Cydnar
06-04-14, 06:33 PM
Northswain Arfrost (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkwz2Bf2OVc)
3380
Cydnar Yrene
“It is time for us to stop hiding in the shadows, and embrace the light.”
Alias: Lord Salthias, Yggdrassil
Gender: Male
Race: Hummel
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 159lbs
Eye Colour: Grey
Hair Colour: Grey
Religion: Salthias
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Occupation: Politician
Intelligence: Above Average
Literacy: Above Average
Updates are in red.
History: Beyond the finite wonders of Scara Brae, Radasanth, Underwood…the hubs of civilisations far from his own rests an academy of magic. Creatures in this land fight with blade and the arcane, a harmonious residual power deep-seated and pulsating with martial prowess. Such creatures are scant wraiths, pointy-eared pixies, dragonet paladins and mighty warlords, each as ferocious and cunning as the last. It is here that the Fae and dragons learn their art and advance their magic, as has been and always will be a legacy of one thousand five hundred years tutorage. Some say that Cydnar learnt his traits there in the hallowed halls, but they do not know of the people beneath the earth, the World Weavers, the healers of the magical scars of Althanas.
Donnalaich’s fair crystal spires and boulevards are carved from magic and etched onto the fabric of Althanas, all and sundry behold it as an empire gem in a turbulent land, the Fae and elves alike view it is a crystalline spire of beauty, of pride, something to treasure. However, it was not always so, for beneath the city in great deposits of crystals and minerals there rests another kingdom, one born of the Drow and the elves in ages past. They are the Hummel, the Artisans, and the Deep World Weavers.
The history of the children of the under dark, of the city beneath the city is one few know on the surface. A union between the Drow and the high elves of old saw a union of politics as well as flesh, and in time, the children of those first city dwellers became a separate race altogether. In the silence, carving their cities into the very crust of the world they have remained, their boon their curse as ironic as ever. In such shadows, they discovered the Great Snake Yrene, a powerful deity, whose purpose is to sliver through the cracks under the surface, devouring any excess magic, which has seeped down into the soils, the rocks and the magma of the world where it should not be. In time, the Hummel came to worship Yrene, establishing a Noble House of leaders who shared its name, and erecting great crystalline effigies in the great domed rafters of their cities.
A thousand years passed.
In their lord’s stead, the Hummel learnt the various parts of the artisans and took to rebuilding the damage from the countless wars, which raged on the surface of Althanas. Where battles erupted the earth beneath corrupted and foiled, destroyed and rent and turned anew by spells, cannons and cavalcades of magical bombardment. The Weavers tore aside the earth and the Artisans and Salthias went in the whole’s wake, healing the damage and then disappearing back to their homes as if they were never there, and as if the battle above were nothing more than a skirmish.
Such focus on magic gave the Hummel a natural affinity to creation, and at birth, each child tunes to the soul of Yrene, gifted with the ability to weave, heal, and create one element required to follow in the World Eater’s stead. Such ability gave rise to the Hummel’s renowned ability as Artisans and builders, as well as warriors and guardians.
Cydnar was born in the depths of the great Ict Crystal chamber, a massive sphere of hollow space lined with massive amethyst stalagmites deep beneath Donnalaich itself. Buildings and abodes hang from the roof, almost half a mile high, and crystalline bridges connect semi suspended towers and great spheres that count as temples and meeting chambers. At his birth his parents, humble artisan Lo Yrene and Farrar Yrene of the noble household bound their child to the World Snake and waited in the darkness that filled the temple to see what good fortune bestowed upon their son.
A single sphere of deep purple quartz appeared in a flash of radiance and for all eternity, the young elf was bound to crystals of snow, rose and blackened night. Duty bound for two centuries he learnt the fighting style of the Salthias; the title of noble sons who work as Artisans in the great tunnels as part of the recovery teams. Known as ‘Templers;’ Those gifted to carve the earth make the paths, those gifted with light guide the way and those gifted to heal and create and shape restore the natural geological formations and remnants of the past. Harmony is a wondrous thing.
