Greetings , I am Poplar "Bardson" I was delivered as a lad to the same group of fairies that raised my father, while he was away in the service of the Goddess. I have no memories of my mother; All the fairies will say is that I was delivered by a "shadowy figure that spoke oddly." Father, claimed "twas most likely found in the Pumpkin patch!" Then grumbled on about silly fairy ways for quite some time as the fairies had even less to say about him and are quite fond of stretching the truth to make it more amusing. Though father was know for having inherited that particular trait of his fey guardians, and using it in the most amusing manner!
The fairies that raised both I and mine father named me. Fairies take names very seriously as do most fey folk. I was named for the Poplar tree. Which is noted for the following attributes; POPLAR (the uncertainty) looks very decorative, not very-self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.
*as a minor note father received his name because he was discovered as an infant in a patch of roses
At the behest of mine father, Indigo and Nephtys have agreed to be my godparents, and guide me in my early years so I don't make the same mistakes that my father made, which eventually forced him to depart. Many of my father's friends and acquaintances have stepped forward and agreed to help me. Tis my fondest dream to carry on fathers good works, while leaving his vices behind!
Twas unfortunate, but quite unavoidable, I suppose, father having left me all his writings including his songbooks. One day I sung one of his songs. No more was the final word from my mouth than my father who I thought unable to visit me was standing with the Goddess brutally scolding me for the singing of such an awful song. whilst at the same time scolding mine Godfather Indigo for not keeping proper control over mineself.
Father I suppose seeing I was entirely too much for even Indigo and Nephtys to handle begged the Goddess to take a hand in mine upbringing. Father promised all that was in his power, his life his soul, he even went as far as to offer me up entirely to the Goddess, and of course offered to fall upon his sword, though he had promised to stop threatening that many times to the Goddess, again the goddess simply took his sword and offered a deal too magnanimous for mortal comprehension "The ONLY term I require is if you want your son to be safe and not be lead down the same road you have followed then you ALLOW me to do as I must and nothing else!"
Father digested these words from the Goddess's lips and with a bit of the boldness that served him so well had the gall to make more requests. " Then I have 3 minor requests Goddess. First when the time is right teach the boy how to silence the ladies, as soon as possible teach him how to dance, and right now bless mine lips and silence me!" then father while kissing the Goddess faded from the realm.
Would also be a dream come true to discover the identity of my absent mother. I've searched out some of father's best-known acquaintances. But have found them most vexing. Getting clear answers from Deja (Chaos) or Malice (Madness) is a frustrating endeavor to say the least, and is also quite hard on you wardrobe, person, and mental health! Shadowj Claims to know nothing. A comment that father would heartily endorse, while giggling merrily.
As to mine appearance; I'm 162 centimeters tall, as thin as a rapier, but muscled like an acrobat. Mine hair is an indescribable shade of brown that seems to change color, ranging from a near green, to the lightest sand color, depending on mine surroundings. Mine eyes are a dark green color. And of course none can miss my large ears actually reaching above the top of mine head when they choose to stick up rather than droop. Mine age is around 14 years give or take a few either way.
During a recent visit with a tree spirit, Dryad, mine father knew well my natural abilities were awakened. they are as such:
Endure elements; extreme weather has no effect on me, though magic attacks based on extreme heat and cold are still dangerous
Immune to disease and poison, generally common to fey folk
Vision beyond human perception, I can actually see in a sorts without any visible light
Supernatural hearing
Elfin agility, I near able to dance on the head of a needle like fairies and angels, but the butt of a spear makes a finer dance floor
Freedom of movement and evasion, elf’s can only be imprisoned, in unique magical ways
Camouflage, being raised with fey folk, I can become practically invisible in almost any environment
Phase shift, an illusion of you in one place while the original is several feet away. very handy while sleeping
Move without a trace, this ability requires almost no effort unless I'm crossing very telling terrain like snow
Tree teleport, teleport from one tree to another, appears as if I walked behind the tree, but I walk out from behind another. Does not require a previous visit to a tree, which is normally required to safely teleport
Tree sanctuary, mind body and spirit move into a tree and hibernate the body comes out healed normal based on time spent in sanctuary, if not performed carefully caster may become compliant and not realize how much time has passed and come out much later than planned. I'm extremely susceptible to this and it tis very unlikely I will ever use this ability
Green song . Singing of the Greensong, makes a person as one with nature, and allows movement at 4 times the normal speed through any natural terrain. Manmade objects such as paved roads, bridges and walls disrupt the Greensong.
