{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;\red128\green128\blue0;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Msftedit 5.41.15.1503;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\f0\fs24 Player: Endarire\par \par \b Vuchiro Fergessi\par \b0 Alignment: Neutral Goodie-Goodie\par Race: Human\par Class(es): Wizard 1\par Level: 1\par \cf1\i EX\cf0\i0 : 350/1000\par Eyes: Two brown-green\par Hair: Curly brown\par Lbs: 128\par Age: 18\par \par \b ABILITIES\b0\par Str: 6 (-2)\par Dex: 12 (+1)\par Con: 14 (+2)\par Int: 14 (+2)\par Wis: 12 (+1)\par Cha: 12 (+1)\par \par \cf2\b HP\cf0\b0 : 6/6\par AC: 11\par Touch AC: 11\par Flat-Foot AC: 10\par Saving Throws\par Fort: 2\par Refl: 1\par Will: 3\par Init Mod: 5\par Speed: 30'\par \cf3\b Base Att. Bonus\cf0\b0 : 0\par Melee Mod: -2\par Ranged Mod: +1\par Grapple Mod: Ignorant and indifferent currently\par \par \b WEAPONS\b0 : *=equipped\par -*Light Crossbow: 1, d8, 19x2, 80', small\par -*50 bolts\par \par \b ARMOR\b0 : *=equipped\par -*Favorite Robe:\par \pard\tx8640 This intricately sewn flowing hooded robe is bright red with patches of bright yellow seemingly depicting a lightning storm.\par \pard\par Spells Per Day: \par 0: \ul\b\i 3\ulnone\b0\i0\par 1: \ul\b\i 2\ulnone\b0\i0\par 2: \par 3: \par 4: \par 5: \par 6: \par 7: \par 8: \par 9: \par EPIC: \par Special: \par \par Spell Save Mod: 1\par Arcane Failure: 0%\par \par \b KNOWN ARCANE SPELLS\par \i (0) \b0\i0 Open/Close, Prestidigitation, Flare, Light, Ghost Sound, Daze, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Arcane Mark, Disrupt Undead, Detect Poison, Dancing Lights, Mage Hand, Mending\par \b\i (1)\b0\i0 Charm Person, Mage Armor, Identify, Ventriloquism, Animate Rope\par \par \b PREPARED ARCANE SPELLS\par \i (0)\i0 \b0 Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic\par \b\i (1)\b0\i0 Mage Armor, Charm Person\par \par \cf4\b Spell DC\cf0\b0 : 10+Stat Mod+Spell Level+Misc\par \cf4\b Current Spell DC\cf0\b0 : 12+Spell Level+Misc\b\par \par \b0 Armor Check Penalty: -3\par \b\par \cf5 TRAINED SKILLS:\cf0 \b0 Ranks+Stat Bonus\b\par \b0 -Arcane Know: 4+2\par -Concentration: 4+2\par -Perform: 1.5+1\par -Spellcraft: 4+2\par -Survival: .5+1\par \par \b UNTRAINED MODS:\b0\par STR: -2\par DEX, WIS, CHA: 1\par CON, INT: 2\b\par \par Languages:\b0\par Common, Dwarven, Draconic\par \par \b FEATS\b0\par -Improved Initiative (+4 Init)\par -Extend Spell\par -Scribe Scroll\par \par \b SPECIAL ABILITIES\par \b0 -+1 skill point per level\par \par \cf6\b Encumbrance Levels\cf0\b0 :\par Light: 20\par Medium: 21-40\par Heavy: 41-60\par Lift: 120\par Drag/Push: 300\par \par \b PP:\b0 0\b\par GP: \b0 0\b\par SP: \b0 0\b\par CP: \b0 0\b\par \b0\par \b NON-CONSUMABLE EQUIPMENT \b0 *=equipped, #=stashed off-character\b\par \cf5\b0 -*Light crossbow (6)\par -*Bolt x46 (4)\cf0\par \cf1 -*Favorite Robe\cf0\par \cf3 -Coinage\cf0\par \par -*Backpack (2)\par -*Waterskin (4)\par -Spell component pouch (2)\par -Black and gold silk kerchief\par -Common flute (1)\par -Bedroll (5)\par -Day ration x4 (4)\par -Chalk piece x10\par -Flask (1)\par -Spellbook (3)\par -Common lantern (1)\par -Pint lamp oil x3 (3)\par -Hemp rope (10)\par -Inkpen\par -Ink vial w/ ink\par -Bell\par \b\par CONSUMABLES\par \b0 -Scroll of Enlarge Person\par -Scroll of Magic Missile\par -Scroll of Grease (can scribe for 100 GP)\par \par \b Current Total Carried Weight: \b0 47\par \par \b Backstory\b0\par My father made miracles. In his prime, he enthralled hundreds of people with beautious words as he prepared their minds and hearts for awe. His older brother Mirne started most shows with fantastic displays of acrobatics and dexterity: He backflipped through flaming hoops, dove from near the top of the tent, and twisted himself into various shapes then walked or ran around. Father's younger brother Ruprecht was our strong-man and part-time law enforcement. When he wasn't pulling heavy carts with his neck, teeth, or ridiculous other body part, he kept the peace by pounding the stubbornness out of would-be thieves and would-be con men. Hessa, our combination fat/bearded/bald lady was great for a laugh when out of the spotlight and was probably my best friend. Ulupe sang various up-beat tunes while juggling or swallowing swords, knives, flaming torches, shrunken heads or just about anything else. Those, along with the various hands and lesser acts formed the famous Fergessi Bros. Flying Circus!