[Riverfall Activity] Weekly Contest Results - June 25, 2012

[Gossamer]

❖ Location For The Week Of 6/25/2012! Feel free to tell us about this Image! It will have to be completely and utterly creative to win! Also, be sure you post it in RF's format which I've helpfully included below. You can add myths, legends, npcs, etc for extr a point credit. Post your entries below! Code: Select all [framepic=http://www.mizahar.com/forums/gallery/pic.php?mode=large&pic_id=7013][frame2=black][indent][center]Title     Location Image[/center]     Location description...     [tabset=300][tab=NPCs,black,white][img2=left]HOTIE PIC[/img2]     [b]Name:[/b]     [b]Race:[/b]     [b]DoB:[/b]     [b]PoB:[/b]     [b]Title:[/b]     [b]Skills:[/b]     [b]Gnosis:[/b]     Info Forthcoming[/tab]     [tab=2nd Tab,black,white]Info Here[/tab][/tabset][/indent][/frame2][/framepic]

[Horlamin]

Hope you guys enjoy this.

Feathery Haven After the Valterrian, there was once a large rock that was caught between two cliffs. Early on, the Akalaks had been nervous that the rock would slip and crush them before they could escape. But years past and the rock stayed put, so the Akalak moved on in life. The rock was left alone for centuries onward, and it wasn't until a fiery Inarta by the name of Elsa was the rock brought up again. And in that short time, the simple rock that had been forgotten for centuries was carved out by mages for the use of a falconer. And it even received a name. Feathery Haven. High above the city of Riverfall, Feathery Haven still hangs silently; not even the Spring storm of 512 AV could knock it loose. It was much more than just a rock these days, though. The inside was hollow, where Elsa, Luk, and their birds lived all year long. If one could look past the odd location and stone build, it looked like any other home in Riverfall. It had a front door (minus the door), and windows that a fellow Inartan took the time to make. The top of the rock had been taken off completely and a roof with a spire that reached towards Syna was placed their instead. Not only did it make the rock look more interesting (as if it wasn't already interesting enough), but it also allowed the birds to enter and exit through the six holes scattered on the roof. If one found themselves inside the Feathery Haven, the first floor had been remodeled for the living quarters for Elsa and Luk. They had the basic furniture needed to live somewhat comfortably. They even had several bookshelves filled with tomes on different methods and techniques to take care of the birds. It nearly looked like a normal home. Until you looked up, that is. The rest of the building had been designed with numerous lofts to housing the birds. Thousands of birds perched above the heads of their trainers, one large community of birds of all ages and species. To most people's surprise when they came up to the Feathery Haven is the lack of smell; Elsa had trained the birds early on not to soil their home with their bowel movements. The noise was an entirely different story. Many a visitor of the Feathery Haven had complained of chirping birds inside their head for days after leaving. Although the Feathery Haven rarely received many visitors. Beneath their home is a simple box where one can place orders, requests, and any other letter for Elsa and Luk. The box was left alone by others out of respect for her talents, and in return she checks it almost daily to keep her business flowing. But if one feels an unrelenting desire to meet Elsa face-to-face, there is a wooden rope hanging down for one to climb. Just be careful; to the birds above who see an unfamilar person climbing to their home, you're fair game to anything they wish to drop on you. And they rarely miss.   Elsa Name: Elsa Race: Inarta DoB: 12th day of Spring, 483 AV (29 Years Old) PoB: Wind Reach Title: Endal of Riverfall Skills: Falconry 81, Birdkeeping 74, Hunting 65, Weapon: Longbow 62 Gnosis: Eywaat 2 Growing up in Wind Reach, Elsa was no Endal. Although that never hindered her love for the flying creatures that her people held dear to their heart. Her position in the caste system merely allowed her to leave her home without any regrets. And even if she had regrets, they would've vanished upon her arrival to the beautiful city of Wind Reach. Choosing a precarious looking rock high in the cliffs as her home, she had it hollowed out so Feathery Haven could be born. Now if one saw a bird of any kind in Riverfall, odds are Elsa had spoken with it or even trained it. As that was her talent that she provided the city. She trained their birds.   Luk Name: Luk Race: Kelvic (Wind Eagle) DoB: 78th day of Winter, 507 AV (4 Years Old) PoB: Ravok Title: Elsa's Husband Skills: Hunting 79, Unarmed Combat 70, Birdkeeping 63 Gnosis: None Luk was born in The Kelvic Research Institute, and from birth he was the focus of research. He was a Wind Eagle, something many non-Inartan had never seen before. But he was too wild for the Ravokians taste, even if he was rare, so he was sold in 509 AV as a package deal to an Akalak slaver seeking new Navikak. During the entire return to Riverfall, Luk planned his escape into the wild. That is, until he overheard the Akalak talking about an Inartan woman, Elsa, who trained birds. At first, Luk was angry; the akalak had planned on selling him. But after meeting Elsa, anger turned to love and he had never left her side since. From slave to husband. And escape disappeared from his mind.   Prices Feathery Haven specializes in raising and training birds of different kinds. Base Price for Birds (Untrained) Eagle 50 gm Hawk 35 gm Owl 25 gm Partridge 1 sm Parrot 30 gm Pigeon 2 cm Pigeon, homing 100 gm Songbird 1 gm They do train animals too, but prices vary due to type of bird and what training they have (more training costs more miza). Inquire with Elsa for prices and training.   Employment Due to the location of the Feathery Haven, Elsa very rarely hires employees. Interested parties who seek an apprenticeship may pass word with the Riverfall Aid, and they in turn with get in touch with Elsa. If you're invited to climb the ladder to her perch, you got the apprenticeship. If a pigeon drops shykes on your shoulder. . . well let's just say you didn't get the apprenticeship.

