|
Post by IndySligo on Oct 22, 2021 10:08:11 GMT -5
Isabel Interview with Syreni, L188
Lynxbard on Lynx Isle, off the coast of Antarrow, is considered by many to be an exotic paradise. The town is small, quaint, and generally very welcoming to travelers. On a hill overlooking the town lies Isabel’s estate. While not overstated or ostentatious, it does communicate her status as an aristocrat. I’ve known Isabel since she was very young, and if it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have been considered to join the Linne Coven. Some of the other witches don’t consider her membership in our group valid, as she’s not a true spell caster like the rest of us. Yes, she can cast a few spells, but her expertise is combat, military tactics, and war.
Which, of course, is foiled by her Curse.
Today is the 2nd day of the 8th Moon, Linne 188. Isabel welcomed me into her home as she always does when I come. She already had an assortment of flavored teas and pastries prepared. I selected a cinnamon-flavored tea and a pastry with dried grapes baked right into the dough.
You’re here to interview me for your history book, right?
Yes. We want our readers to know us as people, not as some sort of mythical icons.
Mythical icons? More like a gaggle of squabbling geese. I’m surprised we can ever come to an agreement on anything. Are you going to ask me about Cylnar Parkanius? Everyone wants to know about that when they talk to me. It was a long time ago, and I tire of it.
I hadn’t planned on it. I want to know about your term on the Linne Council.
What’s to say about it? My term was between Colubra’s and yours, over a hundred years ago. There wasn’t a lot going on. Sure, we had issues, but nothing we couldn’t handle.
Didn’t the orc invasion of Handocher happen during your term?
Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot about that. I think the only thing I did right was negotiate a treaty with the drow elves in Sylrix. I guess that treaty is still in effect. I’m surprised they haven’t broken it. The drow wanted slaves to work their mines. We wanted them to quit abducting people from Handocher. I just gave them a viable option. In return, we’ll trade them food and stuff for their metals. So what a few orcs get the short end of the stick in the deal. If they’d left us alone, you know.
But you stayed out of the battles – the planning, the tactics. Your Curse.
I was hoping you wouldn’t bring that up.
It’s part of who we all are, Isabel. There’s no sense denying the truth.
The truth, Syreni, is I let you down when you needed me most.
I’ve forgiven you for that. It wasn’t your fault.
It was my fault. Many of our friends died. The one thing that tied all the countries of Neuith together, the Wizards’ Guild, collapsed. It’s never been the same since. You put me in charge of its defense. I failed.
Isabel. It was my fault. I knew about your Curse, and I put you in that position. It was as much my Curse as it was yours.
Yeah, but the others take every opportunity they can to remind me of my screwups. They laugh at me behind my back. I’m not like the rest of you. I’m not…
Your voice in the Coven is just as important as the others. You can’t spend your life dwelling on the mistakes of the past.
Most of them didn’t even want me. I was down the list. You guys asked Angel de Tanie before me. You even asked Alamosa Tumblewatch before asking me. Who else? A novice kenku? Admit the truth, Syreni. I’m not really a witch like the rest of you.
I have no regrets about your inclusion. Neither does Regina nor Procella. And I’m sure Propheta supports you, too.
And when I joined, you all thought you’d be getting a brilliant tactician, someone who knew how to lead an army in battle. But look at me. My Curse rendered me useless. The one thing I was good at: taken away, stolen. There was a time when I could win Elf Chess against the greatest grandmasters. Now, I’m defeated in a handful of turns as if I were a child. I’d do better if I just roll dice to determine my moves. When you guys are making a decision, you ask me what I’d do, then do the opposite of whatever I say. It’s all a big joke. I know what my role is. You don’t have to lie to me.
I came here so people can know the real you.
Well, Syreni, here I am, laid out like hors d’oeuvres for everyone to pick at as they please.
Isabel, this isn’t you. I know you for the person you are. You’re honest and honorable, intelligent, and beautiful. You represent the best in us. You live an ideal that most of us could never achieve. You are a loyal friend, a valued companion, and someone I’d put my trust in before most, if not all, of the other witches in the Coven.
I just wish I felt that way about myself. I hear what you say, and I love you for it. Sometimes I think you’re wearing the rose-colored veil.
It’s the truth, Isabel.
|
|
|
Post by IndySligo on Oct 22, 2021 13:42:28 GMT -5
Ventusa Interview with Syreni, L188
When I arrived at Ventusa’s tower built on an island in the Asten River, I was met by Delisar, who was very insistent that I be led up to Ventusa’s private chambers the “back way.” Delisar is mostly humanoid, but his demonic origins are more than obvious. Not a tiefling as we know them, since his mother is none other than Lucania, the succubus that works with Vigila. Why he’s here, I don’t know, and he didn’t answer when I asked.
