cause death later when the bleeding
internalizes from the wound being sealed.

In addition, shrapnel left behind by the instruments dealing the harm can
cause lasting problems as well. A piece of knife if left in the muscle
can shred the muscle from the inside with even minor exertion. Worse,
were shrapnel to be located in the upper torso and left there,
overexertion could cause it to tear a path to either the heart or lungs,
causing significant problems if not a quick death. Were it to puncture
the liver or any organs in the abdominal area, death would be
significantly slower and more painful, especially were the internal
wounds to become infected.

Regardless the medical attention required, one must always be observant
of the problems others are dealing with. One must use near all of their
senses to determine the cause of the problem and deal with it not only
quickly, but safely as well.

This knowledge, coupled with what I'd learned in the Academy of anatomy
during my studies as a Necromancer may indeed help further my training as
a Priest of the Light.

Role

Chapter 18

Things are beginning to take shape in my life. A long time has passed
since I'd last made an entry in my journal, though many events have since
taken place. Far too many to record now. What I will say though, is that
I've accepted a job offer from Ildilintra to join the Blood Tribunal. It
is not the Fortress, but I take comfort that I may live out my life as an
Acolyte without needing to be within the Fortress to do so. In becoming
a Tribunal, I pray the citizens of Voralian City may find comfort in my
presence within the city. Knowing that there is someone about to keep
them safe from those that would seek to do them harm.

I did not come to the decision to join the Tribunals lightly, however. It
may have been one of the more difficult decisions in my life that I've
made yet, and I pray my friends do not take it as a betrayal of their
trust. It is however with pride that I take on this new challenge in my
life. There is, admittedly, very little that I can do to bring criminals
to justice, but I will do whatever is necessary to keep my people safe.

After learning what I have of the Tribunal... I may still be an Acolyte
of sorts. My immediate means may be through the cities, but that does not
mean the influence of my actions needs to stop there. My purpose remains
the same. I believe I am a good man, but my actions must speak for me in
ways that my words cannot.

Role

Chapter 1

Journal, Page One
Perhaps it is strange that I never kept a history of myself prior to the
Academy. While I was in school, I watched quietly while many put their
lives into their little books, never knowing whether they would be shared
with another or found by some wandering spirit looking for their next
adventure.

The time has come perhaps to put my own thoughts to the page. To begin,
if you are reading this, my name is Faenral Daerisse. As of this
writing, I am a Necromancer of the eleventh guild rank. The path that
brought me to the guild in the first place was my desire to help others
be rid of the worst diseases and curses. I had thought that by learning
more about them, it would be a simple matter to learn better ways of
abolish them from the body of those affected by them.

As a child, I was very nave. I voluntarily stained my soul and tarnished
my very Spirit to accomplish a goal I believed I could achieve. At the
time however, I did not pause to think about the cost of making that
progress. I thought there was no harm in study and experimentation. Id
thought that as long as I maintained controlled conditions, no harm would
come of it. I continued along that train of thought until Id met
Panaver, and later the Fanged Mistress Deaer.

They asked me the hard questions. Could you accomplish this without
killing innocent people? Can you discover these means without spreading
the plagues yourself?

The short answer was no. The path I followed with blind conviction had
failed me. I had never asked myself these questions. I never believed
failure was a possibility. My chosen path had failed me. My blind
conviction and hunger for knowledge would have consumed me long before I
realized I had fallen away from my path and been consumed by the
encroaching shadows.

My new path, illuminated by Panaver and Deaer, brought me to the Lord of
Archons Corrlaan. Through Him, I seek redemption. Before I had even
sought him out, I had voluntarily forsaken every magic taught by the
Guild of Necromancy. In truth, I had been so bold as to announce my
choice to forsake this magic in front of the Lord Corrlaan without him
saying I should do so.

My name is Faenral Daerisse. I have abandoned the Necromancers guild. I
have forsaken their magic. If the Lord of Archons grants me the honor if
my path leads me to Redemption, I would hope to be a priest in his name.
Let this journal help those that would walk the same path as I. There are
always consequences to the choices we make. I must now atone for my sins
committed out of Pride.

Role

Chapter 16

The Captain asked of me something I'd never heard of, let alone dreamed
of being possible. Captain Neltouda would have me be the vessel of her
Spirit. To be sure, it is a great honor, but the request dumbfounded me
to no end. I'd no idea if she meant to have me join her in Immortality to
reign over the Spirit itself, or if she merely meant for me to carry out
the presence of her Spirit to the Mortals of Thera. Truly a thing of
wonder. Naturally, I did not feel worthy of the honor she would have
granted me.