[Dex]

Leth’s Observatory A rock legend said to have dropped from the moon itself, wedging in between two cliffs, Leth’s observatory was claimed from religious worshippers of Leth. Usually being firm believers in Akija, they also worship the relationship Leth has, providing light in the midst of her night. This temple was claimed by Leth’s worshippers shortly after its appearance not 7 days after the founding of Riverfall. At the night that it was to appear, the rock came as a bright streak of light, seemingly coming straight from the moon. It burned brightly straight over the city, landing not a mile past its walls. The akalaks of the city ran out to investigate. Seeing it wedged in between two mountains perfectly above them, the religious leaders and the city council deemed it a sign from Leth himself, favored by Akkija herself. Once the akalaks had ordained it as a temple for Leth, several akalaks moved into and became the caretakers of it. Leth appeared seven nights later, and marked several of his more religious caretakers. As time progressed, new members were ordained into the religious members, all with the duty to upkeep the temple. As time continued, the worshippers of Leth improved upon the temple, making it into an observatory of the moon, allowing them to study and learn of Leth further. They became almost a combination of religious monks and astrologers, as well as enactors and teachers of the knowledge they learn. Part of the time they spend is in religious observances. One of their most important religious observances, carried out by the chief monk, is done every night. Done at every night at sundown, the chief monk carries a newly lit torch up the ladder to the observatory, and lights a specific basin set in the center of the observatory. Then, at sundown, the chief monk carries the torch down to the ground below and extinguishes the torch, symbolizing the rise and set of the moon each night. Leth was generally described as the god of change and reflection besides just the moon. However, he also had a taste for destructions, which made sense, since all the people seem to have a fascination to build. Change required for more than just one thing to happen, and Leth was happy to supply. From time to time, Leth will instead move his monks into performing various changes, working sometimes side by side with the followers of Tanroa. However, these are limited to the most devout of Leth’s monks. Most of the lower monks spend their time reflecting on themselves and prompting change within themselves, before becoming trusted of Leth to prompt changes around them. They also work on the change between the dark and light side, defining it and enacting it more.   Chief Monk Name: Yahact/Etalx Race: Akalak DoB: Spring 31, 436 PoB: Riverfall Title: Chief Monk of Leth Skills: Meditation 93, (Weapon) Lakan 68, Astronomy 72, Foresight 84, Observation 96 Gnosis: 4 Leth, 3 Tanroa   Chief Enactor Name: Lethar/Terackat Race: Akalak DoB: Fall 26, 469 PoB: Riverfall Title: Chief Enactor of Leth Skills: Meditation 47, (Weapon) Lakan 83, Astronomy 61, Foresight 43, Observation 79, Running 79, Unarmed Fighting 85 Gnosis: 3 Leth, 1 Tanroa   Lower Monk Name: Igatax/Regalus Race: Akalak DoB: Spring 59, 483 PoB: Riverfall Title: Lower Monk of Leth Skills: Meditation 39, (Weapon) Lakan 24, Astronomy 52, Foresight 29, Observation 40 Gnosis: 1 Leth   Employment The observatory is not offering employment at this time. They will accept anyone marked by Leth into their observatory. Leth Gnosis : Gnosis of Leth appears as the images of several phases of the moon, placed in a circular pattern. Marked – 1 Gnosis Mark A person with this gnosis mark generally cannot “activate” it, as some other first gnosis marks can. Some of the passive gains from this mark include the ability to have a sharper memory, especially when a person with the mark reflects hard on a specific memory. People around a marked individual tend to have good thoughts about the individual, even if they had never met before. Favored – 2 Gnosis Mark When using this gnosis mark, a marked person can minimally change the thoughts of a person. This does not give complete control, and cannot make a person reverse a decision he has made, but it can suggest a thought to someone, or add on an idea of an afterthought. However, there is no promise to how well it will achieve this. A marked person also has an even sharper memory, being able to remember more specific details from things up to a week ago. People around them generally have good thoughts about these people, and doubt any stories of them doing wrong, passing it off as rumor. Priest/Priestess – 3 Gnosis Marks A monk with 3 gnosis marks generally turns to act as an enactor for Leth. An enactor deals with changing physical things depending on Leth’s desires. Sometimes these can include changing thoughts of specific people to instigate bigger changes. People around these enactors can’t believe anything bad about the enactor told second-hand. However, if they find an enactor doing something they think is morally or ethically wrong, they can be angered against one. An enactor can remember fine details of memory even up to two or three months old. Champion – 4 Gnosis Marks Generally only one person at a time in the world has 4 marks, and holds the rank of chief monk. They can change thoughts of people almost at will, though not being able to force a person against their will. Anyone who sees the chief monk simply refuses to believe anything wrong with him. Even if they see the chief monk do something they think is ethically wrong, they simply slide it off as “It’s something they had to do”, and tend to forget about it. The chief monk can at severe times change the very physical nature of an object. They are also described as having a photographic memory.

