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Galen Ghalanest
Tranquil, Pure Singer



Notes For Galen Ghalanest - (nickname) - Description. Galen is a fairly solid looking, though not imposing, young man with an easy going nature. His hair is coppery in the sunlight and his eyes are a kindly midblue. He has a relatively strong jawline that suggests stubborness when he wishes, but the line of his mouth speaks of compromise. His nails are carefully trimmed and maintained, but his hands bear new callouses of weapons work and he rolls his shoulders subconsciously at times. His diplomatic bearing and jovial honesty ensure that he is generally well liked.

He has six siblings, three of each though he is the youngest son he has one sister behind him. Gretchen.

Home: Mascare. Next town: White Cliffs (South), Gynsedge(West).

- Fillia's Religious Accoutrements -
Holy Symbol of Fillia: Two feathered wings, joined at the center. Traditionally silver.
Robes: Her colors are typically sky blue with white trim.
Signet Ring: Heavy silver ring with Fillia's joined wings, the initials of the priest and a small image of his family symbol.

- Stuff - Bits and Bobs.
Heavy Gold brooch set with Emeralds and Malachite.
Thick copper ring worked with a celtic design across the band.

- Supplies - Gear and Travel materials.

- Contacts - Friends and people I have come to know and help out on occasion.
Four true friend among the novices at the Temple.

- Church Rites - Services I can perform.
~ Baptism
~ Confirmation
~ Wedding
~ Funeral



Notable Quotes

"Its never the pleasant ones who run."



Harlequin: Mob Boss, Docks and Beyond, Mascare
Harlequin is the use name of one of the big crime bosses in town.. TristanFiddler: thieves and people caught are ready to admit that harlequin is who they're working for and pass on the credit.. but the law hasn't very much been able to track down who exactly Harlequin is.. TristanFiddler: smuggling, assassinations, some slavery, illegal goods... a lot of that comes through Harlequin TristanFiddler: They could probably bring Harlequin in courtwise.. powerwise he may be too big, depending, as no one is really sure exactly how far Harlequin's influence goes TristanFiddler: its like the mob in Chicago in a way.. not exactly the same, but its a good comparison



- Companions -

Bluemist: Galen finds him [hereafter referred to as "Bo"] to be a polite enough individual, though perhaps a bit too aggressive in what was supposed to be His investigation. He has a niggling doubt as to how much should be revealed to Bo concerning the illness itself, given its historic origins. This is fed largely by the fact that these are not Bo's people and Bo is unlikely to know much that will be helpful concerning it, unless it somehow reached their distant shores, but if the Temple of Healing cannot mend it, this random stranger is unlikely to. The fact that he is associating with the Darthusian family has not escaped him, and even though he has been watching the Darthusians' aquisitions with a keen eye of late, Galen is as yet unsure their purpose in bringing Bo here.
As the young Darthusian accompanying him has shown a distinct lack of tact thus far, Galen has concluded that this younger son is not privvy to the true reasons of Bo's visit and has merely been set to accompany him as Bo goes about his business, whatever that might be.
Bo himself seems to be a sharp individual, content to watch hawkishly, but not above putting himself forward. The last of which goes against the grain for Galen and will probably end up being the reason they clash. And they are the two most likely to butt heads in my opinion.

Jemmie: Jemmie is a young woman who has been a bit down on her luck of late, she's not got the scruples Galen does, and she's gotten used to being able to wheedle a living out of the various men who find themselves attracted to her. She worked in a casino not long ago and is no doubt a touch too quick with the cards and dice of that trade. Galen is certain she's pretending craziness in order to keep people from seeing her as a true threat. It is probably a tactic she's used in the past when she's been in a tight spot to give her a chance to regain her feet. She's definitely not the flirt she makes out to be, but most of the others are too taken with her to see the cunning behind the smiles. She's not from the capital, and I'm willing to bet she hasn't worked a city that big before, and unless she's twice as cunning as Galen believes her to be, she's liable to get herself into trouble there. Thus far she seems content to tag along and see what she can skim from the edges and the young nobleman with us.
That said, Galen is not opposed to the young woman, he sees her as a very good reason why men should not chase just any skirt that crosses their path. But she has a keen mind and a ready wit, and unless he's much mistaken, quite a fine sense of humor and a drive to survive as well as a talent for it.

Tanram: Tanram is a simple man, he doesn't hold with nobles and their high falutin words, he's just a man tryin to make his own way in the world and try to escape the small town he's been stuck in forever. He's not opposed to his family, but he's trying to get a bit of distance from all the day to day nonsense.