We climbed a narrow spiral staircase that ultimately opened into a parlor. A single window overlooked the raging river below. The place had an odd odor, which I couldn’t identify. Delisar left me alone in the comfortably appointed room and I waited for at least a half an hour before Ventusa came through another door. I’ll admit that my patience was growing thin, and I was considering using my Coven ring to return home and calling this one a bust.
When she entered, she was finishing wrapping a robe around herself, tying a knot with the plush rope that held it together around her waist. I could tell she had no clothes underneath. Not like I cared.
Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, Ventusa.
Whatever. Let’s just get this over with.
I don’t mean to be an imposition. We’re doing this for the good of the realm.
I know what this is about. I heard your spiel.
You don’t agree? You don’t think it’s important for people to know who we really are?
You want to humanize us. You want us to be relatable. We’re not. We’re powerful witches with abilities far beyond the comprehension of most people. There’s no reason to bring us down to their level.
Perhaps we should offer to bring them up to ours, then.
Absolutely not. The gods gifted us with these abilities for a reason. You might think it’s random chance or fate’s fickle hand, but it’s not. Our lives were planned out long ago, long before those upstarts came to this world and brought our ancestors here. You think the events in our lives are just circumstance? Absolutely not. Every detail, every moment, every encounter was meticulously planned out. There’s nothing we can do to influence our fate.
You really believe this? You believe that we have no freewill, whatsoever?
No more than a rat in a sewer. There’s enough room for the rat to decide to run against the left-side wall or the right-side wall, but either way, it follows the tunnel until it gets caught in someone’s trap. Bam! It’s over. Fuck you, little rat.
Then what is our purpose here? Why do we exist if it’s all plotted out in advance?
I don’t know the answer to that, Syreni. If I did, I’d be one of them. One of the gods. If we were meant to know the meaning of life and all that shit, they’d have given us books or tablets or whatever. If we sit around wondering about it, we’re wasting our time. We should be doing what the gods direct us to do.
And what is that, exactly?
I can’t speak for your god, but I can for mine. Those that don’t pay tribute and honor the gods deserve what they get. My role is to remind people their responsibility to the gods, make them understand that their wrath is greater than any power we know as mortals. There are many ways to offend the gods, and when it comes time for them to return, I’m certain they will find the people of Neuith lacking in all ways. In their anger, I fully expect them to rid this horrific place of all living things. Some call Neuith an experiment. Well, I say it was a failed one. Failed from the very start.
That’s quite the dismal view.
You think? Look at what we’ve done here! Sure, it all started out nice and good, but then everything went to Hehl. A created being could ascend to be a deity? Mortals? Preposterous! Then the Wand? We got what we deserved, and as far as I’m concerned, the Wand should be exposed to every living being on this world.
You’re Cursed, right?
I don’t want to talk about that.
Everyone else has.
Well, I’m not ‘everyone else,’ am I? You want to get all mushy-mushy and talk about feelings with the other witches, you go ahead and do that. You’re wasting your time, their time, and most important, my time.
I’m sorry you feel that way.
I’ve told you enough about me and what I care about. You go write your stupid little history book and put it in the libraries and all that. I doubt anyone will ever read it anyway. I sure won’t.
Thank you, Ventusa. I’ll see you at our next Coven meeting.
|
|
|
Post by IndySligo on Oct 25, 2021 8:52:28 GMT -5
Allison Interview with Syreni, L188
Allison, the youngest witch. The keeper of the wand. While the rest of us have kept our youth and vitality, Allison appears old, frail, and wretched.
I arrived at her tower in the middle of Astentooth Lake, set deep in the Wraith Flats, the western end of the Astentooth Canyon. Her tower is on a small island surrounded by three concentric rings of raised land. The outermost is raised above the water some forty or fifty feet, making it impossible to see within. My instructions were to take a boat from the nearest shore. I will be met outside and brought in. I did this. Two harpies landed in the boat while two more hovered nearby. One gave me a blindfold and told me to don it. They then lifted me out of the boat, carried me a few moments before depositing me within Allison’s tower, near the top level, where I was told I could remove the blindfold.
