Malins Welcome

Numendil-Pickle

✦ The Celestial Trust Presents ✦ Voices of Aevos is a series of interviews highlighting mankind's artists, thinkers and luminaries. James Vursur: “How have you been? I don't know if I've seen you since you helped at the library.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “I've been busy at the new constructed Nor-velyth” he smiled to friend. James Vursur: “Oh yes. A new name. Comes from the same word as Velulite I believe.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “It's not something to force to others, to be precise we are shifting our cultural focus. It means Moonlit Land.” James Vursur: “Of what does this shift consist?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “In a way….You know how orcs and dark elves both focused on spirits and shamanism?” James Vursur: “Yes indeed.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Well we wanted to be differentiated from them, we are not like orcs who focus only on the spirits, from this culture, we would be focusing more on our ancestors.” James Vursur: “I think that's very well. Though we can't have all that many ancestors.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “You'd actually be surprised, just as you wouldn't think there's so many spirits, there's a lot of ancestors, some that I didn't even know until I was given a history lesson.” James Vursur: “Oh, I'm sure there are many spirits as there are things one can name, but there can't be that many generations between us and Malin.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Well, who knows? I am unsure since I've only been told about Maehrzhel ones” James Vursur: “I mean- something like twenty at the most, probably. Maehrzhel?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Maerzhel are the Vel'luah word for the Dark Elves. We learn more about our ancestors through spirit walks.” James Vursur: “What have you learned?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Well recently, I learned that we've had many ancestors turn a new life to help aid the lives of other Maehrzh, especially during the time of the Mori.” James Vursur: “That is interesting. Back from the dead?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Hm…not like that I suppose, it's more of us traveling to the ancestors realm to learn more” he nods at this. James Vursur: “What is this realm called?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Hm, if I am not wrong, it would be Stargush….The place where all dark elven souls go to after they spend time here in the mortal realm.” James Vursur: “Is it nice?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Well….To others it is. Tto others they dread meeting their ancestors since….Some might not be good to them.” James Vursur: “Have you met your ancestors?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Me and my siblings plan to go through a spirit walk to meet them, as of now I have not.” James Vursur: “What will you ask them?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Certainly something about our traditions of tattoo and piercings, maybe look for other ancestors that shared my passion for the arts since my sisters are either merchant or politicians.” James Vursur: “How much do you know about your ancestors already?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “I've only known as far as my family tradition and culture goes…if you ask me to name one, then I apologize as I won't be able to answer.” James Vursur: “I'm in the same boat, but that's due to my not having family tradition.Do you think your interest in arts does come from an ancestor?” Glorier Maiheiuh-Delevoy: “I believe it's a big influence on it but, I would like to think that I've loved the arts and music out of my own volition.” James Vursur: “Volition makes it sound like an act of the will.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Yeah…. Unlike my sisters, they didn't pursue arts and music like I did, it wasn't their life though don't get me wrong, they appreciate, create, and love the arts and music.” James Vursur: “Was it to distinguish yourself, then?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Distinguish myself? You can think of it like that….It goes the same way with our spiritual journey, I'm a different kind of shaman from my sisters” James Vursur: “What's a Shaman?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “It's more related to our spiritualistic nature…more or less. I'm not confident if I can explain it well for you llyr.” James Vursur: “The point of these is your point of view.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Well, you can think of shamans are those who are connected to the spirits more than a normal worshipper and devotee would.” James Vursur: “How does your art make you a different kind of one of those than others?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Hmm… I'd like to think that I am able to bring out all the best features of my art pieces, as well as able to make them close to reality…atleast that's what I'm heard my clients mentioned.” James Vursur: “I mean a different Shaman. Or do you find the influence going more the other way?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “A different shaman? Ah….Well to be honest it's nothing like that….You see there are three kinds of shamans, farseers, lutaumancers, and witch doctors…there are many of the first two but too few of the latter.” James Vursur: “Did you mean to say that your Shamanism might help make your art more realistic?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “You can think it like that, afterall, I ask criticism from Brimztra himself. Sorry, I speak in a confusing way. I've always not been the best with words.” James Vursur: “That's fine. Could you… commune with the spirit of an object you intended to paint, for instance?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “That's somewhat possible, yeah. In order to communicate or connect with the spirits, you need a medium to help you focus; Music, dancing, painting, and the likes.” James Vursur: “Is Brimztra a spirit of art? What criticism did you receive from him?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “You are right on the mark, Brimztra is the lesser spirit of Betharuz, Brimztra is the spirit of Arts, Music, and Creativity, the bard caravan even has a shrine for him” James Vursur: “And what did he tell you?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “I've visited his realm a few times, he was more of an optimistic kind of critic…for example, he would look at the paintings I have and guide me to work on a few of my brush strokes.” James Vursur: “What subjects do you like to paint most?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Portraits and people the most. I love seeing their expressions and reaction to my finished works…how they would gaze upon their late family members that has been immortalized in the canvas and paint I have.” James Vursur: “You like to capture their spirit.” Glorier Maiheiuh: “It's the best feeling in the world and I won't change my life.” James Vursur: “Is there anything else you want the readers to know?” Glorier Maiheiuh: “Ah well…it's never too late to work on a passion project…to work on a long time hobby you wanted to start on years ago….And to just, enjoy your life” he smiled to Friend.

