Posted by Tharena on August 05, 1999 at 14:44:58:
And yes, due to the overwhelming guilt trip put upon me by unnamed sources, the Orihalcon lore will finally make a presence in the next two weeks. A long day indeed in the life of Tharena. Another five elven minutes later saw her back just inside the Temple of Shokai, speaking with the Leader of the Knights, Akhivhra. Watching over their conversation, as if we were in their times a silent observer, we come to hear and see: Capture file opened 24/Dec/1997 02:51a [Exits: north east south west] Tharena says 'Where would you like me to continue from? Sorry.. I'm a bit rattled.. Ahh, yes, Right.. There is still light in that tower.. As rare as it might be.. And to make it permanent means there will always be knowledge.. And the chance that the tower could be more good than evil.' Akhivhra frowns, saying 'I fail to see this. I have just spoken with Kuslatromi, who has informed me that the Masters may attack anyone at will. With no restrictions on their actions, how can they act in a way that is entirely not self serving?' Tharena says 'They must follow their path.' Akhivhra, ever weighing and considering, replies 'And, further, this deal that was struck. Unless I am mistaken, does it not ally the Tower with the forces of Darkness?' Tharena says 'It does not.' Akhivhra says 'Hmm how so?', shining a small smiling at Tharena. Tharena says 'The Evangion is of balance. Neither good, nor evil.' Akhivhra, nodding, says 'Ahhh. This, I did not know.' Tharena says 'Had Zurcon's boys gotten a hold of those statues.. They could have wished for the raising of Zurcon.' Akhivhra says 'They would have wished for his return', nodding in understanding. Tharena says 'And then, it would have been bad.' Akhivhra says 'I understand, then. So, in effect, we did carry the day.' Tharena says 'Aye, we did. Anything else ye wish to question me of?' Akhivhra says 'Yes, what do you know of the Evangion?' Tharena replies thoughtfully and carefully: 'It is a power from another plane of existence.. It is neither good, nor bad. When summoned, it grants one wish.. Any one wish, of the holder of the statues.. Then, it returns to it's plane of existence.' Akhivhra says 'Foolhardy wish, then', chuckling to himself. 'And so the danger is over' Tharena nods at Akhivhra and says 'At least until the next eclipse..' Akhivhra stands up, saying 'Splendid.' Akhivhra reaches out and clasps Tharena's hand. Tharena says 'Wait.. Are ye done with your questions?' Akhivhra nods at Tharena in agreement and says 'You've actually enlightened me to a great deal.' Tharena says 'Good... Then _I_ have one for _you_.' Akhivhra says 'I'm at your service, of course, Madam.' Tharena says 'I was seeking to join your teeny tiny company.' Akhivhra, appearing shocked, manages a reply. 'The Knights of Thera?' Tharena says 'Ye were not aware of that?' Akhivhra shakes his head. 'What brings you to this decision?' the leader questioned. Tharena says 'I have sought for some time.. Now that there is a leader, I should at least speak with you..' Akhivhra says 'I have been on a small journey outside the bounds of normal civilization.' Tharena nods at Akhivhra. 'I have spoken aready with Khainin, and with Delyn.' the bard adds helpfully. Akhivhra says 'You were a member of the Troupe of the Eternal Star?' Tharena nods at Akhivhra in acknowledgement. Akhivhra, somewhat uncomfortably, asks of the bard: 'What led you to the separation? Pardon. Your parting of ways' Tharena says 'My goal in life became larger than Troupe's goal.' Akhivhra chuckles politely. Tharena says 'They protect the Inn.. I seek to protect Thera. Troupe will always be my family..' Akhivhra says 'I've read your notes', chuckling to himself. 'You've been very busy in that regard.' Tharena raises her eyebrow at Akhivhra. 'You think?' Akhivhra chuckles politely. 'Without question.' Akhivhra says 'Your husband is Amblemourne, no?' Tharena shakes her head, saying quietly: 'Not anymore.' Akhivhra nods, saying 'Forgive me if I've brought up a touchy subject.' Rather wistfully, Tharena replies 'An unconsummated, and distant marriage. There is not much else to say.' Akhivhra sighs, nodding at Tharena. Tharena says 'That he appeared in Thera today.. As the battle ended...' The bard sighs deeply. Akhivhra nods, comforting Tharena. 'I understand.' Tharena's voice firms as she looks up to Akhivhra and says 'I'm not the same little girl.' 'Oh?', Akhivhra questioned. A little wistfully, Tharena replies 'Ran and played, and didn't think twice.. Then, I realized just how empty life was.. And looked at the world I was ignoring.' Akhivhra smiles happily. 'Do you have a fair idea what is expected of Thera's Knights?' Akhivhra asks. 'Our Code of Honour? You understand this comes as something of a shock.' Tharena appears somewhat baffled. 'What comes as a shock?' Akhivhra says 'Well, I was not aware of this change. It's something of a surprise.' Tharena nods thoughtfully for a moment, before looking up and smiling at Akhivhra. 'I do not know the exact words of the code..' says the bard. Akhivhra says 'Well, I would not expect you to', pausing to grin slyly. 'Yet.' Tharena smiles at Akhivhra's humor. Akhivhra says 'What does Honour mean to you?' Tharena says 'Khainin, and Delyn asked me that.' Akhivhra nods and sighs. 