With these abilities my adventures began. And a merry set of adventures they where. The Goddess gave me an entire day of rest before she began mine training in dance. And a harsh task mistress she was, weighting me down with weights to strengthen mine legs, and tasking me to practice whenever possible. Twas many of the Barpian Ladies bore the scuffs from mine shoes upon their dainty lil feet as they aided me in mine instruction. But with their help and the Goddess's diligent instruction I soon became an accomplished dancer. quite fit to grace any ballroom throughout the realms.
But mind you the Goddess Wizardcl was not only teaching me how to spin a pretty lady across the dance floor, she also taught me how such steps could be used to avoid far more malicious dance partners and the implements of death and pain they might choose to bring to bear against me. Oddly enough twas in very short order I got to put those very steps to work for me when Lady Deja took to me with a whip. Twas a painful experience, and for several days I sat very gently, and took great care with certain movements. But due to my talent and quickness afoot, and I suspect a bit of mercy on Deja's part, I suffered no permanent damage, to anything save mine dignity.
Seeing as how Barp could be dangerous without proper protection and the training to use it, I sought out mine Mentor Shadowj. We had a very long and philosophical , as well as practical talk about weapons. The honor of their use and mastery, and eventually ended up in a weapon shop. In this fine establishment an old acquaintance of my mentor, Pedro outfitted me most properly.
Pedro, a master smith, from the vague description Shadowj and I provided produced a true masterpiece from beneath the counter of his shop. Twas a fine saber with a full basket hilt, as ornate as a master smith and a jeweler combine could make it.. The blade ever so slightly curved, the backedge sharpened over two thirds of it's length. I protested "twould be a shame to damage such a beautiful piece, without the honor of leaving a bit of blood on the blade."
Pedro promptly produced near the same blade with a simple basket hilt, even showing a bit of abuse and neglect. Relaying a bit of a story behind the Blade Pedro said, "That my friend is the very same saber ShadowJ taught me with...I guess that blade is always going to haunt you eh?"...ShadowJ smirked admiring the blade. So tis this blade I carried on many a fine adventure, for I have never seen any reason to return for it's more ornate cousin.
Twas also this day that Mine Mentor gave me A simple bit of advice that continues to carry me along. For though I love him dearly, Mine father has cast a long shadow over me. I suppose tis a bit normal for a son to desire to excel beyond his father. But I had become quite upset as many folk seemed to near goad me with father's superiority to me... twas many nights I cried mine self to sleep ashamed because of mine inadequacy.
Shadowj listened intently to mine shame. and simply said "if i were you, learn how to defend yourself and go off explorin...'" This advice I took entirely to heart, and it has carried me far indeed, to the very depths of the Shadow cave, and the farthest corners of Hades, across the Desert of Despair, and High up into the distant snow covered Highlands of Morgoth.. But I get ahead of mine self."
I returned to mine friend The Goddess and Proudly showed her the weapon I now possessed. Mine Goddess was less then encouraging at the sight of me armed, but would not openly scold me and rather gifted me with a shield and some wise words . "You can not solely defend yourself with a sword now can you?" whilst winking knowingly.
I carefully examined the shield a large "P" was embossed in the center, entirely surrounded and intertwined with roses. I protested just a bit, " Goddess tis grand, far too grand to carry into battle and see destroyed." But mine friend calmly assured me "Do not be blinded by the looks of it, I assure you that it will hold up to just about any blow you may ever find yourself needing to block yourself from."
Mind you my friend the Godddess WizardCl has been generous beyond all personages in my life.. Amongst the things she has given me; A fine mare I occasionally ride. tis housed in her stable.. I spend entirely too much time in the stables... mostly listening to the bragging and lying of the stable boys. More than once one of their tall tales has gotten me in trouble. But still occasionally I like all young lads must act mine age. Which of course includes a bit of disobedience..
I've also received a trinket from the Goddess, which allows me to breath below water, for she quite enjoys a swim in her aquatic form, and tis mine honor to oft accompany her. She has opened mine eyes to the large world under the surface of the seas. Twas during one of these very swimming expeditions that a most unusual set of events where put into motion, I shall elaborate.
I was racing my friend to the surf of her private beach, some childish wager no doubt involving a bit of merriment spurring us both along. Not wanting to subject my weapons to the harshness of seawater I cast aside my Baldric and Tabard before diving in the water for a bit of frolicking in the ocean. Upon returning to the beach twas discovered my baldric and sword where missing.. My tabard, remained untouched.