NAME: Friend AGE: Seven Years times Five Years times Seven Years CHAMBERY PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1 Underdark Blvd. IN GOOD LEGAL STANDING?: I would assume

✦ The Celestial Trust Presents ✦ Voices of Aevos is a series of interviews highlighting mankind's artists, thinkers and luminaries. Manon Yvaine I don't believe I've ever been interviewed, before. James Vursur People are missing out on a wealth of knowledge, then. What all do you do, nowadays? Manon Yvaine Currently, I mostly teach. Philosophical education, for the youth of Haense. Though I do dabble in scholarly writing, when the mood strikes me. And Alchemy, of course, is my lifelong love. James Vursur Alchemy and Philosophy. How are those related? Manon Yvaine They are in many ways one and the same. Alchemy's base practices are fairly simple, but it is a deeply philosophical art; to become an Alchemist is to become a philosopher. A true Alchemist, anyways. James Vursur What's the difference, then, between True Alchemy and just… combining substances? Manon Yvaine The philosophy! A true Alchemist knows her materials. She understands their meanings, their functions. She understands - or seeks to understand, why her brews work. Not only that, but why she gets certain reactions from certain ingredients, et cetera. Anyone can mix things according to a recipe. Only some can understand why the recipe is written the way it is. James Vursur Can you give me an example? Manon Yvaine Well, a potionmaker might see a Gislocinovi plant and know the Symbols it contains. But an Alchemist would see a Gislocinovi plant and understand why it contains those Symbols, based on its functions, appearance, environment, and role in the ecosystem. And even if she did not know, she would be aware that she did not know, and would be capable of seeking this knowledge out. James Vursur What symbols does the Gislocinovi plant contain and why? Manon Yvaine Reduction, Purity, Silence, and Separation. It grows in hot, humid climates - Silence, for the thick air. Purity, for the white petals. And all four are of course tied to its ability to disinfect - reducing blight, purifying flesh, silencing - in this case, killing - disease, and separating the infection from the flesh. Now, of course, that was an easy example. And I do not claim that to be the only interpretation, or indeed the 'correct' one. James Vursur There's interpretation involved in the art, then? Manon Yvaine Oh, always. All art involves interpretation. James Vursur How did you come to be an Alchemist? Manon Yvaine It was a trick of fate. My friend and I were in the palace library, in Haense. My teacher was reading there. After speaking to us for a few minutes, he offered to teach us. James Vursur And how did you fall in love? Manon Yvaine: I was very alone, when I was young. Learning Alchemy allowed me to view the world around me in another light- one far more alive than the one I was raised with. Something designed with intention, thought. The world itself was very much alive. It changed my life. It also taught me to use my mind. My teacher halted my lessons when I was still young. As you know, he gave me a book to learn from. Teaching it to myself forced me to be thoughtful and investigative. I had nobody to answer my questions, so I was forced to discover my answers myself. To find recipes myself, to find teachers myself. It was hard, very hard. But it gave me skills that have served me well. James Vursur A person whose life is meaningful can endure anything. Manon Yvaine Indeed. James Vursur What is the state of Alchemy as a discipline? Or as a philosophical school if you prefer. Manon Yvaine For many years, the Alchemical world was flooded with potion-brewers. Untrue Alchemists, perhaps. Perfectly honest, of course, but peddling potions just for coin. Now… It is empty. I see, at least in my own life, few who study it at all. Few who wish to. At least in the Human realms. I can not speak for elsewhere. James Vursur Do you have any idea what caused this decline? Manon Yvaine Change in priorities. Most nations keep Alchemists around for wartime. And there has been little war, lately. And at least in Haense, our clinic is… she grimaced. Well- it does not have the funding to afford Alchemical medicine. With no war, at least none yet, most nations have no need for potions. James Vursur But you see Alchemy as more of an end in itself. Manon Yvaine Indeed. James Vursur Thank you, Manon. Is there anything else you want the readers to know before we leave off? Manon Yvaine Only to think deeply, and to question everything. There is far more to the world than meets the eye.

