Aluwyyn Isenion

Aluwyyn Isenion
Status	Active
Race	Elothean
Gender	Male
Guild	Empath
Instance	Prime
Relatives	None living

CREED:

I do not let myself be bound by religious, political, racial, or cultural contentions; nor am I burdened by the weight of history or distracted by worry of the future, my focus being on the immediate and the needs of the citizens of the realm within each given moment, to whom I may offer assistance, as I am able. Though I may not agree with the life choices of others I respect their freedom to choose as they will, my only request from such ones being a mutual respect for my freedom to choose whom I will or will not minister to at any given moment. My loyalties are to my calling and my home but my love goes out to all the peoples of the realm, my interaction with them being my greatest source of fulfillment. My ambitions lay within the framework of increasing my ability to serve others in a better capacity. My greatest honor will be for me to be recognized as an Elothean of honor, kindness, and respect and an empath who brings honor to the guild through exemplary ability and dedication to service. Though I have no desire for fame, fortune or glory I recognize that there are great dangers in the realm and there are others with skill and reputation vastly greater than my own who often join together to confront and vanquish such threats; this motivates me to continually train, ply my craft, and seek out knowledge, to be made ready, in the hopes I am granted the incredible opportunity to join the ranks of such humble, brave, and willing defenders of the realm. I cannot come to the aid of everyone, every time, so I will allow myself to be content with the opportunities to help when I am able and willingly, humbly welcome the assistance of any and all who share my ideal of service.

On a lighter note, I love any month that does not have cold or snow; I love the sound of birds singing and the sight and smell of spring blossoms; I love laying out on a blanket, on a warm summer eve, just looking up and marveling at the heavens; I love the sound of a well-played instrument and the laughter of children; my favorite pastime is drinking tea in the company of friends or strangers or both, sharing good conversation ranging from simple banter, personal anecdotes on up to revelations of realm history and lore. I consider friendship the most precious of treasures and a favor more valuable than coins. I am not perfect nor do I strive to be; I believe when one falters it is important to try again though not necessarily immediately; an apology from the heart can go a long way to mending wounded spirits and rebuilding bonds. Finally, at the end of the day, all that really matters is that when you look into the nonmagical mirror and see yourself, are you gratified that you truly did your best to be true to yourself. For me that is knowing I did my best to be a positive, helping influence in the realm even if simply offering a smile and a kind word, when given the opportunity.

ON THE TOPIC OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY:

Though I do not profess any devotion to any specific supernatural being, my deference to Hodierna expressed in helpful service being my only form of what could be loosely termed worship, I do believe in the need for some spiritual aspect for any sentient creature. For me, my ability to manifest the supernatural healing power bestowed on me by Hodierna is my first form of spiritual connection. My second source for spiritual connection comes from any time I am able to spend time out in nature. Over the years, within me has grown a deep appreciation of so many aspects of the natural world

I however do not dismiss the importance of a structured belief in and worship of deities or other such beings. Religion and spirituality can be found together or independently. Many are those who feel the need to find comfort in the presumption that all that exists does so with purpose and all that happens is not completely governed by randomness and place responsibility for such 'order' at the feet of some form of a Supreme Being. I do not allow myself to be caught up in the often dissatisfying practice of trying to argue the justification of one belief system over another, considering the actions brought forth by one's spiritual or religious influence to be the truest representation of a religion's value, with me personally considering positive, helpful actions inherently bearing the greatest value.

DESCRIPTION:

You see Aluwyyn Isenion of the House of the Floating Reed, an Elothean. Aluwyyn has a square face, cold sapphire eyes and a classical nose. His strawberry hair is short and silky, and is worn tied back in a thin braided tail. He has leathery skin and a wiry build. He is very tall for an Elothean. A hand-shaped golden-hued diamond engraved with the Empaths' Guild crest rests on his forehead, just above his eyes. He appears to be an adult. He has a tattoo of a brightly glowing unicorn prancing in the ocean surf on his neck.

