Outhyen Seashadow the Master Harvester of Adventures

Role

Chapter 23

The red sand dunes of the staunchly dry desert stretch on for what seems like
endlessly, a sea of fiery hues under the light of the full moon. The dunes
rise and fall like waves, undulating softly in the gentle breeze. The air is
dry and still, the only sound the crunch of sand underfoot.

Wandering through the dunes, the sense of isolation is palpable. The only
signs of life are the occasional scurrying of a desert rodent or the faint
call of nocturnal birds. The stars overhead seem impossibly bright and close,
they form a swirling ribbon of light overhead.

Despite the barren landscape, there is a sense of peace and solitude among the
dunes. The endless expanse of red sand and the clear, unpolluted night sky are
a reminder of the vastness of the lands and the insignificance of personal
troubles. As the night wears on and the moon sets, the dunes seem to glow with
a soft, inner light, inviting you to rest and let the worries of the world
drift away.

Role

Chapter 10

Decades, eons and millennia can change the course of history when affected by
the endless persistent power of nature. Mountains become hills, planes the
desert, creeks to canyons and so many more changes. They present themselves
in beauty and in awe-inspiring majesty for those who take the time to
experience them.

People are very much the same in that regard, even the toughest gets worn
down. Their tough and sharp edges eroded by the time's persistent bombardment
of adventure and strife. Outhyen is much the same. Once a jagged limestone
but now a smoothed and deformed river-rock.

The exacting changes of a life, so far, well lived are marks of pride. It
helps display his courage for adventure and trying new things, even if they
have weathered his body considerably further than in his youth.
Decades, eons and millennia can change the course of history when affected by
the endless persistent power of nature. Mountains become hills, planes the
desert, creeks to canyons and so many more changes. They present themselves
in beauty and in awe-inspiring majesty for those who take the time to
experience them.

People are very much the same in that regard, even the toughest gets worn
down. Their tough and sharp edges eroded by the time's persistent bombardment
of adventure and strife. Outhyen is much the same. Once a jagged limestone
but now a smoothed and deformed river-rock.

The exacting changes of a life, so far, well lived are marks of pride. It
helps display his courage for adventure and trying new things, even if they
have weathered his body considerably further than in his youth.

Role

Chapter 11

The peaceful murky depths of the seas are often places of cool waters and
comforting embraces for the inhabitants that dwell within. Down among the
corals and small, brightly colored, fishes is a relative medially of currents,
crevices and incrustations, each with their own rhythm.

As the wild underwater rivers and streams meander the small caverns, each
creature picks apart some piece of the cycle of life. The corals devour the
invisible flora, the brightly colored fish are food for the lobsters and the
eels feast on them too. Down here, it's easy to feel as if they're all below
on the food chain.

Outhyen, while swimming in these depths experienced what he could only
describe as fear, a frightful shadow engulfed him, blotting out the entirety
of the sparkling light from above. He called this thing the Seashadow, and
hopes he can evoke some of the same fear into his foes.

Role

Chapter 12

Courage is a curious thing, it leads some people to do some rather amazing
things. The tiny child defending their family, the villager who defies the
odds, the hapless adventurer who wonders into a place that they stand little
chance of survival. Outhyen typically falling into that latter category
serves as his muse.

He's taken it upon himself to take note of the places around Thar-Eris that
he's enjoyed so much, making mental notes of each one. Some are stricken with
danger to even tread upon while others are as bliss inducing as any place ever
was.

Each place is unique and can impart some sort of feeling or lesson and it's
that sort of wisdom that he likes gathering, noting and sharing. So far, he's
only taken stock of a half a dozen that truly strike his fancy but he has a
strong belief that by the time his years expire, he'll have found the thirteen
that most closely suit him.

These places, experiences and the act of sharing them with others he sees as
Her gift to us all, and this time of year always causes him to think of the
special places that She has gifted us.

Role

Chapter 13

It was the night before holiday some time around three, when naught through
the trees were stirring, not even the bees. The codex was handled, the
scepter secure, while Lin-Ha napped with a smile, all coy and demure.