Cool lore, great work

I'd be interested to hear your perspective on how the Tanith Vursur incident played out.

[!] another letter is posted in response to the to the copy of this letter in Petra Some matters are not suited for open letters. The love and respect this Baron claims to have would call for this matter to be held privately. The only reason to drag this out into the public is to rally support against Ser Laurens. By all appearances this is a dishonorable act of duplicity. - Friend of the River

✦ The Celestial Trust Presents ✦ Voices of Aevos is a series of interviews highlighting mankind's artists, thinkers and luminaries. Inny Yuln'aher I don't visit often enough. Elizabeth Wittenbach Chambery's a relatively quiet town. Stuff happens around here, but it's usually pretty low profile. NGS meetings are the biggest debacles. Inny Yuln'aher What good is meeting up, if you're not doing much afterwards? The Society's growth is visible, but it feels... stunted. Elizabeth Wittenbach Aye, I know. Inny Yuln'aher Don't depend on others, Miss Wittenbach. A wise leader leads by example. If you're doing something worth doing, people are bound to not want to miss out. Elizabeth Wittenbach We gotta work on restoring our research branch. The NGS's age shows, I fear… Gotta work out a few things and overhaul 'em, bring some more commerce to Chambery as well. But we'll be fine. Maybe our two organizations can do something together someday, in partnership? James Vursur Isn't that what you're doing now? Elizabeth Wittenbach: Well yes, but our members should get to know one another. I consider our organizations to be allies, in pursuit of similar goals though in different ways. Inny Yuln'aher: Now wouldn't exactly work. I'm taking a break for the first time in a century. I have faith in what you all have here, Eliza. People come and go, places turn into ruins, but concepts? Exploration of the unknown? That will always remain. Elizabeth Wittenbach: Not to worry, we'll still be around, I'm sure, I entirely understand that whole 'needing a break' thing. Those twenty years our organization went defunct was a much needed one for myself, and our other Trustees. We've been around for a century and three quarters now. I don't think I've long in this world myself, but we're on a good road back toward full restoration. Inny Yuln'aher: You'd be surprised with what you can do if you give it your all. Don't worry, hon. You're slowly securing a legacy that will be cherished by countless souls. In fact. We have to talk about that big donation I seek to make, Jay. You promised a wing named after me, and a statue~! James Vursur My recollection is that you promised the statue. Elizabeth Wittenbach: Right- So uh, James. I assume you had some questions of us, for this interview of yours? Inny Yuln'aher: I negotiated for the statue! What else would I donate for? The furthering of esoteric knowledge? Psh. Mm. Yeah yeah. Interview. James Vursur The interview has already been going along very well. I want to capture as much as I can a natural conversation and the personalities of the people involved. How have you both found the investment in learning and the arts have been from national governments? Have they been interested in promoting culture and history? Elizabeth Wittenbach Well, I think national governments certainly try, and I commend them for striving to do so. However, I have found that oftentimes the public sector fails to perform as well as the private sector does when it comes to engaging with the average man. In many cases, universities and state run museums will only have as much energy as a single prominent agent installed by the government. After said agent retires, these initiatives often fall to the wayside. Inny Yuln'aher: Interest. There is always interest. People hope, but do not act. Passionate, truly dedicated souls are rare gems in this world. Always have been. The sectors are always leaderless and spread thin. James Vursur It sounds like your focus should be on training agents and leaders. Elizabeth Wittenbach Aye. And furthermore, I have found that private organizations tend to retain the loyalty of their members for far longer, and in a much better way. Entire families have supported the NGS for decades, for instance, and corps of new scholars and adventurers are trained to replace older ones. You don't get that with a government institution, because the government has a half dozen other different institutions for people to seek careers in. The