Difference between revisions of "Oruvyn Torgidal"

Latest revision as of 06:25, 11 March 2023

Oruvyn Torgidal, 8th/10th Neutral Good male Gnomish cleric/thief - S:14 (15), D:16 (17), C:16 (17), I:13, W:16, Ch:10, Age 85

“You are more than capable, Oruvyn. You have my full confidence.” - Demetrius Hammerhand, upon the 4th layer of Mt. Celestia

Core Statistics

Age

Born: 23 November 789, in the gnomish village of Sollagon, son of Torgadol and Nelthedra of the ________ (Norwinweller) clan.

Note on Age: at the age of 90, Oruvyn may, upon the choice of the player, gain a +1 bonus on wisdom, and a -1 to constitution, as he ages

Family

Father: Torgadol Thelm of the Norwinweller Clan

Mother: Nelthedra "Graywillow" Talymora

Elder Brother:

Elder Brother: Ordren

Elder Brother:

Elder Sister:

Oruvyn:

Younger Sister:

Younger Sister:

Younger Brother:

Younger Brother:

Celestial Oruvyn

Upon attempting to strike the Celestial Princess on the head with him hammer, as a consequence Oruvyn was sundered from himself, his soul literally being ripped in twain. Oruvyn's spiritual goodly half was ejected from his body, the silver cord of his soul cut by the Goddess, and was sent hurtling through the Astral Plane as if he were a spirit of the dead, thereby losing all his memories to the Silver Void, and eventually went to Dothion in the Golden Hills of Bytopia, and to the blessed realm of his god, Flandal the Master of Metals. Of Oruvyn's evil half, that is written of below. Of his blessed but brief time in the Twin Heavens, Oruvyn's goodly self has no memory, but Oruvyn does know that he was there befriended by Othiasolon, a venerable steel dragon. Calling himself Orthias, the dragon's supernatural insight sensed some extraordinary and important fate for Oruvyn, and took it upon himself to better understand and perhaps eventually make whole Oruvyn's soul. Knowing Oruvyn would need his memories, skills and powers as a living gnome, after befriending the Oruvyn and announcing his intentions and willigness to help, Orthias placed Oruvyn and himself into a mystic trance of statis by using a magical potion, and thereby both projected into the Astral Plane. In the Astral Plane, Oruvyn regained his memories, skills and power, and although never a dead spirit of such, he thereby became once more fully again part of the living. Immediately after this, the dragon led Oruvyn through a color pool to Mount Celestia, and Oruvyn reformed a body of the celestial sands of Lunia.

If the goodly Oruvyn's astral form or construct is slain outside of Bytopia, his soul will return to his body there, assuming he survives the psychic shock of physical death. Once spiritually invested in this Bytopian body, he will be in an idealized version of his own original mortal body, which is still in exile on the Negative Material Plane. However, if this does happen, Oruvyn will retain all his memories, skills and powers.

Celestial Oruvyn Core Statistics +1 to strength, +1 to constitution, +1 to dexterity, regenerate 1 hp/hour; MR 5%, resist fire/cold and lightning at 20th level (renewed w/ healing magic), requires only 1/4th food/water/air, excrement is only white sands and water, MV 9

To himself, Oruvyn weighs only 75% of his own weight while in this celestial body made of the sands of Lunia. As such his thieving ability Climb Walls gains a 10% bonus, and his Move Silently a 5% bonus.

Evil Oruvyn

When Oruvyn's soul was split in two by the Celestial Princess, in the same act his body was struck from normal existence, and the cruel and evil part of Oruvyn that attempted to slay the Princess was taken with his body to the Negative Material Plane. There, by the command of the Celestial Princess, Oruvyn's evil self was doomed to eternal exile, unable to move from his chair or to do anything but contemplate pure annihilation. However, Lars St. Morninglory, by touching the hem of the robe of the Celestial Princess, spiritually sought out Oruvyn, and sensing Oruvyn's body, mind and memories, Lars was able to break all metaphysical laws, and astrally travel through the Inner Planes to the Negative Material Plane. There, by the awesome power of the Celestial Princess, Lars could survive annihilation himself, and find Oruvyn in the Eternal Dark there. Reaching the gnome, who sat unmoving on a simple chair in a walless room so that he might stare into the infinite nothingness, Lars reached out to the gnome, and the gnome took his hand, and was able to astrally leave his body, Oruvyn's original body, as Lars pulled him out of himself, and returned with him to Mercuria, the second layer of Mt. Celestia. There, Oruvyn manifested in the fiery realm of Girru in the Citadel of Unconquerable Flame, and therefore gained a body made of celestial black stone, magma and fire.

Evil Oruvyn's Celestial Body (formed in the realm of Girru in the Citadel of Unconquerable Flame)

Strength 16

Dexterity 13 (for pickpocketing and slight of hand; 15 for general agility)

Armor Class: 0

Weight: 225 lbs. (approx.)

Attacks: fist (1d2 real damage, +1 point of burning or fire damage)

Special Attacks: fiery breath (1 point of damage by breathing heavily upon a target), fiery beard (1 point of damage)

Special Defenses: immune to natural fire (may be damaged by extraordinary fires such as molted iron, magma, firestorms; half damage from all magical fire attacks); may breath noxious fumes in addition to normal air

Weaknesses: double damage from cold, damage from water (1 damage in rain/rnd., 1d2 damage in heavy rain, 1d3 damage from bucket of water, 1d6 damage from immersion in water) enhanced weight (climb walls weakened by half, move silently -10% penalty), MV 4, hide in shadows (-15% penalty, due to smoke and his fiery eyes and beard)

Oruvyn dressed in finery

Evil Oruvyn's Personality and Goals

As little evil dwelt in the original soul of Oruvyn, the evil aspect of Oruvyn that now roams the multiverse is mostly supremely evil. He is possessed of diabolical insight, for the in the moment of his sundering, he understood in a moment much of the cosmic significance of the Celestial Princess, her purposes, and the purposes of Zaalbuk and his party.

