This character started out as an experiment. I had looked at logs of Delakan, Guy*’s drow dagger defender, and I was curious if a high elf could do as well with this Striking Legacy I’d heard so much about. I wasn’t expecting much out of the hit, damage, and defensive bonuses it gives, but I was hoping it would act to help prevent people from getting away, as dodge-oriented races aren’t known for creating permalag. So I created a role suitable for a young village applicant, and I sought out villagers to rank with and learn about the Battleragers. Using the cliché of magic being tainted, I adopted the Purity sphere and created an OCD self-mutilator named Xinrithil, an elf filled with self-loathing. To make my life more difficult, I refused to wear shadowy gear or use coins, as anyone who has worked with money knows how contaminated bills become. Everything looked good until I could no longer find anyone in the Village to teach Xin how to act like a villager, and I was not going to approach the leadership without having a feel of how they were currently interviewing. But I met Halistanis in Arkham, and he seemed decent, so I thought I would give Outlander cabal a try.

So for 570 hours I played Xin with a masochistic role that forbade him to use or consume anything that Tahren would not give back to him. It was not purely a villager-without- the-head role, as there are many things out there that don’t have a magic flag, but with the Empire so strong under Kharghurln and Hunsobo, and consequently their allies, Xin’s life was pure, unadulterated pain. More times than I care to count the Spirit was raided by joint Tribunal-Empire-orc forces or Tribunal-Scion-orc forces, sometimes as many as six invaders with conjurers and necromancers and shawtabbies, and the lone defender without so much as a recall potion, so hearing the calls of “Fortlander” I’ve heard lately really, really don’t make me feel too sorry for pretending I was one of several transmuters who hung out in the Imperial lands waiting for the stupid Outlander to retrieve. Ambushing is a smart hunting tactic, so I don’t begrudge the transmuters who did it, but Hunsobo sure as s**t didn’t need help killing Xin’s scrawny ass.

The 800 odd hours were not without high moments though. I was given the Sunwarden job, getting those cool insects so I could actually kill those pesky healers and shamans for a change, received a tattoo that complemented my legacy’s blocking ability nicely, won a role contest, got lots of imm-love, did a bit of exploration and met some great friends and foes alike.

Immortals:
Lyristeon – I wanted to hate you as an evil Ancient, but over time I began to see the Ancients as above mortal concepts of good and evil and more like a collective intelligence. You were awesome to work with, and I will have a tough time not playing a true follower of that little blue devil in the near future. Thank you for all the interaction!

Baerinika – early in Xin’s life we had a few superb roleplay moments, and every now and then you gave me a warm tingly feeling as a jaguar purred nearby, but shortly after you returned from your wedding my times began to warp chaotically and we couldn’t hook up once for a real conversation. I felt guilty that I did not randomly attack evil outlanders in a Mujahadin style, but over time I had prioritized my targets and felt that allowing Throkk and Baierae freedom to attack Outlander enemies, who primarily are Empire and Scion, would do more good than interfering in their hunting. The jaguar motif seemed to fit nicely with Outlander, so I ran with it.

Twist/Hunsobo – I both hated and loved seeing these two characters. As Hunsobo you took my life repeatedly, and as Twist you stole his way of life. I missed talking to your giant when you age died, for I had the deepest admiration for how you treated those mown down and it influenced how I treated those I was lucky enough to defeat. I think my most memorable moment was when Twist came to talk to me about another Outlander, and after you caught me running to the river to wash away the taint your presence left upon him. “Bash Xin.”

Ysalorye – So I wake up and head to the Tree, and I have no idea whatsoever that I’d won the role contest. “I’m a little surprised to see you here,” I say to this strange dwarf invading my home. “I fargin go where I please!” you sputtered. I spilled my drink you had me laughing so hard! Thank you for that moment, and I am glad you liked my role.

I will post more goodbyes and commentary on my build as time permits, but this death caught me by surprise as I thought I had 100 hours or so of life left. Comment or question as you wish and I will try to respond directly.