Thraris Nightchild the Hand of the Unseen, Acolyte of the Golden Sun

Role

Chapter 14

A shadowy figure gently grabs you by the arm, halting your progress.

The Gates of the City in the Clouds


A citizen of Arial City is here, scrutinizing you closely.
An arial warrior guard stands firm.
An arial warrior guard stands firm.

A shadowy figure whispers 'Don't do it, do not tell your father about Kyrilos
and all you've discussed with him.'

You whisper 'He needs to know, things need to change here. If father is
unable to do it, someone should be found who is capable. The Emperor needs to
step down.'

A shadowy figure sighs deeply.

A shadowy figure whispers 'Come with me, there is something I need to tell
you.'

...

Guest Room


A soldier visiting from other lands is here, looking big.

A shadowy figure steps out of the shadows.

Nuriun says 'There is an alternative ... Yes, Kyrilos did what he could to
claim right to the throne.'

Nuriun says 'He has murdered many of your older siblings, but not all. He
never learned of my existance, he has never known that, I too, am your
brother.'

Nuriun says 'I am the oldest, true heir to the throne. Does that surprise
you?'

You say 'Now I know for sure, but I've always expected it, so no, it
doesn't.'

You say 'Either way, the truth is that father is caught up too deeply into
what is wrong with the City.'

You say 'The City has remained the same for ages, with almost no hope of
change. Nothing has happened for the better, only for worse.'

You say 'Although I know he means well, right now, but he is incapable of
initiating anything resembling a positive change, he truely is in over his
head in this.'

You say 'The core of what Kyrilos proposes has merit, it is what the City
needs, it is what I want. But his methods and personal ambitions are simply
intolerable.'

Nuriun nods agreeingly.

Nuriun says 'What do you propose we should do?'

You say 'I plan to proceed with the task you have given me, I will raise all
the money that is required to bring hope of renewal to the City.'

You say 'By the time the rebuilding is in progress, I am sure father will
realise that it is time for him to step down.'

You say 'Then you should openly claim your right and I will support it.'

You say 'Our Arial brethren shall know and rejoice in the glory that is the
new City and will recognize Kyrilos' claims as false.'

You say 'Anything he would do or say would be in vain.'

Nuriun smiles briefly.

Nuriun says 'Very well, I hereby reconfirm the mandate I have given you. I am
sure you will do what is necessary to achieve our goal.'

Nuriun says 'In the meantime, I will work with our father, so that he may
step down.'

Role

Chapter 13

...
An entire day passes.
...

Nuriun wakes you.

Servants Quarters


An arial warrior guard stands firm.
A well dressed servant hurries about doing his work.

Nuriun says 'Now that you are truely one of us, I should speak of your next
assignment.'

Nuriun takes you to the window, holding his hand outward, pointing to what
lies below.

Nuriun says 'Arial City, home to many of our people, lofty and once the envy
of many other towns and cities.'

Nuriun says 'Nice folk live here, people with good intent and big ambitions.
People who want to see it's glory restored.'

Nuriun sighs briefly.

Nuriun says 'Sadly, not everyone share's that view. The Dark Guards still
patrol the battlements.'

Nuriun says 'The prison shelters evil doers and misguided misfits, as it has
done for ages.'

Nuriun says 'But, although they once served a purpose, they now are a mockery
of what they could be. They are the rotten heart of a city in decay.'

Nuriun says 'The Shadow Operatives exist to make sure that, firstly, the city
does not degrade even further.'

Nuriun says 'Secondly, we wish to see it cleansed, purged of all that gives
the City a bad aftertaste.'

Nuriun says 'The task you are to perform, is to gather as much coin as you
can. If we are to restore the City to the glory that is it's potential, we
can only do it through charity, not violence.'

Nuriun says 'We must provide the citizens with a better live, so that they
know there is no salvation in dishonesty and dark thoughts.'

Nuriun says 'With enough copper, we can achieve this. We can rebuild the
city, to gather this is your goal. Return when you feel you have gathered
enough.'

Throwing his cloak around him, Nuriun suddenly vanishes and is gone.