Evil Oruvyn's goals are not known to the goodly Oruvyn. But the good Oruvyn imagines that his evil self's ambitions are very great indeed. But among evil Oruvyn's ambitions, whatever they might be, are almost certainly the destruction of the good Oruvyn. It is possible that the evil Oruvyn may attempt to slay the good Oruvyn's body in Bytopia, as this would destroy the good Oruvyn, and he would be limited to his celestial body, which in turn if this astral body were slain, the good Oruvyn would cease to live and be among the souls of the dead. However, good Oruvyn suspects such an attempt on his Bytopian body is unlikely, because that body is within the protective bounds of his patron Power's personal realm, and therefore is likely personally safe. But nonetheless, given the opportunity, the evil Oruvyn will all but assuredly try to slay the good one.

The good Oruvyn does however have the advantage. As the good in the original Oruvyn far outweighed whatever evil lurked within him, so will the evil Orvyn be overwhelmed if directly challenged by the good Oruvyn. Should the two meet face to face, and grapple with one another, the good Oruvyn should be able to pull the evil one into himself, and the separation of the psyche will at last be at an end. Therefore, the evil Oruvyn is unlikely to risk a direct physical encounter with his good half, unless he is very confident in his ability to destroy his good half outright with a single blow from a distance.

Game Mechanics of the Good/Evil Oruvyn

The player may from time to time play one or the other Oruvyn. When in future given the chance to play the evil Oruvyn, any XPs earned by the player while playing the evil Oruvyn will be recorded separately, and will be added to Oruvyn's total XP pool when/if the two characters are evil reunited.

Description

Maybe he'll get one if he's alive at level 9.

Early Life

Born: Oruvyn Torgadol was born on the 23rd of November 789 Anno Mandadoriae in the gnomish village of Sollagon, born to Torgadol of the Norwinweller Clan and Nelthedra "Graywillow" Elbermooten, also of the Norwinweller Clan.

Childhood in Sollagon, and His Training with the Mountain Dwarves

Early Youth: Born into the gentlemanly and wealthy family of Torgadol Thelm of the Norwinweller Clan, Oruvyn was a largely solitary youth, given to much curiosity and wandering, even above that normal for his kind. He was furthermore a solitary soul, and much invested with his own internal thoughts. Unlike his father, who strove to be a much traditional Sollagon gnome, Oruvyn fell under the influence of his maternal uncle Amrikor, a metalsmith of the gnomes. More worldly and wise, he knew much of the earth and stone, of nature and even of magic, and would give ideas for Oruvyn to seek after unusual rocks and minerals to aid in metallurgy. This Oruvyn did, and learned much in the doing of it, and as a youth wandered high into the Valley of the Silent Trees with his elder brothers or relatives. In this valley winds of the Nahavd Mountains would stop, and was to be the same valley which in subsequent years was to have such a dramatic impact upon his life. From his uncle Amrikor, Oruvyn also first heard of the legends of Flandal Steelskin, the gnomish power of forgecraft, and of simple prayers to bless new works of metal. These tales of Flandal Steelskin and other gods and spirits of the forest were to have a strong impact upon Oruvyn, and his charming way of telling them were to forever stay with Oruvyn.

Encounter with the Mountain Dwarves: Upon a time in his middle adolescence, Oruvyn disobeyed his parents and travelled alone deep into the Valley of the Silent Trees, further than ever before. He was espied by dwarven speculators, and was taken before their lord, Matrakon, a nephew to the dwarven king. Although frightened, he was impressed by the lord's hall and warriors, and the manner of their steel. It was before Matrakon that Oruvyn first heard clearly of Yalthos the Gray Elf, of whom the mountain dwarves were much suspicious. Matrakon offered to shelter the youth, warning him that remaining in the Valley of Silent Trees would have been a risk, and that Oruvyn might stay with him in his mountain fastness until an embassy to Sollagon returned. Although it was but a short number of days, Oruvyn was introduced to Lord Matrakon's smithy, and became enamored of their steel mail. After a time, Oruvyn's father came with others to bring the young gnome back to Sollagon, but he did not forget his encounter with the dwarves.

Yalthos the Elven Ninja Lord: Several years after his brief time in the dwarven hall of Lord Matrakon, and by this time an older child the powerful gray elf Yalthos came to Sollagon. Having come to the secret village by methods unknown to Oruvyn, the elf lord traded many precious gems for weapons of a very high quality, and offered even more treasures should such gnomish smiths come with him to labor to equip his forces with arms. He even offered treasure and adventure for those who would join his forces. The chief of Sollagon at the time, Svainlin, attempted to deny these requests, but Yalthos left before the gnomish chief was willing to enforce his command. It was at this time that Oruvyn first saw a katana, a magical blade of mighty quality, shown forth by Yalthos himself as a demonstration of what he wanted the gnomes to forge for him. Entranced by this advertisement, Amrikor left with Yalthos.

Oruvyn Apprentices with the Dwarves of Lord Matrakon: Many years later, and growing in strength and maturity, Oruvyn successfully petitioned his father and clan to train with the smithy of Lord Matrakon in his mountain castle within the Nahavd. Taken there by his father and elder brother Ordren in 849, Oruvyn for some years learned the art of the dwarven smithy. He learned much, and grew stronger as an older adolescent. Upon a time, an older gnome, unknown to Oruvyn, came to Matrakon's fortress. He called himself Oruvyn's great-great uncle, Gilovessin, and told Oruvyn he had but recently come from Sollagon to visit his ancestral home once more, but was now on his way to return to Castle Blackstone, the seat of Yalthos' power. There, Gilovessin said, was Oruvyn's beloved uncle Amrikor, and other gnomes smiths besides, working on mighty projects. Gilovessin told Oruvyn that at Castle Blackstone he was Yalthos' seniormost weaponsmith and metallurgist, and that he could teach Oruvyn how to make blades like the one Yalthos wielded, the very finest blades in the World. Gilovessin said his father would never permit him to go with him, and that he must secret away with Gilovessin in the night, and abandon the mountain dwarves. To this Oruvyn agreed. Gilovessin sent an agent that night, a half-elf of great and sublte skill, who helped Oruvyn escape unnoticed in the night. Once they had escaped, the three of them traveled the hard road through the mountains and caves beneath the mountains, and after much travail arrived at Castle Blackstone.