In recent times however, as the Hummel cities grow in confidence and throw the shackles of their seclusion and neutral stance, a few of their number go to the surface to find new means of satisfaction. They find it in creation, artistry or adventuring across the bright world above. Their dedication to the World Snake is still absolute and they recover the land and heal hearts where magic has done wrong, but learn of the world beyond their own in abject awe at the same time. It is through this curiosity that the noble son of House Yrene has come to the sun lands and set up a workshop in Donnalaich, to work on the crystals that form its splendorous heights. Even if occasionally, he travels to Corone or to the far-flung reaches of Salvar.
However, all good fortunate motions have little in the way of successful conclusions. He is still an outcast from the Drow, and considered suspicious by the elves and treated with vain indignity by the humans and the Fae. There is much to learn of dignity and conversation, much to learn of the causes of grief, of chaos, and magic.
In the first months of the last year, the Hummel Council sent the war host of Invar to the surface of Raiaera to intervene in the High War. There, Cydnar lead the forces of the Dunwainin a charge against a necromantic horde to prevent a summoning that was prophesised by the Seers of Arday. At this battle, he lost his closest friend and heart romance, and much of his strength and resolve drained. Unable to stand in the sidelines and watch the world burn, the Hummel chose Cydnar as their envoy to join the Dawnbringers in killing the Necromancer Xem’Zund.
In the caverns beneath the world in the darkness where he was born, he fought alongside the heroes of Althanas. Whilst feeble in might and in comparison, Cydnar bore the brunt of his people’s legacy and fought one of the dark lord’s clones. There he witnessed Yrene’s might encumber the necromancer with weakness, and found his diminishing resolve and faith in his duties suddenly and inexplicably restored.
He returned to Lothmor and his life amongst the Fae folk, wondering in his illness and tiredness why he of all people should have to suffer being between one war and another. Although a spate of battles and meetings has brought him closer to understanding his purpose the future for the Hummel is vague, and for Cydnar, vaguer still.
Gripped by visions he is unsure of, Cydnar has spiralled into a quest for self-satisfaction and discovery. He fights to regain the feeling he once head when contentment came in the servitude and swing of his blade, and longs for the long thaw of his emotions, feelings and fealties to end.
Strange meetings and challenges in the limelight of obscurity have only helped to compound his delusions. Fleeing the shelter of the city of Arday on the cusp and verge of one war and another, Cydnar leaves the city of Donnalaich behind in search of answers. He leaves in search of salvation in the arms of his mentor and liege the Provost General of the Grande Temple.
The dream that spurned him this action curses him so, for he must discover the meaning behind his brother's betrayal and unravel the mystery of the purple tree and the ward stone.
Thus, the last of the World Weaving Salthias departs in search of Terra Firma.
Cydnar has waxed and waned throughout his life as an obedient son and a tyrant rebel. Things corrupt him from the dark, haunted memories of days gone by and these dreams cast him Between One War and Another. He travelled to Haida, to Where No Gods Go in search of his tormentor, only to find that it was Nidhogg, the Brother of Yrene and anathema god to his religious pious nature.
Whilst he survived through Yggdrassil interference, what the future holds in store he does not know. He has returned to Donnalaich and to the Hummel city, which resides beneath the Fae capital to convene the remnants of the Council, to call to arms his people against a new and dangerous enemy, just when his kin thought it safe to walk the earth once more in Xemzund’s wake. There is much revival to oversee, much regeneration to pray for, much joy to rekindle in his and their hearts.
Biding his time and giving thought to the true purpose of the Hummel in the modern world, Cydnar drew on his new power as Lord Provost and High Salthias to reach out everywhere through the Under Dark. He discovered the existence of a sub-sect of Hummel, who worship a Spider God, not Yrene, though they do not know that N’Jal herself has corrupted them. Perhaps they can be allies, the Hummel and the Spider Drow…
In the last year, he has heard of war on the surface, and has forced the Hummel’s hand to join into another bitter conflict, or perish in solitude beneath the snowy wastes of Salvar. Though his kin lost most of their army and grand strength fighting Xem’Zund, it is perhaps now that they can reclaim some of that lost glory.
