Meleck the Grey

Kingdom of Threndel : Beginning of the End

With a bit of confidence borrowed from the brothers’ behind him, Vigo started to speak.

“Good sir, we are not homeless, technically, and we are most certainly not smugglers,” the young Abbot said.
Moving forward with a little more boldness but still looking up to them servant he said with confidence, “I am Father Vigo Galbassi, Abbot of the Abby of the Order the Divine Wisdom.”
“We have come seeking the aid of his Excellency. Raiders and thieves attacked our Abby. Fourty of our brothers were killed along with Duke Vadimovich and some of his servants,” Vigo said loud enough that those in the room could hear but not loud enough to be impolite.
“The barbarians killed our best and strongest healers, then worked through the ranks,” Vigo expressed with a bit more emotion than he intended.
“It was by Divine Mercy that we were spared,” he concluded then added, “We have walked for the last five days to arrive here.”

The brothers did their best to show proper respect. The mention of food and the thought of hit made the hillfolk stomachs growl.

His confessor, a monk much older than himself, whispered to him, “Make the quartz on your staff glow.”
Vigo smiled as the servant surely heard the suggestion as well.
“Lumanotiar,” Vigo spoke in a commanding voice causing the quarts on his staff and any other quartz item in the room start to glow.

Vigo was not sure if that would help their situation. It did draw attention to his little party as the bright white quartz glowed and illuminated the room.

At one time the order had some battle mages in their order, with the times, the order turned more towards healing. The chest on the donkey contained what was suppose to magical spells that a battle mage could use, sadly none of the remaining brothers worked any of those arts. It was the learning the ancient scripts and then trying to talk to someone in the modern tongue. It sounds strange and it makes you feel like a fool, and with magic feeling foolish also could mean bad consequences.

Vigo decided to give a gentile smile.
His thoughts were racing, “Do not think we are assassins. It would have a better display to produce fire or cause something to move. If this does not go well, we may be hauling bodies out like those workers. Why did I let them talk me into being the abbot?”

“It may be divine intention that we are here as well. The brothers come with their skills and it appears that the staff here is lacking,” Vigo added.
“Brother Afonin,” Vigo spoke then motioned for him to come forward.
“This dear brother, is an excellent cook. Brother Agilbert, was our stable master and tended the animals…”
Vigo introduced each of the brothers having them step forward and explained how they could be of service.

Feeling very confident as his group had made it past the threshold into the room without out being thrown out, till he realized he did not know what he could do to be of service. Speaking in an ancient elven dialect, “Brother, what should I say about myself.”

His confessor spoke in the common tongue, “The Abbot was worried about how he could serve the Emperor. Boasting of one’s own skills can make one a fool.”
He smiled a sweet smile the elder brother spoke, “The Abbot has many skills that are useful and many that he does not even realize. That is why he is the Abbot.”
After that his confessor stepped back into the line and the brothers did their best to look presentable.

Kingdom of Threndel : Beginning of the End

The trip from Wesp had been a long one. The mountains of the Eastern Ridges and the barren terrain made the trip inhospitable. Adding parties of members of raiding Horde, along with thieves and bandits, made the trip even worse for the small band of brothers. They were all that was left of their order after the Abby was attacked and raided.

“Brother Sylian, could you check on Brother Alton?” the young Abbot asked as the group made its way into the capital city, Threll.

The day had made its march, and evening was setting in. One mule carried two small chests of Sacred Texts and the items for worship. Tired, but still moving. Two novices, four brothers, two small bags of coins, and a decree that the order owned land that the former Abby resided on also came along.

One of the Brother’s commented, “I remember when the capital shone like a gem in the emperor’s crown. Now, the place looks …”

Vigo jumped in saying, “Now, let us speak kindly. Our home is in much worse shape than this.”

To many on the streets they looked like a rambling band of, well, homeless men.

Even the city guard looked at them like they were trouble.

About a five minute walk from the Emperor’s Palace , the small band found an Inn that had seen better days. Two drunks lay outside on the ground, a small gaggle of working women moved their way into and down a dark alley. One of the novices showed great attention to what was being sold.

“Brother,” is all Vigo had to say. The master of discipline would deal with that later.

Vigo entered the Inn to stares from patrons and staff.

The rooms were adjoining and there was a bath down the hall. Hot water would be provided so that they could wash and clean themselves up. Tomorrow the small band would make its way to the Royal Court, to plead for support of some form.

The Cardinal had all but told them that the winds of faith were changing. Magic was being replaced with “technology.”

“Even the ancient texts are being examined and understandings are being revised,” the Cardinal told Vigo with a smile. Though not publicly, Vigo thought the Cardinal had bought his position.

After a bit of warm food, Vigo knelt on the floor as one brother washed closed and the others were already asleep.

“You are the source of everything. You speak and things happen. Bless our efforts with the Emperor, may he hear our case and give us aid,” Vigo whispered in an ancient tongue.

Then he lay down to sleep against the room’s door.

---

The morning brought with it the promise of a better day. Vigo’s confessor insisted that he take a bath and comb out his beard. The brother’s insisted that he wear his robes and the regalia of his office. He refused to ride the donkey with the chests. The poor beast had already been through much.

At the Palace, there was much activity. Bodies were being removed.

“Not a good sign,” Brother Alton said.

Vigo sighed and the group continued on. Murmurs of concern came from the brothers as they searched through the building looking for servants to direct them till they stumbled on the place where the Emperor was holding court. The young Abbot poked his head through the door looking for a servant to announce them.

Kingdom of Threndel : Beginning of the End

Vigo Galbassi

Name Vigo Galbassi
Race Hillfolk
Gender: Male
Age 34
Appearance: Vigo is a tall for a male hillfolk, but short for a human. His once bright red hair has now turned gray due to his work, study, and becoming an Abbot. His clothing shows his station in the order, but are simple. He could wear silks, but has chosen cotton and wool. His religious chains, once heavy gold, have been replaced with thinner ones to help keep the order going in exile. He is fastidious about being clean. His appearance is still youthful. He carries a staff and normally wears a messenger bag with books, papers, and other items he may need. His weight is down from what it was, while he is not emancipated, one would know he has been skipping meals to feed others for a while.

Height/Weight: Vigo stands the height and weight of a young teenager.

From Threll (Y/N) Yes
Role: Abbot of the Abby of the Order the Divine Wisdom.

Training/Skills
* Scholar - Vigo is normally found with a nose in a book when he has down time. He has been studying ancient texts. He and the brothers have been trying to save them from the destroying hordes.
* Healer - Vigo has been trained in some of the healing arts. He is not a surgeon, but can set bones, stitch wouldn, make concoctions to keep wounds from getting infected, and minor potions.
* Craftsman - some carpentry, some masonry

Downsides
Combat - Vigo is not a trained fighter, though he will fight to defend others and himself.
Curiosity - Like many of his kind, he is curious about things. Not always a helpful trait.
Old Books and artifacts - This is his weakness.
Minor thieving abilities - only used to survive or for others.

Magic Yes
Magical base
Sorcerer (low power) (Maybe Faith at some point)
Magic studies/Abilities
able to make quartz glow
Minor mending

Items of importance/heirlooms
Ceremonial robes and regalia
A pendant of the order - gold oval with cut quartz symbol.

Affluence/Wealth (How well do you think they would be well off)
In their prime, the Order was fairly wealthy. As magic has fallen out of fashion, so has the order’s influence and wealth. Most of the wealthy has been sold or stolen.

History
Vigo started his life about two days' ride from the capital city in a small community. Third child born to Hilda and Edward Galbassi. The older two siblings, both girls, were trained by their mother to be herbalists and midwives. His father was a woodworker and carpenter. Vigo was a thin wiry child that was more interested in ideas and learning than in the “practical trades” as his father called them.
“Even being a thief would be more useful than having your nose in books,” his father would say at home.
His response, “And be just like the dwarves..”
A retort that did not meet with the best response.

His love of books started because of an old Dark Elf named Master Ryfon Shafir. In the evening, Vigo would head to the tavern and sit and listen to Master Ryfon. The two became friends and the elder taught the boy. Vigo learned to speak one of the “ancient” elven tongues and the two would speak in it. Vigo spoke mostly about food, girls, and asked questions. Ryfon spoke of history and the way things were. Vigo enjoyed those stories. It was Ryfon who talked his parents into sending him to Abby to study.
“They could teach him many things and help make something out of him,” the old elf told them.
He even brought the boy there.
Life at the Abby was not easy for an adolescent boy. There was a lot to learn about the routines and the faith. Though the library was housed in two towers on the grounds. Vigo’s faith grew as did his knowledge. He moved from Oblate to brother, to priest and now to Abbot. The last move was due to the Abby being destroyed by a raiding army and the brother having to flee.

New leadership in the mother church, has been reinterpreting the prophecies and Holy texts in a more progressive way, embracing the new technologies. This has made his order a fringe group in need of a patron.

Vigo has been dreaming of a new renaissance age where both technology and magic coexist. An idea that has not been popular with either side.

Kingdom of Threndel : Beginning of the End

I am thinking he probably has enough to feed his small band a meal and not much else, a Forced vow of poverty. I am thinking there are four brothers with him, more so I can write on the character’s faith aspect and to act as servants.

Anything more you would like me to add or change?

Kingdom of Threndel : Beginning of the End

Vigo Galbassi

Name Vigo Galbassi
Race Hillfolk
Gender: Male
Age 34
Appearance: Vigo is a tall for a male hillfolk, but short for a human. His once bright red hair has now turned gray due to his work, study, and becoming an Abbot. His clothing shows his station in the order, but are simple. He could wear silks, but has chosen cotton and wool. His religious chains, once heavy gold, have been replaced with thinner ones to help keep the order going in exile. He is fastidious about being clean. His appearance is still youthful. He carries a staff and normally wears a messenger bag with books, papers, and other items he may need. His weight is down from what it was, while he is not emancipated, one would know he has been skipping meals to feed others for a while.

Height/Weight: Vigo stands the height and weight of a young teenager.

From Threll (Y/N) Yes
Role: Abbot of the Abby of the Order the Divine Wisdom.

Training/Skills
* Scholar - Vigo is normally found with a nose in a book when he has down time. He has been studying ancient texts. He and the brothers have been trying to save them from the destroying hordes.
* Healer - Vigo has been trained in some of the healing arts. He is not a surgeon, but can set bones, stitch wouldn, make concoctions to keep wounds from getting infected, and minor potions.
* Craftsman - some carpentry, some masonry

Downsides
Combat - Vigo is not a trained fighter, though he will fight to defend others and himself.
Curiosity - Like many of his kind, he is curious about things. Not always a helpful trait.
Old Books and artifacts - This is his weakness.
Minor thieving abilities - only used to survive or for others.

Magic Yes
Magical base
Sorcerer (low power) (Maybe Faith at some point)
Magic studies/Abilities
able to make quartz glow
Minor mending

Items of importance/heirlooms
Ceremonial robes and regalia
A pendant of the order - gold oval with cut quartz symbol.

Affluence/Wealth (How well do you think they would be well off)
In their prime, the Order was fairly wealthy. As magic has fallen out of fashion, so has the order’s influence and wealth. Most of the wealthy has been sold or stolen.

History
Vigo started his life about two days' ride from the capital city in a small community. Third child born to Hilda and Edward Galbassi. The older two siblings, both girls, were trained by their mother to be herbalists and midwives. His father was a woodworker and carpenter. Vigo was a thin wiry child that was more interested in ideas and learning than in the “practical trades” as his father called them.
“Even being a thief would be more useful than having your nose in books,” his father would say at home.
His response, “And be just like the dwarves..”
A retort that did not meet with the best response.

His love of books started because of an old Dark Elf named Master Ryfon Shafir. In the evening, Vigo would head to the tavern and sit and listen to Master Ryfon. The two became friends and the elder taught the boy. Vigo learned to speak one of the “ancient” elven tongues and the two would speak in it. Vigo spoke mostly about food, girls, and asked questions. Ryfon spoke of history and the way things were. Vigo enjoyed those stories. It was Ryfon who talked his parents into sending him to Abby to study.
“They could teach him many things and help make something out of him,” the old elf told them.
He even brought the boy there.
Life at the Abby was not easy for an adolescent boy. There was a lot to learn about the routines and the faith. Though the library was housed in two towers on the grounds. Vigo’s faith grew as did his knowledge. He moved from Oblate to brother, to priest and now to Abbot. The last move was due to the Abby being destroyed by a raiding army and the brother having to flee.

New leadership in the mother church, has been reinterpreting the prophecies and Holy texts in a more progressive way, embracing the new technologies. This has made his order a fringe group in need of a patron.

Vigo has been dreaming of a new renaissance age where both technology and magic coexist. An idea that has not been popular with either side.

Looking for partner(s) for a character driven story, for which I have characters in mind(and not much else).

Sounds good to me. I do not mind a group either.

I can make her a bit more of a bad girl. That was part of my idea to have her be a bit techie so she could drive or run drones….

Looking for partner(s) for a character driven story, for which I have characters in mind(and not much else).

You are right.. I came out the year before I graduated college and I remember reading some of the influencing books!!

I spent 20 minutes making a table mapping terms between the two systems. So, I would still be interested. Going to read a bit more to see what I can learn.

Looking for partner(s) for a character driven story, for which I have characters in mind(and not much else).

Cyberpunk came after. Was just reading through the glossary of terms. They could not use the Shadowrun terms due to copyright!

Looking for partner(s) for a character driven story, for which I have characters in mind(and not much else).

I would be interested in writing some cyberpunk. I use to play shadowrun when it first came out.

Here is a rough character idea I have..

---

Name: Andria “Andy” Greenwell
Alias: Fix
Gender: Female

High Concept: Former Corporate medical researcher
Occupation: MedTech
Problem: Socialite (I was someone..)

Attribute 1: Expert doc
Attribute 2: I have friends that can help…
Attribute 3: Everything costs something…
Attribute 4:

Age: 22

Family: Andy was raised and educated in the corporate world till the bottom fell out. Her parents were mid level managers and a brother that died at a young age. When Edgerunners hit their compound Andy’s world changed. Her family disappeared and Andy found herself on the run and living on the streets.