Oruvyn at Blackstone

Oruvyn at Castle Blackstone: Arriving in 853, Oruvyn beheld Castle Blackstone at the height of its power. The mysterious ninjas peopled the dread court of Yalthos, the Daimyo, and Oruvyn learned that since he had last seen him years before, Yalthos had risen to become a great ruler of men and elves. Oruvyn did see Yalthos' treasure, his ninja agents, his vast wealth, and his army of orcs and men, but most of all Oruvyn was interested in his great uncle, and all that he could teach him. In a great black forge, Gilovessin apprenticed Oruvyn, and groomed him to be his successor at Blackstone.

Apprenticeship to Gilovessin: For nearly ten years Oruvyn learned from his great-great uncle Gilovessin the forging of quality katanas. Largely indifferent to politics of Yalthos, Gilovessin poured himself into his chosen craft, and on occasion complained to Oruvyn of his unfair dismissal by his family in Sollagon, in centuries past, although never clearly explaining just what was the cause of his exile. Oruvyn was largely isolated from the affairs of the ninjas, focusing nearly entirely on supporting and learning from his great uncle. Oruvyn was however approached to serve the Daimyo as more than a swordsmith, and was being groomed by one or two of the ninja, including a gnomish shinobi of Sollagon named Ibermektin, but still too young, Gilovessin protected Oruvyn from most of these overtures. In 857, Oruvyn's elder brother Ordren and his friends came to Blackstone, and offered the ninjas considerable tribute for the return of Oruvyn to Sollagon. The price was great enough that Yalthos was willing to release the young gnome, but due to Gilovessin's influence, Oruvyn willingly stayed with his great uncle, and declined the heroic attempt of his brother and his party to bring him back home.

Disaffection and Execution of Uncle Amrikor: In 859, as the political situation for the ninjas of Blackstone grew more extreme, Oruvyn encountered his uncle Amrikor, Gilovessin's great grandson, who had recently returned to Blackstone from forging katanas elsewhere, and had become disaffected of Yalthos' rule. Amrikor told his nephew of Yalthos' many cruelties, and of his murders, slavery, assassination and other evils. He also told Oruvyn of Gilovessin's absent morality, and alluded to a heinous crime he had committed long ago in Sollagon, which was the reason why he was not allowed back into that village Amrikor had resolved to escape, for he no longer wished to slave for the elf lord. And so in 858 Amrikor fled, but he was caught by Yalthos' ninjas, and was soon after publicly executed via lingchi. This shocking execution had a marked effect upon Oruvyn, and was when he truly realized that he was a thrall, and not free.

Oruvyn Escapes Blackstone: As Blackstone began to suffer serious reverses throughout their empire, Gilovessin began to make arrangements for his great-grand nephew to return to the safety of Sollagon. Ibermektin at last gained permission to do this for old Gilovessin, and so in 862 Oruvyn made the long journey and returned to Sollagon, a much changed but still young gnome. Oruvyn was welcomed home by his family, who forgave him in his youth for reason of his love of the smithy. Oruvyn's father counseled him on the fallen nature of Gilovessin, and the elder gnomes described to Oruvyn the many cruelties and even outright evils of Yalthos and his minions from Castle Blackstone. For a short time Oruvyn found peace again in the forests of the Mountains, and apprenticed with another Sollagon gnome weaponsmith named Tolejol, who lived with a small family in a remote mountain burrow. Considered the best weaponsmith of the Sollagon gnomes and even of other gnomish communities beyond, Tolejol did not know the high arts of Gilovessin, and Oruvyn wondered what would become of his exiled great-great uncle.

Divine Revelation and Arrival Upon Mount Celestia

Last Days in Sollagon: Although welcomed by Tolejol's loving family, and still learning from Tolejol's extensive knowledge, Oruvyn nonetheless missed the high and unusual skill of his great-great uncle. He also missed his uncle Amrikor, who had died so horribly. Amrikor had been fond of the old pagan tales of the spirits of the forest and the old gods of the gnomes, but Tolejol was more reserved with such tales, and was of the mind that these old gods had largely forgotten or abandoned the gnomes. Amrikor had been fond of invoking the Master of Metals when practicing his smithy work, but this Tolejol did not do. Remembering his idyllic wanderings in the Valley of the Silent Forest as a child, the adolescent Oruvyn once again fell to wandering there, an especially easy matter become Tolejol's home and smithy were closer to these heights. Although these hikes proved worrisome for his kin during his frequent visits with them, his father sensed that this was in Oruvyn's nature, and bid him only strive to be safe and circumspect in his investigations.

Whispers of the Divine: By 864, around the time that word came of the hardening of the siege of Blackstone by the men of the Kanasos, Oruvyn began to feel the call of the divine. At first extremely subtle, whisperings in the fire, and the strange appearance of certain stones upon his walks or patterns of sparks from the forge began to prove to Oruvyn that he was receiving divine revelation. Certain prayers and limericks appeared to his mind almost unbidden, and Oruvyn could not but believe that they somehow had a positive effect upon his life when he said them, especially when he spoke them before the forge. Later in the fall of that year, several younger Sollagon gnomes managed to escape, starving and abused, from Castle Blackstone, and recounted new outrages and tales of woe from that place before gatherings of the gnomes. Oruvyn began to more fully realize the malign apathy of his great mentor Gilovessin, and that in serving Blackstone so blindly, Oruvyn himself had in a way been a party to the cruelties and tyranny of that place. With such weighing upon his young mind, Oruvyn felt called into the mountains.