[Bob Barton]

The King of the Hill Almost everyone who lives in Riverfall, Akalak or otherwise will be expected to know where the Kuvay'Nas Lodge is in order to perform their civic duty to Riverfall. It is this unspoken rule they are expected to follow that also means that anyone and everyone can take part in any activities the establishment endorses. This includes the less capable men of other races that are not-Akalak and the even more vulnerable women that as a species the Akalak wish to keep safe. Because of this, the Akalaks go to the KotH although their reasons are easily mistaken as racism or sexism. They main reason they go there is because of their inherent nature to constantly improve themselves among a group of like minded peers. The less driven and some may say less capable people normally give up on the trek up to go to the Lodge instead because going to the Hill is considered a test in itself in line with the Akalak culture of rites. The twin hills are located just outside the city, almost a bell beyond the walls into the grasslands where it is generally considered unsafe. Those that know they do not have the luxury of numbers like they do during the raids will stop themselves at this point. The fact that the KotH only opens its doors after the twentieth bell of the day and expels any stragglers before the fourth of the next makes the dangers even more apparent to those without any method such as the Akalak's infravision to detect the creatures that hide themselves in the dark. Those that do reach the base of the hills will be able to enjoy the view before deciding to return and boast that they at least were able to lay eyes it. The sight is quite magnificent in an overwhelming way. While the path is well maintained for patrons anyone can see that it is long as it winds around both hills numerous times before reaching the top. Many Akalaks choose to incorporate the trek into one of their numerous daily training regimes in order to ensure that they will not grow weary of frequenting their hangout at the top. At the top, those who were unsure of it at first will now know that the gap below the spherical building was not a part of their imagination. This is one of the other reasons that a lot of people decide against going into the building. Knowing that there are many adventurous Akalaks in that unconvincingly secure building gives the impression that it might roll off the hills with them in it. No one knows how the building came there, whether it was natural or carved into the hills but it serves its purpose. Only those that move through the door will be able to find the notice that the KotH is maintained nearly every season by earth reimancers to make sure that a joke of an end like that will not happen. And finally passing through the door, the sight of Akalaks all over sitting on the luxurious looking seats, drinking their wines from the Riverfall orchards and talking about their times out as well as the trophies displayed all over will give a slight reminder of its counterpart that is the Lodge. However, it is the differences that make people want to be here in the KotH. Upon closer inspection the grassbear pelt carpets and mounted glassbeak heads would show that the patrons embark on more challenging hunts. At least more than those offered freely at the Lodge. Another difference is the patrons themselves. Although a lot less than those in the Lodge, one that knows Akalak culture well will notice the distinguished way these Akalaks carry themselves. These Exalted have lots to impart visitors but those who are not at least an Esteemed or have not built up a reputation through many successful activities with the Lodge will only receive a polite reply to their greetings before these Akalaks move on to the company of their peers. However it is these things that make it worthwhile for a person to strive in executing their voluntary work at the Lodge to the best of their ability. If not for meeting these men who have some degree of influence in Riverfall, to get their chance at the rumored jobs only the owner knows about. The one which makes the sign up sheet at the Lodge look like a boy's game.   