military, foreign affairs, the courts… You get the idea. James Vursur The people who join state education could just as easily be a prosecutor or a diplomat. Elizabeth Wittenbach Aye. And the brightest minds within that professional talent pool, tend to go into those sectors rather than education or academics. Inny Yuln'aher It entraps them. Getting bright minds caught up in all those Politics. Training has been my sole focus the past century. And yet. I have only found a handful of truly dedicated people. They come and go. Passion is a strong yet wavering fuel. James Vursur Is it easier to be passionate about politics? Inny Yuln'aher It is alluring. The power, the perks that come with it. She'd shrug. I don't blame anyone but the system itself. Politics bring more immediate results. Voting on matters, signing diplomatic agreements. Getting yourself a fancy manor for your service to the state. But I'll ask anyone: What do you want? And if they have any free will left they will tell me: Not this. Elizabeth Wittenbach I couldn't have said it better myself. As a former Foreign Secretary and speaker of a legislative assembly myself, the allure is powerful. I had to grow out of that. Inny Yuln'aher True foresight means doing what you must, even if the world screams for you to stop. While people are signing meaningless peace treaties, I will be cutting through the unknown for my people and my people's future. Elizabeth Wittenbach My own philosophy is similar, but…- Different, in the slightest of ways. Inny Yuln'aher By all means, Miss Wittenbach. It's a group interview~. Elizabeth Wittenbach The NGS was founded by my mother in the aftermath of the Rubern War, you see, nearly two hundred years ago. It was humanity's longest lasting conflict at the time, and it cost many, many lives. The entire world was at each other's throats. So, as a young girl, my mom decided to dedicate her life to illuminating what she referred to as a 'fog' which creates misunderstanding between the descendant races, namely through the publishing of cultural studies and the establishment of museums. So I would say that we see ourselves as being supplementary to national governments, handling a service for the descendant peoples that often goes unattended to by the state. But not in service to state governments, but to all descendant peoples as a whole. The safeguarding of the world's heritage for all time, in a manner similar to that which Inny expressed. Inny Yuln'aher I don't think we're all that different, Miss Wittenbach. Independent, yet helping. That is what my College stands for. Yet. I have yet to find those who can use the Truths we find. Clearing up the Fog, at times, just allows someone to take the first strike. I, for one, wish for nations to be less demanding of their people's loyalty. They are all so desperate to keep them on a leash… Have you no experience with that yourself? Elizabeth Wittenbach Aye, there is always a risk of that… But one has to have faith in the people at large, aye? We might not be able to change the minds of nation states, but one scholar, one bard, from among our ranks might go on to make a difference. And aye, I have experienced such both personally and professionally. Such is why my organization is sworn to strict neutrality, though that neutrality has put us at odds with some at times. It makes such- Quite difficult, when a state demands absolute and exclusive allegiance. Inny Yuln'aher You are not neutral. You stand alongside knowledge. Elizabeth Wittenbach An interesting point of view, James Vursur Truth, Beauty, Goodness. Perhaps they're not neutral. Some people might not want those getting out. Inny Yuln'aher Do I see you right, Eliza? I jest, but with these words I mean to show you: There is no such thing as true neutrality if we do not acknowledge ourselves first. We all have our views, our biases. A lens through which we see things. Your goal is knowledge. Lifting that fog. And to achieve that, you do take sides. Elizabeth Wittenbach So we do. And those virtues are something that must always be defended, as well as the truth itself… Perhaps, in this, we are not neutral. Inny Yuln'aher All of this is making me want to write the College's values down somewhere. That oughta attract similar minds, ne? Elizabeth Wittenbach But we do not serve at the behest of a state, any state, in defense of these. Inny Yuln'aher I can agree on that. Too much cost. James Vursur I am certain we adopted a statement of purpose along with our constitution, but