When what to my perky svirfnebli ears would shatter, a clammer that would
cause me to question.. "What was the matter?" Then Tuna called, "I've been
had.." "I've teleported while wanted and this is bad!"

I roused myself from the river to offer what aid, knowing there may not be
much that I could do at this stage. Mustering my gumption and girding my
loins so sore, I stormed down a mountain, through the wolves and boar.

Checking and calling I heard the proof, surely Tuna was truly a goof. She
hollered back with glee and cheer, after a raucous noise reminded her that I'd
soon be there.

I forged on beyond it and got turned around, through the dense fog seeing
mostly by sound. As I spotted it again, that tower in the distance, I
reminded myself, this must truly be it's entrance.

Up the slope I trudged, past the arrows without fear, letting poor Tuna know
that I'd soon be here. As we celebrated my arrival at the summit with glee,
we acknowledged that this was as bad as can be.

Role

Chapter 14

Relieving her of some choice belongings with care, I nodded and said I'd
deliver them there. As I trudged to the summit before the gates, I mocked
those knowing sots that chaos hates.

I was distraught when Tuna came forth a running, for I had not spoken what I'd
needed and was only muddling. The human guard thought I'd be wise to give me
a smack, even though I was just watching from way in the back.

I ran for my life after watching Tuna die, hoping that I'd be able to survive
the guard without losing an eye. I mustered my feet and to my magic gave a
check, and with a valiant rush, back up the hill I went!

Faster I was that day than the guard aught to be, I said my peace to get by
with a hearty cackle and glee! Lies of Thar-Acacian study I did speak but
beyond the gates, I was quick to run as fast as a streak.

And so the tale came to an end, right back where it was to begin. With me in
the water with the river flowing by, as I'd dropped Tuna's belongings in the
refuge and greeted her with a "Hi and Goodbye!"

Role

Chapter 15

Dim flickerings of faint light trickling down from so distant above dances
across the corals, stone, and sand along the ocean floor. They dance across
surfaces in this twilight bringing the promise of heat and illumination rarely
seen at this depth.

Inside echoes the roaring current, eddies, and undulations caused at the
river's mouth and a *thump* *thump* pounding out a gradually slowing rhythm.
*Thump* and a few moments later, another. The harmony of the echoing current
coincides as the distance to the river's mouth grows further and more distant.

Intertwined together, the colors shine along the rainbow reef, corals,
anemones, stars, and fish alike all existing in this paradise oblivious to the
intruder among them. Inaudible to their ears the thumping slows and
vanishes without a trace.

Role

Chapter 16

Darkness, an unending pitch that's uncommon amongst all the surface realms.
No depth of woods, dank alley or misty field can ever compare to the absolute
absence of light that's felt in and among the most depriving caverns.

The occasional echo of dripping water, splash of albino aquatic life, or soft
trailing sounds of distant trodding feet passing by are among the only
sensations within these depths. Places that so very few, if any mortal has
tread before or ever will, the virgin depths.

Opening the eyes, that only the svirfnebli possess, in a place like this is
majestic in and of itself. Being able to glimpse the undisturbed is its own
reward and somewhat like a religious experience that leaves the experiencer in
awe of the natural forces that formed it.

Role

Chapter 17

Rising like the spine of some incredibly massive creature, these green
undulations appear menacing in the drab color of darkness. Each jutting,
hilly peak looks like some sort of jagged protrusion, some higher and some
lower but all are sharp and angry.

With the breaking dawn's illumination, the spooky and terror inducing spines
of this massive being become greener. Shiny scale-like leaves undulating with
every faint breeze as they travel the rising air current.

As the distance grows shorter to this grand formation, the details become more
apparent. Mighty trees stretch to the sky with their broad leaves catching
the light with the first kiss of the sun's rays upon the nightly dew.

Role

Chapter 18

A shaft of light cuts through the sky, shining diligently in the middle of the
glistening liquid surface. It glows with the amber-white intensity of cold
fire as it is reflected amongst the rising mists.

The silvery spray from the rumbling, churning maelstrom of water effortlessly
rises and hangs above the rippling surface currents. From the massive
mountain cliff to the west, where the crystalline river flows, a prismatic
rainbow originates before terminating into the lush vegetation along its
sides.