'Unfortunately, they are not here.' Tharena says 'Honor: Respect yourself, and what you do.. Respect others, whether ye like them or not. Respect them for their skills, if not their path.' 'Hmm..' Akhivhra says thoughtfully. Tharena says 'Honor is a fair fight. Honor is understanding, and a degree of tolerance. Honor is taking the trust of someone, and serving it truly.' Speaking in a firm voice, Akhivhra questions 'Practically speaking.. How do you show honour to Moridin?' Tharena comes back with a firm, solid reply: 'Moridin, I must honor highly.. Even as I hate him.' 'How do you show this while fueling hatred?' Akhivhra needles. Tharena says 'He is dedicated to what he does.. He shows admirable dedication..' Akhivhra nods. Tharena says 'And I must respect him for it.. And he shows good skill. Excellent. Unfortunately, he uses it to tear into my hide... And the hides of many others of the light.' Akhivhra nods. Tharena says 'Were he to use his powers for the light, he would make an amazing companion. But he does not.' Akhivhra nods at Tharena in agreement. 'And how would you respond?' Tharena says 'How would I respond to what?' Akhivhra says 'That he uses his gifts and talents that the gods have gifted him with to destroy the peaceful people of Thera? How do you respond to such barbarity? Given that he performs these acts with such dishonour?' Tharena, a little regretfully, replies: 'Would he not use his spell of holding on me, he would be dead. I tried to kill him at the shrine [where the Evangion was summoned] and couldn't find him.' Akhivhra nods, chuckling to himself. Smiling, he looks at Tharena and says 'You have honour, no doubt.' Tharena smiles at Akhivhra. Akhivhra says 'And the Knighthood, what role do you see yourself fulfilling within it?' Tharena says 'As faulty as it was.. I can lead people..' Akhivhra chuckles politely. Tharena says 'I can work on my own, or with others.. And, to be frank... you lost your "Poetic Fire" [Tyrille the Poetic Fire, Knight of Thera] You need more good people in your ranks.. They [your numbers] are weak.' Akhivhra says 'That was a harsh blow, yes' Tharena says 'Either way, I will advertise for ye.. Now that ye have a leader, it makes things much easier.' Akhivhra says 'And would you swear yourself to uphold the Code, our Code, with your heart and soul?' Tharena smiles at Akhivhra. 'I know how to do things only one way..' Akhivhra says 'That this is not a whim, but a cause and a way of life that will stay with your for the remainder of your life?' Akhivhra looks at Tharena, as if to search her heart and soul for the truth within. Tharena, fearlessly looking back at Akhivhra, replies 'Everything I have done is with my heart and soul.' Tharena looks at herself to see: You catch the scent of violets as you approach this slim, 5'4" elven beauty.. or she would be When she first speaks to you, you note the honey smooth voice of the songmaster bardess, and Tharena is in perfect health. Tharena is using: Akhivhra stands up. Tharena, suddenly distracted, says 'Ooh.. that is so neat', looking down and examining her freshly added tattoo. Blazing with holy silver fire, the mighty talons grasp the moon with a powerful grip. Just as you Tharena blinks up at Akhivhra. 'Would ye tell me what was so funny?' Akhivhra says 'You, looking at yourself, and finding it so neat.' Tharena says 'B-but.. the..', turning a fine shade of red. 'Nevermind.' Akhivhra falls down laughing again, calming to a chuckle, before becoming somewhat serious once more. 'Would you kneel, Madam?' Tharena humbly kneels down before Akhivhra, looking up at him a moment to wrinke her nose and makes a silly face at him. And as the sun set on Thera, so it would be thus: Akhivhra says 'Milady', bringing himself to an upright position. Akhivhra says 'By Lord Gareth', tapping Tharena on the left shoulder with his polearm. 'And Lady Raisa', tapping Tharena on the right shoulder. Akhivhra says 'By the grace and Honour of the Shrine of Lord Shokai', raising his lance before the altar. Akhivhra says 'And beneath the humble guidance of Lord Cador, I dub you Knight.' Tharena smiles up at Akhivhra. Tharena has been inducted into the Knights of Thera. Akhivhra utters the words, 'egruoaigxafe', creating a Golden Sword! Akhivhra gives Tharena Golden Sword. Tharena stops using a heron-marked blade to wield Golden Sword. Akhivhra utters the words, 'egruoaisrahz', creating dragonplate! Akhivhra gives Tharena dragonplate. Tharena stops wearing a blue-green gown to wear dragonplate on her body. Akhivhra says with a smile 'Please rise and take your vestments. You've earned them.' Tharena stands up. [KNIGHT] Akhivhra: Welcome, Lady Tharena. [KNIGHT] Tharena: Well met, Knights of Thera. Akhivhra says 'You're allowed a few days grace, but you carry the honour of all of us with you, especially since you are so vocal.' Akhivhra pauses to smile at Tharena. 'And well loved, as well.' [ Human ] [KNIGHT] Dumuzi the Giver of Life, Knight of Thera [51 Dwarf War] (PK) [BATTLE] Holtzendorff the Horned Avatar of BoltThrower You are Tharena the Songbird, Royal Crier of Darsylon, Knight of Thera, level 51, 839 years old (421 hours). **** A bit of time in the life of the bard that people either loved, or hated.. it was rarely ever in between. Tharena Silver-Tongue, ever remembering (It's okay Stellyx, you can use Silver-Tongue.. not like it's a trademark.. just thought I'd harass. And the kid is fine, how bout yours?)