Yet, the more I think of my path ahead. Of my determination on my path.
Of the ways in which I have sought to improve the lives of others and be
an inspiration... I am slowly beginning to understand why she asked it of
me. On my path, I had already taken a vow against the use of magic within
the guild, forsaken the guild of Necromancy entirely, acted as a Watchman
for the Fortress, and so much more... But I did not limit myself to those
things. I would take my path further by pledging myself to become an
Acolyte worthy of the Golden Sun when my own Spirit is brought into the
Light. I would learn and hope to master the Healers arts, just as my
mother before me. I would be a beacon not only to my friends and the
Fortress... But to -all- of Thera. It is not glory or recognition in
history that I seek. Merely to dedicate my life to mending the wounds of
both the Body and Spirit.

It is a firm belief of mine that the only limits one has are what one
places upon themselves. As long as one adheres to the will of their
Spirit, they have no limits to what they can accomplish. Having others
believe in you is certainly a good thing, but it does not compare to
being confident in your own Spirit. A dual strength, if you will. Drawn
from your friends and family to dream, and believing in yourself to
achieve it. So long as one adheres to the will of ones own Spirit, one
has a true guide. So long as one believes in the Spirit, and acts
according to their Spirit's will, one cannot do wrong by themselves
unless they were to defy the will of their Spirit.

I'd also found a piece of poetry when Captain Neltouda had taken me to
the Altar of All Light. A beautiful piece that I would pray to bring to
the Fortress. Words long removed from mortal lands, brought to the place
they would do the most to inspire.

One For All, So None Shall Fall,
Together Forever, and Never to Sever!
Sisters and Brothers, Fathers and Mothers,
A Family One, Abandoned Are None!
All Need Shall Flee, Steadfast Are We,
Our Work Unabated, A Surplus Created!
United in Gain, and Allied in Pain,
Our Order To Guide Us, May Light Yet Abide Us.

Role

Chapter 15

Time yet again to put my thoughts to the page, though I almost question
the wisdom of doing such. My journey has been a long one indeed. When I'd
left the Academy, I was in my mid forties. Now, I am approaching my
eighties. Very little have I seen of the Lord of Archons, though this
does not dishearten me. I know the Lords and Ladies of the Light watch
over me as much as my friends within and without the Fortress.

When my sins were lifted from my Spirit, I'd felt a terrible burden
lifted from my shoulders. The hunger and lust that is the call of magic
to me began fading day by day. Had I not undertaken this great Journey, I
would have been lost within the darkness as much as those that would seek
to twist me to become that hungry creature I'd seen in my dreams. The
Duality of my Spirit has been settled. There is now only me. I am neither
the elf nor Yggvass. I merely am as my Spirit wills.

This brings me to the most difficult thing I've had to contemplate.
Captain Neltouda has begun teaching me the Healers arts. Learning to
Commune truly is a different thing from the use of magic. One does not
demand the power, for to do such would betray the link between the
Communer and their Deity. It is... An intimate feeling. For several
moments, I was acutely aware of the Captain's presence. I did not sense
her as I do other Spirits. Her Spirit to me feels as though she is the
essence of the storms themselves. More than this though, her Storms are
not merely weather. Hers is a storm of Spirits. That which has the power
to both empower the spirit of another... Or to break it. But... Before
all of this...

The Captain asked of me something I'd never heard of, let alone dreamed
of being possible. Captain Neltouda would have me be the vessel of her
Spirit. To be sure, it is a great honor, but the request dumbfounded me
to no end. I'd no idea if she meant to have me join her in Immortality to
reign over the Spirit itself, or if she merely meant for me to carry out
the presence of her Spirit to the Mortals of Thera. Truly a thing of
wonder. Naturally, I did not feel worthy of the honor she would have
granted me.

Role

Chapter 14

I was warned that my path would be more treacherous even with my sins
lifted from my Spirit. I walk amongst the gray, neither in the Darkness
or the Light. Lacking the ability to see the auras of others, I cannot
judge the Spirit of those who ask me for help. Knowing this, I cannot
claim ignorance in what I've done.

While I was paying a visit to Hamsah for a little training, I was
contacted by Xii, telling me she was stranded in the Silverwood forest
dying of dehydration. The first thought to cross my mind was that someone
needed saving in a capacity I could perform. The second was utter
surprise, knowing that I was still known to Thera as a Necromancer. I
took to the roads at great speed, despite the gates of Hamsah being
locked and found my way out through the river.