United by a cold desire, Cydnar and Dalasi have begun gathering allies on the surface to facilitate the return of the Hummel to the daylight world. With their lives in the balance, crushed between Umber Hulks in shadowy oblivion, and the frost wastes of Berevar, only ascendant dreams can save them. Turning to the high elf Elisdrasil, Cydnar has vowed to aid the elf's vision, and in searching for seer stones and secrets, he hopes to find a way to revive Yrene, the snake god, and break him out of his quartz tomb. For that to happen, though, he must tame the White Tree, and the curse of Yggdrassil, the End of Days.
Skills:
Swordplay: Cydnar is a dangerous opponent, legendary with two blades to the point that even he is wary of his ability. Against opponents using bladed weapons he is able to parry most blows. He is far from unbeatable, however.
Knowledge (Elven): Cydnar has an unrivalled grasp of elven history and culture. His education on the chronologies of these races is necessary as part of his role as the High Salthias, keeper of the grand library, and leader of his people.
Knowledge (Magic): Through studying magic and its machinations, Cydnar has developed an adept grasp of the workings of spells, the theories that drive the various schools and disciplines, and their historical contexts.
Knowledge (Diplomacy): As High Salthias, Cydnar leads the Council, the Hummellian armed forces, and the populace. He is an adept politician and a graceful orator, capable of handling a variety of situations with intuition and tact.
Knowledge (Geology): After many years working in Dheathain and the Under Dark, there is nothing left for Cydnar to learn about the study of rocks and the natural environment.
Abilities:
The Salthias Discipline: The symbol of the Hummel is the snake Thayne Yrene: the world eater and devourer of magic. Those who follow the Salthias way are powerful dispellers who work to destroy corrupted magic and those who would misuse it.
Detect Magic: Cydnar can detect sources of magic within eighty feet. He can divine its alignment and the age of the spell. In essence, he can ‘build’ a scene based on the lingering presence of ether.
Drain Magic: Cydnar has elongated canines that are as strong as dehlar. Anyone bitten by Cydnar suffers three levels loss in terms of magic skill and strength for the remainder of the quest or battle.
Dispel Magic: Cydnar can dispel incoming magic by crossing quartz-clad blades. He can dispel magic from lower level characters in level with appropriate time to respond. He can use it thrice per thread.
Geomancy: Cydnar’s ability stems from Hummel affinity with geomancy. He can create and manipulate quartz. This is an innate ability and cannot be ‘dispelled’. Any material he creates has a magical aura.
Project: Cydnar can conjure chunks and spheres, which strike at X3 strength. He can aim and guide these projectiles with above average accuracy, though he is far from being an expert shooter.
Create: Cydnar can conjure quartz at the rate of 30 cubic feet per minute. He can freely shape it, and control quartz in all its forms with his mind. He can manipulate up to 500lbs with relative ease.
Float: Cydnar can create discs of quartz or similar devices and levitate on them at walking speed. This allows him to cross rivers/crevices and raise himself up to 500ft from the ground though it requires concentration.
Destroy: Once per thread, Cydnar can unleash a devastating storm. By channelling, he can fire the equivalent of ten ‘project’ chunks at once. He cannot use any geomancy for the remainder of the thread.
Hummel: The Hummel are descendants of high and dark elves with traits of both. Cydnar has X2 dexterity, X2 agility, and can see 200ft in the dark with infravision. He is highly susceptible to disease, but immune to natural poison.
Inventory:
Timberlake Blade: (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/kmelaza/media/crystalsword.jpg.html) An ancient relic blade. Steel blade (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?24048-The-Timberlake-Blade&highlight=), maple handle, and enchanted to inflict frostbite with an effective hit (giving it a +1.5 strength boost when wielded two handed). Rings placed on the handle pass enhancements to the sword.
Altheas: A spring-loaded blade cane made of iron and crystal composite called haematite. The spring-loaded system allows for easy deployment. The handle is ornate.
Freya: A spring-loaded blade cane made of iron and crystal composite called haematite. The spring-loaded system allows for easy deployment. The handle is ornate. The blade glows blue when near evil magic.
Spell Pouch and Wand: Cydnar wears a pouch belt around his waist containing various items and a notebook written in Hummel. He has a wand as well, which is a simple length of wood with a quartz core.
The Oath Stone: This sphere was empowered by the elders of the Hummel. It allows the owner to see through the eyes of all the Council, and hear all they hear. It will lose all its power if any of the nine members die.