\par Since as early as I can remember, I'd dreamed of starring with my father in some death-defying act. I'd watch Mirne and Ruprecht take center ring and the spotlight and felt only passion for the craft. Most nights I dreamed of how to use my talents until one off-season day my father decided to test me.\par As we approached the main tent, he said softly, "Son, as the future of our centuries-old way of life, I feel it is time for you to prove yourself." With that, he left and I entered the Big Top which seemed to expand the more I looked into it.\par Ruprect found me first. "Hold this!" commanded he as he gave me a cannon ball. I fell almost straight down and met the ground with an agonizing splat. "Just kidding." He took the cannon ball and set it aside as I regained feeling in my body. A short while later, I managed to stand and shake off the pain. "Good, kid, good." I followed him and ended by a loaded cart. As I braced myself for more pain, I watched Ruprecht unload a roughly hewn wooden table. "Here's something easy. Try lifting this." I hesistantly nodded and squatted under the table, pushed up, and pushed, and pushed. "That's enough. You won't be our next strong man" he said while chuckling. While I crawled out from under the table, he brought me some herb to numb my pain and a chair. "Rest here and wait for Mirne. Call me if y' need me." I seemed to sense him smile as he walked away.\par The tent was lit by candles and lanterns well enough for me to see most the important parts- the rings, of which I was in the center, stands, various trash, the outer flap, the spotlight aimed at Mirne. The spotlight aimed at Mirne? I gazed intently at him as he climbed the "monkey bars" 30 feet overhead, grabbed a swing, then flipped into position a few feet in front of me, the spotlight following him all the while.\par "Why, hello there. Enjoying yourself?" He smiled, bearing his teeth and emphasizing his curly mustache. \par "Of course." He pulled me up, grabbed the chair from under me, and balanced it on his nose out of habit. \par "Ahem."\par "Ruprecht says you're weak in the arms; try lifting this with your hands." He laughed as he dropped the chair in front of me. I shrugged and did as he asked.\par "Good, good. 'Tis good to know you've mastered the first step. Now try balancing it on your arms, 2 legs on each." Though the chair felt suddenly heavy, I managed for two seconds. "Hmm.. You aren't the balancing type." He took the chair and set it nearby. "Bend over backwards." Instinctually, I slowly lowered my top half to meet the ground and managed to hold the position until Mirne spoke again. "Try walking on that." I moved my right hand and right leg simultaneously and fell on my ass. Gazing at the ceiling, I wondered why I didn't see stars but Mirne's big head. His mustache seemed to speak to me, "I am the big black mustache!"\par "Sorry you fell on your back. Hmm... You aren't the contorting type either. I'll tell Ulupe to skip the juggling bit." Before I could speak, he sprang from my sight with some complicated gymnastic maneuver. Showoff.\par Having again regained feeling in my body, I stood, sat on the chair, and waited. Despite my pain, I whistled a somewhat happy rendition of a song I heard on the grounds one day. In my boredom, I learned how to whistle while inhaling which I thought was nifty.\par "Hey, Vuchy my boy!" Ulupe appeared suddenly.\par I winced and yelled "Keep the swords away!"\par "Of course, of course. I came to cheer ya up since the others smacked ya around. You took it better than I prolly woulda. Your thick hide matches yer thick skull"\par \par "What?"\par "Take it as a good thing, m'boy." I shrugged and let him continue.\par "They're freightening and kooky, mysterious and spooky, and all-together ooky, the Fergessi Family." I laughed. "Yer voice is good; lemme hear ya sing it."\par "Iiiit."\par "I like yer style. Anyway, sing the same note as I."