Zythe Darthusian: Zythe Darthusian appears to be, as most young nobleman are, a hopeless and not terribly talented womanizer. If that is his goal in life he has a long way to go. He does not appear to hold his family's trust, for he seems to know no more of Bo's reasons for being here than Galen does. Nor does he seem curious about such things. A fop then, and one of many I am certain, such is often the way with younger noble sons. He does have some limited schooling, but he has not the wit to know when to apply it or the sense to know when to hold his tongue.


- People -

Kaylanna Darthusian: Her dress is long and scarlet, with long teardrop sleeves and a modest taste of cleavage. It is accented in tasteful gold trim and jeweled belt..her hair is medium lenth, down to the bottoms of her shoulderblades and curly brown. She has a clear complection (sp) and her skin is white and untanned or marred by weather. Her eyes are a very clear blue. She wears the signs of wealth in tasteful makeup and perfume, not so much in overloading herself but in the quality of what she does choose to wear. Her expression is genuinely pleasant, and speaks and moves with the signs of grace, breeding and politeness (comliness 14)

Kaylanna is fairly nice, you've not interacted with the others yet really. She's mostly unescorted at the moment for most of the ball functions.. apparently her two or three noblemen who were attempting to cully her favor have gotten themselves to the point where she didn't obligate herself to any of them thusfar. She is confident she will be suitably escorted for a decent portion of them thusfar.. her thought is if all else fails, she'll arrive on her own and make such a grand entrance she'll watch for who scampers over to try and claim her for the evening.. *rolls sense motive for Galen* You have the feeling this is partial bravido from her.. she's sure she wont be lacking for company once she arrives, however she's hoping it will go half as well as she is saying and she wont be shackled with someone horrible. so she's taken care of a few, has hopes for a few, and hasn't gotten to the others yet.

Darcia Vestrit: A young noblewoman of the upper middle/lower upper class with whom Galen is aquainted and finds reasonably trustworthy. The Vestrits are a Fisher family, and Darcia is 4th born. She is tall, thin, with long black hair.
They're newer on the scenes of politics and the upper crust, and still have much of their values of hard work and integrity that craftsmen and virtuous traders often do.
Darcia is an acquaintance of Joselin's, we met through her. I am not as close with her as I am Joselin for that very reason and have only recently reestablished my social connection to her since my training separated me largely from the noble world.

Joselin Holdir: A young noblewoman of the upper middle/lower upper class with whom Galen is aquainted and finds reasonably trustworthy. The Holdirs are Carters by trade and Joselin is their 2nd born. She is just short of average height with blondish wavy hair.
They're newer on the scenes of politics and the upper crust, and still have much of their values of hard work and integrity that craftsmen and virtuous traders often do.
Her family as Carters have worked closely with my family (in grains) in the past, so I am familiar with her from gatherings of the past. I am on warmer terms with her than Darcia because I have known her longer and our families do business frequently. I have been out of the loop for the last 5 years, but in the last couple I've been reestablishing bonds.

Clarice: Acolyte in the Temple of Fillia. Cheerful 16 year old gossip with blonde ringlets. Sable: Galens' shy cockney stalker. She "acquired" one of the flowers Galen gave to Suzette and then donated it to his Temple by way of thanks a few days after Galen et al cleansed the cult nest.

Hookups: figure 4 or 5 'dates' with Caelie, all of which may well end in her quarters or yours (by this point she did get an actual bed), probably at least 3 dates with Suzette, each definately overnight affairs with her wiles, the Suzette dates were in some inn each time.. most likely..




- Political Families of Tier Loch -

The Tiranos are strong social acquaintences/friends of the Darthusian's. That's a name that's come up.. The Darthusians've been expanding trade resources and investing in several foreign ventures. Particularly within the last year or three. Within the past three years they've been working steadily on their trading business. They own a shipping company, specializing in trades from downriver from Tier Draas they're not a monopoly just yet, but they're working on it.

- Political Climate -

Tier Loch: Also, since the War of Sinister. There have been two foreign acquisitons/investments the Darthusians have made. One, is apparently a horse breeding project happening in Gendraal. Something about crossbreeding their heavy war horses with stock from Honosho. (Gendraal being a very feudal government with a strong knightly class.) The second acquisition is apparently an engineering guild based in Tier Draas. They've done a few notable bridges in the past. During the War of Sinister the main bridges to Tier Loch were destroyed by Tier Loch forces to deny access.. you're guessing that they are trying to possible get a hand in some business in making new bridges during the repairs and possible expansion.

