------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- Chapter 0: DARK HAVEN - An AD&D-2 Adventure ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DARK HAVEN is a current pbem, loosely set in the Forgotten Realms, although in a new continent. The town it is all based in is called, obviously, Dark Haven. The game is still current, and we have tried to concentrate on role-playing, but there is still action in the story. The first part details the characters involved, and then the story itself gets underway. In summary, the initial party members are ... Dithion Ulderan Male Human Cleric Arlon Male Elf Magic User Keilan Forester Male Human Ranger Falrun Greenleaf Male Elf Fighter Tatiana Shadowfire Female Human Bard Tuft Owl Familiar of Tatiana Silver Female Human Druid Shadowdancer 'Shade' Shander Male Dark Elf Bard Kaeyar Starshine Male Elf Tarok Brewmeister Male Dwarf No levels are given, and some characters are more than I have shown above. We (as players) do not know the levels nor full details of each other's characters. As a guide, starting XPs for all of us were 100,000 each. Editor's note: Colin Winfield (aka Silver) was the editor of most of these stories, but now I've taken over for a while. If you have a question, you can reach me at: vaps0ld@acme.gatech.edu (that's an L not a 1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ The Cast ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- As a clue to some of the symbols that follow ... Each chapter (after this introduction to the characters) is split into small sections. Each section is prefixed by the name of the character (or DM) who wrote it. Meta: or OOC: means out of character (where the player is saying something relevant or explaining motivations, but the character is not saying or doing it) :) or :-) or 8-) is a 'smiley', and the preceding text is to read in a non-serious way (ie tongue-in-cheek). *word* is when the word(s) between the *'s are to be emphasized, and also used by Tatiana to quote any discussions she has with her owl familiar, Tuft. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Keilan Forester Player: Lance Dooly (gt6410c@prism.gatech.edu) Name: Keilan Forester Height: 5' 8" Race: Human Weight: 155 lbs Sex: Male Hair: Reddish Brown Eyes: Green Clothing: tan breeches & tunic hooded cloak high hard boots belt & small pouch backpack Description: Though young still, Keilan (pronounced KEY-lan) is beginning to show signs of aging, probably due to many years spent outdoors. It is indeed, immediately obvious to all that this man is a woodsman. His possessions are neatly stowed away and he carries only his staff in his hands, with his bow slung comfortably over one shoulder. Indoors, in cities, or shipbound he looks distinctly uncomfortable, shifting his weight from side to side or looking about more than normal. Encountered outdoors, he is jovial, friendly, and confident. Meta: I'm 21. Keilan looks about 32. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Silver Player: Colin Winfield Silver is usually wearing a dark, hooded cloak. If the hood is down, her long, silver hair frames an attractive face with large, dark eyes. There is something about her eyes which makes some think she is a little afraid or wary of strangers. Whenever she travels among strangers, she usually keeps her hood up. She moves with grace, and has a willowy figure. Some think when talking to her that she is listening to something only she is aware of, and that she is not giving them her complete attention. She does not object to conversation, but equally she seems quite happy in solitude. She speaks in a calm voice, and no-one has heard her lose her temper with another. Although she does not seem to be incredibly strong, there is something about her - perhaps her calmness - which hints that she is no stranger to combat. She could easily pass for nobility, but somehow, you feel, she has never even considered such a thing. She often leans on the staff she obviously carries, but not for support. Meta: Other personal stuff: Age 33, married, wife Fiona (34), 2 daughters Charlotte(8) and Katrina(5), Software Engineer at Eurotherm Fiona also plays ADnD and my kids are into Heroquest, etc. Live in South of England, Work almost on the coast. Am I the oldest at 33 then ? Silver is a mere 24. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Dithion Ulderan Player: Matthew Sean Pardo (mpaf1216@med.unc.edu) The man before you wears a simple brown robe. A wide leather belt pulls the robe tight around his narrow waist. A large pouch hangs on the belt. Although not an impressive figure in weight or height, the club that he rests on his shoulder draws your attention immediately. He looks about, a thin smile on his face, and runs his hand through his short cropped blonde hair. His hazel eyes seem to dart everywhere, an amused expression evident. Still, your eyes go back to the club...a huge ugly thing. It looks to have been torn directly from a tree! Dirt and dents cover it. The bark is shredded and is stained. On his back is a worn leather backpack that looks to be filled to capacity. He smiles at each of you in turn, his hazel eyes lingering a bit on Silver. Then he says, "Hail and well met, I am Dithion Ulderan. I am pleased to meet each of you." Meta: Hi everyone, I am Matt Pardo. I live in North Carolina and work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I do molecular biology research (and play with computers: ). I am really looking forward to playing in this game...it has been a long, long time since I have played. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Kaeyar Starshine Player: Jeremy C. York Kaeyar has to be one of the ugliest elves you've ever seen, with a dingy complexion, sharp nose, a scar across his cheek, and a harsh grating voice. His hair is a light gold, chopped short; his eyes are violet. He wears simple clothes, carries lots of weapons, but wears no armor. Kaeyar tends to stare intensely and impolitely at people. He moves quickly and easily. Speaking with him, you find him talkative, quick, and blunt; unless you are an elf, in which case he's probably headed to the other side of the room. "What are my skills? Well, I'm a capable warrior and knowledgeable in spellcraft. Also, my skill with the bow is matched by few. In my travels, I've sometimes found work as a scribe, and sometimes supported myself by hunting, selling skins and meat; and I'm good with horses. I learnt something of the languages of the ancients whilst studying the ways of magic. I also *ahem* know something of the ways of Orc and Goblin societies..." Kaeyar chuckles. Kaeyar carries a mace with inlaid silver designs on the handle, with a green gem set into the tip of the handle; a longbow is slung around his shoulder, a sword and throwing daggers are on his belt, and you've also seen him practice with a whip. Although unarmored, he does wear seemingly magical bracers on his forearms as protection. Although he's gruff and blunt, he also seems to mean whatever he says. For the most part, he seems to assume to begin with that people don't like him, so he goes around with an attitude that indeed makes most people dislike him. He only goes out of his way to annoy or offend those who he thinks have very refined sensitivities. When he gets a little more comfortable around people, he sometimes lets his attitude slip and acts a bit more pleasant. Kaeyar's reasonably strong, but not especially hearty; perhaps the dwarf could take twice as many blows before falling as Kaeyar... Meta: Jeremy York is 28, married, and a pretty friendly guy in real life; unlike Kaeyar who is 150-ish and sometimes quite a grump. Jeremy (more personal, am visiting assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon U in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, 2 cats, no kids (now or future); big fan of the comic Tales of the Beanworld, and I edit an e-mail newsletter for fellow fans, write me for more info) About Kaeyar, the character concept is a bit rude and unfriendly; I'm trying not to spoil anyone's fun by getting carried away with it. If at any time he strikes you as overly annoying or offensive, let me know! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Arlon (The Avenger) (pronounced 'R lahn') Player: Ron Kijewski (grkijews@mcs.drexel.edu) Since I don't know how we will meet I will give 2 scenes of what Arlon is like. An elf sits alone at a table (in a bar), his shoulder length blonde hair is well groomed and almost hides his elvish ears, his eyes the color of emeralds. His robes are a greenish brown and in good condition and the hood lays neatly on his back. Around his waist is a braided belt from which hangs a dagger and a pouch. Next to him against the wall is a staff. On the table is a small earthen bottle and mug - which are quite unlike those of the rest of the bars items. He sits calmly, and sure of himself as he studies the bars inhabitants and studies is what he does, he will look in the direction of anyone new entering the bar for what seems like a minute. Anyone who approaches him, he will look directly at them and he will mainly study the body with a few quick glances to the eyes. As you get closer you notice the whites of his eyes are not so white and in fact have a bluish hue to them. He will acknowledge you with a nod of the head. He does not begin a conversation and it seems he will talk to you more out of politeness than of interest; until you talk about a subject of his interest and then it is difficult to shut him up. The former subjects he will speak with a dull tone; but the latter he will seem energetic - seemingly a different person. even when talking to someone he will continue to 'study' his surroundings. In all this he remains calm and seems not to be worried about anything. If you really look at how he studies people you will notice he will look at females longer then males. He will ask from somewhere within the conversation if you would like to try his ale, he says "I only made it this morning; but it is better than the slop they serve here". An elf strolls down the street in greenish brown robes, the hood will be up if the sun is strong. His long blonde hair flows in the wind (either natural or created as he walks - the wind). A dagger and pouch hang from a braided gray belt. He carries a staff at mid level and is very animated with it as he walks (using it like a walking stick), he glides down the street at a fairly good pace and he is always looking around; but he doesn't seem nervous, it is more like he is studying all that is around him (especially an 'interesting' female :-), but tries to be inconspicuous about it). He will stand near a group that is conversing or follow behind a moving group that is conversing. If there are few people around it may look like he is talking to himself. He will not hesitate to help someone that asks it of him and he will ask those who seem in distress if they need help. He can be seen to