RPG Vertia Kyrie's Journal

 September

20 

Wow, I haven't written in here in so long! Let's see...what has happened in the meantime? 

1) Nezzar was actually a conman named Kazilar working with Rahdun Mahbir. I was out gathering information about the missing princess at the time and boy was I shocked to see Nezzar's huge house totally abandoned. "Nezzar" is dead now, the others claim it was Hoyt's fault, I'm not so sure. Varabona did vanish not too long after, hmmm.... Rahdun's disappearance and something Tarisa did that got her trapped in the palace for a time caused all of Drahn to be on lockdown looking for Rahdun. The people of Drahn understandably were a little annoyed.

2) We finally found that blasted Family Toto that Tarisa wanted so much, and guess what, there was blood in it so we of course HAD to investigate...Hoyt said a bloody knife was stored inside. Playing detective is fun and all but I for one will be glad when we no longer have to think about that stupid toto. Naturally this required us to sneak into none other than the PALACE. Are we crazy? Yes, it seems so. Our disguise worked beautifully though, as the people had revoted and were marching on the palace. Tarisa dressed up as a male follower of samnar (i figured out the female term is "goddess" but I'm not good at changing genders of Vertian nouns), Hoyt went as himself, I was a nomad, Flint was my servant (oh, I forgot to tell you about him, he can be point 3) Ges said he was a visitor from Slixteer, and so on, making a group of travellers who had banded together to survive bandits and wild animals, and that we now needed shelter in the palace from the mob. I had to give up my scimitar to get in but we all hid small concealable weapons (at my suggestion) and were taken into the temple so Tarisa could "pray" and we could "rest" ... for someone who dislikes samnar she sure talks to him a lot. We snuck out, made a knockout-gas smoke bomb, hid in hoyt's pocket (which was quite boring) and snuck into the queen's bedroom. We turned her to our side then she randomly fell down dead.. Hoyt channelled the qureen so the guards listened when she spoke and helped us to the castle to rescue Tashry.

3) Flint, Flint, sword of my kin, spark of my heart. Okay he isn't really kin, but he was a slave in the cythen mines and a buddy of Varabona, somewhere along the way he learned nomadic, which is why I call him kin...he too has nomadic as a second language he prefers to use more than his first or than vertian. They say he's a theif, but I think he just stole to get by, not like a career criminal here. He is very skilled with weapons, notably daggers, and very brave. When Tarisa and Ges were imprisoned and Tarisa was brutally attacked because she resisted a guard trying to take her womanly honor, he fought bravely, and though I lost my hand in that fight, he slew the offending guard and helped me and tarisa to safety before going back for ges. He knows I'm an elf and he is a human yet that didn't seem to bother him at all. He is both gentle and fierce as circumstances require. And quite handsome to boot. I thought I had a fondness for Laenshir but I realize now that was just a schoolgirl crush, not bound to anything more than a little metal horse. That reminds me, I have some information to change on my profile... I'm Valkyrie Seraphine Zurtav (that's dawn-sword for you who don't speak nomadic), but more on why that is later! 

4) Now back to our regularly scheduled program: "Damsel in distress: How to save the princess before the evil visier kills her."  So we found Norbert (Stephanie's dad) and some random lady and freed them while trying to hide from guards on patrol. Then the above incident happened and we had to retreat and regroup. This time we got back into the palace pretending we had travelled very far to speak to the queen...and yes the lord whatchamacallit of the castle would do (and he was of course otherwise occupied) and discovered we were being "guarded" by our good friends from the palace escape. we took down the party taking Princess Tashry to be executed using mainly sleeping potion dipped needle-pointed arrows (so as not to kill people just doing their job). Staricases there make good places to launch a surprise attack from! I have rigged up a brace to hold my bow one-handed but I'll probably be upgrading to a crossbow soon. So we free Tashry and walk with her up to the top of the wall, we chat a bit, mostly her and Laen arguing about how best to govern Vertia. He wanted an independent south she said it had to be unified to be striong, but they both agreed there was no one person who could sit as ruler for both south and north. Finally in frustration I said to Flint in nomadic (which the princess apparently understands) "Why don't they get it over with and marry each other already?!" (after all women marry for political ends all the time)...the princess said that was what she was hinting at so I repeated my comment in Vertian. apparently Laenshir was thinking the same thing, but I sped things up a bit. :-D Go me! 