Deep green mossy plants line the rocky outcroppings and small string-like
tendrils perform a dance with the natural undulating motions, all leaving a
lasting sense of peace from the observance of power and grace.

Role

Chapter 19

A somber and slowly churning river snakes its way around the broad and
expansive plain. Upon the banks are bursts of color in many differing shades,
almost all of which originate from a multitude of wildflowers. Some of these
flowers are in varying levels of bloom, being that there are more in the hues
of blue and white than the pinks, orange, and magenta preparing to blossom.

Each swaying stem, petal, and bud undulates in the mild breezes that float
across the water's surface. They carry the ever-sweet scents of lilac, poppy,
and roses among many others. Each of a varying scent but together they are
profound and prolific.

To the passerby or onlooker, a short jaunt over these watery surfaces, weaving
about and above the short reeds and rushes leaves a long lasting sense of
peace and tranquility to those with the heart to accept it.

Role

Chapter 20

The daunting distance of being high above is enticing and enlightening to see.
From north to south, beyond the sea of mist, the valley expands vaguely
before the clarity begins. This season bares the greens, brown and olive hues
that catch the eye and imagination too.

Each breath is thin, though exhilarating, and the atmosphere is unusually warm
and moist, in spite of a gentle mountain breeze. The stand of oak opens wide,
yielding to green mosses, rocks and logs that appear to invite one to sit and
enjoy the expanse.

Occasionally the fog swirls with birds riding the tide, the currents moving up
and occasionally to the side. This place evokes serenity from deep inside,
the breadth of the beauty when seen from so far above can not be overstated,
denied or conveyed when implied. It must be experienced to understand it
truly.

Role

Chapter 21

Bloop.. drip.. a low groan in the distance followed by more drips and a
muffled splash. The murky surface undulates. Within the depths of the dark
black and green mire lurk something, something unknown to those that venture
the surface until it's too late. Skim the surface or trod the mire, but do
watch out for the muck and serpents below the pockmarked surface.

Sporadic logs and carrion encrust the paths, ones that double back and look as
if the path is nonexistent. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't but the mottled
leaves and mire ensorcel the mind and captivate the imagination with vision
beyond what lurks, more than could be seen.

Deep in those misty swampy place is the serenity of the Saurian coupled with
the death and decay of their opposition, the eternal cycle of growth and
nurturing coupled with death and destruction, the balanced place for peace of
mind.

Role

Chapter 22

Few places within the lands evoke such strong feelings of monotony as the
cliffs of pure unadulterated whiteness. They are sheer for hundreds of feet,
leagues that trail deep into the sky and clouds above. All color seems to
have been drained from them eons ago with not a wisp or trace remaining.

Along with the bland whiteness is the feeling of smallness when floating or
standing near these imposing natural formations. The edifice continues to a
point at the edge of sight and blurs into obscurity, never quite displaying
the full extent of their enormity.

Spending any amount of time along these barren cliffs leads to headaches,
piercing and deep, senses of solitude and can drive those individuals with a
less than solid foundation into pure insanity.

Role

Chapter 9

After facing obstacle and encounters, one after another, and coupled with the
enormous luck of his near death experience, Outhyen has decided that it may be
time to take up a religion. He's known a few that follow this God or that
Lady and believes they're fairly sane people.

So, he thinks and contemplates which one. A short mental list forms in his
head. They must be happy to have the courageous, even if sometimes foolhardy.
They must not be some stick in the mud like those Tribunal or Imperial Gods.
And last, but not least, they must have a zest or zeal for life, being alive
themselves.

After all, although he's encountered and is a friend to several who profess
their loyalty to these ancient and intriguing beings, that isn't for him. In
the end, he decided to see if he can bring a smile to the face of a fellow
Svirfnebli and God of his choosing, Whiysdan.

Role

Chapter 24

The northern mountains rise up on either side of the canyon, their rocky peaks
piercing the clouds. The sheer walls of the canyon drop down hundreds of feet,
the bottom obscured by shadows and a thin layer of mist. Making way across it,
the distant rumble of water fills the air.