He is wearing a dull glaes bracer bearing multiple mars and scratches, an Imperial damite ringmail hauberk, a damite mail balaclava with a reinforced design, some damite mail gloves with a reinforced design, a pair of black pants with shadow emerald buckles, a long-sleeved grey silk shirt, some stylish storm grey leather boots laced with pitch black onyx-hide cords, a forest green farandine mantle embroidered with silver ivy and a pair of polished silver zills engraved with a blackened sleeping fox.

PERSONAL HISTORY:

Birth Date

I was born on the 8th day of the 8th month of Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe in the year of the Iron Toad, 396 years after the victory of Lanival the Redeemer, to Erymaal Isenion, a minor member of the .House of of the Grey Storms, in the grand city of Shard. Sadly my mother died during my birth. The pain of my mother's death caused my father such a deep, abiding grief that he would not even allow for the mentioning of her. All that I knew of her, minimal at best, including the cause of her death I came to know by way of the servants who attended me during my growing up. Needless to say, I carried an inherent burden of guilt, made heavier and more pronounced by the fact that my father refused to even communicate or interact with me on any level. I presume my very presence reminding him of her just caused him too much pain.

Growing up in an Elothean House full of individuals who revered the power of the elements and the ability to harness them with intent to perform focused acts of destruction was difficult because it did not speak to my own gentle heart. This also served to deepen the divide between my father and I. I also found no appeal for the political intrigue which seemed to be practiced by so many of the Houses; I lacked any desire for personal gain or advancement. This potentially left me to be a possible vulnerability to my father, should someone deign to use me as leverage against him, though, by his display of a seemingly complete lack of interest in me, if I was to be 'taken', he may consider it a relief. Regardless, the issue became a non-issue when at the age of 11 my father gathered my meager number of belongings and walked me over to the House of the Floating Reed. He handed me over to a kindly old empath by the name of Ellanna, looked at me one last time, turned and walked away. It was the last time I ever saw him.

In The House of the Floating Reed

It did not take me long to embrace the House of the Floating Reed, their creed of acceptance of all appealing to my own natural openness; it was a relief from the stiff, almost oppressive tension of my previous House. My duties were simple and afforded me the opportunity to be in the presence of and observe people of many skills and callings. I found I had an affinity for certain crafts and soon became an accomplished repairer of metal and tailored armors and weapons, along with several other small skillsets. My most enjoyable pastime though was to sit and listen to the stories Ellanna told. Her knowledge of historical and cultural lore was amazing and I found myself wiling away hours, captivated by them. It was during one of her explanations of the gods, specifically on the topic of Hodierna, that a spark was ignited in me. I levied question after question at her about her own beliefs and what inspired her to become an empath and thankfully, my heart was filled with a burning desire to devote to myself to Hodierna and take up the mantle of servant, and become an empath as well. With stalwart patience, Ellanna spent the hour upon hour, days and weeks and months, sharing and showing all she knew, to lay within me the foundation I would need to ply my craft as a competent Empath.

Crossing Bound

It took a full year before I felt ready to make a formal commitment. I asked Ellanna what the next step was and she said simply, 'Ask her.' I was a bit perplexed at first then it dawned on me to head to the Temple in Crossing and approach the goddess' altar. I asked Ellanna to come with me but she just knowingly smiled and said it was between me and the Mistress of Life. The travel to Crossing seemed to take a lifetime. Upon arriving I made my way to lodging, bathed, dressed myself in a plain white robe. When I arrived at the temple gate I explained my intentions to a kindly monk who then escorted me through the labyrinth which was the Temple. He took out from a small satchel a wooden bead carved in the shape of a unicorn and handed it to me with a knowing smile. He offered to stay in order to escort me back and after thanking him, I turned, took a moment to breathe and passed through the ash arch into the sacred alcove. I shuddered as I passed the altar to Asketi, quickly making my way further into the end of the worship place, to the altar proper. For several protracted moments I stood there impressed by the beauty of the altar room, with its crystalline dome and impressive alabaster statue. Shaking off my awe I placed the bead on the altar and simply sat there for a good two anlaen just listening and waiting, hearing only my own heartbeat.