It was relatively easy to find her, as she was directly on the road south
of Galadon in the Silverwoods, indeed dying of dehydration. What I did
not expect when I arrived was the pervasive aura of her magic and the
dark intent she wields it with. Despite this, I gave her water and food,
not even thinking of the potential consequences of saving one that
knowingly and even happily walks with evil in their heart.

It is my firm belief that -no one- deserves to die. Were I to simply
abandon her to her fate and foolishness for not having water when she was
so near to the city... I would have been no better. I know in my soul
that I did the right thing in coming to her aid. I can only pray that the
Lord Corrlaan sees it an act of Mercy, and that my path is not
jeopardized by my act of selflessness in anothers' time of need.

Role

Chapter 13

With the burden of my sins lifted from my Spirit, I feel a sense of
freedom once more. Free to shape myself as I want to be. I do not yet
walk in the Light, so my journey has a long ways yet that I must go
before I can call myself a brother to those who have graced me with their
kindness and blessed my life. I am pleased to write that Captain Neltouda
is willing to teach me how to commune at least simple blessings but there
is yet much I need to learn.

I dedicated my childhood before the academy learning how to focus and
channel magic, though I was unable to give the same dedication to my
mother's teachings. I am the first Daerisse in nine generations to -not-
practice the healing arts in the great Academy. In truth, I had gone so
long without visiting a trainer of any form that I'd nearly forgotten
much of what I -had- learned before I'd forsaken the guild entirely.

The Captain told me to ask others of the Faith about their experiences
with communing their deities. Truthfully, I couldn't help but be curious
when she'd told me to ask them. I truly wanted to know what it felt like
to be so closely linked with a God or Goddess that for a brief moment,
the two are one and the same. I can honestly say that it is not a lust
for power that brings me to that curiosity, but what I've been told of
the experience from others.

Compared to my experiences with magic: a constant struggle to maintain
control over the flow of power, and even more a struggle to not be lost
in the hunger... I -envy- the link they share. Would that magic brought
me the same feelings of camaraderie, wisdom, patience... And even love?
Perhaps I would not have been dragged so deeply onto a dark path as I
had. True I chose Necromancy, but the -call- to magic that I felt made
that power all but irresistible.

Whether or not my path as a Healer is entirely shut from Magic, I do not
know yet. The Captain says that I would commune supplications in a way
unique to me, using what I learned of focusing magic. She's mentioned
something of my Spirit being involved in the process as well, though I
have yet to fully understand what she means. I do not know if I would be
taught these things before my Spirit is brought into the Light, but as
always I will remain patient.

Role

Chapter 12

I cannot forget my past. I cannot deny who I am. I cannot purge my blood.
My path is as much a Spiritual journey as it has ever been, though
perhaps more now that I understand these things. We are Faenral and we
are one. I can accept a hunger that I will not feed. I can accept a
Darkness that I will not become. Knowing the Darkness would allow me to
better fight it. Perhaps it is a necessary thing for me to be an Acolyte
worthy of the title.

There is strength in this. In choosing to do the right thing, despite
knowing the temptations of Power are lurking in the back of my mind. The
desire to do for myself will not overcome my desire to do for others. My
actions to this point have shown -me- as much. My dream of joining my
brothers and sisters in the Light, joining them in the Fortress, and
fighting against the very thing I very nearly became is a dream no more.
It is becoming my reality.

When the Mind collides with the Body and Soul, reality slips into the
surreal. The impossible becomes possible, and -everything- begins to fade
away. When all has disappeared, dreams can be shaped into reality.

Role

Chapter 11

This journal entry is likely to be less than coherent, but I will try to
piece my thoughts together in such a way they at least vaguely make
sense. To start, I will say that my Spirit is beginning to reflect the
things I've learned in Thera. No longer does my soul bear the taint of
darkness, yet I am still at odds with my own Spirit.

My other half, I have taken to calling Yggvass. Perhaps there is
something in the way Yggvass appears to me in my dreams, as that of a
dark-elven woman, the polar opposite of my own High-born Elven self.
Yggvass is the hunger I feel with all magic. I can no more deny the
existence of this hunger in my blood, any more than I can deny that
Yggvass is part of me. I have to accept her as part of myself to truly be
a whole person. Were I to try to abolish Yggvass from me, I would ever be
incomplete.