The river far below churns and froths, the current so strong it creates
whirlpools and eddies. The sound of the water echoes off the walls of the
canyon, creating a cacophony of noise. Despite the chaos of the river, the
bottom of the canyon is eerily still.

The silty bottom is undisturbed, the only movement the occasional flicker of a
fish or the swaying of a plant. The colors of the canyon are muted, the only
pops of brightness coming from the occasional patch of colorful flowers or the
glint of a piece of quartz. Nearing either side causes the sound of the
rushing water to fade, the current to grow weaker and the echoes to diminish.
Departing causes everything to fall near-silent, the only sound being made
from moving out of the pass.

Role

Chapter 25

Nestled deep in the heart of mountains the color of jade, a small waterfall
cascades down a sheer cliff face, carving its way through the rugged
landscape. The water, crystal clear and icy cold, tumbles down the rocky
surface, splashing and spraying as it hits the jagged rocks below. The sound
of the rushing water echoes through the mountains, a constant background noise
that fills the air.

The falls are surrounded by a dense fern-laden forest, trees thin and tall
reaching up towards the sky, their branches intertwined and their leaves
rustling in the breeze. The air, fresh and clean, is scented with the aroma of
pine and the moist earthy smell of the forest floor.

As the water reaches the bottom of the falls, it flows into a shallow pool,
its silty bottom visible through the clear water. As occasional sunlight
filters through the trees it casts a dappled light across the surface of the
pool, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Those who experience them
acknowledge this as a hidden gem, a beautiful oasis in the midst of the rugged
wilderness.

Role

Chapter 26

The lush grassy field stretches out maybe three leagues north and south with
one small cove bordered on one side by a chilly mountain river. The water is
crystal clear, and smooth pebbles that line the bottom. The sound of the
rushing water is soothing, and I can feel the cool mist on my face as I stand
near the river's edge.

Across some of the moss covered rocks, a salmon leaps out of the water, its
silver body glistening in the sunlight. It's an incredible sight to see, and
it instills sense of awe at the beauty and Her power, that of of nature
itself.

The air is fresh and clean, and the grass is soft and cool with each step.
It's a peaceful place, one that evokes a feeling of gratefulness just to be
able to experience it. If one were to stay here forever, just soaking up the
beauty and tranquility of this stunning riverbank, it would not be a life
wasted.

Role

Chapter 27

Within the crushing depths of the plunge pool of an oceanic waterfall, the
senses are enveloped in a world of dim, flickering light. The faint rays that
filter down from above dance across the smooth rocks, softly illuminating the
corals, and sand with a warmth and brightness that is rare at this depth.

The only air is churning in the form of tiny bubbles which fill the roaring
current with sound. They swirl and eddy at the mouth of the river. The
constant roar of the water adds a steady, rhythmic, almost pattern-like pulse
to the background noise, gradually slowing as the distance to the river's
mouth grows.

Drifting away the plunge pool appears as a riot of color, with rainbow reefs,
corals, anemones, and fish all coexisting in this underwater paradise.
Drifting further leaves a sense of disconnection to replace the peaceful
harmony found in the raging currents and as the thumping of the water slowly
fades away, the wonder of the plunge pool carves its memory into the soul.

Role

Chapter 28

. *- - -* *- - -* .
. \ \ / / .
. \ \ * - - * / / .
. \ \ / \ / / .
. \ \ / * \ / / .
. \ \ / / \ \ / / .
. \ * / \ * / .
. \ / \ / .
. \ _ _ / \ _ _ / HIYSDAN, .
. * * * * .

Thirteen stars to mark the start as I write this to thee. My Lord of
lives truly lived. It is I, seeking ye. On many a day I do partake,
your lovely whiskey, my thirst does slake. Of all the times I have
come and gone, you're the one I've missed the most. Your living
presence I almost always feel but that grin and a mug is the real
deal. So, I wish you the best and hope you're yet kicking, by now
I've seen so much and now prefer quail to chicken.

*Signed with a small*
OS

Role

Chapter 29

Around mid-day the call went out but he was already on the move. He could
feel it, the sense of loss only conveyed by the absence of the ancient fetish
being in its rightful place. It left a sense of longing and small bubbles of
anger rose to the surface of his, usually calm, demeanor. Soon, he thought,
soon there'll need to be a fight to reclaim from those misguided fools who do
nothing but take.

