Dio Astóre

Having known the Dohvasaur since early Asulon, he has proven to be a cornerstone member of - at minimum - the High Elf community and extraordinarily helpful to those involved in it. Quick to learn and employs honesty and reason in conflicts.

The reason for this thread having been moved to our sub-forum was as firespirit44 stated, because the most essential lores and histories are linked in it and that knowledge can never have too much exposure. If someone looking for High Fantasy roleplay decides to go straight to researching a race they like on these forums then the Sticky topics are likely to be looked at. Sure it's inconsistent but anyone thinking of taking up a High Elf might benefit from having this guide not surrounded by a dozen others. Once AspectCG reposts her compilation thread for High Elves we can get that turned into a Sticky and we're good to go! Thanks to Wizard too for the plunge.

Given a good antagonist is not an individual or group the player has need to avoid, a suitable option for an enemy is only half that very thing. Speaking generically the two most pronounced values for our idiosyncratic culture revolve around the ol' health and wisdom duet. Follow up from that we can say truth is on the agenda and deterioration is not. What does this mean? That the perfect foe are Dadaists.

The ever-prevailing problem? Who is going to dedicate to taking on the role of a promoter of the irrational, illogical, counter-intuitive, absurd and ridiculous for the contradictory purpose of getting everyone to re-evaluate what is true and what is not? Creating an enemy our pale-reared minds can relate to and engage with both casually and in settings of conflict. Volunteers?

Keeping it simple mostly, an idea I've had an affinity for is designating a region with no valuable blocks that is unprotected so those that want a spontaneous roleplay outland have the option to go there [quite similar to what Evelyn proposed] and those that want a structured setting may go mainland style. Moving on:

1) Universally protected for a moderate length of time in the beginning to allow the consolidated roleplay to occur, managed by leaders and staff in unison with the exception of the unprotected 'badlands' area. Support that.

2) Permitting region owners access to log-block might reduce or eliminate the need for smaller sub-regions and GM investigations of unlawful conduct, where they may instead only deal with judging and creative output [more talking silverfish, dancing skeletons, flying squid].

3) Setting a minimum amount of time [one week?] of attempts at communication before any changes are made to a region. Talking about change would encourage having a reason for change, or so one may hope.

[OOC]: Even though the server derived some inspiration from the Lord of the Rings fiction and its players apply their knowledge of various literary works on the server [sometimes in an overt manner] the existence of original contributions exists perhaps due to a creative impulse, a test of skill or mere whim that turns to obligation - only the creators know.

Since the first server world it has given depth and provided opportunities to roleplay, from the initial excavations all the way up to the cultural revitalisation that grew in the next instance of the server. Given the probability of misconstruing meaning in modern languages the use of fantastic ones is by no means forced, so we all get to decide how far we want to take our characters and if one is inclined to add to the lexicon there are still options for doing that through in-character means.

A flock of birds flying over the city toward the sea, a pair of the avians circling above a certain section of wall that would of made a suitable nesting area.

"Earlier than the usual; season is yet coming. What sends those feathers on their hasty flight for the feast?" Such reverie had recently become a norm for Dio, made easier by the section of wall which lay in arranged rubble. That had been a tedious task.

Leaving the partially ruined tower behind in the stillness he made his way along the stair that wrapped itself around Haelun'or College, meaning to glimpse Asul rising above the tree-line such as he had done before his time in Laurelin. Seeing Carduin scrutinising an item, the way the light broke as it shone through the crystal would of transfixed Dio, were it not for the startling call of a Kharajyr.

"So we find answers where we do not look for them", which he had said more for himself, thinking back to why the birds had fled the forest. Moving closer meant he saw Lucion on his way to the College, now conversing with that supreme air of composure he would display. A dreary serenity became an alert calm as the fur-covered one leapt forth from the rampart. Then he could hear the feline person speak and shortly after, he would do the same.

"That remains a name given to us by others; thought it is that we see with greater clarity, as one might from the high ground. Ascend too far one loses sight of the world; stoop to low we forget the sky exists. Our flesh is here, though our minds look for a mean between both."