She is a darkness I must control without letting her control -me.- A
hunger that I cannot gorge. A lust I cannot indulge. Were she to be
purged, I would be little more than an innocent child weakened to the
ravishes of Thera and those that would corrupt me. In accepting her as
part of me, I gain an understanding of the struggle between Light and
Dark. The fight between the Fortress and the forces of Darkness
manifested in my own Spirit the moment I started on my path. In accepting
Yggvass, I am tempered by the Darkness. Familiar with its' hungers and
deceptions. In that, I am better prepared and defended against that which
would try to tempt me.

Role

Chapter 10

Darkness shrouds the borders of this dreamscape, the kneeling form of
Faenral found atop a pillar. In his dreamscape, Faenral appears to be one
of pure High-Elven descent, the dream itself seeming to be a reflection
of his trials in the waking world. Something lurks in the shadows though,
its presence nigh overpowering, the odd shape of some beast flickering
into view and out once more before it can focus.

As Faenral sits in quiet contemplation, the head and neck of some great
beast resembling a dragon stretches out of the encroaching shadows. Even
with the creature revealing itself, other shapeless forms gather around
it, red eyes peering out from the darkness, though daring not to intrude.

"Youuu.... Would forssake me..." the beast hisses, its great maw open but
not moving, seeming eager to flash its' many teeth. "Everythhhing I have
brought... Everythhhing I have given..."
Faenral's eyes remain closed, though a touch of fear crosses his
countenance. "You have brought only false promises and hunger."
The beast snaps its maw, the sound echoing across the dreamscape so
fiercely that the very pillar on which Faenral sits begins to shake. "I
gave you what you wanted."
His eyes snap open, finally facing the nightmare creature with defiance
as he rises to his feet. "NO! You gave me a false hope! NO ONE, could
benefit. Too many would have been KILLED!"
Amusement crosses the beasts eyes, appearing as a spark of lightning that
bounces from each eye across the scales of its face. For a moment, its'
form shimmers, the mass of 'dragon' disappearing abruptly to take the
form of a Dark Elven woman. "Power is Life. Power is Death. I am you, and
you are me. I, am your power. Embrace me as you once did. Shed the
shackles these pathetic 'Lightwalkers' chain you with. Shed the vows that
you cripple yourself with."
"For what? To seek power for the sake of being powerful? To seek death to
become immortal myself? To DESTROY everything I have gained and the trust
I have earned?"
"THEY MAKE YOU WEAK!" the drow screams, her visage twisting once more to
assume the form of the beast. "You CANNOT shake me from your veins,
child."
As if in perfect contemplation, Faenral returns once more to his resting
position with his eyes closing. "No... Perhaps not. But I can -starve-
you. I can -ignore- you. And I can -fight- you. It is not my friends that
make me weak, Yggvass. It is -YOU!-"

With his final declaration, the illusion of the drow erupts, the creature
emerging from the shadows entirely as a dragon of huge dimensions. With
an ear-shattering screech, it lunges with its' head toward Faenral, its'
maw a gaping hole filled with teeth, flames, and lightning. Before the
dragon is able to consume its' mark however, the dream ends, Faenral
waking with a cold sweat, his eyes glowing a fierce red that lingers for
several moments.

Role

Chapter 9

I do not have the answers to everything. In many ways, I have the answer
to nothing. Of myself however, I have learned something dangerous. When I
deal in magic, whether it was back when I used the magic of my guild, or
even now with the baubles I wear that contain their own destructing
magic, I lust over power. The delicious feeling it brings when it builds
up in my veins. Magic brings with it something terrible that I fear will
throw me from my path, no matter the School I follow.

Should I lust for power, I would again lust for death. Power is not the
truth of life. The love of power is the love of death. Such is something
I'd forgotten in my learnings. By yearning for power, I would fall prey
to myself. I, would become my own downfall on my path. Were I to allow
this, I would be no better than the Necromancer I had branded myself as
when I left the Academy.

No longer. If I am to seek to become something more, I must make an
ultimate sacrifice. If magic is to continue to be a bane that I must
fight to control... Then I will not seek a path toward new magic. I would
have magic stripped from my veins that I may find -new- life and purpose.


I would enter the Guild of Healers.