Expeditions into the Nahavd: Three times Oruvyn explored beyond the Valley of the Silent Trees, and in his bold youth ventured into the high draws of the Nahavd. Trying to move like the ninjas did to avoid being hunted by monsters there, each time Oruvyn went further, telling Tolejol he was looking for new veins of ore where the adult gnomes said there was none. Almost hearing a voice that called his name, he followed it into that maze of cliffs and narrow ascents. On his second expedition, after a lonely night in a shadow of the mountains, Oruvyn turned one last corner before turning around, and found to his amazement a sigil of precious metals in the shape of a golden flaming hammer set into the stone. Amazed at this prodigy, Oruvyn continued throughout that day, climbing very high until nearing the edge of the tree line before he was pressed back by the cold. All that winter Oruvyn was beset by memory of this symbol, and he knew it to be an image of Rhondang, the Hammer of Flandal Steelskin. Visions and dreams came to Oruvyn, and more half-prayers. Oruvyn even approached one of the patriarchs of Clan Sollagon, Twelbin the Old, a minor priest of Segojan Earthcaller, and the last such true priest of the old gods in the village. Twelbin gave Oruvyn his blessing to go further and explore the end purpose of his visions once the spring came.

The Window into the Planes: In the spring of 865, Oruvyn followed Twelbin's advice and the will of his own heart, and traveled back to the symbol. For three days and three nights Oruvyn climbed high up into the mountains, beyond the tree line. Trying to reach what seemed like a window in a white mountain peak through which the sun shined, the third day's walk brought him to the limit of his strength. Not stopping because of the night, Oruvyn continued until he found himself in a narrow and sandy draw through which the icy waters of the snowmelt ran. Seeing the outline of forge fire upon the rock walls, Oruvyn dropped himself into the near freezing rapid waters, and clambered through the icy draw. When nearly all his strength was gone, Oruvyn escaped the torrent and found himself in a freezing and sandy pool between two great sheer cliffs, along the sides of which the glow of the forge fire only brightened. Oruvyn waded through the pool of snow melt, his little body numb with the pain of the cold. Soon Oruvyn lost all sensation, and his vision faded to black as the cold was about to take him. Walking several last steps, Oruvyn suddenly felt warm, and opening eyes he did not remember closing, Oruvyn found himself upon a sandy, glittering shoreline, standing waist-deep in warm waters, and before a fire upon the beach, within which floated a golden hammer. Under the stars of Lunia, a voice of power spoke to Oruvyn, offering him the power of Rhondang, and the skill to use it, if only he would serve unfailingly in his ethos, and endure many and long tests and tempering so that Oruvyn might be ready to rekindle the faith and future of his people. Oruvyn agreed, and was bidden to clasp Rhondang though it was submerged in living flame. Oruvyn did so, and felt the searing pain upon his flesh so greatly that he fell unconscious. When Oruvyn awoke, he found himself restored, save for a scar upon his hand where he clasped the Hammer, which can never be healed. Awakening, he looked up into the glorious stars of Lunia, and to the gleaming Seventh Mountain above all.

Oruvyn Ascends Mt. Celestia

The first being Oruvyn encountered upon Mt. Celestia was the lesser archon Fidelio, a gleaming Lantern Archon of the first order of their kind. The generous and child-like spirit taught Oruvyn some of the basics of where he was. Believing that the Master of Metal had brought him to the Holy Mountain to climb it, as seemed the purpose of most upon the Mountain, Oruvyn dedicated himself to the climb.

Ascent of Lunia: Oruvyn's ascent up Lunia was relatively quick. After some wanderings under the stars and heavenly mountains, Fidelio guided Oruvyn to Heart's Faith, a heavenly coastal town. There, a greater archon who was magistrate of the docks named Nothiam, a great bear-like warden archon, answered many of Oruvyn's questions. Oruvyn quickly moved on from the celestial town. Although meeting many pilgrims, both petitioners and the living, and learning much from them, Oruvyn had no other major encounters until he reached the First Gate. During his ascent of Lunia, Oruvyn began to learn more of his power of spell-prayers, the words and gestures of which seemed to come to him in dreams and visions, especially when he gazed into a fire.

Ascent of Mercuria: Continuing to be led by Fidelio, Oruvyn's trip through this planar layer was longer. Hosted by knights and lords, he passed through the realm of the Platinum Dragon, a deity of dragon-kind. It was in this realm that Oruvyn first encountered less than honorable folk upon Mt. Celestia. He hazarded upon a party of rogues who had come to steal dragon treasure, but had been wounded by the dragon in question. It was during this encounter that Oruvyn first called upon healing magic, and it was from them that he first heard of the City of Doors, from which they had come. During his further ascent, Oruvyn made the acquaintance of a various inquisitive dragons, one of which was kind enough to offer him one of his scales.

Ascent of Venya: Oruvyn passed the Gate into the Pearl Heaven. Lost in beauty and delights, Oruvyn was upon this layer of Celestia even longer. Hosted by the halfling petitioners of this plane, and with Fidelio not offering the best guidance forward, many days were spent in their tranquil homes as a guest. Oruvyn resisted invitations to stay, seeing ever to follow the Master of Metal's intent to ascend the Holy Mountain, for reasons Oruvyn as yet did not know. Oruvyn was offered to work in a halfling forge at Turtle Creek, an ideal setting, and contemplated remaining, but ultimately persuaded himself to keep on his goal.

Ascent of Solania: Oruvyn passed the Gate into the Electrum Heaven, and early on heard of Soul Forge, which he felt for certain was the Master of Metal's destination for the young gnome. The climb and search for Soul Forge was not easy. Fidelio helped the gnome as he could, but the wide plane was very difficult to navigate through the soul, and Oruvyn endured many trials.