Vallenya's:The Vallenyas have a good deal of farm holdings, particularly in the rural eastern part of the island. They've fairly good relations with the elves to the north, and often get some of their woodworking goods that the Darthusians have been jealous about for ages. They also have a decent wool trade.

Honosho: there has been some emergence of them.. the horse breeding thing going on in Gendraal.. some actual Honoshan goods shipped from Tier Draas by the Darthusian family.. there have been rumors of plans of settlements to the south, but there has been too much internal repair and negotiations with the Heartlands, not to mention concern over the extension of the badlands to worry about that, you are aware there is civil war going on there.. that much has been heard from traders.. several factions are contending for the crown. There used to be more, but many have consolidated til only two or three remain.



Stories of Note
- Elves and the Song of Creation -
Alright... as you know the elves believe that Fiara, their chief goddess is their creator. They believe the tool she used to create things was a song, a song at the essence of all creation. Elves are said to be able to sing to trees and plants, and ask them to shape themselves into different forms, it is also rumored (only rumor mind you) that dwarves have a similar ability over stone.. but the dwarves are very silent about this. You can postulate therefore, that the song of creation mentioned is literally the same one referenced by this religious belief, that all the things were created by a song. Some are said to be seeking bits of knowledge and lore to try and understand or create this song to use it to work great feats of magic. It is also rumored that elves believe very highly in Prophecy and some mention people's role in prophecy by comparing it to notes in a song. Each note lasts but for a short while and may be only a small part, but it is part of a larger song that can only be viewed as a whole. It is said that this is part of the song and music passed to Fiara's daughter, Dwythynn which would in theory also be a connection to the concept of "sorcery" along with the shards of Dwythynn's moon theory that human mythology posits.

- Lucian d'Canti's Martyrdom -

On one particular day during your tutelage in the Temple at Mascare in a history class, you are struck by a story including a familiar figure: During the Plague of the Ancestors, and the cult of Morgwen that seemed behind the plot against the city, there was a churchmen by the name of Lucian d'Canti who distinguished himself by his endless service towards healing the sick, regardless of the endangerment to his own health. When a small army of cultists threatened to destroy a house of healing, he held them off singlehandedly until reinforcements could arrive, although he lost his life in the doing, to a foul wizard ally of the cultists. Although it is said that when the ashes and explosions ceased, neither he nor the wizard could be seen. He is counted as a martyr of the church, and an inspiration to servants of Fillia everywhere.

- Formation of Tier Loch -

In the beginning.. the gods were born as Laer was... and they lived their early lives upon its surface..
They dwelt with the birds and beasts, the early races, and helped lead and shephard early attempts at civilization. This lasted for thousands of years, and is known as the Age of the Divine.
Now, as the Age of the Divine was coming to a close, a great war was brewing... Nix, the evil Tyrant had decided that he desired the crown of his brother, Sol, and the hand of Fillia as his bride, being far more ruthless and iron handed than his fellows, he raised a large army. It was opposed by their combined forces at the last moment. The clash of mortals essentially means nothing to a battle between the powers of creation itself, and sadly is of little consequence...
Nix and Sol eventually met upon the field and engaged in battle.. the very world and everything on it paused to watch the divinities colide. Sol's sword and Nix's flail clashed again and again. Eventually, Nix let loose a rain of blows in an unearthly rage upon his brother, which Sol managed to escape the brunt of, however the land beneath him was not so lucky. Nix's flail shattered the very island upon which they fough, it's unholy power seeping into the very ground beneath the blow.
Sol saw his chance and swung his blade at the chain of the flail, severing it while it lay upon the ground. Having been disarmed, Nix fled the field, cursing his foul luck and the cheating ways of Sol. From that day forth, Sol took the head of Nix's flail, and mounted it upon a staff, forming the scepter (Heavy mace) which he used as his weapon of choice henceforth.
The shattered island he took to be his place of power, and directed his followers to build a mighty city upon it (while also allowing him to monitor the aftereffects of Nix's flail). Joining him in his project were Fillia his love, and Skraal his son (who had also cracked the earth during the war... but that is another tale) this city of light and honor, guarded by three powers of goodness, became the nation of Tier Loch. A theocracy ruled by a religious triumvate between the religions of Sol, Fillia, and Skraal (though primarily Sol) it is a land of honor, knowledge, and antiquity, a place of light and a beacon of hope in times of darkness it is an island nation of 5 major towns and cities, with a few outlaying settlements upon the various banks (2 having been destroyed in the War of Sinister) across the northern shore is the Ne'la'marmith forest, the legendary misty forest of the moon elves, in which is the city of Marmith'nia, or Mist Haven as it is known to the southwest lay the lands of the halflings, and one of the obelisks (and its tainted region) near to the east is the land of Tier Kat, a peaceful farming country with only one major city. Further west is the land of Tier Draas, the land of steel. In the mountains to the northwest lay the land of the dwarven kingdoms and the four Karak's then to the east is the Heartlands, and the city of Greyhawk.