I've not been able to find it. Do you think that there are concrete policies these nations could adopt to better align themselves with beauty, goodness and truth- or at least to benefit knowledge and the arts among their people? If the departments of education aren't working because of the other options, what can be done? Elizabeth Wittenbach I think most long standing nations have policies and values that they stand for, and many already have such policies in theory. Some of the world's largest libraries can be found in Haelun'or and Haense, for instance. However, the state proper often has its hands full. There are exceptions where an educational institution has stood the test of time and grown a dedicated core, such as with the dwarven Rememberancers or the Eternal Library, but this is difficult to accomplish. I believe- And this is just my own personal take, that organizations such as the NGS and the Bard's College can do a lot to fill in the gaps. Inny Yuln'aher Exactly! What I tell them is what I tell every student of mine: If you are not giving it your all, then stop. Trying. There is a limit to what a single king, or hells- A whole court can worry about. Let the ones who are doing things right do more. Elizabeth Wittenbach To supplement the spread of knowledge, and culture, and beauty to the peoples of the nations which they operate within. Inny Yuln'aher I'm opening up College branches in Nor'asath and Norland soon, because I have passionate, trusted minds that can spread my teachings of artistry. And what do I face? Resistance. Problems. Norland's rulership is a mess. Nor'asath is scattered... James Vursur It sounds like the best place for them to start is by mastering the art of governance. Inny Yuln'aher They're not doing anything wrong. The nations are still around, are they not? It is easy for us two to complain, when they're worrying about so much all at once. Elizabeth Wittenbach We've plans to open up branches in Aaun and Haense soon enough, and hopefully within Talar'nor and Veletz and Balian as well someday. Our organization's goal is to open a museum in every major country in the world, even if it takes centuries to do. Although, we do have certain… Internal criteria that we follow as a litmus for where to establish a museum and when. Inny Yuln'aher Now that is a goal worth living for. Though it has cost me my patience, I've seen improvement. Albeit slow. Norland, for instance, has accepted Bardmancy fully. And let me tell you. Getting magic within those walls is nothing short of an uphill battle. Elizabeth Wittenbach It's ambitious, but it's always been the goal since my mother's time as President. In our prime, we maintained four museums across Almaris. We hope to someday achieve that level of outreach again. James Vursur The approach seems to be something like panning for gold. You get out there enough, talk to enough people, some people will shine and stick with you. Those are the ones who make all the work worthwhile. Do you believe there's a way to turn the dross gold? Some alchemy to infuse people with passion? Or is it simply the case that some people have it and others do not? Elizabeth Wittenbach You've just gotta invest in people, really. If you encourage them, train them up, and show them their fullest potential you can create 'gold', as you put it, out of nothing. Some people are more naturally inclined, aye, but many of the people who've joined the NGS are not those who would have done well as servants of a nation state. All most out there need is a little bit of love. Inny Yuln'aher Passionate people make passionate people. It is just very demanding to focus on people, when there are so many things to do alongside it. Leading is a juggle. I'm sure anyone who's tried it can relate. James Vursur Perhaps with more focus on people some of the things can be handed off. Elizabeth Wittenbach Aye, of course. James Vursur Thank you, Eliza, and Inny. Do you have any closing thoughts for the readers? Elizabeth Wittenbach Only that those seeking to join the Northern Geographical Society may read our pamphlet to learn more, and approach me at a weekly meeting at our flagship museum in Chambery, Petra should they seek to join our ranks. We would welcome all people of all races who are not tainted by the corruption of darkspawn and hold similar values to our own. Inny Yuln'aher If you are reading this little interview. You care, and therefore you stand out. That is a good start for you to help us in our battle.

THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE 1943 GARMONT ASSEMBLY ELECTION WILL HAVE NOTICED THAT THE PETRAN ELECTORAL COMISSION HAS TAKEN UPON ITSELF TO CENSOR CERTAIN CANDIDATES. THIS IS AN UNCONSCIONABLE ATTACK ON THE CONCEPT OF FREE ELECTIONS ITSELF. WE CITIZENS OF PETRA HAVE A RIGHT TO HEAR WHAT THE CANDIDATES THINK BEFORE WE CAST OUR VOTE AND THE CANDIDATES HAVE A RIGHT TO SAY WHAT THEY THINK. ELSEWISE, WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING A DEBATE TO BEGIN WITH? THANKFULLY WE HAVE PRESERVED A TRUE TRANSCRIPT OF THE DEBATES CONTAINING THE PORTIONS BRAZENLY REDACTED FROM THE ANSWERS OF PELYM-VAGIL RIVERS, THE ONE CANDIDATE WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MIND! This message has been brought to you by the Committee for Allowing Pelym-Vagil Rivers to Run His Mouth

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oh heck yes, great going

Using this thread as the official one from here on our, as it's the one that got pinned. INTRODUCING NOTEBLOCK Noteblock converts inputted text into commands that can easily be copy and pasted into your game to make writing notes and item descriptions easier. Automatically limits line length to prevent unreadable letters that extend off the screen! SAWMILL UPDATE New Features: A toggle for Friend Broadcasts (disabled by default) The ability to read and modify the terms that get filtered out of the clean logs, allowing users to filter out server messages I missed, keep in server messages that they want, and to remove disfavored characters from your roleplay history, should you decide to do that. This update should make things much easier for non LOTC roleplay communities to use this tool

I liked the look of them on the discord but I didn't realize there would be enormous versions of them placed under people's avatars on the forums. That just looks awful, nothing that big should be in that spot, they should be 50px high at the most

You youngsters don't even know. Me? I watched Shadow of Israphael.

On the banks of the Petra I oft reminisce How my life once so promising resulted like this All the lies that I lived by, the trust I betrayed The people I hurt with the games that I played Chorus: And the Great River Petra she can not divert Her course has been written in stone and in dirt She sends futile waves to protest 'gainst the brink Of the Great River Petra where I stand and think The Great River winds to and fro 'cross the land Driven by forces she can't understand If all that I know now I had known back then I'd bet my last mina I wouldd do it again [Chorus] In the great river Petra as she nears the sea I see 'midst the ripples a reflection of me That's a difference, O Petra, dividing us two What surface can show a reflection of you? [Chorus]

The letter came to James Vursur accompanied with a creeping sense of dread. He ordered himself red wine and opened the letter in Chambry's bright town square overlooking the Petra. To the sound of that river's inexorable flow, he read the letter to confirm his suspicions, and worse. Had he told his friend not to avoid death? He sipped his wine as he tried to recall their last conversation. No, he had not given advice one way or another, only given him a different angle from which to look at the problem, a disadvantage to one side he might not have considered. It was only right that he should make as informed a decision as possible. James could not say that Aldyrch had made the wrong choice. James poured out his glass. Another flower from his garden was missing.