Finally I simply looked up towards the Heavens beyond the crystal dome and poured my heart out to her...everything. The loss of my father, and mother, and my gratitude for Ellanna and my burning desire to be a healer in a realm that could cause harm in so many ways; of my desire to be a defender of the weak and innocent and comforter to the mournful. I begged her to bless me, empower me, and in return I would devote my life to representing her name in dutiful service to the peoples of the realm. As I prayed tears restrained during my youthful years flowed causing my exhortations to turn into sobs. Suddenly there was a blinding light and a sensation like electricity went throughout my body and I collapsed unconscious. When I awoke I knew not the hour but as I stood I noticed the bead was gone. Straightening out my robe I proceeded out of the altar room and back out into the hallway. I was completely surprised to find the monk still there, sitting on the floor, worrying a wristlet of various prayer beads. He looked up at me and smiled as he stood. I asked him how long I had been there he merely said, 'Long enough'. A bit perplexed I followed him back out to the main gate at which point he offered me one last word which was to seek out Salvur Siksa, Guildmaster of the Crossing empath guild.

Meeting the Guildmaster

I made my way back to my room at the inn, redressed and made my way to the empath guild. I inquired as to his location and was directed to an open door. I approached the door, knocked, at which point a gruff voice bade me come in. After a brief introduction I explained my intentions and what had happened after. For what seemed an eternity he stared at me, almost right through me before laying a hand upon my hand, closing his eyes, pausing a few moments, and nodding slightly giving a knowing grunt. Seemingly satisfied by something of which I was unaware, he bade me sit on a chair and for the next three anlaen proceeded to lecture me on the guild, teaching and testing me with a couple of spells before sending me out of his office with a list of required training to accomplish and, oh, the suggestion to also seek out a guild brother or sister of greater expertise to help me begin my training. Instead I made the slow journey back to Shard in order to tell the news to Ellanna only to arrive to receive sad news of her passing. However before her passing she shared a dream with all those gathered around her deathbed, simply saying, 'Tell Aluwyyn, I always knew She would choose him; as my light fades let yours shine ever brighter'. So when I was forty years old, this kindly old woman, who had unknowingly managed to fill the void of 'mother' within me, gave up her spirit to the gods.

Moving On

I stayed at the House of the Floating Reed for a time after Ellanna's death, providing meager service to the few who were in need of the supernatural healing or alchemical ministering I could provide. But my time there only continued to remind me of the sadness at the loss of Ellanna. So, on the 14th day of the month of Akroeg the Ram, 112 years after the victory of Lanival the Redeemer, I packed up, visited Ellanna's resting place and after a deep breath set out northward for Crossing. After presenting my self to Salvur, guildmaster of the Crossing Empath Guild, and becoming officially interned there, I spent the first two years of my service there focused strictly on learning from the experts who often presented themselves in the courtyard to teach the finer points of empathic healing. I have to admit, I was very nervous, near on to fearful, to even attempt taking upon myself the wounds of others. However my confidence grew with each successful attempt and before I knew it, six and a half years went by and I dare say I had proven myself to be a rather competent provider of empathic healing and first aid, among other support skills.

In Search of My Father

On the 22nd day of the 442nd year in the month of Shorka the Cobra I received word from the Office of Debt Collections that my father had outstanding debts but all attempts to locate him had failed and the officials requested my assistance. I returned to Shard, made my way to the House of the Grey Storm and requested assistance to gain access to my father's quarters, past the Guardian. I was filled with trepidation being so long since having been in the company of my father and having no pleasant memories of such. I stood before the door for several protracted moments before knocking. Repeated attempts also proved fruitless so on a whim I tried the door. Surprisingly it opened. Again, I stood almost impotent for several moments before I found the courage to enter the dimly lit interior. The place smelled of dust and the only light source was some sort of stone, most likely magical, that let off enough light to read by, on a desk at the far wall. All the furniture had been covered with cloth as if my father had intended to leave with the intent of being away for some time.