Looking to the west, he began to transform. His boots and standard leathers
began to meld into his body. Feet elongating and his fifth toe simply ceasing
to exist as they became powerful, lithe, clawed paws. As his newly
transformed hands hit the hard-packed earth near the herbary, he took off at a
dead run, moving with a speed unmatched by near any on four legs or two, his
destination the North Road, the location of Raik's call for aid.

Rounding the turn at the crossroads skirting the city, he was a blur, moving
so fast that the guardsmen, armed with axes and pikes couldn't even swing
before he was moving out of sight. Along the northeast outskirts, past the
northern crossroads and onto the north road he almost flew. In the distance
he could see a rising cloud of dust and three figures within.

Role

Chapter 30

As he approached from the south he found himself confronted with an assassin
of some renown and flanked by the open maw of a lean, spotted cheetah. The
arrival of assistance broke free the faintest gap for the beleaguered shaman
to make his escape, replaced by new, intended prey. Still clinging to the
window of opportunity caused by his burst of speed, he pounced.

Claws raked and his maw tore at the assassin, all the while trying to keep the
other feline in his line of sight. The twang of salt and copper filled his
mouth as the blood from a torn artery began to flow but it wasn't long before
the pair forced his own retreat to the nearby woodlands of the Azreth. Making
a sharp southern turn off the road he sprinted until his feet touched the calm
surface of a pool, quite familiar to him.

There, floating above the smooth surface, only affected by the haste which he
moved over it, he began to contort. First, growing horns, followed by a thick
scaly hide and then he waited, staunchly staring northwards down the trail.
It wasn't more than an hour or two's passing before he spotted the first of
them and then the other, close behind. As his body slowly repaired itself, he
contemplated the fight to come.

Role

Chapter 31

The soft, muted, crunch of foliage gave way to the familiar sound of plodding
water as the pair approached. When the incoming feline finally arrived he
attempted to gore the beast before initiating another change. His hooves
split, once, twice, now eight powerful yet lean limbs supported him within the
water. He charged again, feeling renewed for the fight. The feline again
went for his tender spots while the assassin circled to the east and he made
him the new target.

Role

Chapter 32

Swimming with all the swiftness his many limbs would allow he trampled over
the incoming assassin, only catching him on an oblique angle. The force of
the blows still managed to knock him under the waves briefly and left him
gasping. Following up, he whirled and attempted a similar maneuver to the
cheetah, back and forth he dodged, kicked, trampled and charged. Ultimately
winning the day, sending the would-be attackers limping away.

Now, winded himself, he moved to the quiet refuge of the saurian to heal and
recover. Once he arrived, he relaxed the flow of his magic and regained his
humanoid form once more. It was time to coordinate with Raik once more to
assault the Captain of the Guard and relieve those misguided fools of that
which they held.

As he awoke from a deep, dreamless slumber he heard the other master of
contortion magic call out. "It's fun fighting you" he called and a grin began
to form on his face. Taking as much precaution as he could, he wove spell
after spell of protection and enhancement before making his way northeast to
the cramped caves of the kobolds, there he made his final preparations and
scouted just inside the city limits. It was time.

Role

Chapter 33

In nothing but a cloud of road-dust he took off, clawed feet tearing at the
hard-packed earth. His inch long claws making it easy on soil or the cobbles
as the road turned to streets. As he rounded the high road, northeast of the
sun temple, a city guard stumbled into his path and then his heart skipped a
beat as the adrenaline finally caught up to his mind.

Quickly, he dispatched the guard but not before another of the Tribunal Guard
called their own foolish protectors to assail him. Whirling, he made a quick
jump southwards before going into the courtyard proper. There, in the center,
just past a large statue stood the guard captain herself. He struck with
abandon, chomping down with all his might.

In moments, others of the Tribunal arrived and clamped him in irons. This
wasn't enough to stop him, the adrenaline was too much and his reactions were
enhanced so much that he was more lithe than a dolphin. Hundreds of blows his
nothing but air. First two, then four, then eight, ten, the guards kept
coming, as did his assailants commanding them. Not one but two assassins, the
cheetah from before and a small, club-wielding warrior all aimed at him. The
scrum lasted for hours. All the while their lucky attacks amassed, eventually
forcing a retreat.