frequently enter places that contain books or some storehouse of knowledge (whether it be person or books). If there was a problem with rape or muggings or something like this in the town, you can probably bet the problem has lessened since this elf showed up. By the way, Arlon is about 5'6" tall. Meta: Personal stuff Age 30, married, wife: Michele (30), 1 son Seth (13 months) AI Specialist at Boeing Michele also plays DnD. I have mostly played 1st edition. Live near Philadelphia Pennsylvania ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Tatiana Shadowfire Player: Joe Carl (jcarl@jabba.ess.harris.com) Tatiana Shadowfire is a gregarious individual. She likes to sing and play music to inspire warriors to great deeds. Tatiana wasn't always a bard though, At one time she was going to be a great female warrior. She was enthusiastic and a real go-getter. She worked hard at being a warrior and worked with the elite woodland patrol force. She was trained in the art of Woodland survival and was trained in the art of dagger usage and longsword usage. She specialized in both of their use. Many of the men were trained in the use of Long bow but she was too short to use such a weapon and was trained in the use of a short bow instead. Her training included Ancient history to study the tactics of great warriors. During her studies she saw the importance of relaying these stories to the public. She liked singing and playing the lute and started to put some of the stories to music. After she finished her duty with the elite woodland patrol, she became a bard and started to travel around the world telling people about the great legends and heroes of the past. She is looking for heroes to sing about even today as history is always in the making. She has a owl familiar named Tuft. Tatiana or Ana as some call her is a very beautify woman and her charismatic attitude increases her attractiveness. She has long black hair that falls over her shoulder and comes to the small of her back. She wears Forest Green dyed doe skin pants that lace up in the front. She wears a loose fitting sky blue blouse that is low cut but not too revealing. She wears a long sword that she handles very well and brace of daggers (6 total) are on her belt. A short bow is slung over her right shoulder as she is left handed. A lute case is slung over her left. Hanging from her belt is a flute and a drum. She can be seen practicing these instruments but still makes mistakes often. She has green eyes and is fairly short, only standing 5'3" tall. Her skin is tanned as if she is outside a lot but she is still young enough that the sun has not spoiled her beauty, but rather has enhanced it. Tatiana is 23 but looks 21. Meta: I'm 29 soon to be 30 on Sept 13. I'm married to my pretty wife Tammy and have a boy named Adam about 16 months old. This is the first time I've played a female in a PBEM, so I hope I'm not offending anyone. :) I'm an Electrical Engineer that has worked in Hardware Development to Firmware Development. I'm soon to do some Windows programming too. I just bought a 486dx2 66Mhz PC within the last week so my wife has become a PC widow for a little while while I play around with it. That's one reason some of you see me posting late at night as well as through out the day. (Work has net access) I live in Melbourne Florida, about 30 miles south of Cape Kennedy. The Shuttle looks real cool on night launches. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Falrun Greenleaf Player: Paul David Meyer Falrun Greenleaf here, at your service. Allow me to introduce myself. I am an elf dressed in leather armor, I wear a long sword on my left hip and a short sword on my right with a long bow over my shoulder. I like to keep my equipment in immaculate condition and if you pay attention, you will notice that I tend to shy away from most elves. However, since we seem to be thrown together by fate, I will make the best of this situation. Falrun Greenleaf is a male elf, 61" tall and around 110 pounds. He has sandy blond hair and hazel eyes. He wears leather armor and a cloak around his shoulders (which will soon come off in this heat). He wears his backpack with his long bow over his shoulder and a quiver over the other. He wears a long sword on his left hip and a short sword on his right. Meta: One thing I forgot to mention, I am 26 and Falrun is around 150. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Tarok Brewmeister Player: Ilan Uri Woll (bv652@cleveland.Freenet.Edu) Tarok is a hearty type of dwarf. 4'3" and stocky, with dark hair but for some odd reason, no beard. He is usually very gruff although in a bar he is quite the extrovert. He carries an axe, shield, and a collapsable beer keg. He is an expert brewer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Character: Shadowdancer Shander (Shade) Player: Mauro Shade is a drow Bard He sports dark grey skin and stark white, slightly curled hair, worn long - down to his shoulders. His eyes are deep green and can be icy cold or warmly affectionate depending on the mood of the moment. Despite the long scar that spirals on both arms joining on the front of his sternum and the white skull tattooed on his right palm (a reason why he wears a light leather glove) Shadowdancer is a handsome guy (comeliness 16) Someone thinks he cannot be purely drow because of his a little too muscular build but he is indeed. Shade is 1.65 m high and weights 58 Kg. Shade is a very very young elf, but 100 anyway. Meta: Mauro is 27.