Arrival Upon Erackinor: The Realm of the Virtuous Dwarven Dead

Assured that Soul Forge was the destination bidden by his god, Oruvyn's arrival upon Erackinor was an event of great wonder. The feats of the mostly dwarven petitioners were very great, as was the size of the realm, which seemed boundless in the number of its forges, armories and mysterious locations. But Oruvyn was driven to arrive at the very center, to Soul Forge itself, where the father of the dwarven gods forged the very souls of the dwarves. When Oruvyn drew as close as he could, and could hear the great clashes of the Divine Hammer, he looked down from the great height he had climbed up on the Celestial Mountain. He knew this great height was not his home of his soul. He realized that the Master of Metal would not manifest there before him, nor welcome him to his mighty destination. The Soul Forge was but itself a tempering of Oruvyn's heart and mind, and he knew within his own soul that the true realm of Flandal Steelskin lay elsewhere upon the planes. Nonetheless, Oruvyn had achieved much by his arrival, and in the doing of it had left adolescence and entered, it seemed to him, upon young adulthood, however early it may have come to him. As it seemed to be his purpose there, Oruvyn immediately sought out mentors and masters from whom he might learn, under whom he might learn mighty secrets of forging.

Master Sarkend: The mighty petitioners of Erackinor seemed unwilling to take on Oruvyn as a serious apprentice, and even those among the living forge masters, who were fewer, were of such reputation and skill that the unknown Oruvyn could not easily find a master. It was Fidelio who found him who was to become his first master, a petitioner spriggan gnome named Sarkend. The gruff forge master was not much liked by many upon Erackinor, but Oruvyn had heard he was an accomplished metallurgist. When Oruvyn paid him a visit, he was a giant-sized katana upon the wall of the great master's accomplishments, and saw that the grizzled gnome was at work dissecting a ruined katana blade to see how it worked. Having heard that the spriggan gnome had trouble keeping an apprentice, he volunteered himself. Oruvyn soon learned that Sarkend was born upon the Planes, upon the Outlands. He had attempted to steal from a passing dwarf one day, only to discover that it was a god in disguise, who revealed himself in glory when the attempt was made. Sarkend begged forgiveness, and so was maimed, his stealing arm withering for the rest of his mortal life, but was otherwise spared. Sarkend spent that time as a devotee of the god he had seen, and turned his powerful mind from guile and thievery to craftsmanship. When he died, Sarkend found himself among the blessed of Erackinor, but with an arm of hardened rock to aid in forging. Oruvyn found him possessing tremendous knowledge, especially regarding metallurgy of rare and magical metals, and for some two or more years he studied under him, where he especially worked in the making of excellent mail.

Stonefall and Entry to the City of Doors: Oruvyn spent much of his off time, both on the command Sarkend and on his own discretion, in the dwarven town of Stonefall within Erackinor, at the edge of which was Sarkend's smithy. In the legendary town of Stonefall, one of many near to Soul Forge, were many visitors from other planes, and other mortal folk like Oruvyn. Oruvyn spoke to many of these folk, and learned a great deal. From the living dwarven sage Tordgian he learned several dwarven runic scripts, and the art of reading. He also heard stories from Tordgian of the dwarven gods from a planar perspective, and was taught the general scheme of the Planes of Existence, and learned that his own god dwelt upon the distant Twin Heavens, in his own realm in the Golden Hills there, upon the Mithril Forge. Amidst this learning, the whisperings and guidance of the Master of Metals grew quiet, or else his ears ringed with too much of planar wisdom and the smithy to hear it clearly. Oruvyn found his faith tested by confronting so many other faiths and the signs of other gods, and sighed at the purposeful distance the Master of Metal had deliberately set between himself and his budding priest. This was especially so when Oruvyn began to be tasked by Sarkend to use the many portals of Stonefall to visit the City of Doors. Guided at first by those accustomed to their use, Oruvyn set foot upon the great city of Sigil, buying and selling for Sarkend. Oruvyn quickly became overawed by the City at the Middle of the Multiverse, and his attention slowly drifted from Sarkend's forge and to the promise of the great city. But still he served Sarkend for a time, and learned subtlety of hand by him, for although Sarkend no longer thieved, his hand was still quick, and he could hide amongst crowds not by magic but by skill. Oruvyn learned some of this too, by emulation, and began to practice such skills on the streets of Stonefall, and in the City of Doors itself.

Sigil, the City of Doors

Sigil, Bankruptcy, and College Enrollment: At length, realizing his tasks were becoming tedious to his pupil, and seeing that Oruvyn was hungry of other experiences in the mysterious City of Doors, Sarkend released his young apprentice from his service. He even awarded him a healthy sum of celestial gold. Taking his leave of Fidelio, over which the archon was quiet sad, Oruvyn re-entered the City of Doors, but this time with a small fortune, which he intended to use as a means of a small vacation, and to learn all that he could from this great and magical city. For a time this was well, and for some months, Oruvyn took to the Clerk's Ward, where he studied texts at the Hall of Records, and attended lectures, where he learned more about the Multiverse, and of the various theories regarding its nature. He also studied about magical katanas, and of how they were forged and enchanted. After many months of this, and after gaining a budding reputation as a primer scholar, Oruvyn was pick-pocketed by clever beggars. Finding himself penniless, Oruvyn quickly sought to return to Erackinor, but found that his portal key had likewise been stolen, and the furthermore the doorway of the portal had been torn down. Seeing his prospects and dreams falling short, Oruvyn fell into a despair near the Hall of Records, whereat he had been studying. In this moment of weakness, the gnome was in an alley praying and weeping to himself. Another student there, a member of the Fated, the faction who dominated that area of the city, chanced upon the gnome and said to him "'Ey, Berk! The Lady doesn't answer any pitiful prayers here. The dark of it all is, if you want to survive in Sigil, you'll need to rely on yer wits and skills to stay out of the Dead Book. Get up, for Hells' sake! Off yer damn knees! I should probably put a sod like you out of your misery, but I'll help you...for a cost." Oruvyn was thus guided by this fellow to sell what remained to him, and to furthermore take out a loan at an egregious rate. With this money, Oruvyn paid the price for an entrance exam, and once passed, formally enrolled himself in Bigby's College of Academic Arts. Ostensibly a degree from the college was required to become an agent of the Hall of Records, which in truth meant a tax collector and entry-level bureaucrat of the City, the college degree was also the de facto requirement to become a full-fledged member of the Fated, a faction of the City dedicated to taking it over. Falling mightily under the influence of the charismatic Takers, Oruvyn enrolled into both the college and the faction's rolls, and fully pursued his course of study and the planar philosophy that came with it.