Role

Chapter 12

Near Redhorn Gate


A small, furry beast digs at the snow with its sharp claws.

A shadowy figure stops your progress by pushing you to a halt.

A shadowy figure says 'A hero of the guild and an Acolyte, impressive.'

A shadowy figure's eyes glare mischievously for only an instant.

A shadowy figure steps out of his cover, revealing the presence of Nuriun.

Nuriun snickers, as if contemplating a hidden secret.

Nuriun says 'That means you have completed the first task we gave you as
Shadow Operative.'

Nuriun says 'Oh come on, don't act so surprised, I know you better than
that!'

Nuriun says 'What it also means, is that I should hand out your new
assignment.'

Nuriun says 'But before I do ... come with me.'

...
...

The Corridor of Flight


A well dressed servant hurries about doing his work.
A well dressed servant hurries about doing his work.

Nuriun says 'So, by completing your first task, you have been admitted as an
official Shadow Operative.'

Nuriun says 'There are others as well ofcourse, and, so they can recognize
you, and give you help, should you need it, you need to bear our mark.'

Nuriun rolls up his sleeve, revealing a tattoo of an upright, deep-black
talon, set to a bright back light.

Nuriun says to a well dressed servant 'Summon the tattooist, he's got work to
do.'

Role

Chapter 11

2) To forgive, or not to forgive

Clearly Emperor and Queen (to a lesser extent) of Arial City had a large
responsibility towards me. They chose to leave me with an incapable mother
and whatever fate had in store for me.

As they told me, they had come at peace with their own situation, and decided
to amend the harm they have done. And, I believe their regret is honest and
true. For that, I wish to forgive them.

But, that doesn't mean there was no harm done.

Yet, the life I have had has made me the person I am today. Having to fight
and steal even to be able to eat something is harsh. I did it, because I had
to, but never with pleasure or greed.

I was told it is best for me to leave the past behind and focus on the now. I
totally agree with this, but yet find it hard to leave such behind, the past
is indeed what has made me what I am, making it a large part of me.

I know my heart has already forgiven them, but my mind is not ready yet. I
hope that with time, I shall be. For now, I do intend to address my father,
and step-mother, of sorts, with friendliness and honesty.

Role

Chapter 10

1) Evil is as evil does?

I do not know if it possible to create something out of pure evil malice.
Personally, I would think that all physical things need to be rooted, at
least partly, to the physical world. And, as the world in itself is without
evil, no item, or living being, for that matter, can be created as evil.

As such, even the most foul of things, may be used for good, though ofcourse,
it is easier to find a good purpose for a more commonly used item, like, say
a fork. Forks are good and usefull. A wand containing a nasty plague, or even
a killing word, that is a more loaded topic.

One may do an act, typically viewed as evil, out of necessity. For instance,
killing in itself is a foul act, though ... is it evil to slay the person
that is about to massacre many innocent folk?

Stopping a cold-hearted killer in his tracks, while violent and foul by
nature, would save many lives.

So, what you use something, or do something for is much more an indication of
good or bad, than the act itself.

Still, all actions have consequences, and the harder the decision to act, the
graver the repercussions. We all pay a price for what we chose to do.

Role

Chapter 9

It was good to be able to talk to Tyridan. As Pupil of the Archon, he is more
familiar with our Lord's teachings. It does show that I have more like
'streets knowledge', compared to the academic theologic knowledge actual
Priests have. That doesn't mean my dedication to our Lord Corrlaan and his
teachings is any less.

As I discussed with Tyridan, I have two major things that cloud my mind.

1) Can things truely be evil by nature, or is it a matter of the intent you
use them for?

2) I want to forgive the Emperor and Queen for not stepping in earlier, but
how can I?

While I would still appreciate our Lord's advice, I come to the following
conclusion:
(continued in part 2)

Role

Chapter 8

(Continuation from part 1)

The Arial Emperor nods acknowledingly.

The Arial Emperor says 'We are both proud of you and wish to undo the
mistakes of the past.'

The Arial Emperor says 'I ... we ... cannot officially accept you, but we can
keep you closer to us.'