Role

Chapter 34

This time, he rounded the turn at the courtyard, heading south. Past the
market square and again turning east at the large intersection before making
it to the safety of the river. It was time to regroup with Raik and make
their final assault, after all, he'd left so many wounds on the Captain they
clearly gushed blood. So, back to the saurian's domain he went and he called
out to plan.

Just as before, in the morning he prepared his magics and began to move. The
two had decided to make a swift deciding strike and he approached via the
unguarded waterway as planned. Striding swiftly to the Captain, he again bit
deep, gaining all the ire of the Tribunal. As he held their attention,
bouncing back and forth, Raik approached and began evoking his earth-rending
powers. Together, they finished they snuffed out the last bit of life the
Captain clung to.

The fights continued, claws, horn, clubs and kicks but he eventually made his
way back to the river. Lungs burning and still snorting rapid, moist breaths,
he let out a deafening roar of triumph. Whether emboldened by this primal
challenge or still angered at the death of their Captain, three of the
Tribunal came charging onto the river.

Role

Chapter 35

As the first one stepped one hovering paw out above the water he again let the
change overtake him. Now utilizing his eight legs he charged. The cheetah
quickly evaded his attacks but let out a cry of pain. That must have been the
queue because the other assassin and warrior both blundered onto the water,
clearly not done with their earlier fight.

After centuries of practice while within these contortions his body acted
almost out of instinct, aim, trample, charge, trample, one by one they turned
and ran. A small equine grin split his face as the centaur Eledsoere looked
him in the eye and asked "So, you kicked all of their arses?" And with no one
left to harry him, he let out a low rumbling equine laugh before propelling
himself eastwards and up the river.

As he departed the tainted waves along the river road, he enjoyed the abrupt
change in scenery. The roar of the current filled his ears as he passed one of
his favorite falls to the south, then pressed onward towards the river's
bend. As he rounded it, he looked back, sure that none of them had the
courage to follow... and he was right.

Role

Chapter 36

"Is a life of adventure the destination or the journey?" is a thought that's
been rolling around a lot during the later years of Outhyen's life. He has
been able to live long enough to see a great many people come and go. See
young saplings be planted, grown into towering trees and back into lichen
covered trunks as they are laid upon Her. Though this cycle has come and
gone, he remains, more eroded than his granite foundation and far from his gem
peddling parentage.

His adventures, stories and memories grow ever larger and more in depth even
as his body slowly deteriorates. The relationship seems inverted but none can
escape the grand cycle. Regardless, the question remains. How can the weight
of a journey through the chamber of an ancient dragon, still loopy from fungal
spores, be compared to becoming food for them? He doesn't know.

Being no-longer the Harbinger, does he vanish into obscurity or something else?
As it stands, Outhyen has been a benefactor, spreader of joy and intoxication
among those of the Outlands, even more so as he's aged. Maybe, just maybe,
his legacy will be to encourage others to smile more, drink more, and enjoy
their time awake with Her, until the long sleep.

Edges

Flaws

Racial Edges

Class Edges

Edges

Mob Deaths

Timeline

Leveling History

PK Deaths

PK Wins

PK Wins

PK Wins

Title History

Skill List

PK Statistics

PK Gank-O-Meter

Immortal Comments

Immortal Comments

Role

Chapter 1

Growing up in the society of the Svirfnebli is a little different than most
Therian races. There's a strong reverence for the stone and the abundance
that it provides to all of us. Many of the Svirfnebli people become miners,
mages, and the like but almost every one of them utilize stone, gems and other
earthen gifts to accent their garb, accentuate their trinkets and so on.
Outhyen's family was no different. Though they lived in Upper Cragstone and
were gemologists, they were not ones to focus on grown crystalline structures.
Rather they focused on shaping, polishing and procuring various gems from all
across the lands.