5) Wedding fever!

So we sent hoyt (who was now able to talk to us again using his magicks) shopping for needed supplies and Tarisa's goddess past came in handy as we all broke into the Royal Garden and Tarisa married Lord Laenshir of South Vertia to Princess Tashry of North Vertia. It was quite beautiful and momentous and such. I mended and hoyt cleaned Laenshir's blood-stained jacket, and hoyt had brought a new dress for the princess in symbolically significant colors. Flint started asking me about my favorite flower and colors and such and picked some beautiful globe amaranths from the garden with Tashry's permission. We had talked Tarisa into marrying us but in the interests of time as we convinced Gesolvart to marry Tarisa (after all their flirting and such) we did a double wedding with the princess conducting the ceremony! Hoyt did the ritual giving away of all 3 of us! As Flint has no surname, we decided to create one symbolic of our new family bond. A new clan has been formed in Vertia today: Zurtav. We picked it because it means dawn-sword in Nomadic (or shared heart language), Valkyries are said to have armor of light, some say it even causes the northern lights, called "Aurora Borealis" by the northern tribes...aurora meaning literally "dawn." The sword comes from our bond in battle and from the fact that when you combine flint and steel (swords are often steel) it sparks, giving off light. Poetic, isn't it? 

I was really waxing poetic that day. To further the interests of Unified Vertia in the world at large, I gave a benediction in Elven and in Nomadic (repeated in vertian for the benefit of the non-speakers). Flint also gave the benediction given at the illicit wedding of his parents, which turned out to be quite fitting but under entirely different circumstances. Here are my benedictions:

In Elven: "I, Valkyrie Seraphine of Eleison, call upon the blessed guardians of this world and the next, givers of our sacred magic and blessers of the cythen stone, in their name I bring forth a benediction upon Lord Laenshir and Princess Tashry. Resounding from the ice-capped peaks, the song of the hills and forests resounds in a glistening melody to bless this joyous pair as their souls become one. May the wisdom of the ancients and the hope of their descendants guide them and all of Vertia and the human and elven lands to prosperity. Let this song shower both elf and humankind alike with peace and let the sun shine on the blessed future of glorious Vertia."

In Nomadic: "By the gods of rain and sun, of wind and shade, of birth and of life, of stars and moon, across the golden sands beneath the divine sun, the future is laid out before us upon the marriage of Lord Laenshir and Princess Tashry. May gentle rain and ever-flowing springs bring prosperity and peace to unified Vertia and to all the peoples of Teshralaz, from the elven mountains, through the nomad deserts and trader coasts to the settlements of Slathia. Gold to the lady, silver to the lord, iron will be their house, and their union and kingdom shall be as enduring as time itself. I, Kyrie Alfhild, call upon the gods to rain down blessings." 

Wow I had missed a ton! Also, Drahn is under siege by some powerful Mahbir dude. 

February

15

Updated opinions on everyone, now that Raheen is safe with the nomads! 

Gesolvart

 Getting less pompous and more gentlemanly. Seems good at what he does, at least at lying. I think Tarisa likes him and he hasn't a clue. Keeps calling nomadic a barbaric language, but it sounds nothing like Barbarian. Threw him for a loop when I began teaching Hoyt Elven.

Hoyt

Good at secrecy and figuring things out. When he makes a promise to someone he certainly keeps it, even hiding Narbin from Nezzar. Very good at magics, could solve my magics problem. Makes a good leader. Apparently is some secret agent code named "the Librarian" or something.

Kanaso

He got hurt in prison and has been holed up with Nezzar ever since. Shame shame, he's kinda cute!

Laenshir

Excellent cythener. Maybe as good as Hoyt. Turned metal bars into a cast horse, and froze a bridge in the river. Rather cute when gussied up, and thinks fast. Too bad he's not an elf and has to save his kingdom before he can do much else.  

Tarisa

She seems to have no experience at secrecy, but is good at her weapons and is loyal to a fault. Hates Mahbirs, hates Samnar, hates magic, hates elves. Very hateful for such an otherwise nice person. With proper teaching could be wonderful at all sorts of things. I think she has a crush on Gesolvart, and I don't think he knows.