\par "Dooo Reeee Sooool Faaaa Miiiii."\par "Dooor . Doooo Reeee Soool Faaaa Miiii"\par "Well, we have a winner. I'll tell yer pa you'll be my backup singer. I would've anyway, but I wanted to hear ya sing first. You ain't fat nor womanly nor stupid enough to play with the fierce animals." We chuckled and headed to my father's office.\par He was busy, as usual. It seemed like in the off-season he talked with one possible city representative after another, and, when he wasn't doing that, he "balanced the budget" and did other stuff I didn't understand.\par "It's his noon appointment and you know how long these meetings go."\par "That just gives us more practice time." We went outside, well out of hearing range, and started singing. He taught me to sing simple songs like "The Rower's Lament," "The Ballad of the Dwarven Wizard," and "Run FASTER You Bloody Idiot!" in key. I felt he understood me well enough and I felt powerful connection between us. "Good. You must exercise your voice and mouth to sing properly; I apologize for not telling you sooner." After I felt like I could swallow a bear whole, we advanced to instrument playing. "Take this flute and hold it by, well, its holes. You've seen me enough to figure out basic holding, but fingering's the issue and you'll need help for awhile. Remember, this is a delicate instrument and should be played delicately."\par About an hour later, I'd managed to play my first rendition of "Village Harmony," albeit painfully; however, I felt confident in my ways and decided to continue like this. It seemed right for me. \par "You've sung and played enough for today" said Ulupe as he collected his flute. "I have one final lesson- magic!" I didn't know what magic was nor what would happen, but, subconsciously, some old lamp oil got doused in flame as blood rushed to my head and I grinned.\par "You look like you've seen this before."\par "No."\par "Since you say so."\par "Here, hold this by the black end."\par "A magic flute?"\par "No, a wand! Magic flutes may exist, but it seems a dumb idea. Well, here's your first lesson in magic." I looked him intently in the eyes as he spoke. "First, ensure that the wand is pointed in the proper direction; too many magicians get zapped that way." He looked intently at me. "You're more into this than I thought; usually I get a laugh or a scream from that. Oh well. Stand right where you are...." his voice trailed off as I felt a mind surge in my hands. "Hold it in ONE hand, preferably your right." His words startled me as I realized he was directly behind me and holding my hand. "Good. Come into the shade and hold this flute in your left hand. Point the wand at the leaf and say 'Pirosec.'"\par "PIROSEC!"\par "Quieter next time, but..."\par I stared at the leaf as purple light erupted from it. Energy surged through my body as I felt something I couldn't describe yet. I didn't notice when Ulupe grabbed the wand from my hand.\par "We better see your father about this. With enough study, you could do great things."\par As we walked back to my father's office, I carefully placed the leaf in a pocket and wondered what else this magic could do.\par \par * * *\par In the following months, Ulupe and I worked diligently to teach me magic at the fastest pace we could tolerate. Wands were simple and I learned all I needed within 2 days. The scrolls and potions lesson lasted not even an hour before I mastered the concepts. Preparing spells from spellbooks took the most time as the ideas were complex until Ulupe finally broke it down.\par "Preparing spells, see, is memorizing all but the last word or phrase initially then finishing it later. The magic is... alive... and to start, you have only enough cages to a few of these beasts. Prepared spells stay until used and as your magical affinity grows, so too does your ability to harness the power; therefore, you get more spells."\par "I get it, but those words don't sound like yours."\par "They aren't; I got 'em from some other person. I don't recall 'er name. Well, it doesn't matter much now anyways."\par "There's a bad part to this."\par I braced myself for the worst.