I stood over the desk and upon it was scattered maps, of a land, that at first I did not recognize along with several diaries with hastily scribbled notes. However, after some time reading the writings and analyzing the maps I realized they were of the lands of Albaria. I spent several hours reading, trying to decipher my father's seeming obsession with the topic of the land. His last entry in the last diary said, "If I am to learn anything of substance about the Leuthra I MUST go there." I surmised that he meant to Albaria. I spent two complete days in the libraries of the House, the Great Tower, and the Libraries of Leth Deriel to learn as much as I could about the land and the race briefly mentioned by my father. Nothing substantial was provided to give me any understanding about my father's obsession so ultimately I decided that I would do the most daring thing I have ever done in my life...I would go to Albaria and try to find my father. My hopes were not high and it felt strange that I would feel this sort of obligation to a man who literally had nothing to do with me in my life, but, I think I was driven by curiosity as much as obligation or duty. Having come to a resolute decision I made my way to the officials at the Shard seat of power, informed them of my intentions and made preparations. So, on the 34th day of the month of Shorka the Cobra, in the year 442 I left.

Second Homecoming

On the 6th day of the month of Moliko the Balance, in the year 443, I returned from my quest to find my father. My returning to Shard filled my heart with such joy as to bring me near to weeping. Albaria proved to be an even more barren and miserable land than any ancient records could convey and if I never experienced cold or snow again it would be too soon. After settling myself into lodging I made my way to the Great Tower and the Office of Citizenship to file papers to have my father officially declared dead, giving the reason that all my efforts to locate him or even any sign he was alive came to no avail and I wished to begin the process of settling his affairs. The process would require an investigation and inquiry in which the House of the Grey Storm would need to participate and at which I would need to testify to my own actions taken. It took a week to finish the process and all things were put into order and my father was officially stricken from the records. It was discovered that he had at the First Bank of Ilithi a small inheritance from which I settled his debt to the state, banking the rest. The matter being settled, not surprisingly, I felt no loss; just a sense of closure. Finally, my recent time in Shard had rekindled my sense of 'home'. So I used some of my father's monetary boon to me to purchase a home on the Street of the Four Moons, using it as my base of operations for service to Shard and parts beyond and if I have things my way, I will never leave again.

Stats & Skills
Misc
Circle	131
Stats
Strength	64+2	Agility	55+2	Intelligence	59+2	Wisdom	61+2
Stamina	82+2	Reflex	70+2	Discipline	68	Charisma	38
Armor
Shield Usage	437	Light Armor	248	Chain Armor	426	Brigandine	134
Plate Armor	128	Defending	427
Weapon
Parry Ability	409	Small Edged	247	Large Edged	221	Twohanded Edged	250
Small Blunt	225	Large Blunt	243	Twohanded Blunt	179	Slings	153
Bows	139	Crossbows	198	Staves	165	Polearms	246
Light Thrown	219	Heavy Thrown	218	Brawling	239	Offhand Weapon	133
Melee Mastery	232	Missile Mastery	246
Magic
Life Magic	873	Attunement	727	Arcana	887	Targeted Magic	568
Augmentation	675	Debilitation	361	Utility	807	Warding	637
Sorcery	166
Survival
Evasion	477	Athletics	617	Perception	514	Stealth	290
Locksmithing	256	Thievery	254	First Aid	551	Outdoorsmanship	499
Skinning	202
Lore
Forging	231	Engineering	349	Outfitting	201	Alchemy	166
Enchanting	173	Scholarship	1096	Mechanical Lore		Appraisal	588
Performance	627	Engineering	349	Empathy	783