Varabona

Trader, with all the oddities that come along. Master of disguise, not sure if he or she. Changed my eye color, though Raheen and Slatnak (and his wife) recognized me. Says it's only temporary, which pleases me. Rather cold and violent, but useful in a pinch. Good at breaking in and climbing. 

-- 

Raheen Amiraz

Let me stay at her B&B for no cost, only help shopping and such for a long time. A widow. Hadereth's minion came to stay there and before the day was out her house was arsoned and she and Bron were arrested and taken to the castle dungeon, where a letter penned by Laenshir (aka Lord Inquisitor) got her and Bron out. Will join nomadic tribe, luckily. She needs safety and people to care for her at this point. May know more than she thinks she does, but can't be pushed at this stage.

Bron Amiraz

Raheen's boy. I remember making little toys for him and playing music for him when Raheen had business to attend to. Shame he got imprisoned too, glad Raheen told me he was there. I had forgotten his name, but that allowed me to pretend I don't know them.

Nezzar Baharth

Not sure I can trust him, seems bent on revenge. Kept his promise to let us go, after he thought we killed Maheeb. Careful: he knows Nomadic.

Hadareth

Evil advisor to the Queen. Must get rid of this guy. He wants the family toto and he kills a lot of people. I think he put Raheen and Bron in prison. And I bet he is behind Stephanie being in prison too.

Arnus Latzalle

Friend who used to sell us roots and stuff. Good source of information about Stephanie.

Amzdur Mahbir

Maheeb's daughter. Had a pauper for a secret lover, till he suicided when questioned by Hoyt. Overly emotional, but gullible and determined enough to protect our "identities."

Rahdun Mahbir

Who? A Mahbir obviously, Tarisa would consider him evil with only that knowledge.

Maheeb Mahbir

Former head of the Mahbir family until someone offed him and we got the credit.

Zalth Mahbir

Maheeb's eldest son, we were supposed to guard him, but I had to follow Mycrathena.

Narbin

Messenger sent to tell us that Purple Shirt was dead. Probably has information about Raheen but won't share. We hid him at the Other Trader's Inn when we went to meet with Nezzar, I hope he isn't stuck without a room tonight! Hoyt will teach him to read and write.

Rois

Suicided when questioned by Hoyt. We buried him at the cemetery. Secret lover of Amzdur. Kinda cute. Sad soul.

Samnar

I need to find out more about him, he seems very strange. Tarisa is obsessed with not liking him. 

Queen Sineer

If she knows what is going on, then she is detestable and not worthy of her crown, if not then she is an idiot and not worthy of her crown. Note to self: encourage Laenshir to depose her or Hadareth.  I can't say her name without wanting to laugh like crazy at my mental comparisons to my nomadic friend Sineer who would likely get caught streaking or painting his advisor's face in their sleep or something equally ludicrous.

Slatnak

Good old friend who helped me fit in in Vertia when I first came, now more than willing to take Raheen and Bron into the tribe. The sort who doesn't care about your past, only about who you are now.

Stephanie

Children in prison seem common in this backwards country now that I met Bron. Is the daughter of a Trader, Norbert who upset the Queen. Is safe with Nezzar for now, but the poor girl needs her parents, if they are still alive. 

Guards

Generally gruff and stupid, but be careful because sometimes you cross a smart one. And sometimes you cross Hoyt pretending to be one.

Monsters

Vertian fauna sure is strange. A giant land octopus in the tunnels beneath a prison? Who'da thought it? Reminds me of Varabona in some ways. 

~~

  Too much going on to write in the journal

January

~~

  Too much going on to write in the journal

December

12

Ahh, memories...

I was back in respectable clothes and bathed and well fed, at the largesse?...umm, generosity of Nezzar Baharths.  It was like being a little girl again, in my pretty dress, sipping juice  (as i got older it was mixed with a little wine) in a wooden cup while my parents hosted important (or so they seemed to me at the time) members of elfkind or wealthy nomads. I would play a little tune for them or recite a little poem. Sometimes the nomads would teach me little songs, even though I didn't understand the words yet, I was still practically a baby.That was before everything, before they knew my failings. I was their perfect little princess....