NPCs Name: Nodamas Race: Akalak DoB: Fall 196 AV, 316 years PoB: Riverfall Title: Elder of Riverfall, ex-commander of the Kuvay'Nas, proprietor of the King of the Hill Skills: Longbow: 61 Hunting: 52 Carving: 33 Observation: 27 Storytelling: 22 Tanning: 18 Gnosis: Evantia: 2 Izentor: 1 Nodamas is a name that anyone who has served in the Kuvay'Nas would be familiar with. Father to the current Commander Nodorus, Nodamas himself held the post when the militia was established shortly after Riverfall itself. During his time he has been constantly working hard in his duties from the mundane guard duties to even the escort duties for the Chivans and both Nodamas and Nevar still meet to this day at the KotH with some lucky Akalak joining in if they have the chance. Although officially retired, Nodamas never stopped maintaining his skills or his sense of duty. When he is not sharing old stories of his or those he heard to guests, he may be working on a trophy for a customer up in his private rooms. That room provides a perfect view of the surrounding grasslands in Cyphrus where Nodamas is able to keep watch for any dangers that may come to Riverfall. For him it is better to always expect trouble because if he knew this truth in the past, he would not be missing most of his nose. Many people say that for his efforts, Nodamas should have been a part of the Council of Elders but he prefers to work for the city in the background. He still has a lot of contacts from his days in with the Kuvay'Nas and those other Esteemed that frequents the club. Enough to know what is going in Riverfall and what needs being done. Knowing a lot that goes on inside allows him to focus on the outside where he has decided to establish his little club for the veterans.   Services The KotH offers drinks to its patrons, but more than that, the people who knows about it comes to get Nodamas to help with with their trophies. With the years he has spent hunting and subsequently finishing his own trophies, he has become good enough for others as well to the point that Izurdin himself wishes to help improve the Akalak's craft. Nodamas may not charge as much as the next person even if he has the skills and the mark but in order to get him to craft something, the customer has to prove himself just as they have to the other Esteemed or Elders who frequent the KotH. The extent of their successful raids may bring them to a more favorable price during negotiations by the owner that wishes nothing more than to encourage people to strive for more while in the militia. The same proof applies to getting any information from Nodamas for the special jobs as well because not only is the safety of the people who want to go for the challenges important but the reputation of those who have worked to be accepted at the KotH as a recognized peer.   Employment Tanner: Offsite, Nodamas will direct patrons that he can't or won't work for. Carver: Offsite, Nodamas will direct patrons that he can't or won't work for. Maledictor: Nodamas may be inclined to hire an experienced (expert skill level) maledictor if he is persuaded that it is in his customer's interest. Reimancer (Earth): The KotH needs experienced earth reimancers for the seasonal maintainence of the building at the peaks. Bartender: Because Nodamas prefers to mingle with his customers than to prepare drinks (a room may be provided at the KotH in order to ensure better performance of work) Scout/courier: For the other purpose of the KotH, to ensure that no dangers come too close without the rest of the militia in Riverfall finding out and to constantly get updated of news.