Allison stood before me as the harpies left through the windows. The smell of the place was harsh. The odor of animals, hay, and feed – a lot like the farms around Hiltmar. This space, however, was Allison’s personal chamber. A spartan, but comfortable, bed was against the outer wall. A small table with three chairs near the center, and a small kitchenette. Allison was standing between the table and the kitchenette and gestured to the table. She did not offer me refreshments, but she did have a tall stein of steaming broth in her left hand. She sat down facing me. Her body odor assaulted my senses. I don’t know how long it had been since she last bathed, but judging by the blackness caked under her nails, it was likely many Moons.
Despite my discomfort, I chose to keep it civil. Allison, thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me.
A diversion from the daily routine. I welcome the distraction. For once, someone comes here not to steal from me, assassinate me, or some lame idea that they know the secret to Propheta’s riddle about the Wand.
The paradox of desire.
I’ve seen it all. You and I have been cursed by the Wand; we know what it is. I keep it here, at the request of the Coven, to keep it safe from the masses. Yet, they seem to come in droves. Seems like another group shows up once per Moon. Sometimes more than that. ‘My desire is to see the Wand destroyed.’ ‘My desire isn’t to use the Wand, but to put it on display.’ ‘My desire is to become a god.’ ‘My desire is blah blah blah.’ The Wand knows what’s in their heart. It knows the Truth. All of them arrive with false hope. Those that leave are Cursed, scarred, and broken.
Those that don’t leave?
Are either dead or I keep them here. Those harpies that carried you in were once a group of adventurers. They heard some false rumor that I have some great treasure hidden here.
Harpies?
Originally, two tieflings, a gnome, and a half-elf. Their human companion is a stone statue down there on the middle ring.
Tell me about your Curse.
I figured you’d ask me about that, though it’s not something I care to talk about. Let’s just say that I consider my Curse much worse than any of the rest of you.
That’s hard to believe, though I don’t want to start an argument or dwell on comparisons.
The guilt I have in my heart over the things I’ve done, been forced to do, believing that I could change the course of history. I, too, thought I could destroy the Wand. But no. The knowledge and ability are beyond me. Therefor I must live out my days suffering, each sunrise and sunset is a constant reminder of the mistakes I made.
The rest of us in the Coven have retained our youth. You haven’t. Why is that?
Long ago, a blessing was bestowed upon all female casters to stop aging. It wouldn’t surprise me if this was Tiamat’s doing, before the War of Apotheosis. I have this blessing as well, but I choose to not accept it. I choose this appearance, not for me, but to protect those around me. I’m sure you have strapping young men calling on you every day. Some of you might even encourage it, like Isabel, Ventusa, or Cithara. I don’t know. Who’s going to come calling on an old hag with ugly warts, frazzled hair, and missing teeth?
Because your Curse?
Yes. Because of my Curse. I once had gentlemen callers. Where are they now? Dead. All of them dead. My son is dead. My family – my parents and my brother. All dead. Dead. Dead. Dead.
By your hand?
Directly or indirectly. That’s right, Syreni. I’ll say it out loud so you can write it in your book. I killed my own son. Stabbed him through the heart. I drained his blood to make a potion, which I drank, because I believed the blood of an innocent would give me the power to destroy the Wand. I didn’t know he was my son. I didn’t fucking know.
Maybe sharing your story will dissuade people from coming here. Maybe, if they know all the things that have been tried, they’ll quit coming.
And maybe some soft-hearted compassionate person will think they can see through my illusion, want to come and bring me love and comfort. And you know what? They’ll end up just as dead as all the rest. I have enough blackness on my heart. Don’t anyone add to it.
I had a few more questions I wanted to ask, but she ended the interview, citing the need to go feed the animals. I followed her through her menagerie, and as we went, she told me the names of each of them. I’m not going to list them here, because that might encourage some adventurers to come and rescue them. It’s better that they remain anonymous. She promised me, though, that if someone does truly know the secret of the riddle, and the Wand is destroyed, she would let all the creatures revert to their original forms.
|
|
|
Post by IndySligo on Oct 28, 2021 12:14:09 GMT -5
Alamosa Tumblewatch Interview with Syreni, L188
It’s difficult to refer to Direnat, Wrige, as a city. At least, not in the sense most cities are built. There are a few buildings – a couple taverns, a meeting hall, a mill, and a granary. Everything else is underground, in the hillsides. I found Alamosa Tumblewatch in the meeting hall. She had a circle of people sitting around her as she shared a story about her god. Her back was to the fireplace, which cast an aura around her form. When she finished, she dismissed her followers and came right to me.
Syreni! It’s been a long time! How are you?
I’m doing fine.
What brings you to Direnat?