As such, he was brought up believing many of the same tenants as his family
and has a strong dedication to the bountiful stone that has provided refuge,
home and livelihood to his family for generations. Throughout the years, he's
traveled along with other gemologists in search of raw materials for their
craft. He remembers doing this for at least the last fifty years. Each time
he'd focus on learning something new. A new location, a new correlation of
stone to gem, a new location that bares more of one gem than another. There
was always so much to learn and he enjoyed every bit of it.

Together with is family, he made trips to the far frozen north, others to deep
underground, still more to the frozen mountains of the south, and all have
been enlightening for the variations in stones and the people that peddle
them. The natural beauty associated with each of these locations was amazing
and outside of his family's profession, he began to admire and have a deep
appreciation for all of the visited lands.

Role

Chapter 2

In his youth, maybe still only forty five or six, Outhyen went on a trip with a
different gem procuring group towards the east. They stopped at a couple
small settlements, took a dreary and hot trip through an old, dried stream bed
and came out at this massive port city. Since it had a large river running
just south of it, he expected a plethora of stones to be for sale but it
seemed like the city and its inhabitants simply took that for granted, only
building a few grates and landings along the banks. Disappointed by the
wares, he jumped a skiff and headed off along the shore of the river himself.

He couldn't have been gone all that long but he kept drifting along the
swiftly flowing current anyway. Staring below the rippling surface he spied
several rough garnets and a dull piece of obsidian that had been sand crazed
thanks to the river's bounty. Before he knew it though, the riverbed grew
further and further away until he couldn't see it clearly. As he strained,
the skiff tipped over and dumped him into the water.

Now, any good svirfnebli worth their stone can swim, but when he fell in with
the sack of stone tied to his waste, he quickly had to make a choice, his life
or the stones. Grabbing his trusty chipping knife from his pouch, he sliced
the leather bindings and watched the sack thud on the ocean floor, puffing up
a dark cloud as it did. As it did, he looked around the depths in amazement
at the majesty below. His eyes, so accustomed to scanning the depths of the
chasms and crevices took in the beauty of layers of silts and a magnificent
coral reef.

Role

Chapter 3

Before he knew it however, his air supply was waning and his underwater
adventure drawing to an end. He snagged a couple choice piece of fire coral
and a few of the garnet chips and kicked off the ocean's floor towards the
surface. As his head broke the surface and the foggy vision of the ocean
floor cleared his eyes, the view before him absolutely took his breath away.
Although all he wanted to do was pant, the vastness of the water before him
absolutely boggled his mind.

Of course svirfnebli learn much of geography in their younger years but
lessons do not do justice the vastness and sheer enormity of the body of water
before him. It was then that a spark of insight illuminated from inside. He
wanted to take in as many of these sights as he could, to explore the depths
like no other. Discovering, shaping, polishing and crafting things from
various gems was great but taking in this sight left him in awe.

Upon his return to the hallowed caverns of Upper Cragstone, he took a moment
to give praise to the Lord of Luck himself. Whiysdan may have had his hand
in this lucky twist because he found out later that he hadn't been in the
river more than about thirteen minutes before his companions reported that
they were unable to see him, as he drifted out to sea. At first, not a lot
changed. The gem trade that his parents raised him to be a part of was still
the central focus of his life but that spark that he felt kept building, so he
planned.

Role

Chapter 4

Foremost amongst his scattered thoughts were: how to best be able to access
those watery environments, how to survive in the more dangerous ones (after
all, he recalled the terrifying story of the dragon turtle), when to make this
adventure, and where to begin. Unlike a great many of the surface dwellers
that he'd met, he was not of some adventuring class, so, he thought maybe
that's where he should begin.

In his mind, he made some mental notes of the various guilds that offered
teachings that he could study. One at a time, he considered: Warriors,
Thieves, Rangers, and Healers, none with an innate way to breathe water.
Next, he considered Invokers, Conjurers, and Shapeshifters since each can
readily use magic and as such, more easily access the means of breathing
water, flight and all sorts of things to expand the ability to explore the
wilds safely.

Ultimately though, it came down to one class, the shapeshifters which not only
gain the spell to induce water breathing but can further focus their study and
learn powerful aquatic forms. Whether wise or not, he decided that this would
be the path he thought of for now. So, he began scouting various towns and
guilds during his travels over the next few years in search of the most ideal
starting point for His adventure.