Role

Chapter 8

My path is beset by those who would see me fail. Darkened by those who
would pull the wool over my eyes and become someone or something I am
not. Blocked by those who would see me dead. My beacons though? My
beacons are far greater in number. They are my friends. My family.
Graile, Morgedekai, Mezont, Corlx, Becaid, Pamalynn, Lero, Djanek, Galon,
Saersha, Velanthiriel, Panaver, Airwe. And every time I think I've found
all the right signs on my path... Captain Neltouda teaches me something
new.

I am sorry to say that I do not feel the same loyalty to the Lord of
Archons that Deaer does. I cannot do as I said and become a Priest in His
name. I can however, show others the same mercy and protection. Perhaps
not for the Lord of Archons, but because my Spirit wills it. It is part
of who I am to forgive and protect. I merely got greedy with magic and
allowed my own motives to blind me from doing the right thing in the
first place.

But if I ask myself what -I- want... My spirit bids me to remember the
sacrifices I've made to even see myself where I am now. I want both to
protect, and to serve my companions. Were I to select a single school of
magic, I would honestly say Transmutation would be my magic of choice,
given that I could -be- as I do.

Role

Chapter 7

Journal, Page 5
It has been some time now that I have been at my twentieth guildrank. I
am... Admittedly not pleased with still being associated with the
Necromancer's guild. Given the ways in which my overall outlook on life
has changed, I do not wish to be associated with a guild that prides
itself on causing, cheating, and even enslaving death. This in itself is
a revelation. I had not known how difficult my journey would be when I
began.

In truth, I still know next to nothing about it. All this time along my
path, I have only been myself. Helped others merely for the sake of
helping them. Fed them because I believe everyone should be able to eat.
Been an open ear and a kind voice to give advice. All of this, and as it
turns out I have given absolutely no thought to myself. I want to be an
Acolyte to aid others in the name of the Light and for the sake of
something greater than myself. I make sacrifices to ease the burdens of
others... But why? What have I to gain from it?

I am tied so strongly to magic that I feel a powerful desire to -use- it.
To have something for myself once more. My Spirit however, would not
survive the lust that follows the magic of the School. What I want, TRULY
want, is to be something more. Not only for my sake, but for those around
me. As a shapeshifter, I could -be- anything. Shape my body according to
the needs beset my companions. I could -become- something more, if only
with myself as the immediate benefactor.

As a Transmuter however, I could help -anyone- become something more. The
physical body is merely a shell for the Spirit, and such magic can change
the shell to match the Spirit it houses. Our limits are only as we
perceive them. But I cannot help but wonder if I would be beset by the
same lust for power.

Were I to be a Priest as my mother wished... As those I hoped to aid with
my research, the blessings I would commune would fortify both the Body
-and- the Spirit. At the same time, I feel that the blessings would be
mixed.

Of the Gods I have met with, the Captain Neltouda has given me a number
of boons on my path. To Neltouda, I am eternally grateful, and I feel a
great loyalty to her.

The Lord of Archons on the other hand is at this point a means to an end.
I am grateful for his mercy in seeing me on this path, but my Spirit is
not his. This is not to say that my path truly has an end, only that the
Lord of Archons must be the one to see me through my cleansing.

Redemption at this point in my life means more than merely cleansing my
Spirit of the evil I tarnished it with. It is righting the path I set
myself on. Turning away from the Guild of Necromancy. Putting to rest the
Spirits I tormented using the magic. Turning away from my own
self-serving desire to learn.

Role

Chapter 6

Mother,
I hope this letter reaches you well. I know we have not said much to one
another in several months, and for that I apologize. I know that watching
me destroy myself by becoming a Necromancer was difficult, and I cannot
undo the ways I've hurt you in doing so.

I want you to know that I am making friends, as well as making changes. I
do not want to go into detail in a letter. Perhaps someday soon I can
return to Darsylon to show you.

Role

Chapter 5

I have a confession to make. Prior to joining the Academy, I was not a
God-fearing man. In fact, there were times I questioned the existence of
such beings. I'm still a fairly young man and barely out of the academy,
yet I find myself blessed by the presence of many gods and those that
serve them. First, the Lord Corrlaan, when I first began my path of
redemption. When I first traveled to his ledge I honestly did not know
what to expect. Perhaps that by sitting on the ledge I would have some
time for personal reflection to think about the things I'd done wrong and
how I could change that. I certainly did not expect to meet with the Lord
of Archons himself.