Freshman: Oruvyn lived at the dormitory of the Fated Faction called "the Barracks" by its residents. Here Oruvyn got himself into his first fights, and learn the hard philosophy of adopted Taker family. For the first part of the year he worked at the great Food Hall, but he soon wearied of this low position. Oruvyn fell under the sway of a charismatic sophomore dwarf named Gareth, a planar dwarf born in Asgard, who showed him other ways of earning his keep. For a fee, Gareth showed Oruvyn how to steal from the richer students, and how to pick pocket, and hide among crowds and buildings when he was discovered. By the end of the year, Oruvyn no longer worked in the kitchen. At the end of the year, as classes were out of session, Oruvyn attempted to venture off on his own for petty thievery. He was however caught and imprisoned. Gareth, presenting as an upstanding student, bailed Oruvyn out from the Mercykiller's dungeons, to which Oruvyn was to pay back at great interest. At the College, Oruvyn studied rhetoric, logic and magic, with electives in advanced metallurgy and the gymnasium.

Sophomore: The next academic year, Oruvyn added to the labor of his studies with an extensive life in the Sigilian underworld. Finding that Oruvyn could take a beating, the gnome was used in street brawls and intimidation gangs, and spent long hours safely stealing from the poor and impoverished, slowly professionalizing his skills. By the end of the year, Oruvyn had paid back Gareth, who was about to graduate and become a full Faction member. At the College, Oruvyn studied arithmetic, geometry, civics and elemental philosophy, with his continued elective in advanced metallurgy.

Sophister: Much neglecting, and even nearly forgetting the very god that had brought him to the Planes, upon Oruvyn's third and final year at the College, he became at length a capable rogue, and was made a faction minder by Gareth at the Iron Heart Alehouse, where Oruvyn could trade in secrets and pilfer from the foolish. With the extra income, Oruvyn not only moved out of the Barracks dormitory, but began to live more finely. He also began to pursue employment opportunities after graduation with the city government, or even the Faction itself. He also considered continuing his studies as a Master's student. Towards the end of the year, the thieving guilds in the city began to increasingly fall under the sway of the Red Cap gang, which Oruvyn knew were fellow gnomes. They had harnessed the power of the beggar-thieves, and many other rogues fell under their mastery. Oruvyn's own guild with which he was associated through Gareth fell under the Red Caps. Several weeks before graduation, Oruvyn was summoned to fight in a great street battle between the factions. Oruvyn was crushed in the head by the vicious fighting, and was nearly killed. Only the healing magic of his god saved him, and he nearly failed in his studies due to his prolonged absence, but the intervention of the Faction saw him through. Oruvyn graduated, achieving special distinction in his metallurgical studies, and became a full-fledged member of the Takers. What goodness remained in him however now grew distant from the harshest of the Takers, and the calling of his soul craved a return to the pure slopes of Mount Celestia, to which the Master of Metal had originally sent him. Oruvyn sold his post at the Iron Heart Alehouse, and with all his monies paid off his student loan. Oruvyn politely declined the various positions offered to him, and left Gareth's influence. Within a few weeks, Oruvyn found another portal to Soul Forge, and so returned to Mount Celestia. During his final year of study at Bigby's College of Academic Arts, Oruvyn studied physics, metaphysics and moral philosophy, took an elective in structural engineering, and conducted research under the planar metallurgist Kraunastenfyord. Upon graduation he earned his diploma declaring him a Bachelor of the Arts.

Return to Mt. Celestia

Faith Renewed and a Return to Soul Forge: Returning to the Holy Mountain after nearly four years, Oruvyn re-pledged himself to his lonely faith in his god, submitting himself to the guidance of the Master of Metal, remembering the god's words that he would be long tested should he accept his priestly powers. Before deciding on his next steps in life, Oruvyn decided he would apply his newfound academic knowledge to the forge, and gain as much skill as he could before moving on. Now much more confident of himself and his skills, the new Taker decided to become an apprentice to one of the greatest forge masters of Erackinor that he could find, and soon found such employment near to Soul Forge itself under the Golden Forge of Heldrem, a petitioner dwarf of great skill and magic, who then worked upon mails of dragon scale armor. He also set out to find a second master he also knew the art of katana forging,

Oruvyn at the Soul Forge of the Dwarven Gods: After a year making mostly armor for Heldrem, Oruvyn at last found a mighty second master to help him learn all he could in the forging of katanas: Amakuni, an immortal human who had never tasted death, and who now lived in glory somewhere on the second layer of Mount Celestia. Amakuni had come to request the use of the Soul Forge so as to forge a katana and wakizashi for a god. The Great Dwarven Father acceded to Amakuni's request, and Oruvyn came with Amakuni to help him in the forging. This was a very great experience for Oruvyn, for even many of the great forge masters of Erackinor had never been given such a privilege. Oruvyn beheld the grandmastery of Amakuni at work, and was his assistant and student before the Great Anvil. After this, Amakuni soon took his leave, taking with him his priceless two swords, but Oruvyn became much famed, and it was clear he might pursue becoming a forge master of Erackinor in his own right. But at last Oruvyn felt he had reached all the skill he was meant then to possess upon the Mountain, and thought at last he might return home some ten years after he had left the World of his birth. Before he returned, the impressed forge masters paid Heldrem recompense, and with left-over golden dragon scales from Mercuria, they made for Oruvyn golden dragon scaled armor, with the only condition that Oruvyn sing the high praises of the forge masters of Erackinor to the mortal world. Refusing the parting gift as such due to his harsh Taker philosophy, Oruvyn at last accented after providing a series of metallurgical lectures and practical demonstrations to the forge masters who had prepared such a mighty gift for him.