You, actually. I’m interviewing people for a history book I’m writing. I wanted to ask you a few questions.
Oh, my! I’m happy to help!
She led me to a table and invited me to sit before she pulled up a stool for herself. As I pulled out my notebook, she arranged herself on the stool as if posing for an artist, but I could see the playful nature in her posture. First question: you were invited to join the Linne Coven, but you refused. Why?
I have a calling to serve my God, and I don’t believe joining any form of political or government organization is part of it. While I’m sure I could spread the good news of my message far and wide, and to a whole new group of folks, I’d be afraid that people would take it the wrong way. I believe that government and religion shouldn’t be joined together, you know, like in Gathia or Melanthia or Sylrix, or several other nations. People should be free to follow their faith, without their government telling them who they can and can’t believe in. Unless, of course, their faith is downright evil, you know, like sacrifices or rituals that summon demons, or stuff like that.
You don’t think it’s possible to compartmentalize?
Perhaps I could, but I look at it like this: Render to the kings and queens what is theirs; render to God what is God’s. Whether you subscribe to any of the false gods that people worship, or you’re like me, you know the truth in that there is only one True Creator who should be honored and respected, no government should ever impose a set of beliefs on their people. I think the temptation would be too great, even for someone like me, to do just that. So, no. This is why I declined the offer.
I suppose that makes sense. Though Ventusa doesn’t seem to push her beliefs on the people of the Realm.
She’s not yet had her turn on the Council, right? You know I do pay attention to these kinds of things. When the druid lady, Pedora, was on the Council, everything was all about nature. Respect nature. Preserve nature. Honor nature. I understand, and I don’t disagree, but God made us to be masters of our environment. Nature is subservient to us, not the other way around. I’m not saying we abuse and destroy the beauty of this world. I’m just saying that it is here for our pleasure. How can one appreciate the glory of God’s creation if it’s the source of our enslavement?
Are you Cursed?
Thankfully, no. I’ve not been around that infernal thing, and I have not been subjected to its evil. Every day I say a prayer for you and everyone else who’s been tainted. I know it wasn’t something you did intentionally. No one would ever do that.
Do you have any thoughts on how the Curse can be ended?
Actually, I do. Your friend, Propheta, says it takes a “paradox of desire,” right? Here’s my thought. There is one being more powerful than all the gods that walked on Neuith – Vronrox and Iakkhosi included. This is the God that created all things, is all knowing, and all caring. We are a fallen world, one that has slipped out of His favor, but I believe we’re still on the precipice, teetering on the edge of oblivion. And we have the power and the ability to pull it back. The Wand took away the ability for the false gods to harness the power derived from their worshipers. But what if everyone were to worship the One True God? What if everyone, in their heart of hearts, truly believed in the truth that I’ve come to know, unequivocally? Would that not be the paradox Propheta speaks of?
Sounds ambitious, and there is a certain amount of logic to your suggestion. But getting everyone on Neuith to agree?
I know, right? I know I’ll never gain followers by beating people over the head. A sword does not make people change their faith, you know. I live my life as best as I can, as an example of what I believe God wants. I share my parables and stories openly and without reservation. I know that in some countries I’d be burned at the stake for my beliefs, yet I do what I do anyway. If I can live my life in the glory of God, hopefully others will see me as a beacon of truth. Like a lighthouse guiding a ship through treacherous waters. Every day it seems new people come to Direnat to hear my teachings. Some stay for a day, some for a whole season. Then they go back home to spread the good word. It will take time, but I think that one day, someday, whether it be in my lifetime or in some future generation, the people of this world will be of one mind, see the truth, and we will live in glory for eternity.
Without the Curse.
Without the Curse. I’m not saying my way is the only way or the right way, but it seems to fit the riddle. I’m pretty sure God never puts down a challenge we can’t overcome, and this is just one of them. Can we, as a people, rise as one? It’s a tall order, I know, but I have faith.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
Sometimes it’s all we have.
I want to thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day. I’m sure your followers are eager to get back to their learning.
Any time, Syreni. Any time. You know where you can always find me. Feel free to stick around and listen. I’m sharing some new parables this Ten-Day. Maybe you should write them up in your history book.
|
|
|
Post by IndySligo on Oct 28, 2021 12:17:52 GMT -5
Angel de Tanie Interview with Syreni, L188
Alsorc island is part of an island chain in the northwestern portion of the Innerrim Sea. It forms the southeast extension of the Specterholt Mountain Range, which divides the Diamondtorch and Vipersand Deserts. The last time I came to the island, and the village of New Willowglen, was when I, Navita, and Regina, came here to try to convince Angel de Tanie to join the Linne Coven.