\par "To go nearly anywhere with wizardry, you need to learn Draconic, mystic language of the dragons. I think it's written that way to keep commoners from blowing themselves up."\par I sighed with relief.\par "When do we start?"\par "Next week; I need a break."\par \par \par * * *\par \par \par Verbs, pronouns, clauses, phrases, and other language terms daunted me, but Ulupe's "Mispronouncing something may turn you into a toad!" kept me going. When I wasn't selling tickets, cleaning stables, or doing other mundane tasks, we worked strenuously on my studies. I kept practicing cantrips as they were called, especially my favorite, prestidigitation. I used the ventriloquism spell for practicing while others slept. One evening, looking into the sunset after days of sleeping little and practicing various applications of prestidigitation, I realized that I may be addicted to magic. The thought horrified me and I passed out in my room. When I came to, the next day, I hurried to Ulupe and told him my situation.\par "I somewhat figured that, but at least you admit it and hope to use it in moderation."\par "Of course."\par "That's m' boy. Your father and I agree yer ready to perform with magic and song."\par "Ooh."\par "You deserve it." He looked intently at me and gave me a steel chain locket. "Open it." I eagerly obeyed.\par It was a fancy thing. I'm unsure how he did it, but it contained pictures of my family, rather, my circus family, and the leaf that started it all. "Why?"\par "Men say to 'Follow your dreams' and I can tell yours aren't here."\par "What do you suggest?"\par "Do your act and see how it goes. If people don't like it, well, I'll miss ya."\par Something told me he was lying, but he was helping me. I suspect my father would fire him were he discovered that he helped me leave. I considered leaving right then, but the possibility of showing off my talents was too alluring. I glanced over toward Ulupe's desk and saw a black stick- the wand! There was a note beside it in which was written,"Happy birthday!" in Draconic. As I grabbed the wand and note, a small bag caught my gaze. On it, in red ink, were the words, "Vuchiro, follow your dreams" also in Draconic. I grabbed it, headed to my room, and started working on my act.\par FOOM! Hooh. FOOM! Hooh. Lightning candles was fun, but I needed something more substantial. Ventriloquism was good for a laugh to supplement my act, but I wanted something simple, something safe, something flashy, like rope tricks! Animate rope would do. Knot here, coil there, hmm... \par The next day my act got approved and 3 days later I was on. Backstage, I finally got a costume I liked. The previous 6 had all been, in short, ugly. The worst was one that said "WIZZARD" across the chest and back but one with white and yellow stars on a blue-purple-black background annoyed me incessantly and it itched too. I finally got something I thought was wizardly enough, an ornate red one with gashes of yellow to represent a lightning storm.\par "Five minutes 'til showtime!" yelled a stagehand.\par I smiled and nodded at him then turned around to see my father, seemingly equally pleased. "You've impressed me, son. I admit I thought you a lost cause, but I've since learned that this 'magic' thing seems right. Stay calm, remember your act, and break a leg."\par "That sounds unlucky."\par "When one of my ancestors broke his leg and collected the insurance money to start this circus, it was lucky."\par "Thanks, I think." He left quickly\par \par * * *\par \par \par "And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, beings from all races, I, Angelo Fergessi, welcome you to the greatest circus this world has seen. Tonight, the Fergessi Bros. Flying Circus proudly presents Vuchiro Fergessi in his debut performance. Direct your attention to the center ring and prepare to be amazed!"