At any rate, he could tell I was an elf...I really should find out how so I can hide it better. He wants us to break into a house and steal something back that was stolen, a "family toto" i think he called it. i probably should find out what it is before we go. The way I see it, I was in jail for nothing and if I get caught I'll at least be in jail for something.

I put this off as I wasn't sure how to phrase it, but I went to see raheen and get my stuff and someone  ashed Raheen place...no, no, that's not right...a bad person fired Raheen's home! I was so se-upt, I am still shaking! I am very worried for her, but I got my stuff and acted casual (hjard to do when Hoyt sees spies everywhere). Hoyt got his things from his place. I wanted to check the nomad disrit but we don't have time, and i'm an escaped convivct...oh bother!

I'm glad we are going soon, I can't handle all these strange customs. Stand, bow, don't bow wen Tarisa bows, speak, don't speak, drink wine, but not too soon, but the wine is for us so drink it...gah! Maybe Mycrathena can sort it all out for me, everyone seems to like her now that I finally got a chance towhistle for her in private. She had something to add...

YYY YY YYYY YY YYYYYY YYYYYYYYY YYY YYYY! Cheooot!

(One of these days I should explain to her that the Ys aren't little bird feet!)

[[OOC: log links for this day are here and here, while muba's site is down]]

6 

Well, I got chainmail and a few good sniped kills. Kanaso made noise (how'd he ever make it as a theif?) and unleashed guards. Gesolvart and I pretened to be a guard and a hooker, with some success. We prepared to hold siege on the stairs to the portal, but Hoyt figured it out with his magic in time. Here beyond the magic my lies prooved more fruitful. We met a Nezzar Baharth, kin of Tarisa's lord.

November

28

The pompous guy is "Lord Laenshir." We discovered a room with herbs and useful potions. Encountered a squid monster that seemed friendly and responsive to elven but I was wrong. Hoyt was increadibly useful in freeing us. Traded the useless weaponry for a bow I repaired and some good arrows. I made some makeshift arrows. I now feel properly equipped and totally stupid.

20 

Not much to say, met a new guy trapped in the underground area without food, very pompous, I forget his name so we will call him Mr. L. Mr. L was not fed for 3 days so the food we found we shared with him and the little girl we found (Stephanie). Why a child is in prison I hesitate to guess, probably a misfit like me. We killed two guards but I couldn't help for want of a weapon. I would have enjoyed a good fair fight, I'm rrestless and i feel like my skills will be rusty when I get out. And remember what  Sineer said, "blood spilt for the benefit of all is sweet." Then again he also said "Why wait for tomorrow to paint your friend's face in his sleep when you can drug him today!" Ahh I miss my nomadic friends! 

Well we discovered a portal and discovered I am not only known to emit magic under stress and allergies but that I am allergic to magic, at least portal magic. What fun! I got a sword so at least I'm armed now.  Kanaso is being a pain still, I can't wait until we get out of here an I am no longer bound by my nomadic oath to help him. Blasted group mentality! I wish I had kept my half...I'm hungry now...

13:

Well today we were moved from once cell block to another and crammed many into a cell. I met some interesting people...

Hoyt: rather demanding and arrogant, but pretty smart. Probably knows where to find interesting books and might know how to solve my problem. Good at defending me from Tarisa.

Tarisa: Seems to think she is important somehow, very religious. Says some rings just "appeared" in her bag and then yells at the thieves in our prison. needs to chill out I think. Considers elvenkind evil and users of evil magic. For once I was glad my magic is useless. Very annoying habits like counting bricks.

Kanaso: A thief. Wears shoddy clothes, which make poor ropes. Too much of a flirt. Probably twisted his ankle, but he is a crybaby and wants to be carried everywhere. Sees a world without magic as just as practical as one with magic. I should put herbs on his ankle when we get out, no sense it falling off.

Gesolvart: hard name to say. Very pompous and gentelmanly (at the same time!). Good defense against violent men. Liar and conman, learn not to trust him.

And so, with these crazy criminals (except maybe Hoyt, I think he's in for a similar reason to me), we got so bored we tried to break out and ended up further underground in a dark place. Hoyt seems to have found stuff, which is good. I could really used some sweet dumplings right about now.