I went to her home, a small cottage on the hillside overlooking the docks, and knocked. She opened the door moments later, looking the same as she did one hundred eighty-nine years ago, as she did when she asked me to take on the role of the Wizards’ Guild Archmage almost exactly seven hundred years ago. She looks like a nineteen-year-old girl. Until you look into her eyes and see the true woman that she is.
Without a word, she stepped away from the door inviting me in. Walking through the front room, she pointed to a couch adorned with overstuffed pillows. She left me there to make myself comfortable as she continued into another room. A few moments later she returned with a tray, which she gently set down on the small table. Taking the cue, I poured myself a cup of tea and took one of the crackers.
Are you okay? She nodded. I waited in silence, hoping she would say something. Finally, she did.
It’s good to see you again, Syreni. I didn’t think you’d ever come back.
I know it’s been a very long time. I’m sorry. I should make it a point to visit.
Don’t inconvenience yourself on my account. I know you’re busy and all.
No, Angel. It’s my fault. I can offer excuses, but that’s all they are. Excuses.
She waved her hand dismissively. You didn’t come calling today just for a social visit.
Guilty. Procella tasked me with writing a history of Neuith. I interviewed all the witches on the Coven, I met with Alamosa Tumblewatch a few days ago, and I wanted to spend some time with you, too.
Why me? I’m not on the Coven.
You were offered a place, but you refused. Also, you are an important figure in the history of Neuith. You were involved in some very notable events in the past.
I was a screwup. A failure. I told you back then why I didn’t want to join your Coven, and I stand by that decision. You’re not going to convince me to join it now.
I’m not here to do that. And no, you’re not a failure. You had some tough challenges thrown your way, and you weathered through them just like everyone else. Considering, I don’t think you give yourself enough credit.
She stood up and stepped to the door. I put down the teacup and followed her. We walked from her cottage to the town square where a bronze statue stood. I knew who this was: her cousin, Princess Rylora. She was one of the seven adventurers who was trapped in a card. She pointed to the base at something I’d not seen before. It was the card. I’d seen the card before, many years ago when my husband brought the 70 cards he recovered, along with the Wand. Here it was, pristine, encapsulated into the statue. The statue mirrored the image on the card, a nearly exact replica.
My cousin is trapped in that card. I can’t get her out. It’s my fault she’s in there.
It’s not your fault, Angel. Believe me.
She turned on me. Yes it is, dammit! It was my idea! It was my suggestion! We were here, on this very island, when she and the others sailed away and never returned. I could have been with them. I might have been able to prevent them from being trapped, but no, I was too busy being an immature brat. I was caught up in myself and what I thought was a betrayal by her and Sylenox. Every day I come down here and apologize for what I’ve done. She can’t hear me. She’s suspended in a frozen reality. For her, nothing has happened. She doesn’t even dream. It’s a fate worse than death, and I condemned her to it.
They knew the risks when they joined the team. Your idea ended the Dragon Wars and prevented the race of dragons from becoming extinct.
Oh, not extinct, just trapped, like my cousin. Where are the dragons now? Where are they reproducing and repopulating? Huh? Not happening. They’re trapped. Gone. Forever, for all I know.
When they’re freed, I’m sure things will be better for them. I know how the spell works. There’s a way to get them out, to free them. If anyone should know what it is, it would be you.
Hermanus never told me. It was some agreement he had with Bahamut and Tiamat. I just remember Bahamut saying that he didn’t ever want to be freed until after the Cursing Wand was destroyed.
You’re not Cursed, are you?
That’s one of the few things that’s not happened to me, thankfully. One blessing in a lifetime of hardship, pain, loss, and failure.
You’re not a failure, Angel.
Quit lying to me, witch. Archmage. It was because of me your daughter was killed. it was because of me the Guild fell. How many people died because of my mistakes? All those lives weigh on my soul, on my heart. No, you’re wrong. Not only am I a failure, but I’m an embarrassment. I’m a disgrace. I’d take my own life if I weren’t such a coward.
She touched her fingers to her lips then touched the plaque imbedded into the statue. Her lips moved as she silently apologized to her cousin. She then turned and headed back to her cottage. I looked up at the statue again before following. The statue was truly a work of art. When Angel got to her cottage, she closed the door as I arrived, I heard the bolt click. I knocked on the door, called for her, and waited several minutes. Finally, I gave up, touched my Coven ring and returned home.
|
|