3380
Cydnar Yrene
“It is time for us to stop hiding in the shadows, and embrace the light.”
Alias: Lord Salthias, Yggdrassil
Gender: Male
Race: Hummel
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 159lbs
Eye Colour: Grey
Hair Colour: Grey
Religion: Salthias
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Occupation: Politician
Intelligence: Above Average
Literacy: Above Average
Updates are in red.
History: Beyond the finite wonders of Scara Brae, Radasanth, Underwood…the hubs of civilisations far from his own rests an academy of magic. Creatures in this land fight with blade and the arcane, a harmonious residual power deep-seated and pulsating with martial prowess. Such creatures are scant wraiths, pointy-eared pixies, dragonet paladins and mighty warlords, each as ferocious and cunning as the last. It is here that the Fae and dragons learn their art and advance their magic, as has been and always will be a legacy of one thousand five hundred years tutorage. Some say that Cydnar learnt his traits there in the hallowed halls, but they do not know of the people beneath the earth, the World Weavers, the healers of the magical scars of Althanas.
Donnalaich’s fair crystal spires and boulevards are carved from magic and etched onto the fabric of Althanas, all and sundry behold it as an empire gem in a turbulent land, the Fae and elves alike view it is a crystalline spire of beauty, of pride, something to treasure. However, it was not always so, for beneath the city in great deposits of crystals and minerals there rests another kingdom, one born of the Drow and the elves in ages past. They are the Hummel, the Artisans, and the Deep World Weavers.
The history of the children of the under dark, of the city beneath the city is one few know on the surface. A union between the Drow and the high elves of old saw a union of politics as well as flesh, and in time, the children of those first city dwellers became a separate race altogether. In the silence, carving their cities into the very crust of the world they have remained, their boon their curse as ironic as ever. In such shadows, they discovered the Great Snake Yrene, a powerful deity, whose purpose is to sliver through the cracks under the surface, devouring any excess magic, which has seeped down into the soils, the rocks and the magma of the world where it should not be. In time, the Hummel came to worship Yrene, establishing a Noble House of leaders who shared its name, and erecting great crystalline effigies in the great domed rafters of their cities.
A thousand years passed.
In their lord’s stead, the Hummel learnt the various parts of the artisans and took to rebuilding the damage from the countless wars, which raged on the surface of Althanas. Where battles erupted the earth beneath corrupted and foiled, destroyed and rent and turned anew by spells, cannons and cavalcades of magical bombardment. The Weavers tore aside the earth and the Artisans and Salthias went in the whole’s wake, healing the damage and then disappearing back to their homes as if they were never there, and as if the battle above were nothing more than a skirmish.
Such focus on magic gave the Hummel a natural affinity to creation, and at birth, each child tunes to the soul of Yrene, gifted with the ability to weave, heal, and create one element required to follow in the World Eater’s stead. Such ability gave rise to the Hummel’s renowned ability as Artisans and builders, as well as warriors and guardians.
Cydnar was born in the depths of the great Ict Crystal chamber, a massive sphere of hollow space lined with massive amethyst stalagmites deep beneath Donnalaich itself. Buildings and abodes hang from the roof, almost half a mile high, and crystalline bridges connect semi suspended towers and great spheres that count as temples and meeting chambers. At his birth his parents, humble artisan Lo Yrene and Farrar Yrene of the noble household bound their child to the World Snake and waited in the darkness that filled the temple to see what good fortune bestowed upon their son.
A single sphere of deep purple quartz appeared in a flash of radiance and for all eternity, the young elf was bound to crystals of snow, rose and blackened night. Duty bound for two centuries he learnt the fighting style of the Salthias; the title of noble sons who work as Artisans in the great tunnels as part of the recovery teams. Known as ‘Templers;’ Those gifted to carve the earth make the paths, those gifted with light guide the way and those gifted to heal and create and shape restore the natural geological formations and remnants of the past. Harmony is a wondrous thing.