- Expectations of the Church of Fillia -

Fillia's a church of mercy healing and protection. The official domains are Good, Guardian, Healing, Protection, Renewal.
Generally speaking, a priest of Fillia never charges for healing services or assistance to the sick or dying. They heal both friend and foe should the occasion present itself, without thought to race or affiliation. Theirs is a service to make life better. However, Fillia is an understanding goddess of the concept of war, being wed to Sol and mother to Skraal. Violence is allowed when necessary, though always do they try to preserve life and inflict the least amount of damage possible. Also it is not always practical to heal the enemy in large scale combats, but if the opportunity should present itself, one is expected to take it.
They protect those in risk or danger, they defend those who cannot defend themselves, in other ways besides merely violence or battle. Often words or service in public works will allow for the protection of many.
They perform the general duties of priests, advise the flock, see to their spiritual and overall wellbeing in their lives. They help teach and guide, and render assistance as they can. All in all, they are a proactive helping faith, and generally welcomed whereever they go.

- My Beginnings in the Church -

as a new person you helped with a lot of cleaning, being an extra hand for some minor ceremonies, work in the garden, as well as studying religious texts, and a basic education in reading, writing, figuring, and cultural history and knowledge also, you had arms practice overseen by Father Dorin Vestrano and the Warder Captain. As you progressed in the faith, you began to have less menial chores, and more martial duties, including watches, helping the city guard, and being neutral protectors to various minor diplomatic functions (negotiations between noble houses and the like were typically policed by um.. whats the word.. delegations of the three faiths. Usually there were more servants of Sol and Skraal, but the Warders and paladins such as yourself also saw some practice and duty in such things)
Another NPC of note... there was a young lady you have seen several times during these services to the nobles and the city. She was farmbred you're sure, with bright red hair and a very winning smile. Her name is Caelindra Luskan, and she was part of the Sol delegation. You seem to remember something about her being in training to be a Templar of Sol, a church knight. Their colors are gold and crimson.
You with your natural talent for diplomatic speech, also were often assigned to observe dealings between noble houses, so you would have an opportunity to learn how they worked.
Once you were even the assistant to a Arbitrator between two houses who were trying to avoid an all out blood feud, the Tirano's and the Carseena's. The Tirano family, had a few friends in attendence for support. One of those people, Lord Darthusian, caught your eye. He seemed a little too sociable after the Arbitrator made his decision, a little too quick to adapt to the new circumstances. You almost began to wonder if he played a roll in setting up the whole affair and for what purpose. there were a few deaths of various minor cousins, typical young male foolishness that was in danger of boiling over. One or two wiser older members of the family kept their heads and appealed to the church for assistance in settling the dispute peacefully Before the watch was involved. That affair was three years ago.

- Weapon Preferences -

Father Dorin Vestrano is, of course, a paladin himself. You gather this over your years of schooling and such. His warhorse's name is Verana. Apparently among the Warders and such of the goddess there's no one particular weapon, although all of you are taught the quarterstaff as a matter of course.
Father Vestrano uses a large war hammer and shield. He also carries a sword, and the obigatory quarterstaff. He feels that a spear is a very good weapon for the common man and soldier, a sword is the weapon of the elite and most guards, but his hammer he feels is well suited towards felling a heavily armored man, who's flesh is covered enough that a sword won't cut it well. Personally, he prefers a hammer over a mace or an axe. The lance, of course, is the weapon of any cavalryperson.
((thats a noticeable difference between the faiths.. servants of Skraal almost always use a two handed greatsword, greataxe, or maul... Sol tends to be in the middle, while Fillia servants tend to stick more towards shields and weapons, now none of them are dumb enough to ignore tactical sense, thats just the stereotypes of weapon preference. probably strongly related to religious doctrine and philosophies))