The Arial Emperor says 'We have decided that you, too, should be a Shadow
Operative to the Arial City.'

The Arial Emperor says 'Nuriun can guide you on that path, as he has always
done, even when you did not know it.'

The Arial Emperor says 'We will support you, but ... in subtle ways.'

The Arial Emperor says 'There is one condition though ... do NOT seek out
your mother, both of birth, and adoption.'

The Arial Emperor says 'That past, you must leave behind forever. Officially,
you will be what people call you: Nightchild.'

The Arial Emperor says 'Go now, with my blessing. Go ... and continue on your
path, as you have so far.'

The Arial Emperor says 'If you must ... speak only about this day with those
whom you trust, but no one else.'

The Arial Emperor says 'Nuriun shall approach you whenever it is necessary.
For now, you should go ...'

The Arial Emperor nods towards you.

The Arial Queen smiles towards you, ever so slightly.

You bow deeply.

You attempt to move silently.

You attempt to hide.

...
...

Role

Chapter 7

A sudden pain erupts through your skull.

...
...
...

You come to with a pounding headache.
...

Palace Gates


A shadowy figure is barely noticeable.
An arial royal palace guard is barring the way to the palace.
An arial royal palace guard is barring the way to the palace.

A shadowy figure whispers 'I suppose you think you were pretty clever,
disguising yourself like that.'

You are using:

<worn on body> A worn tunic
<worn on head> A concealing hood
<worn on wings> Torn leather ribbons
<mainhand wielded> A rusty old knife

A shadowy figure whispers 'You cannot fool me into thinking you are but a
commoner. I know you too well.'

A shadowy figure snorts.

Nuriun steps out of the shadows.

Nuriun says 'Didn't I tell you not to come here?'.

You say 'Yes, you did ... but ...'

Nuriun looks at you sharply.

Nuriun says 'Maybe I should knock you down once more, if you insist on
remaining stubborn.'

You sigh.

You nod sagely.

Nuriun tucks his wings back and relaxes, falling gently to the ground.

Nuriun strokes his chin with a tallon.

Nuriun says 'I wonder ... Clearly you feel strongly about the matter, which
is to be expected, I guess.'

Nuriun says 'I know I am going to regret this, but perhaps it is not such a
bad idea to just confront you with the facts.'

...

Main Quarters


The Arial Queen is here, absolutely divine.
The Arial Emperor stands here, looking divine.

The Arial Emperor says 'Thraris ... my boy.'

The Arial Queen sighs with indifference.

The Arial Emperor says to Nuriun 'You have down well, Operative, as always.
Please, leave us.'

With a nod, Nuriun disappears into the shadows.

The Arial Emperor says 'When I met your mother ... I did not value my
marriage as much as I should have.'

The Arial Queen's eyes flare brightly for only an instant.

The Arial Emperor says 'I loved her in my way, but deep down, I knew it could
not be more than a fleeting adventure. A silly, hopeless romance.'

The Arial Queen whispers gravely 'I ... did not take it well, when I learned
about the consequences of this ... romance.'

The Arial Queen says 'You are not the child of my blood, nor will you ever
be. I could not accept you.'

The Arial Queen says 'Secretly, you were brought to the Blue Sky Tavern.
There, you met your new mother.'

The Arial Queen says 'Sadly, she was not up to the challenge.'

The Arial Emperor says 'Years later, we had come to peace with the
situation.'

The Arial Emperor says 'We could not accept you, but, we could help you.'

The Arial Emperor says 'You have come to know Nuriun very well. He is our
most loyal servant.'

The Arial Emperor says 'He has taken you under his wings, at our request. He
taught you whatever he could and took you from the streets.'

The Arial Queen says 'We were ... happy, to see you flourish. First, within
the Thieves Guild, then later as a Scribe.'

Role

Chapter 6

As I seek to give more to those who have less, I have always worked for
charity as good as I can. Now that I have been able to gather quite an amount
of coin, I have decided to donate 100 gold coins to the orphanage.