Casting his face to Lucion and then back again - an elaborate gesture from the head and over the chest too - Dio continued.

"If introductions are to make others aware of our presence, you have performed this with exceeding proficiency. Tiazar arrived when no sanctuary existed for Kharajyr. Those days have passed now; what memory provides of them showing the well-birthed of your kin are disposed to the pleasures sight and sound offer yet you are here alone."

"One does not enter a city of the curious without risking curiosity. Indulge us, if you would."

A tincy-wincy addition to the new format - which I mostly support - would be permitting overseeing GM's to create a temporary non-PvP region if it is appropriate; more for the larger battles. It gives the players a phase where they can focus on emoting without having to worry about that zealous archer breaking sprinting records along the rampart. Call it horrible aiming in-character that those pointy tips don't do anything. A quick flag enable / disable and some local announcement to denote the progress.

Town leaders I should like to think are responsible enough to care about not only the experience of their own players but also the other party's. If they need some extra help managing it or an outside opinion than a GM opinion is perfect. Common courtesy would dictate a fair warning; where's the fun in raiding Silent Hill? Make a screenshot of a PM being sent be mandatory; if there's no response then a war-claim of sorts might be a viable end solution should further attempts at communicating prove infertile.

Many stories begun and ended here, on Lord of the Craft. If it were a book we would be certain that the item could render a person unconscious, given a good wallop to the back of the head; won't be starting this thread by going back to the first chapter, but somewhere further along instead. You are welcome to come along, looking on the paths that to here had led.

New shores far from home. A young Mali'aheral and his Elder arrive at the Sanctuary of Wilven, where past and present meet to greet an uncertain future and farewell the sails and mast.

Forgotten grounds feel the weight of new feet as eager parties gather, relishing fresh opportunities and struggling to affirm their own place.

Wicked webs woven do not lightly offer release from their tangled clutches. Order against chaos; by end of dawn the revived Heial'thilln is born and no enemies made.

Where masks are worn by the spider and fly; little light for the deep-dweller eye. How to speak with the brood-mother without them nor tongue. An errand only for what is.

Silver branches upon an ashen oak; woods and ash together spoke where the immemorial shared. Words were given and sharp ears received their wisdom.

From the face of the crag stone fallen lay as oath to a city named in thought: eternal gray. Curiosity dances with whispers unheard, ears that listened uncertainly.

Across the sheer blue that saw many lose themselves to memory. Beards only grew longer and axes dug deeper into the earth, where two pale were led.

Celebrations return into the air; voices breath in unseen happiness. Masses for a couple, a couple for the world, words of the world for all.

Behind mountains of thin mortar lay concealed paradise cradled in the grasp of a small hand. Asul smiles, though it always did. Perhaps stronger today.

A step too far or a hand too near. Both. Theft of a Mali daughter wrought determined woe upon a single spirit that others trusted. Whom among the rabble knew more?

Two families meet, one whose home lied distant. Culture was indulged in and an aged throat found itself a familiar audience.

Privation within privation on an estate met on no terms of grave importance. Casual company kept clears the heart to match the Spring in the garden.

High Elven lore is accommodating to a large variety of archetypes, however it is also a difficult sub-race to understand and thus play correctly. Some new applicants will choose humans as their race because that is what they know best. There are plentiful guides submitted by the players themselves on their insight toward knowing whether a High Elf is the appropriate choice for you. Because of the strict definition of a Mali'aheral it is as a technical matter impossible to be half High Elf, even though you can have a single parent which considers themselves a High Elf.