This day she ran across much of Thera, organizing forces of the light into fighting the dark night that tried to sweep over. The threat of the Death Knights was averted, and the masters had made their wish to the Evangion.
This day, too, Tharena visited the shrine of the patron she sought, the Skyborn Shokai, and he favored her well. Within five elven minutes of recieving his mark, she died in combat to her ever arch-enemy Moridin, who took from her the Gjallor horn, amongst other beautiful items that she had managed to carry through the fights with the Death Knights.
Ironic that though she fought hard, and even faced off a Death Knight alone, she would only fall to one soul that night.
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South of the Temple
A bright fire burns here, warming you as you look over the southern
edge of a large broad cliff. Below, you can see the dark path and realise
that it winds almost half way around the mountain. As you look into the
fire images in the flames dance and twirl before you. Towards the north
you see a grand structure of white marble. On top of it the statue of a
huge phoenix, wings spread and facing upwards, seems to wait for something
to come from the skies. From within it light shines and shimmers, and a
faint humming noise can be heard. A small path of polished black and silver
marble leads north into the structure.
A magical spring flows from the ground here.
(Glowing) A bright signal fire burns and crackles here.
Akhivhra is resting here.
Tharena is resting here.
beautiful, did she not appear so tired. You remark her first for her long, black hair, blowing around
her in the wind as she surveys the area, taking in all there is to see... looking for the right
inspiration. As the wind picks up her hair, you can certainly note the fine pointed ears that mark
her elven heritage, and a somewhat wilted violet, tucked her right ear. Tharena turns to
notice you looking at her, her skin a pale color, nearly more pale than ivory... Tharena's deep violet
eyes assess you, as you look at her, and you note the darkened circles underneath them, a tribute
to her lack of Reverie. Her eyes seem to smile back at you, exhausted as they are, and she looks
fearlessly into your eyes. Looking at you, Tharena's soft full lips turn up into a soft, charming smile.
know why it is that the light might revere her for that so much.
should seek to destroy the evil of Thera with the same fury. For the moon hides itself in the
darkness..throwing a cloak over the land. As does the phoenix, so should you shine brighter and be
more vigilant as the darkness grows greater. For even if you should fall to your enemy, as the
pheonix rises from the flames...so shall you from death.
Akhivhra falls down laughing, eventually calming to a polite chuckle.
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It was whispered to the druids of the time by some tree or another that the Knight Tharena let out a cry of joy that rung out over the countryside. This day, out of all, was perhaps the most joyous and fully lived day of her life.
On at the time for the Knights:
[ Storm ] (PK) [KNIGHT] Ixitchatl the Holy of Faith, Knight of Thera
[ Storm ] (PK) [KNIGHT] Noglisp the Holy Hero, Knight of Thera
[51 Elf Bar] (PK) [KNIGHT] Tharena the Songbird, Royal Crier of Darsylon, Knight of Thera
[ Felar ] [KNIGHT] Akhivhra the General, Leader of the Knights of Thera
On at the time that could strike and be stricken:
[ Storm ] (PK) [KNIGHT] Ixitchatl the Holy of Faith, Knight of Thera
[ Cloud ] (PK) Somerrian the Knight Hero
[ Storm ] (PK) [KNIGHT] Noglisp the Holy Hero, Knight of Thera
[ Felar ] (PK) [ARBITER] Felstrom the Knight Hero
[ D-Elf ] (PK) Moridin, Summoner of the Evangion, Servant of the Black Sun
[51 Elf Bar] (PK) [KNIGHT] Tharena the Songbird, Royal Crier of Darsylon, Knight of Thera
[ Arial ] (PK) [ARBITER] Flanduril the Chronicler of Heroes
Tharena, after the quest of the Death Knights:
You are middle-aged.
Race: elf Sex: female Class: bard Hometown: Galadon
You have 596/596 hit, 609/609 mana, 537/582 movement.
You have 4 practices and 0 training sessions.
You are carrying 21/29 items with weight 128/327 pounds.
Str: 15(18) Int: 18(20) Wis: 19(21) Dex: 16(17) Con: 10(10) Chr: 20(21)
You have scored 680855 exp, and have 3371 gold coins.
Wimpy set to 200 hit points.
You are standing.
Armor: pierce: -62 bash: -65 slash: -63 magic: 5
You are superbly armored against piercing.
You are superbly armored against bashing.
You are superbly armored against slashing.
You are armored against magic.
Hitroll: 11 Damroll: 16.
You are good. You have a chaotic ethos.
You have chosen the sphere of Strength.
You are affected by:
Spell: 'shield' modifies armor class by -20 for 34 hours.