After a short discussion with Lord Nnaeshuk and my brothers of the Fortress,
I agreed that it would be best that I donate it to one worthy of trust,
within the orphanage.

So, I went over to the orphanage, looked for a person like that and met the
teacher there. After a short back and forth, I felt certain that he would
make sure that the coin is spent in the best way possible.

Role

Chapter 5

Thraris startled awake, as he felt the gentle touch of a clawed hand on his
shoulder. 'Easy now ...' said the old Arial, with a voice Thraris immediately
recognized as of his old mentor, Nuriun. 'I hear you have become a Scribe and
have left the Galadon Guild behind you. That is strangely fitting,
considering the facts I come to tell you. They too will change your life.'

Unable to think of anything to say, Thraris remained silent, as he rose from
his resting place.

'I know you have never considered your mother to be that, and you are more
correct than you know' continued Nuriun, as he stood there, unmoving, within
the shadows. 'She was only a woman, chosen by chance, to take you as her own.
It was a task she set out to do as best as she could, but you know better
than me, that she was not up to the challenge.'

As if not noticing the shock on Thraris' face, Nuriun continued 'I know that
you have embraced the name Nightchild, one given to you mockingly, as your
own. You bear it with pride, as I am happy to see, but although it has become
what you wanted it to be, it is not what you are' said the old Arial. 'You
are not the parentless child of the streets. You are the unlawful son of the
Lady of Arial City, and it's King.'

'I understand this comes as a shock to you, but do not seek out your parents.
You are not ready for such yet. But, worry not, they mean you well and one
day you shall meet them, but not now.'

As the old Arial smiled, he said 'you make us proud. I will seek you out once
more when you are ready' and with that, he vanished into the night.

Role

Chapter 4

(Although not worthy of winning a caligraphy contest, the writing is fluent
and easy to read.)

Many people talk of a line that you cross, once you step into darkness, but I
do not find it that easy. What does it mean to be good? What does it mean to
be bad?

Is it bad to steal, if you are using the stolen item to deliver a crippling
blow to evil, and the person would not simply give it to you?

Is it good to heal one of two persons fully, while you cannot help the other?


What is evil? Are things evil? All things are made by someone, so perhaps
their malice is in the thing. Does that make an item evil, or is it but an
item touched by an ill will?

Is it evil to use an evil item for good? What if the only way to safe a
persons life is to use an item of evil? Or can no good come from any evil, no
matter what it is used for. Or, does evil only exist when you use something
for such a purpose?

Perhaps your ill will would make something evil, while your good will would
making something good?

I try to do good things only. But, somethings things need weighing. A lesser
evil may open the doors to a greater good. At this time, I would not want to
do even such a lesser evil. But, perhaps it is what sacrificice is about, to
sacrifice your own soul and sanity for the well-being of others?

So many questions, but, right now I see not one good answer. It is something
that I will keep thinking about, and perhaps struggle with.

PS: The writing has really progressed, and my hand does not hurt nearly as
much as it used to. Still, all these ink stains on my sleeves are a bit
annoying. I should learn to write more cleanly in time ... or wear short
sleeves.

Role

Chapter 3

(it is painfully obvious that the writer of these pages does not really know
how to write. The form of the letters is horrible, which makes the writing
nearly unreadable. Regardless of that, you manage to make out what it says,
though with a lot of concentration.)

My hand still hurts whenever I take up the pen, I would dictate it, but then
the words would no longer be private, would they ... Why try easy when
difficult works too. Anyway ...

I have been able to harass a few of the wicked folk. I have stolen their
magical means of transport, or, at least, the one's I could see. But, unless
they walk around with stocks to make an apothecary jealous, they would still
not like the prospect of being in a thight spot without them. One can only
hope ...

Beyond that, I do not seek unnecessary violence, so I am happy I have been
able to avoid it, so far. There was one encounter that I came out of
victoriously, true, it wasn't a formidable opponent, but neither am I.

Also, I have been trying to be generous around those with whom it is nice to
be around, and it pleases me that they seem honest in their appreciation of
such. I like their company, and shall continue making sure they like mine, as
best as I can.