I appreciate the application team's assistance with ensuring newer players understand the lore, although much of its intricacies are left for in-character discovery so that older High Elves can remember their heritage. Young characters are special cases which will have to put more thought toward the character history. These links will assist in wrapping your head around the sort of things High Elves are about.

http://www.lordofthe...elven-rp-guide/

http://www.lordofthe...obbery-and-you/

http://www.lordofthe...__1#entry403446

http://www.lordofthe...-of-a-high-elf/

http://www.lordofthe...he-silver-city/

http://www.lordofthe...e-of-the-elves/

http://www.lordofthe...e-ellir-reform/

http://www.lordofthe...roleplay-guide/

http://www.lordofthe...__1#entry558803

P.S. The last link is particularly enlightening.

ignesae’ii. Little war. What was mere vehement banter painted more grotesque imagery, every accusation a motion that drew red rivers and every defense or feign as a thunderous clash of steel to ears that had grown acutely sensitive. Arn’s return of words assured Dio that at least one had listened, however that ability was one to regret for the Maheral as an authoritative exclamation sped toward being heard. Lowered eyelids were the only sign of the slight anguish.

"My words with care I choose. Do not understand them through a veil of lonely solitude, nor withdrawn sanctuary. Good may be offered to the far realms even as your own prospers; flourishes with the same purity that the first vision bore. No council that rules over ArmaLuna will I be a part of and I thusly express my reasoning for the refusal: a guardian of the dream that two created was named before we made to gather here. He hears my words now. When upon ArmaLuna I tread, it is his custom - the true master of the isle - that I will pay respect to, and no other."

Now Dio removed his glance from Arn and made to observe the others as he spoke. As his eyes and neck shifted, they rested upon the Rex longer each time they passed him and a bemused expression as it done with James before ending up holding the gaze toward the end of the table.

"Pride should not be so blinding as to see us assuming a welcome where none had been given before. Where the advocates of life dwell, no collection of whims shall suffice nor our detached knowledge. Though a council seems not nearly detestable, spoken by another dreamer himself too! It is not the wisdom needed. Who knows ArmaLuna best above all? Not we. Should you have been forbid from entering, whom would be the true discourteous one? They who gave their own welcome, or those that had it extended toward them? Paradise for the artisan is so under its single guide. Let it remain thus."

What the announcement lacked from the absence of footsteps was compensated by the stellar standard of the nigh hueless garments that Dio clad himself in, as Arn was beginning his piece. More noticable yet was the effect of golden powder framing his eyes, the purple of them darting to and fro between the assemblage as the Maheral made to enter the council chamber unaccompanied. It might of been that they rested longer on the Rex, though a pause was definitely made to acknowledge James via a close to imperceivable inclination of the body. For Sythra he performed a more elaborate gesture; both arms rising together in unison, breaking apart over the forehead outwardly and then arcing inwards to form of a junction of fingertips in the shape of a circle, one that encompassed a largely uncut emerald pendant. He wondered whether the meaning would be lost here. Moving nearer the end of the table, taking a stand behind one of the empty furnishings and letting his arms fall to rest by his side.

"Fortune smiles upon this gathering that I might arrive to hear sentiments of some nobility. Your word arrived in good order Sythra and our thanks you have for sending it ahead so we might join this counselling. The Master from the Isle of Art speaks with wisdom and I would see the tranquility of my own home seen shared with it. All gathered here speak of their desire to protect, however I offer that the greatest foe present to the harmony had to the Northern point of the Emerald stand in this room - no exclusion made."

At this Dio allowed for a brief pause, examining the reactions of the various members of the conglomeration. Twisting the upper half of his body in turning toward Sythra he begins to speak in a sense which had an ambiguous timbre but seemed directed toward her statements.

"Peace was had before the Renoran creatures made to set foot on fragile shores that will not support the weight of heart-bound folly; purging emotion to attain clarity of thought, Haelun’or would aid toward this end. The sanctuary that is our precious Emerald is threatened in the plainest of manners. We are not the slave drivers of the artisans at the peak of her, however it remains to be understood a burning garden is not great in difference from burning the home that adjoins it. Thusly I will make my own proposal, which may be duly repeated as the remaining folk come to join us."

Now the Maheral faces Arn and raises a gloved palm toward the ceiling in a suggestive motion, continuing in a tone of wistful affirmation that made the words seem less superficial and dry.