\par The lights went out all at once. I strode out into the center ring with the spotlight following on me all the while. I grabbed the wand from my pocket and cued the orchestra. The spotlight died then suddenely a blue firework shot up from one side of the tent and vaguely lit a lamp high up, then another, and another, and another. The lamps' purple light stopped then became dancing blue and red circular patches around the tent., slowly dancing closer and closer to me. I ventriloquised my voice 10' underground to call the ropes into action. After the dancing lights hit me, they stopped their jitters and stayed on me. Two wand taps later, the ropes flew up into the air and formed a hemp halo above my head. Light that focused on my orchestration split again with one part following the ropes as they twisted into various shapes and spun rapidly. They formed a tornado and spiraled down, down, down 'til they reached my head, whereupon I had them split, come to arm height, and spin around my shoulders. I stepped back meticulously, then, with a wave of my wand, the ropes flew to opposite ends of the tent, paused a second, then flew to the center rapidly, met, knotted into a cross, and fell to the ground. I took my bow to the cheer of perhaps a thousand pleased spectators, though Ulupe deserved credit for helping me with effects that were beyond my level.\par \par "Vuchiro Fergessi!"\par I quickly bowed and hurried backstage. Because of the such magnavocal reverberation, I was deaf to the storm outside. Ulupe found me.\par "Consider this your first big break."\par "Thank you."\par "You too."\par "I can't follow that, but do what I can." He hurried out.\par I headed to my room and those I met along the way scorned me for my upstaging or congratulated me magnificently for my success. I kept my costume on while I contemplated my performance but was interruptd upon hearing patpatpatpat. I realized it was rain. I paid it little heed and tried concentrating, but it was no use. I went to counting birthday money. I laid it out, coin by coin, and soon felt I was rich! I didn't know the value of a GP, but it had to help somehow. Thunder made me jump and my room's lantern flicker and nearly die. I stopped counting, put the money back in the bag and stashed it in a pocket. I found my spellbook and a backpack that I'd hidden and prepared to leave. I left a note, obviously in Draconic, to Ulupe telling him I was heading to the nearest town to try my magic and thanked him for all he'd done. With everything gathered, I opened the door and felt the earth shake.\par At first it was mild, but its magnitude increased expontentially, whatever that meant! I saw the pressure build below me and turn magenta. By now, there would\par be pandemonium from the audience as they fled. I heard the sound of tends lifting off, though in this storm, I'm unsure which element was worse. I quickly waved to my old room and generations of stability and saw purple lightning set it ablaze. I ran like hell, screaming for others to evacuate, and made way to the exit. I left just before the tent got a foot off the ground and set off to whatever would be.\par I'd realized that, despite having been to much of the civilized world, I knew almost nothing of it. I would dive into it.\par Multicolored lightning cooked in the sky and spewed from the swelling obsidian clouds above, flaming rocks crashed to the ground, and cries of anguish, ones I couldn't save, were lost in the storm. I was almost struck deaf as I stumbled through the land, looking for a trail or path or road to follow. I don't recall much else, but I recall getting to a town after sunrise.\par Dazed and disoriented, I wandered around town and found most doors locked or jammed. There was one door open with a sign above saying "Mavia Library." It meant little to me, but I stumbled in and saw BOOKS! At first I thought they were all spellbooks, then realized there were so many interesting mundane books. I grabbed another from the shelf and started reading, almost asleep when I heard crackling. "THIEF!"\par Instinctively, I jumped and dropped the book.\par "Identify yourself!"\par "I'm..."\par "A thief, that's what you are." The voice got closer.\par "I'm not a thief!"\par "How'd you get in?"\par "The door was open!"\par "Your pack-"\par "It's all my stuff!"\par "Bah." He stepped into the light and I saw his small frame.\par "You're a dwarf!"\par "Were you raised in a circus boy?"\par "Yes, sir."\par "What the hell're you doin' awake here at sunrise on a Sunday?"