I haven't seen many beggars, which is a good thing, but I have been giving
each of them a silver coin, so they can at least get a good warm meal out of
it. I plan to never forget about the less fortunate, may Lord Corrlaan smite
me if I ever do.

I really need to stop now, my hand is red and getting quite painful ...

(The last lines were even harder to decypher, as the lines are not even close
to being straight)

Role

Chapter 2

During the first ten years of his life, Thraris served as an errand boy for
the Thieves Guild. Unable to rely on anyone, he soon learned to be
independent and to only trust himself. He did whatever he could to survive,
he panhandled and stole to get through the day.

Being the fatherless son of a single mother, who never had gotten pregnant,
people said that he was the child of the Night, born from the shadows of the
tavern, child to none, raised by a barmaid. As such, people called him
Thraris Nightchild, mocking his unknown heritage and low life.

Although clearly a scoundrel, living off the streets, he did not have a dark
heart. In fact, being a child of little opportunity, he showed compassion and
helped others who, like him, did not have an easy life.

Nuriun, the Shadow Operative, was ordered to find Thraris, and report on his
doings. When he learned of Thraris' behaviour, he was glad and reported to
the King and Queen that he saw much potential in him. He told them that
Thraris could walk a nobler path, while remaining in the shadows, as it was
clear that the boy had become too attached to the life on the streets.

It was agreed upon that Nuriun, already a member of the Thieves Guild, would
take it upon him to tutor and train the boy. He was to teach Thraris about
becoming a full thief, skilled and agile, but also aware of the bigger
picture.

At age sixteen, Thraris had become a level one thief. Gifted with the
necessary skills and ability to reach the pinnacle of the guild, but also
with compassion. He steals, yes, but not merely for himself. He attempts to
weaken the wicked, any way he can. And, whenever able, he helps those around
him, especially those whom are less fortunate.

And, now that he is reaching adulthood, he is still a low life, but not
without hope. He has a bright future in front of him. And, if only people
would make the connection, the physical resemblance to him and the King of
Arial City, is undeniable. A resemblance only Nuriun, the Shadow Operative,
is fully aware of.

Role

Chapter 1

Although both of a gentle, and kind-hearted nature, both the King and Queen
of Arial City are not without flaws.

Feeling uncertain about his relationship with the Queen, the King went on a
few amorous adventures. Especially the Lady of the house across the Palace,
along Highland Avenue, could count on his presence for quite a while.

When the Lady found herself pregnant, the King's romantic endeavours came to
an end, when Thraris was born, because what had happened could no longer
remain hidden.

The Queen, furious about her husband's adultery, would not acknowledge the
illegimate child. The Lady initially did not mind to keep Thraris, but the
Master would not have it, considering the circumstances, and the political
consequences it might have, considering the Queen's fury concerning the
child.

Although neither party was happy with the child, they would not simply
dispose of it either. So, they looked for someone to raise him. They asked
Nick, of the tavern, if he knew someone who could take care of Thraris. Soon,
Thraris was being raised by one of the maids working in his tavern and was
forgotten by both the royal family and the Lady and Master.

Being fatherless, and with a mother unable to really cope with being a
single mother, due to her work, soon roamed the streets with other younglings
of his age. They often hung around the darker parts of town, and soon they
were running errands for the Thieves Guild.

After ten years had past, the Queen and King's relation had outgrown their
amorous animosity from a decade ago. One night, they recalled the birth of
Thraris, and wondered what had become of him.

They learned that he had become a novice at the Thieves Guild, training to
become a full member. Although living the life of a scroundrel, he never had
come in contact with the guards or Tribunal.

Being gentle hearted folk, both King and Queen did not want to see him stray
and be lost to the darkness, so they decided to guide him secretly, as they
still could not openly acknowledge Thraris' high birth.

As it was obvious that Thraris had become too attached to the life of a
thief, they knew they would not be able to change that. Instead, they
assigned one of their best Shadow Operatives with the task of guiding Thraris
as best as he could, from within the Thieves Guild. That Arial was Nuriun,
and he became the father-figure Thraris missed the first ten years of his
life.

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