His revealing himself was a revelation in itself. It gave me hope. No
amount of praying would have prepared me for what happened while I was
out hunting trolls with my friends Graile and Lero. I was... Visited, by
the Captain of the Thundering Maiden, Neltouda whilst we were in the
past. I'd received a mug of her signature stout.. Seemingly from nowhere.
I'd asked if anyone else had seen it, and I certainly didn't -see- anyone
else in the forest. It seems I made a fool of myself however as I offered
a short prayer thanking 'the Thundering Maiden,' for the gift of drink,
rather than the captain of the ship.

What happened next was stranger still. The Captain began speaking to me.
No one else could understand her words however as they could only hear a
booming voice. She told me that she brought the gift of liquid courage
seeing as I would need it for the path I walk. To be certain, I was
amazed she even -knew- of me, let alone seek me out and offer her own
help on my path. She mentioned that my Spirit was tied to her own. As she
plucks the strings of mine, so do I pluck the strings of her own.

It wasn't until we were crossed by the healer Yttreya that I would
understand what she meant about liquid courage. My vow against magic
makes it difficult for me to be helpful at best when I travel with
friends. It makes it impossible however, for me to do anything but call
for help when my friends are picked off and killed around me.

Role

Chapter 4

Walking this path is not just about me. It's about those -around- me as
well. Those I reach out to, those I touch are affected more by my actions
than by anything I could ever say to them. I have been told to be a
beacon to others. I hadn't understood that fully until I realized that
through my actions, whether in kindness or in protection, I should be
giving people hope. I should give them something to -live- for. As well
as I should allow them to live through me.

It was in this revelation that I learned something of what it is to be an
Acolyte. The Acolytes are not merely 'symbols' of Light. They -are- the
Light. They burn the brightest when others about them begin to flicker.
They share that fire... That passion... With those whose flames are in
danger of being extinguished... And reignite the candles that had long
since burned out.

The Lord Corrlaan has given me to my twentieth rank to see if my
conviction holds. When that day comes, I will take the next step on my
path.

On the day of my cleansing, I will swear myself to the Fortress Proper.
I've been given the gift of new life. I would see that gift paid forward
in kind to others... And I will finally go to see my mother in Darsylon.

Role

Chapter 3

The funny thing about revelations is that you never know when you're
going to have one. Many assume that there's a God involved. They question
the existence because they've not taken the time for deep thought to
contemplate the things they learn. I personally have taken a great deal
of time to sit at the Lord of Archon's ledge to do nothing more than
contemplate my existence. My purpose.

In less than a year, I've realized what it truly means to walk in the
Light, even if I myself have never been graced with a radiant soul. The
Path of Redemption I follow is not a path that has an end. It is seeking
a beginning. It is doing good in the world because it is the -right-
thing to do. Not because it is expected, or because you think you are
being watched. In but a few scant months I've made friends in the most
unlikely of places by doing nothing more than offering a helping hand.
Earning trust is never an easy thing, but having friends that will stand
at your side, friends that will believe in you... Support you. Any path
is easier to take confident strides upon when there are those that will
believe in you.

I was blessed with the presence of two Gods in the span of a single day.
First, the Lady Rayihn, as the druid Mezont believed she would be able to
offer advice on my path. Unfortunately, due to the nature of her bath
house, and... Perhaps her lack of a top, I was unable to straighten my
thoughts to voice them properly. When I asked her for guidance on what
Pamalynn described as, 'learning to love,' she suggested that I think of
the term on simpler scales. That I find something or someone to love, and
find out why I do so. That piece of advice lead me to another revelation.

Role

Chapter 2

Perhaps it is strange for a Necromancer to feel a desire for feeding the
hungry. Id done just that the night previously. As I was writing in my
journal previously, I was stopped by the Herald Iolyla asking what I was
doing. Now, at this point I had no clue that she could cook, much less
that she could cook great quantities of food. Granted, that was before
she whipped up some grapes and yogurt for me to snack on and explained
that if I -ever- wanted something cooked up I had only to ask.

Id asked whether or not she would be willing to help me feed the
denizens of Galadon, from the guards to the beggars. A hundred meals.
That was what I asked of her. One hundred crawfish boils. To her credit,
she made quick work of the meals.

To my own credit, I was able to distribute the meals without assistance.
I should however have remembered to pack more than a hundred meals. From
the battlements to the Trade Road and the inn within the city, I made my
rounds giving a plate to all that I passed. When Id finished, I ran to
the outskirts of the city where my passing words would reach them.

"Eat well Galadon. Remember that a rich meal is not about the coin one
spends, but the joy in which it is received and the comfort it brings
when eaten."

I do hope the dogs enjoyed the steaks I brought for them too.