Erinthios: A Remembered History

I don't claim to be a grand storyteller, or even to remember my entire life. I know what I know, and that is what I will tell.

BEFORE

Of my life before finding myself here below Montparsa on the land of Taera, I remember only some. My father was a great swordmaster, in service of the King, I believe. Sorry if I've ruined any impression that we elves only are magic-users or use bows. All elves use magic, each in his own way. My father used his for superior sword skills. In any case, we lived in a nice little house. My mother had died when I was young, of some incurable disease. My father had to raise me himself as best he could. When he had time, he worked with me on swords, preparing me to follow in his footsteps. While I enjoyed swords, and improved my balance and thinking by them, I found the call of magic more to my liking. My father did not know how deeply my love of magic went, and since I still was training swords with him, he did not mind. I lived like this for a number of years. But all was about to change.

ARRIVAL

One day I woke up to find myself somewhere strange. The walls were stone with wooden beams running all over. It was dusty and dark, only a few torches to light the way. I found at my side a bag and a few items including leather armor and a sturdy wooden staff. I must confess I never was exceptional with a staff... Not knowing where I was, I cautiously looked around and stepped into a small room. A fountain stood in the center of the room, a few feet high and as many across. Clear water rippled inside it. I was rather dry and thirsty, and cautiously took a sip. Immediately I noticed a difference. I was not only not so thirsty, but more refreshed and alert, as well. I also noticed the magic pulsing through my body. This was no ordinary place I had ended up in, and magic was definitely a large part of what it was. I had never before felt so much of a magical presence. I had noticed a difference when I arrived, but I dismissed it due to being somewhat disoriented. Now I knew for certain that this was the feel of magic all around me. A small flame I created above my palm quickly became large, and nearly out of control. I suppressed it, but not before I earned a burn on my hand. Magic was more concentrated, and, as I learned the hard way, needed a firmer hand than I was used to. But this place was full of possibilities. I wandered the room a bit more, finding some chests nearby and deciding what I needed, and eyed the door. This room seemed safe enough, but I had no idea what was beyond the door. I went to it, pulled it open, and walked out...

AFTER

Since that first day I've learned quite a bit. I've encountered many monsters, become skilled at my magic, and met many interesting people. I have even been honored enough to be allowed to join this guild. I have been through most of the mines and caves now, and have been called on to assist some fellow Taerans (as I now consider myself) in times of trouble. I have toured with some newbies, and try to answer any questions I can. I was once a newbie, lost and unsure of where I was. But now I have found a place, made even more real by my acceptance into this Guild of the Spiff where my efforts may be merged with those of others to help give knowledge to those arriving about Taera so that we may restore it to it's righteous state of a land of beauty. My own position in this guild is that of Map Maker, and help to keep the maps of our guild updated and recent. You may find me wandering around the various levels, and if so feel free to say hi, or ask a question, or anything. I'm glad to help anyone, old or young, new or experienced. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. Even if I don't know, someone else likely will. You can't appreciate this land if you don't know anything about it! And if you happen to wonder what my alignment is, I guess at best I could be called neutral with good tendencies. I believe in the balance between good and evil, but I do act kindly toward fellow citizens and will only attack when necessary. In fact, I try not to attack on lower levels of the mine because it's unfair to the monsters... But if you want to know more, feel free to ask my philosophy, and I may be able to tell you more.