It seems a lot like the Kuvay'Nas lodge but that is because I think something common to the residents of Riverfall has to be used in order to create an air of exclusivity for a gentlemen's club.

[Rayage]

Wysar's Bell Tower The creation of the tower which lies just outside Riverfall ‘to the north’ remains much a mystery. There are tales of the building being a product of the Valterrian. The story goes that a great tower of stone flew across Mizahar by the force of the magical energies only to land, or perhaps secured by twin stones, the tower wedging itself between the two colossal land marks. Another states that it was created by the god Wysar himself, brought forth from his portion of the Ukalas, further establishing Riverfall and the Akalak as his chosen land and people. The tower was said to be a gift from Wysar but also a test. Despite why or how it was created the building is known as Wysar’s Bell Tower, and known to be quite the test for any Akalak trying to prove the gods favor. Legend has it that the Akalak who rings the bell which lies in the uppermost part of the building will gain Wysar’s ear. However that task is easier said than done. Folktale also has it that many Akalak who foolishly try to climb to the tower before they are ready have died, falling to their death in exhaustion. The tower itself represents a milestone, a test of one’s mental and physical ability. It’s said to push those who attempt to their limit and those who do not have the will, strength, or dedication needed to climb the tower will fail. The way up is vigorous and unforgiving. In the distance skyward, casting a shadow down onto the climber is the barely-to-be-seen Wysars Tower looking as distant as a star is in the sky. At the base of the climb looking up only a flimsy-looking rope ladder with wooden pegs greets the to-be climber. Its anchored to the ground to ensure a good start, but its not steady in any way. The ladder has the tendency to sway with the winds and move based on the users pull on it. The farther up one climbs the more dangerous the journey becomes, the more the winds pick up, and the more ladder sways making holding on or even continuing a risk. This is where strength, dedication, and determination come into a play. Its not only a test of physical strength but also one on the mind. After hours of climbing the journey will come to the send, for one has reached the ladders summit, but as one trial is completed another is presented, just as one door closes another opens. The ladder will reach into the building itself, coming through a decent sized hole in the floor. There are stakes spiking the ladder into the stone which makes up the floor. Before the Akalak now rises the real challenge, ringing the duel-natured bell. Just like the Akalak themselves the bell has two halfs, suspended in the highest point of the tower. Wysar’s Tower holds a bell, called Wysar’s Bell, and just like the tower many stories surround the bell and its creation. The bell itself is made of hammered iron, one half has pictures representing the ‘light brother’ while the other represents the actions of the ‘dark brother’. From the ceiling two ropes drape downwards, one being a foot or so shorter than the other, both ropes connect to their respective bell half. When one rope is tugged one half of the bell is propelled creating a clanking sound. When both ropes are pulled the bell rings as per usual. Though getting the bell to ring is not the challenge. The trial is to get it not to make a noise by finding the perfect balance at which to pull each respective ropes for the bell to move without making a ringing noise. Stories say that it is not that the bell does not make a noise; it is that the noise is too perfect, too fine, to be heard by mortal ears.

[Gossamer]

Sorry the contest is running late this week! Here's the results! The Observatory wins! So too does Dex! Grats! 50 pts plus 15 pts for the NPCs unless you opt for another option! Featherly Heaven- First off, this was a great idea for this location but there were major problems. However, the problem is Wind Eagles can’t be found away from Wind Reach because they are colony birds. Also, Heaven doesn’t exist on Mizahar, so the word would be nonsense to anyone in the area. King of the Hill – Great location, but we really don’t need another Kuvay'Nas and challenge. Wysar’s Bell Tower – Its clearly not a tower unless you alter the image. : ) I’m not a fan of ‘mystery’ origins. I like to have them explained.

[Gossamer]

Dex opted to use his 65 points this way: Howlwing: 30 pts - cat has fur and wing coloring of his choice Grab Bag Item: This is a tiny ferret collar with pouch on it just below his neck. It shifts shape with him and magically stores all his clothing in the tiny pouch via voiding (this item is magecrafted) each time he shifts. To change the clothing stored, all he has to do is change clothes as a human. The color does not appear on his human form.