A good bit of time passed, as I walked the land mostly unarmed save for a few knives my godmother had gifted me with sometime earlier, before I discovered the fate of mine sword. The God Ironballs wandering the beach had collected mine sword, mayhap thinking it a bit of flotsam. My friend the Goddess Wizardcl seemed to have made some arrangement for the return of my blade. But as in so many things, the mortal folk involved in such things, my humble self was left entirely uniformed.
I remember the Day well, For twas the day I quite nearly died of fright, mind you not of some beast of the field, but from pure terror only and elf could truly understand.
Ironballs arrived in the land of Barp much as he always does, and moved to his mithril stump, but today he had in his possession a package. I paid lil heed to the package, waited for Ironballs to slack his thirst with his mug, and proceeded without preamble: preamble "God Ironballs I have been informed that you have come in possession of a wee trinket of mine. The practice sword that lead me point first through the shadow caves and several other dire places too mundane to mention, as I placed it in a local that was perfectly secure to all save divinity I did not properly safeguard it. But knowing the god of the dwarfs must have shown proper care for a weapon and maintained it properly. Twould there be any chance I can get its return, for a tiny pittance in a protectors fee. For I would never accuse any *cough * dwarf of thievery".
Ironballs in his dwarfish way grins and ponders a bit and says "Well me not exactly remember "borrowing" anyting of yers recently. But me did happen ta pick up a trinket a time back. Dinna know it belong ta anyone *shrugs* but as ta gitting it back? well.... sorry fraid ye outa luck in dat department.. it um.. kinda.. how ta put it..? doesn't exist anymore? no dat not quite right.. well lets just say its not da same as when me found it so not really sure you would be a wanting it back any.'"
Well I cleared my throat and scratched my head taking a bit of time to gather my thoughts over this dilemma and politely inquired. "Honored Dwarf God. I was quite partial to that blade. Twas a gift from my mentor ShadowJ, The sword and I had a lot of history. Tis few that find their way though the Shadow. I quite suspected someday that blade would hang in honor as a monument to the greatness that can be achieved from humble beginnings. But I need a weapon. Please tell me my blade is not a set of cutlery or some such... to the point what have you done with my blade?"
whilst all this was going on my friend Wizardcl has made her way over towards Ironballs and I. raising a brow as she nears and hearing bit of the conversation she clears her throat looking from Poplar to Ironballs and back. I reached out one hand very much in need of a bit of support. Dealing with being rather hard on mine Elvin sensibilities. And was very happy to have my friend gently take that hand giving me assurance that all would be well.
Ironballs carries on "Yer former blade is not a set of cutlery as dat would just be a waste of good metal fer a dwarf " he laughs and ponders a bit before continueing" iffin ye must know me melted it down" He shrugs." metal is metal.
Ironballs' grin widens as he notes the arrival of his sister Wizardcl. "Bout time ye showed up." He reaches down and picks up the package he has been carrying, winks and hands it to her. " As promised."
Wizardcl slips the package into her magical pocket for safekeeping; I watch this exchange my curiosity expressed for all to see by the flicking of mine errant ears before expressing my regrets to my friend. "I suppose in the future I shall take better care of mine things and not leave them laying about and if something needs killing. Tis lil doubt I can talk most creatures into a state near death then simply take their treasure."
Wizardcl nods a bit, whilst Ironballs grins merrily and downs another ale, and I wait patiently, well mine errant ears flick impatiently but tis unavoidable.
Wizardcl chuckles a bit then nods slowly as she looks back to Poplar then smiles sweetly to him before reaching into her pocket and handing Ironballs a small paper which was a bill of sorts stamped with paid in full on it... "now no more hunting on me beaches any mind you!" She winks to Ironballs then looks back to Poplar... now what it is you are needing to be exact?
Before I can gather my thoughts, Ironballs grinning Questions. "Um does dis bill include one final seafood feast from dat particular beach dem crabbies really do taste better den mosts?"
My thoughts lost in distraction I giggle and mutter under my breath "greedy dwarfs."
Wizardcl blinks a bit then turns' back looking at Ironballs then shrugs. "Sure one more time just nothing that be inedible leave the beach any or move from where it be at when you see it any!"
Ironballs grins mischievously wide and glances to me "Dats God of Greedy Dwarfs ta you lil one"
A bit testy about the loss of my blade I glared impertinently "of course God, Dwarf, Greedy and such. My lil mind has trouble getting around so many adjectives.
Ironballs grinning widely addresses Wizardcl "no prob me will stick "exactly" ta yer words." I quite suspected the grinning Greedy Dwarf God had all intentions of making this the biggest feast he has eaten in this millennia and hoping the seas replenish by the next so he could carry on his greed driven gluttony. Ironballs reached down picking up his mug and begins heading down the road to Wizardcl's private beach.
Wizardcl yells out after Ironballs as she sees him heading off. "Just make sure to leave a few or some behind there would ya so more of them annoying things CAN indeed come about."
Wizardcl then pulls the package that Ironballs had given her just a bit ago back out of her pocket and looks to Poplar then to the fading Dwarf god before looking back to the package again. I watched my friend and the pocket and the package, carefully keeping an eye on the Dwarf God... never let a dwarf out of sight, and commented. "I really need a pocket like that or some such. I might not be walking around unarmed now had I some place to stash mine goodies. I must ponder that a bit."
Wizardcl tilts her head slightly as she looks to Poplar then shrugs well add it to your wish list a bit and we together can try and find one that has secrets of such hidden away and is willing to teach you.
I pondered this momentarily only to be interrupted by Ironballs arriving back at his stump once more and promptly plopping down upon it again. Setting his mug down, He waits upon it to refill as he looks up and notices Wizardcl and I .
Wizardcl glances up seeing the return of Ironballs then blinks a bit more .." umm done hunting already? or did you once again forget where you was going?." I giggled as Ironballs grumbles a bit "Funny you and yer lil critters seem ta not want me roaming round upon yer lands fer some reason. Not ta worry me bagged a few bunnies few stewing. Me will return fer da seafood another night."
Wizardcl shrugs a bit then looks back to Poplar then back to the package in her hand.. "Do you wish to have this my dearest bestest friend?" I responded with a smile "nothing would please me more." Wizardcl taps her cheek gently then smiled to me, I promptly bends down a bit and kissed my best friend upon the proffered cheek.
Wizardcl giggles a bit then handed me the package that she had been holding onto then looks over to Ironballs and tilts her head slightly before digging into her pocket and pulling out a small keg of her finest ale. "Anything you wish to inform my dearest friend of before he opens that up?"
I glanced from my friend to the Dwarf God, wondering what figurative snake was in the bag.
Ironballs gathers the offered keg and ponders a moment and responds with a grin upon his face "Nope methinks me will wait till after ta see iffin dere be anyting me wanna say." As he starts opening the lil keg.
Wizardcl nudged me slightly then looked to the package. I glanced to my friend and to Ironballs, trusting Wizardcl beyond all, I opened the bag trepidatiously, and saw my missing sabre, I grasped the familiar hilt and dropped the bag away and raised the sabre to eye level to examine it as the bag dropped away a brilliant flash of blinding white light flashed from the once very mundane sabre, as the light fades I blinked a bit to clear the shadows and ghost images from mine eyes and noted a new addition to the sword, a stone embedded in the blade, as I observed the stone turned a blood red color. Excited I exclaimed "Goddess on a cloud" embarrassed at the sacrilegious bit of cursing whilst the object of the sacrilege was at mine elbow covered my mouth "I do beg your pardon, But I though Mine blade lost to me. This is it, but... different, better."
Ironballs finished the contents of the keg as the flash of light bursts out. The dwarf Grinning widely indeed exclaims "It worked!" then ponders for a moment and walks up to me and really examines me closely from head to toe, frowning slightly for a moment the dwarf grins wide once more "Guess it takes a lil longer fer dat part" he then walks back over to his stump and plops down upon it once more.
wizardcl blinked a bit and looked from Ironballs to Poplar then back and forth several more times.
My ears pulled back at the Dwarf Gods' words, I glanced to Wizardcl for a second my heart racing, and smiled reassured she would let nothing do harm to me, I turned back to the dwarf God, "God Ironballs Might I be so bold as to inquire exactly what I'm waiting for?" I noted as I stood there waiting for a response the balance of the blade had improved to perfection, it had been rather off since I had grown a bit in the Shadow caves, now tis truly beyond perfection..
Ironballs pondered his words for a moment "Dunno what yer waiting fer "shrugs "looks like ye gots everyting ye needs" winks "and more but well.. um ta be honest" glances over at The Goddess his lil sister for a moment before looking back "Me never really was all dat good with da magic stuffs ya know" grins "so instead me gave ye a special added bonus" looks back at Wizardcl for a moment "At no charge of course" grins and turns back "Dat stone in da blade now contains some of yerself and as time passes ye might kinda um... well." shrugs "find yeself growing a tad dwarvish in nature" grins .Ironballs looking back to Wizardcl "Me almost got it right really!" grinning extremely wide.
Wizardcl blinked a bit as she continued glancing back and forth from Ironballs to Poplar then back again.
I growled, barely under control as mine ears pull back against my skull "The only dwarvish trait I've ever desired is skill with a blade, Any more than that and I might feel honor bound to do something foolish."
ironballs frowned "ye may already have done so but as a small favor me might be willing ta overlook it and not force meself ta see iffin yer new toy is as sharp as yer tongue." then the dwarf God stood there grinning wide and stares at me.
wizardcl stepped between us as she continued to looks from one to the other.
Ironballs grumbled as his lil sis stepped directly into the path he was possibly planning on taking. Grumbling the dwarf also noticed his mug is filled so decides to empty it rather then killing my foolish lil self.
I smiled, nothing amusing had crossed my mind as mine eyes turning a shade of green most often associated with the slime that grows on river rocks, barely in control of myself. "You goad me! I'll not be tricked into a losing battle, for tis better to say here is where he ran, then here is where he died. i'll take my implement and master it, and if it's ill effects become intolerable I shall seek you out. , So in the short thank you!"
Wizardcl smiles at us both. "Now you two learn to play nice with each other would ya!!.
Ironballs exclaimed "BAH! In the short? Now ye make fun o me as well" stares at Wizardcl "Just one? never ask ye fer no more favors ever "grins "BAH! Just fer dat me not gonna tell ye dat me was just kidding about dat last part! *grumbles* You can just ferget it now" stares at Wizardcl and points at me "He started it... got any more of dem kegs in yer pocket perchance ' with a wink.
I took a deep breath as the nasty color faded from my eyes several deep breathes brought me back to near normalcy.
Wizardcl rubbed her eyes once again seeming to have lost track on some then tilted her head looking at me.. "You know tis not nice of you to be teasing my dear brother any after he fixing your sword and all for ya don't ya know he not normally be doing nice things any for it seems the greed part of him normally be getting the better part of him" she flashed a little smile as she turned back to Ironballs and reached into her pocket fishing around in there a bit. "Well do I at least get a please at all from you?" Ironballs grumbled just a tiny bit. "Yer just lucky me still in da charitable mood. Please?
I smiled as my ears drooped a bit embarrassed "your right of course i should set aside elvish animosity to dwarfs and take each as they come. Quite honestly none have truly ever done me an inexcusable wrong. Please forgive mine emotional outbursts god Ironballs."
Wizardcl giggled a bit then pulled out a small keg setting it next to Ironballs then wiggles her finger a bit making it grow well over 10 times its original size then kissed Ironballs on the cheek and whispers something like "enjoy" to him.
Ironballs then graced me with a bit of advice "BAH! Ye'll grow outta it.. wit any luck or some dwarf will bash it outta ye either way ye'll be a better youngin fer it. now as ta dat keg?" he blinked as the keg begins enlarging before his eyes "Now dat more like it!" Greedily he cracked open the keg and dives into it.
I giggled a bit as Ironballs jumped into the keg. "Well that would explain the smell and why none share ale with dwarfs.
Wizardcl chuckled a bit then moves over and stood next to me smiling a bit." So what now my deareast bestest friend?" as three bubbles rise to the top of the keg and burst releasing the sounds "Me.. heard... dat " as the dwarf continues to sit on the bottom of the keg consuming the contents slowly. I reached into the discarded package and pulled out the brown leather baldric and slipped the sabre into it and strapped it on below my tabard as it belongs. "Home I suppose and a bit of rest. It has been a long day, and I quite think I need a bath and a change of wardrobe.".
Wizardcl nodded then huggled me lightly. "Ok. then so be it I will walk back up with you if you so wish then."
I smiled "nothing would make me happier, your brothers lil prank near lead me to doom, and that is more tiring than slaying dragons!"
Wizardcl kissed me on the cheek then wrapped her arm with mine as we started heading off toward her mountain home.
I walked with my friend, a lil bounce in my step, A tiny bit brought on by the comfort of a good length of steel personally forged by the Dwarven God Ironballs at my hip, but the vast majority, the simple pleasure of having such a fine friend upon my arm. I glanced down at my friend as my mind wandered into happy thoughts of unbreakable never-ending friendship, as we walked arm in arm. I hope she didn't see the tears of joy at the corners of mine eyes. Tis ever so slightly embarrassing,
|
|
|
|
Players currently playing
|
Players in the game right now:
jioto
My Name: poplar
My Special ID: 261
Extended Character: Yes Registered
Status: Helper
Race: halfelf
Gender: male
Age: 16
Battle EXP: 13080634
Quest EXP: 14888
My Strength: 23
My Dexterity: 21
My Intelligence: 23
My Constitution: 16
My Discipline: 17
My Wisdom: 16
Total Money: 2948082
|
|