Role

Chapter 5

So, with his vision laid out before him, he began contemplating the various
towns or cities that would have him. Of course, he considered staying in
Upper Cragstone but it just didn't feel right to stay where he'd been most all
of his life, if he was going to journey out on his own. Galadon was a
frontrunner for a while, since it seemed to be quite well populated and had a
river running through it, much the same as Udgaard. However, Galadon and
Udgaard both shared the same problem, they were too confining. And that left
just Hamsah Mutazz.

It still didn't have the feel of home, graffiti on the walls, filth in the
river, camel dung in the streets but it would have to do for now. So, he took
off to the southeast of the city center along the east Al Abbas and turned
northwards along the street of guilds. It wasn't long before he made another
turn to the east and climbed up into the Shapeshifter's guild. Once inside,
he was greeted with a plethora of books on all sorts of animals, mammals,
birds, aquatic creatures and many others. The massive dome of stained glass
had his attention for a while until a soft voice eventually made him advert
his gaze.

This man, confined to a chair, was the Guildmaster. Although it was clear
that he'd been through some sort of ordeal, his countenance was clear and easy
to understand. Outhyen expressed his desire to make a study of shifting
magics and the wizened mage smiled. Before long, he'd quickly helped him
understand the basics of the guild teachings, imparted some minimal level of
understanding dagger fighting as well as the most modest magics that are
taught within the guild.

Role

Chapter 6

A few more years passed as Outhyen becomes more and more acclimated to the
surface world, beyond the caverns. He kept up with many of his merchant
habits, doing odd jobs for the people he'd meet in his adventures while
learning more from the guild of shapeshifting.

His jobs ranged from hunting goblins to wolves, demons to bandits, so many
things plaguing these lands that he figured there's no end. Even then, he was
taking note of the surroundings and deep mental images of some of his favorite
places to visit. However, one job would change him forever.

The Onehearts of the Udgaardian Plains are a simple people and through the
completion of their tasks, he learned more about Her, Thar-Eris. This brought
a flood of images of his favorite places and memories of jobs past, where
others as well as himself may have contributed towards fewer majesties
surviving. So, now, he wants to learn even more and help protect what's left.

Role

Chapter 7

To say that "death is a close friend" is a saying often tossed around by many
an adventurer. Since we are imbued with the divine spark from Her, we often
face a great many deaths only to rise again and take on Life anew. For
Outhyen this has become part of his credo, to face death courageously and, if
possible, with a smile.

His first real brush however happened in the Azreth woods. He was helping one
of those Fortress giants take on a few of those wicked tressnore beasts and
one of them really beat the guts out of him. While trumpeting loudly as a
swan, as if that'd do any good, he was dealt a near fatal blow, one leaving
him incapacitated.

The pain was agonizing in and of itself. Sitting in torment, unable to move,
unable to change, unable to call for help. One hour passed, the pain was
almost too much and he scratched himself in his convulsions, then two..
three.. four.. the pain seemed to stretch for an eternity but then,
miraculously, he was healed of all wounds and afflictions!

The stormy one had called upon an ally Acolyte to come to his rescue and so
they did! Two showed up just in the nick of time and he was saved.. For Now.

Role

Chapter 8

Deep in the waters of Thar-Eris dwell some of the most amazing fish, mer-folk,
and other creatures that could ever be imagined. Some of them are quite
challenging to face, even for the ocean masters, and some are not quite as
atrocious.

Outhyen found out that some of the most unsuspecting oceanic creatures are
simply not to be trifled with, even as a massive Mako Shark.

The Sahaugin are a fearsome race of merfolk that dwell usually in the northern
reaches of Her oceans. Inside the northern coral head, they rule. When on
his quest to discover the next contortion magic inside of his guild, he found
himself at the mercy of this fearsome race.

They moved so quick and hit so powerfully that it surprised him. Their
punches, even when thrown in water were quite forceful. When combined with
roving sharks and other predators, they become quite the challenge. Painful
blow after blow, they took him down, again and again. Luckily, his courage to
keep facing life wouldn't let him stop there!