Fidelio and Departure from Erackinor: Before leaving, Fidelio somehow found Oruvyn. He had gone away saddened that Oruvyn had left to Sigil, and had returned from time to time hoping his gnome friend would at last return. Saddened further that Oruvyn meant to leave the Holy Mountain entirely, Fidelio said he would accompany him on his long descent. Making his goodbyes, Oruvyn began the climb down, believing that should he return to the crystal beaches of Lunia that the Master of Metal would transport him once again to the lands of his home, where he might rekindle the faith of his people.

Sollagon

Population: ~400

Government: chiefdom

Situated at the western edge of the Great Nahavd Mountains, in a region called Two Gates by men and elves, the hidden village of Sollagon lies just north of an area called Beryl Falls in the North Gate, situated in a vale of the same name of the village. A small village of scattered burrows, clanholds and homesteads in a remote forested mountain vale, this gnomish settlement was founded by a chieftain named Sollagon some 700 or so years in the past, making it a relatively newer settlement to gnomish thinking.

The village is located in a little vale on the north side of Beryl Falls, with the burrows and homes hidden throughout a forest of fir trees. The vale, in between two mountains, is deep and rocky, and maintains a micro-climate protected from the winds of Silent Tree Valley. The vale has many slopes, cricks, pools and boulders, and there is much dampness and vegetation during the warmer months. The entrance to the vale is hidden by impassable natural boulders, and will generally be undetected by any mortal men or even dwarves passing through the area. Even if one does find the vale, most men and dwarves will not easily observe the little homesteads of the gnomes, and may pass through the vale without ever seeing these gnomes or any sign of their homes.

Magic in Sollagon: Wizardly magic has all but disappeared for the Sollagon gnomes. Illusory magic was already rare and neglected in Sollagon, but several of the younger practitioners were lured off by the ninjas over the last century. Mendibur, the last great illusionist of any note within Sollagon, was slain by Yalthos in his mastery, when that illusionist attempted to resist the overlordship of the ninjas earlier in the 9th century AM.

Religion in Sollagon: The primordial gods of the gnomes of Sollagon have withered into folklore and legend, with the general sense that these old gods are fading away, as the One God of men seizes the world. A handful of the very eldest of the clan chiefs and their kin possess weak clerical powers, but the younger generations have not sought to maintain these ancient traditions. The last priesthood maintained in the community, dedicated to Segojan Earthcaller, is that of the clan chief of the actual Sollagon clan, but for centuries these have not been powerful clerics. If anything these clerics are known more for their leadership and skill at arms rather than the power of their magic. An underground temple to Segojan Earthcaller exists in the vicinity of the Sollagon clanhouse, but it was stripped of its gems and treasures by Yalthos and his monsters.

Relationship with Outside Powers

History of Sollagon as Oruvyn Knows It

The rock gnomes of Sollagon came up from forest communities just below the great Nahavd, the refugees of some great conflict or consternation of the Big Folk in those times. Many gnomes chose to fight in this conflict, but Sollagon, a priest of the Segojan Earthcaller, led those who wished to avoid these conflicts into the mountains, where few gnomes lived.

700s - 788: The Kilosarin gray elves under Limnian wax powerful, and collect tribute from the many of the gnomish communities along the edge of the Nahavd Mountains, including Sollagon. Their rule ends when Count Beldicio defeats the Kilosarin and kills their evil chieftain in 788.

856: Yalthos comes with orcs and ninjas and sacks Sollagon, stealing its gems and taking slaves. Chief Svainlin and many fighters are slain. Mendibur, the last noteworthy illusionist of Sollagon, is slain when he refuses to accompany Yalthos back to Blackstone.

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Years on the Planes

Sigil and the Headquarters of the Takers

During his odyssey on the planes, Oruvyn lived for a time at Sigil, the City of Doors, where he studied at the Rowan Academy of Training, becoming an official faction member, and otherwise labored at the headquarters for the Takers.

Personality

He's got one of these, too.

Jibe on Demetrius, Upon the Prophecy of Galatea Before the Mountain of Love and Strife

As bovid eyes stare, straight ahead

no spark behind them to bring joy or dread.

As ropes of drool doth fall into grimy beard,

So Demetrius' doth make his reluctance heard.

"Decide, oh Dwarf," the gods did plea

but on def, dumb ears find their decree.

For as Hammerhand all eyes did look,

no decision issued forth to be approved or brook'd

Adventures

He is currently on assignment in the planes and has not been heard from in quite some time....

Items/Possessions

Personal

The Eye of Empedocles

The wearing of this eye provides the beholder with a 25 wisdom. In addition, the Eye provides the vision of a deity. The Eye provides perfect "ultra" vision, and the beholder may see with perfect acuity at even an infinite distance. Further, the Eye provides the ability to perfectly read all writing, even that which is encoded, or of a magical nature. The Eye also provides clerical true seeing at an infinite range, piercing all visual magical illusions and optical deceptions, and reveals the moral alignment of all beings and objects without error.

Adornments

(Leave one space at the top of a section)

Wands,rings, amulets and other non-weapon and armor items

the description should be indented with a colon and the title should be italicized

(leave two spaces at the end of a section)

Weapons

Hammer of the Kabeiri: daily charges [25] - 24

(sub sections need only one space above and below) Weapons

formatted the same as above.