Vehicle:

Equipment:
Basic medical equipment (think poorly stocked clinic)
Dual induction jacks (one decking, one rigging)

Skills:

Medicine
Cybertech (or Electronics) contacts
Rapport/etiquette Investigate Rigging
Resources Decking fight Stealth

Personality: Andy is highly educated and careful about what she does. She takes her oath as a doctor seriously. She is not the most street-smart person (though learning). There are runners who watch out for her in exchange for medical services. Andy would rather run than be in a fight. Andy liked living a good life and hopes to open a clinic with a better living area. Andy wants to trust people but has learned to get payment before working on people.

Likes/Dislikes:
Andy likes a good challenge, new equipment, good books (yes, she is old fashion) and being treated well.
Andy dislikes wetwork with no real reason and synthfood, and soycaf.

Backstory:
Sitting on in the parking lot of an old, abandoned warehouse, Andy cursed. Her dodge bulldog was having troubles again. The internal sensors reported there was an electrical problem in a module. It would be more money than she could scrounge at this time. She needed some work or some luck to go her way.
Leaning against the vehicle she thought about her life growing up. The vehicles did not break down and when they did there was a fleet of mechanics standing by. She sighed.
Her parent’s would be alarmed at how she was living. Sword wounds from street sams, bullet wounds, riggers getting caught in their rigs, and deckers hitting ice. She had seen a lot that they had not prepared her for in medical school.
Her van was a gift from some runners who had used it and gave it to her as payment. It had cost her two months wages to get a decker to clear the title. She had changed the transponders so she did not worry to much about getting pulled over.
She so wanted a break to come her way. She was tired of harvesting cyberware from bodies and selling on the black market or installing them.
Andy had been heading to a nice home in a corporate enclave, working her way up. She cursed her ex-fiancé who had sold out to runners which put her on the run after he was killed.
Contacts:
A mechanic – Everyone needs a mechanic to help them out.
A fence – Someone who moves Blackmarket goods and can sometimes get medical supplies for her.
A decker –
Mr. Johnson -
Someone in politics/higher social standing.
Various runners – can get some things from them, always has a cost.

Ironmound: A medieval fantasy

The port city of Ironmound resided on the coast of the Camerian Sea. It was a trading port for the region. Iron, copper, lumber, and various crops and livestock were traded through the port. There was some nobility in the city, living in a keep that overlooked the entire port. There was a garrison of soldiers that patrolled the area with some knights. Much of the city population was made up of laborers, crafters, and merchants.

Andrew walked out onto a second floor deck of what was a small warehouse and looked out at the busy people. It was not part of a small estate where his older sister had a chandelier and curio shop. There were flower gardens, bee hives, the smell of wax and the sea. There had been a small dock that allowed smaller ships to berth and unload. The sand bottom shifted making the dock unusable but a beautiful sandy beach. Two blocks away were the main warehouses and docks.

Roselynn was heading to the warehouse to get bees wax for todays candle making. His sister did not approve of his sleeping in and late hours. She did not mind the rent he paid her for the upper floor of the warehouse. Beyond the warehouse and up the hill was the keep and the garrison for the city. Andrew tried hard to have as little to do with them as he could. Both were trouble.

From his rooms, the voice of an older man spoke, "Apprentice Andrew. You know you should go do the deliveries for Lady Roselynn this morning. It is going to storm this afternoon and ..."

Andrew turned and went back into his room. Master Thadius, former Archmage of the Chamlen Forest, a tall regal elf with a long beard and eyes that were blue and could penetrate to your very soul. This was an impressive feat since the mage was long dead. Andrew had ended up with the spell book from a game of chance. He did not realize he was getting school master, an oversearer, and a father figure. Andrew had tried to sell the book but word had gotten out. Andrew had come to like the old ghost and their relationship involved a lot of tisk, tisks on Thadius' part. Andrew's part was a lot of you can't tell me what to do. Thadius had little use for thieves, to which Andrew had become fairly skilled being average height and elven thin. He could get himself in and out of places most people could not.

Things got complicated when Andrew was able to make a small stone glow by following Thadius' instructions.
"Remember to pickup the reagents for today's lessons and blank books. They need to stay dry," Thadius said.
Thadius had gotten Andrew into reading, an expensive hobby if one paid for the books.

Down the stairs the young half-elf went with a little grumble.
"Yes, Father," Andrew shot back. The old ghost smiled.

Andrew was dressed a little better than a peasant but not to his sister's level. He had collected clothing so he could pass as a wealthy merchant down to a lowly dockworker.
Andrew had red hair that went down to his shoulders, and a red tightly trimmed beard and mustache. He had blue eyes that always had a sparle to them.