"Allow the one that looks after the welfare of his people to do what purpose he has given himself. As we dabble here, we go against the professed end we are gathered to reach. Let ArmaLuna be sealed off from our world of strife and turmoil. Should you accept, from this moment henceforth all of the realm would be banished from the island, until you yourself grant permission for others to tread upon its ground. Whom are we to presume how others exist? To my wisdom, they who possess the most blades only sever their thread of reason or tangle others in the knots they weave. What say you?"

As an active member in roleplaying and a mature individual on the whole I shall like to toss in the extra penny into the wishing well. A capable learner and very open about receiving criticism I believe Truth would make a fine addition to the Academy of the Dramatic Arts. So far as acting goes and avoiding transforming into dragons to terrorise nations goes, the prior I am sure will be of good quality and the latter won't ever happen. Whether it be for improving the atmosphere of a place casually or assisting in a larger event, this individual can count on one extra pillar.

Parchment is bonded together in a neat pile within the College, set atop a sturdy desk in the middle of the room without chairs. Several clean quills, vials of jet-black ink and a large jar of fine sand rest for public usage next to a separate piece of paper with ruled lines through it. One of the lines already bore a signature, found below a message.

The following documents include copies of schematics for a proposed addition to the recently freed space in the courtyards. If passed this referendum will allow the construction of a new marketplace, which shall include the demolition and relocation of the apothecary and smithy which are found near the harbour and residential districts respectively.

Changes brought about by this referendum will centralise all of Haelun'or in production related tasks and allows the reallocation of space for the construction of additional housing or the re-purposing of already completed buildings. Votes to the negative are requested to only be submitted under the condition that alternative schematics are provided which meets the purposes the aforementioned logical ordering.

An envelope sealed with silvery wax is left by the smithy, the impression of a letter D upon it. Breaking it would reveal a paper letter, detailing a large order of golden and silver jewellery; necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, pins and more with each one embedded with a certain kind of jewel in every hue perceivable.

Each among the below listed requests are to be completed at the earliest opportunity. The following take precedence over the others:

• Amethyst pendant coupled with a silver chain. The links are to be forged widely and wave engravings etched to mirror each side.
• Golden ring that is embedded with a square-cut ruby. Outward lines surrounding a circle as engraving.
• Polished shard of a lapis lazuli stone attached to threaded plates of silver, each marked with a repeating pattern of skyward and flat lines.
• Braid cord with tear-drop crafted from brown diamond. Golden clasp, modest fall; no further than 40mm.
• Silver diadem with a marquise cut amber stone, rising over the forehead in a smooth arch.
  
• Cuff-links of steel, gilded. Depicting the image of a sword with a ruby set in the pommel.
• Two emerald rings, oval cut. One silver and etched with intertwining, flowing lines as of tree roots. Another with a circle encased by a thin oval.
• Brooch of gold, studded with amber, arranged in the form of a balancing scale.

Despite the prepared supplies upon the desk Dio found himself reaching into his robes habitually, removing his own scribing supplies. An onlooker might have thought he was oblivious to the other items, or perhaps it was another reason that kept him from using them. Shortly afterwards a message was beside the original notice, a clean cross-shaped crease showing that it had been folded twice.

Whilst the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya is no more threatened than through the imprudent dealings of those possessing even a trace of the Mali'aheral spirit with those that possess none, to sacrifice that remnant when it might instead be cultivated shall continue to remain a reconciled refusal for my own part. Wisdom bound to the writers form will inevitably be found to be inadequate. What is law amongst a people whose populace is comprised of leaders? To shame the Old Way is not our burden, but their own. Should the Shamed wish to share their burden, then let it be known. Teach whom may be taught; for them that learn naught, spare not a stone.

- D

Another person at the door and yet less space in the study. With three fellow Mali'aheral already in the room it was a much quicker process before Kolyat was beside the others. Those required were gathered, so now in trusted company Dio begun to clarify the purpose for which they were there.

"By now you shall all be wondering why I have summoned you." Lighting a candle, he continued. "Allow me to shed some light on my intent."