In recent times however, as the Hummel cities grow in confidence and throw the shackles of their seclusion and neutral stance, a few of their number go to the surface to find new means of satisfaction. They find it in creation, artistry or adventuring across the bright world above. Their dedication to the World Snake is still absolute and they recover the land and heal hearts where magic has done wrong, but learn of the world beyond their own in abject awe at the same time. It is through this curiosity that the noble son of House Yrene has come to the sun lands and set up a workshop in Donnalaich, to work on the crystals that form its splendorous heights. Even if occasionally, he travels to Corone or to the far-flung reaches of Salvar.
However, all good fortunate motions have little in the way of successful conclusions. He is still an outcast from the Drow, and considered suspicious by the elves and treated with vain indignity by the humans and the Fae. There is much to learn of dignity and conversation, much to learn of the causes of grief, of chaos, and magic.
In the first months of the last year, the Hummel Council sent the war host of Invar to the surface of Raiaera to intervene in the High War. There, Cydnar lead the forces of the Dunwainin a charge against a necromantic horde to prevent a summoning that was prophesised by the Seers of Arday. At this battle, he lost his closest friend and heart romance, and much of his strength and resolve drained. Unable to stand in the sidelines and watch the world burn, the Hummel chose Cydnar as their envoy to join the Dawnbringers in killing the Necromancer Xem’Zund.
In the caverns beneath the world in the darkness where he was born, he fought alongside the heroes of Althanas. Whilst feeble in might and in comparison, Cydnar bore the brunt of his people’s legacy and fought one of the dark lord’s clones. There he witnessed Yrene’s might encumber the necromancer with weakness, and found his diminishing resolve and faith in his duties suddenly and inexplicably restored.
He returned to Lothmor and his life amongst the Fae folk, wondering in his illness and tiredness why he of all people should have to suffer being between one war and another. Although a spate of battles and meetings has brought him closer to understanding his purpose the future for the Hummel is vague, and for Cydnar, vaguer still.
Gripped by visions he is unsure of, Cydnar has spiralled into a quest for self-satisfaction and discovery. He fights to regain the feeling he once head when contentment came in the servitude and swing of his blade, and longs for the long thaw of his emotions, feelings and fealties to end.
Strange meetings and challenges in the limelight of obscurity have only helped to compound his delusions. Fleeing the shelter of the city of Arday on the cusp and verge of one war and another, Cydnar leaves the city of Donnalaich behind in search of answers. He leaves in search of salvation in the arms of his mentor and liege the Provost General of the Grande Temple.
The dream that spurned him this action curses him so, for he must discover the meaning behind his brother's betrayal and unravel the mystery of the purple tree and the ward stone.
Thus, the last of the World Weaving Salthias departs in search of Terra Firma.
Cydnar has waxed and waned throughout his life as an obedient son and a tyrant rebel. Things corrupt him from the dark, haunted memories of days gone by and these dreams cast him Between One War and Another. He travelled to Haida, to Where No Gods Go in search of his tormentor, only to find that it was Nidhogg, the Brother of Yrene and anathema god to his religious pious nature.
Whilst he survived through Yggdrassil interference, what the future holds in store he does not know. He has returned to Donnalaich and to the Hummel city, which resides beneath the Fae capital to convene the remnants of the Council, to call to arms his people against a new and dangerous enemy, just when his kin thought it safe to walk the earth once more in Xemzund’s wake. There is much revival to oversee, much regeneration to pray for, much joy to rekindle in his and their hearts.
Biding his time and giving thought to the true purpose of the Hummel in the modern world, Cydnar drew on his new power as Lord Provost and High Salthias to reach out everywhere through the Under Dark. He discovered the existence of a sub-sect of Hummel, who worship a Spider God, not Yrene, though they do not know that N’Jal herself has corrupted them. Perhaps they can be allies, the Hummel and the Spider Drow…
In the last year, he has heard of war on the surface, and has forced the Hummel’s hand to join into another bitter conflict, or perish in solitude beneath the snowy wastes of Salvar. Though his kin lost most of their army and grand strength fighting Xem’Zund, it is perhaps now that they can reclaim some of that lost glory.