Armor

Shield of the Horned Rabbit, small shield + 2 (medium for gnomes and halflings), forged in Mount Celestia

Description: a handsome shield ringed with shining bolted steel, emblazoned with a dark green field, centered with a brown rabbit with curled horns and a powerful skull plate, leaping over two crossed silver short swords

Known Powers: equipping the shield gives a +1 bonus to dexterity

Summon Horned Rabbit, power word "Nakaloo" (speed 3)

HD 4+6 THAC0 15 # of AT 1 DMG 1d6+2 (horns) AC 3 (front), 5 (flanks and rear) MR 25% MV 15 INT 12 ML 13 AL LG

Special Attack: charge (2d6+2 damage, requires 12 feet of space to charge)

(sub sections need only one space above and below) Armor and cloaks

formatted the same as above.

Thief Skills

Spells/Abilities

Faction Abilities: The Takers

Double the number of starting non-weapon proficiency slots (not including bonus slots from high intelligence)

All non-weapon proficiency slots are available and no extra cost, despite class restrictions

1st level) +5% ability bonus to pick pick pockets, 6th level) +10% total ability bonus to PP, 11th) +15% total ability bonus to PP

Notes: potential other bonuses and abilities for attaining factotum, factor and facto status

Abilities

listed by level indented

(class specific) spells

listed by level indented

Weapon Proficiencies

Listed

Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Listed (secondaries noted)

Languages

listed indented

Relationships

For groups political organizations and party members

Followers

Fidelio: The Lantern Archon

The Lantern Archon named Fidelio has been Oruvyn's constant companion since his arrival upon Mt. Celestia.

Fidelio's Background with Oruvyn: Fidelio is an archon that warmed to Oruvyn when he first wandered upon Mount Celestia. On the slopes of the mountains of Lunia, Fidelio approached Oruvyn, and declared he would follow him and aid him for a time. Fidelio was instrumental on several occasions in Oruvyn's ascent up Mount Celestia, and stayed with him all the way to the 4th layer of Mt. Celestia, for it seemed as if Fidelio had been there before, and knew the ways. Once at Soul Forge, Fidelio became bored with Oruvyn, but did not completely abandon him, appearing and re-appearing after going on adventures apart from the gnome. Upon his long sojourn to Sigil, Fidelio was sorrowful at Oruvyn's leaving.

Not long after Oruvyn returned from Sigil than the gnome elected to try to return to his home on the Prime Material Plane. Fidelio did not immediately accompany Oruvyn, having become distracted with other adventures, but joined him again upon the 3rd Mount, although was easily distracted during the long descent, having lost some of his attachment to the gnome due to his long absence at the City of Doors. When Oruvyn met with his current companions from his home world, Fidelio felt neglected somewhat, and also bored that it may no longer be of much use, and so wandered off through much of the gnome's early adventures with the Duumvirate, including his spiritual bifurcation by the Celestial Princess. When Fidelio remembered his former companion amidst its wanderings on the holy slopes, Fidelio sped to find him, and when it did, it saw the subtle spiritual change in the gnome, and regretted having abandoned him.

Fidelio has now purposed itself to never abandon Oruvyn again, so long as he remains on the Celestial Mountain.

Fidelio's Physical Description: An ebullient ball of the purest white light, Fidelio loves singing more than any other lantern Oruvyn has met, and does so in a carefree, almost childlike voice that is neither male nor female. Fidelio is often emotional in its decisions, its decision impending heavily upon its moods.

Notes

Riddle of Torlanden

"Hammerhand's prize lies 'neath the temple of the golden Zuun a token treasure from the man who would measure the distance between a mortal man and the divine Author of his Doom. The Theologian of Two Heavens gifted the scales to weigh the heart And by word and mind bend the arts of the golden god, the secret sun, The divine slayer of the moon.

[Oruvyn's notes: The armor is at the temple, perhaps a gift given by Zaalbuk to someone (A god? A god's follower? A priest?)]

For ninety nightless days hence must the Theologian watch in time, and in starless contemplation find the secret of light sublime, So that he and his servants, save one, the gnawer in the dark, May unlock an immortal fate with mortal mark, And steal the Secret to the Seventh Gate. Atop the temple of the Secret Sun.

[Ovuvyn's notes: Some event will transpire ninety days from May 15th. Approximately end of August. Zaalbuk preoccupied during this time? Researching final lore necessary to complete his ascension? 'Starless contemplation' seems to indicate he may be on another plane. Avernus? 'All servants save the gnawer' seems to indicate the Mole is not truly one of his faithful. Perhaps a tool. Demon working in consort? 'Mortal mark' indicates using a mortal marksman as the secret to ascending to the Seventh Layer where godhood can be achieved.]

Red scales gifted, gold scales guarded, Hammerhand's prize will be costly won. For a golden serpent, and twin golden servants, guard the treasures of the Zun.

[Oruvyn's notes: Gold dragon involved? Twin golden servants help indicate where/what Zun is.]

Beware the Canyon of the Ever Setting Moon. Suspect the Foe who has climbed up out his Tomb! and his astral Servants who seek your astral deaths at the gates of the City of the Secret Zuun.

But his prize or justice, what does the Hammerhand seek? A thief unpunished is a thief without justice mete. Enchanted armor or balanced scales, which is scorned? For Tyr's boon of sight, one alone, justice or red dragon mail will adorn The true desire of his soul. Be warned: Justice afforded must be answered with justice wrought Or else judgment will fall upon the one who sought False fairness in place of private greed Atop the Temple of the Golden Zuun."

The Prophecy of Torlanden, as told to Lars St. Morninglory

May 15th, 874

Statistics Errata

Ability Score Fractions

Given unique and often heroic circumstances, a character may earn fractions of ability score points.

Strength Point Catalogue:

Dexterity Point Catalogue:

Constitution Point Catalogue:

Intelligence Point Catalogue:

Wisdom Point Catalogue: 5/10. 5 points were awarded when the Kabeiri whispered forbidden divine knowledge in Oruvyn's ear when he offered to build a monument in Blackstone.

Charisma Point Catalogue: