The First Land Herald/440-10-11 (1)

Article Number: 71

Dateline: 440-10-11

A MEMORIAL FOR OSVEN A diverse crowd made a showing at the Standing Stones near Riverhaven, where the Profane Arcanist Nefis intended to hold a memorial in honor of Osven, a Philosopher of the Knife and self-proclaimed Demon Hunter. Osven was best known for studying Ciriasa's remains and creating a device called the Philosopher's Knot, eventually sacrificing himself to empower it in order to deal the death blow to the demon Maelshyve (see FLH 430-09-35). The memorial began and Therengians in attendance, following the Baron's anti-necromantic orders, stood in opposition of the gathering and attempted to escort the group from their province. During the fray, a blurring of energies was felt as a statue appeared out of thin air. Some continued to make comments about Osven, one saying, "[he was] a broken man, and one who took the wrong path, yet somehow he saved us and sacrificed himself." Interrupting the speech and side arguments between factions, there was a fluttering of wings, and a dull keening built in intensity. The breathtaking energy thrumming through the air caused my muscles to twitch and overpowered the area. Observers gasped as the wailing grew and a crushing weight pushed them to their knees, laboring the force of air in and out of their lungs. The high-pitched drone was deafening, and my vision blurred. The sound of beating wings came closer, and suddenly, Sivroch faded into view and slammed into the ground. A tide of rage and desolation poured from her, psychic backlash intensifying, and she ignored everyone as she approached the statue of Osven. The keening noise accompanying her built up to an overwhelming crescendo. Apollys was first to attack, but Sivroch paid him no mind as she hesitantly touched the statue's jaw. She withdrew and sighed, the keening diminished at last, allowing all to inhale a collective and massive breath in relief, heaving for air. Sivroch spoke fondly, "He was a good man. He was my friend. He was brilliant. He was stubborn. He was scarred and vengeful and his mission set mine back, but there will never be another like him, and I miss him. You lot did not deserve him and everything he did for you." She continued, "This statue will be untouchable for one hour. After that, you can do what you will to it, tear it down or deface it, like you do everything else. What he accomplished will remain. I will always remember." Dantia and Sir Madigan began to advance on her, followed by others close behind, but she continued to disregard the oncoming onslaught. Sivroch gazed upon the statue reverently before chuckling, and with a smile, she said, "It is a decent likeness. He could be so smug. In another time, Osven." As the blades and spells began to strike out at her, she gave a strong flap of her four wings, leapt into the air and flew away! The psychic weight receded fully, leaving everyone standing beside a heroically posed human statue brandishing a silver knife. Faultlessly carved from pure-white marble, the statue depicted a square-jawed man with short, straight hair and a classical nose. In one hand, he held a silvery knife poised to strike while the second gripped a small vial. He was dressed simply, memorialized in death as he was in life. An inscription read, "A determined man can accomplish what Gods will not." With Sivroch gone, fights broke out between those with differing opinions, both provincial and ideological. Nefis took this opportunity to retreat and move so he could conclude speaking his words for Osven elsewhere. I went to visit the statue myself a few weeks later, but it was no longer there whether it was removed and preserved or destroyed, I'm not sure. I can confirm, however, all that remained were the Standing Stones of the Zaulfung swamp and the residual energy of ancient power that surrounds them. Shaylynne Kendialahle Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Ciriasa Demon Gyfford Immortals Maelshyve Necromancer Nefis Osven Philosopher's Knot Philosophers of the Knife Riverhaven Sivroch Therengia Zaulfung Zaulfung Stones

Author(s): Shaylynne