United by a cold desire, Cydnar and Dalasi have begun gathering allies on the surface to facilitate the return of the Hummel to the daylight world. With their lives in the balance, crushed between Umber Hulks in shadowy oblivion, and the frost wastes of Berevar, only ascendant dreams can save them. Turning to the high elf Elisdrasil, Cydnar has vowed to aid the elf's vision, and in searching for seer stones and secrets, he hopes to find a way to revive Yrene, the snake god, and break him out of his quartz tomb. For that to happen, though, he must tame the White Tree, and the curse of Yggdrassil, the End of Days.
Skills:
Swordplay: Cydnar is a dangerous opponent, legendary with two blades to the point that even he is wary of his ability. Against opponents using bladed weapons he is able to parry most blows. He is far from unbeatable, however.
Knowledge (Elven): Cydnar has an unrivalled grasp of elven history and culture. His education on the chronologies of these races is necessary as part of his role as the High Salthias, keeper of the grand library, and leader of his people.
Knowledge (Magic): Through studying magic and its machinations, Cydnar has developed an adept grasp of the workings of spells, the theories that drive the various schools and disciplines, and their historical contexts.
Knowledge (Diplomacy): As High Salthias, Cydnar leads the Council, the Hummellian armed forces, and the populace. He is an adept politician and a graceful orator, capable of handling a variety of situations with intuition and tact.
Knowledge (Geology): After many years working in Dheathain and the Under Dark, there is nothing left for Cydnar to learn about the study of rocks and the natural environment.
Abilities:
The Salthias Discipline: The symbol of the Hummel is the snake Thayne Yrene: the world eater and devourer of magic. Those who follow the Salthias way are powerful dispellers who work to destroy corrupted magic and those who would misuse it.
Detect Magic: Cydnar can detect sources of magic within eighty feet. He can divine its alignment and the age of the spell. In essence, he can ‘build’ a scene based on the lingering presence of ether.
Drain Magic: Cydnar has elongated canines that are as strong as dehlar. Anyone bitten by Cydnar suffers three levels loss in terms of magic skill and strength for the remainder of the quest or battle.
Dispel Magic: Cydnar can dispel incoming magic by crossing quartz-clad blades. He can dispel magic from lower level characters in level with appropriate time to respond. He can use it thrice per thread.
Geomancy: Cydnar’s ability stems from Hummel affinity with geomancy. He can create and manipulate quartz. This is an innate ability and cannot be ‘dispelled’. Any material he creates has a magical aura.
Project: Cydnar can conjure chunks and spheres, which strike at X3 strength. He can aim and guide these projectiles with above average accuracy, though he is far from being an expert shooter.
Create: Cydnar can conjure quartz at the rate of 30 cubic feet per minute. He can freely shape it, and control quartz in all its forms with his mind. He can manipulate up to 500lbs with relative ease.
Float: Cydnar can create discs of quartz or similar devices and levitate on them at walking speed. This allows him to cross rivers/crevices and raise himself up to 500ft from the ground though it requires concentration.
Destroy: Once per thread, Cydnar can unleash a devastating storm. By channelling, he can fire the equivalent of ten ‘project’ chunks at once. He cannot use any geomancy for the remainder of the thread.
Hummel: The Hummel are descendants of high and dark elves with traits of both. Cydnar has X2 dexterity, X2 agility, and can see 200ft in the dark with infravision. He is highly susceptible to disease, but immune to natural poison.
Inventory:
Timberlake Blade: (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/kmelaza/media/crystalsword.jpg.html) An ancient relic blade. Steel blade (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?24048-The-Timberlake-Blade&highlight=), maple handle, and enchanted to inflict frostbite with an effective hit (giving it a +1.5 strength boost when wielded two handed). Rings placed on the handle pass enhancements to the sword.
Altheas: A spring-loaded blade cane made of iron and crystal composite called haematite. The spring-loaded system allows for easy deployment. The handle is ornate.
Freya: A spring-loaded blade cane made of iron and crystal composite called haematite. The spring-loaded system allows for easy deployment. The handle is ornate. The blade glows blue when near evil magic.
Spell Pouch and Wand: Cydnar wears a pouch belt around his waist containing various items and a notebook written in Hummel. He has a wand as well, which is a simple length of wood with a quartz core.
The Oath Stone: This sphere was empowered by the elders of the Hummel. It allows the owner to see through the eyes of all the Council, and hear all they hear. It will lose all its power if any of the nine members die.