\par I told him of the storm that I barely escaped from and as much as I could muster.\par "Boy, you shoulda gone to the inn next door."\par "I found this place first."\par "Still no excuse, boy."\par "Sir?"\par "A right-minded man would turn you in, but I won't."\par "Shink-car, sir."\par "Amaren. You're good boy. How'd you learn it?"\par "My father taught me some and I got the rest from selling tickets."\par "You really were raised in a circus."\par "I'm glad you've reached that conclusion."\par "I got a task for you, boy. Keep this books for a week and tell me what you've learned. Tell the innkeep that I'm calling my favor and I want him to give you food and a room this month."\par "Who should I say it's from?"\par "Mavia, your annoyed neighbor."\par \par * * *\par \par The first two days I scouted the town and rested. I mourned for my family, but realized there was nothing I could do. I talked with various people at the bar and we shared tales and songs. I learned a bit more of Dwarven than I'd expected. The town,Qi'Luin was founded by the now-lost-and-probably-extinct elves. After they abandoned it, humans and dwarves clear-cut the surrounding forest and made the place hospitable.\par Starting Tuesday I locked myself in my room and had food delivered via a slot in the door. I skimmed the first book and realized it was on Dwarven. After two days of intensive study, I learned enough to read the title: "Teach Yerself Dwarven You Bloody Commoner." The next book was on Qi'Luin's history which expanded on what'd I'd heard. It was in Dwarven and eventually gave up cross-referencing the Dwarven guide. I got to the third book and realized it was on magic! It was on the basic principles of magic- no spells-and I noticed that the entry on Wild Magic Storm fit in almost precisely with what I'd experienced. Unfortunately, storms were rare, unpredictable, and of uncertain origin. I continued with this book until Saturday night when I returned to Mavia and we discussed the books.\par "You really like magic, boy."\par "I know, sir."\par "Don't call anyone shorter than you sir. I'm Mavia."\par "Noted, Mavia."\par "Think why I gave you those books especially, son."\par "So I could learn magic and culture?"\par "You read too little. When the elves abandoned Qi'Luin, the dwarves were the first as part of an old dwarf/human alliance to investigate. People spewed noble reasons for this, but it was mainly for two reasons: First, dwarves were short enough to navigate the terrain well, and second, dwarves are naturally robust. We sprung many traps for your forefathers with hardly a hint of thanks. In rebellion, we looted the place since we know you would do it if you could. While attempting to destroy potentially dangerous arcane artifacts, we found that these would be useful in getting well-deserved respect. With the human expedition a week away at most, we struggled to school ourselves in the 'dark arts.' We found more magic things than we knew what to do with and decided to boldly experiement. We lost a few men to minor demon summonings and polymorphing, but our holy men aided greatly."\par "Mavia, how did you know how to use those things?"\par "The leader, Croosh, was a linguist and diplomat. He knew a bit of holy magic and imparted knowledge that way. As I was saying. The dwarves got a crash course in arcana and used it bloody well in the ensuing battle. We used it to send messages to the human headquarters where they finally acknowledged our efforts and we put an end to this ordeal, but those that practiced arcana could not return home. They would be shamed and cast out and decided to stay and rennovate Qi'Luin. Since that time, rumors of dwarf wizards have milled about throughout the known world and some 'renegades' as they were called managed to find and join us. Now do you get it, boy?"\par "You're the one from the song!"\par "Unfortunately so Humans and dwarves have co-existed in Qi'Luin fairly well since then, but every so often people bring up the issue in provocation. We're a town with strong tolerance ideals."\par "Will you teach me magic?"\par "Of course, but it'll cost you?"\par "How much?"\par "Learn Dwarven!"\par }