"A single drop of Mali'aheral blood that knows not the wisdom of our forebears is an unacceptable tragedy. Their welfare is our duty; their brothers we are. Far out of memory has it passed the sensation that arises from true family, though the children of our mothers, fathers. To them they entrusted the banners of truth."

"Our names like tarnished silver are. What is a noble cause that wears a dark crest? Some come to the city to learn and gain wisdom, though they see not our tests. Others come to give voice their loathing, for the shimmering of the water's surface is painful in the morning light. Plainly, to begin I require your support Tilruir'sil and the support of the Tael'acaliran. The Sillumiran will become more important than ever and the others abolished. Each of them may choose for themselves how to serve the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, though they will need your council too. Have them research the old Heial'thilln and evaluate for themselves which seat they would aspire to and more importantly, why? Have them scribe their thoughts."

"Your task Alfakyn will be to go with Uradir into the mainland as pathfinders. Observe the crowds and keep your vigil for wayward Mali'aheral. Oh, and don't ignore those that demonstrate an affinity for the arts or sciences if you would. You know the reason for this. Obscurity will be your best shield, so leave the theatrics for the stage. Continue your usual duties as best you may as you observe which societies our kin are most found in along with their defence policies."

"Tilruir'nor, you shall ensure the city is ready to accommodate our people. Have yourself made familiar with the history of the city and the contents of the library. I will speak with you further personally to assist you in this. All present homes are to be equipped with provisions each kalemii at minimum. Both precious metals as well as consumables goods. Additional structural projects will be fully furnished to a worthy standard; shelving, tools for scribing and quality dyes too."

With that Dio allowed silence to resume, save for the familiar sound of a sharp point scratching against paper.

Coming across the notice-board whilst walking along a routine path in the city, it was not long before Dio had happened across Lady Telrunya. An object lay clenched in his hand, a chain dangling out in the open. A quick exchange of the ritualistic greeting gestures.

"A single personal request I have for you, although firstly I wish to ask another on behalf of the city. If you accept the role I would have you assist in reforging the armaments currently in storage", which upon finishing saw a large skeleton key placed in Ardene's hands.

"When convenient, the creation of a golden staff would be most appreciable. Your effort will be compensated."

With that he made to turn away, seeming content without receiving answer.

Nigh approached the moment where yet two more professed kindred spirits - children of Haelun'or - would grace with ceremony the ancestors. Afloat amid sanguine tides, such displays proved beacons in the red haze that swept across the realm. As they always had done. Silent in leisurely contemplation, the Maheral mused to himself. Not a day for war. Not a day for the ephemera. Today for love. Almost in protest did he announce to the air:

Sand seeped through the funnel of the hourglass in the study, but he did not notice that now; flowers gave sweet fragrance to the air.

A day for life...

Possessing a curiosity of a gnawing nature, it shall be most enlightening to receive information regarding whether there are any tidbits one might need to keep in mind. As example...

And here Dio mimics an impression of Charlie Chaplin, twirling a cane around.

...would having a spawn point near a town be a little nuisance to say; raiders, pillagers, war-mongerers and door to door salespeople given that having whomever was slain popping right back into existence without a qualified necromancer present would be rather unseemly?

Spawn-delays would do the trick, though who wants to sit in a waiting room reading old celebrity articles in the afterlife? Suppose during wars a quick change back to the Sanctuary suffices. For the long-eared islanders it would be possible to gander over for a bit of vengeance. Keep the F2's primed to make sure nobody is being cheeky with the 30 minute rule?

Ol' noggin' seems to be failing as well, was there a minimum limit to determine how many active users a village / town / city etc. required before needing to trade-up or down?

- Always a pleasure.

A smile crossed Dio's face upon learning of the convention. Paradoxical was the feeling arisen from considering that few would likely attend, though what history proved mitigated most doubts. The smile still stayed as the Maheral wrote the letter that he'd have Lucion deliver to his associate.

It is with confidence and enthusiasm that I offer my unreserved support of the proposed gathering of the minds both critical and considerative. Haelun'or will receive them and play host as they share in their commonalities and find enlightenment in their differences. Those relaying their intent to attend shall be catered to with deserving thoughtfulness.

In fulfilling the request of the Lady Dewhurst: Dio Astóre informs her of his interest to address the collective for a time, however is unable to name a singular field that the discourse will pertain to.

The envelope bears a seal depicting an hourglass and the letter inside is signed with a large, elaborately scribed letter 'D'.

Shadows had crept under the door a few moments ago, though it had taken several more before any sounds broke the silence. The rhythmic beating of fists in quick succession and a slower, higher pitched tone gaining in volume as it neared the entrance. At other times it may have been unsettling, but presently it was expected. Darkness gained density as the silhouettes move next to one another.

Two visitors? Shifting his eyes briefly to where Kalenz was seated, it occurred to the Maheral that someone would have to make do without a place to recline comfortably. Leisure was the prerogative of lords that indulged themselves too greatly; no thrones for scholars, nor did Dio wish for one. The voice of the Tilruir'sil called out, and was soon answered.

"Never have I met even a single soul that made to think time allowed us to act outside of its own convenience. Business requires doing. Let us see to it that it is done, in spite of time. You may both enter."

As Kalenz spoke of his searching for Haelun'or, the Maheral's expression took on a peculiar form upon listening to the describing of the challenges and time it had taken to reach the Silver City. What that face revealed might well have been sorrow as much as its inversion; extremes of either would have made it impossible to tell. By the end of the exchange Dio was reclined in an organically shaped piece of furnishing, the only movement the wild playing of the shadows.

"Efforts in leading the wayward Mali'aheral toward their heritage does not go unnoticed, nor deeds furthering the ends of the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, which the essence of is cultivated here in our forebears' home. As Seeker you may find yourself in an opportune position to guide the lost, however the truest form of the Seeker may search where no way exists for neither foot or eye to traverse."

"You would depart, though the crosser of the threshold shall not face the mirror that belies itself. One Seeker goes, another Seeker returns when but one skeletal form there is. By the hand of lifeless the reaching grasp may find the so called 'High Elves', though in discovering Mali'aheral a treacherous abyss separates one from their purpose."

"Tokens from the city will be of some use, however the Seeker themselves remains the greatest hope. Until the Tilruir'sil arrives, enjoy the company found in silence", Dio finishes with two prods of his right temple with the feathered end of a quill.

Noticing first the vocal range particular to Elves, Dio keeps his eyes toward the parchment, quill tracing strokes along the clean pressed matter. A long-standing citizen may have noticed a change in appearance, given the purple colouration around his eyelids and clothing in similar, albeit darker hues. That the guest spoke some Elvish was assuring, although a faint accent was still noticeable. He looked up to meet Uradir's blue eyes, prompting.

"Evening has fallen upon Haelun'or, however even in the cold light it is not appropriate to conceal the niceties of formal ceremonies. Letting us proceed with them, perhaps you would grace the air with your statements of business, for if it regards the Seekers I suspect the one required to proceed further along that path of inquiry shall arrive before long. Be at leisure if it pleases..."

Gesturing toward an empty seat close to the door, the Maheral returns to his papers, listening to the sound of cloth rustling, of a gentle wind and sand against glass; wax trickled down.

The sound of soles trudging along, shifting loose debris under-foot announces a visitor approaching the tower door; scratches like that from a quill on parchment echoed out from the room; that being the solemn sound that continued on for a brief period, Dio called outside in bland tones the usual premeditated response. "You may enter." No abstract plays of language this time. Grains of sand in an hourglass seeped through the narrow funnel and a curtain obscured the view of the starlit sky. A breeze aroused the small candle into a fervent dance as wood swings on oiled hinges.

Four versions available; various changes to all of them, updates for newer textures made, made separate pack for older textures along with modifications to items, paintings and other bric-a-brac. Be sure to download the right one!