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Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 12:16 AM |
Lucius and Dana spoke at length, the mood sombre, tears streaking both their cheeks as they sat on the floor holding hands through the bars. He had not needed to use his liar's face since he'd arrived. He did love her and he was scared and he would miss her badly. He was even able to look her in the eye without seeing the action that had caused her to be sitting in the cell.
Since arriving in Ferein, his nightmares had stopped. Instead, when they threatened to engulf him, his dream-self would be transported to the welcoming shade of a hawthorn tree and a beautiful woman with dark hair and blue eyes would hold him in her arms, sheltering his vision with the palms of her hands. Somehow this helped the waking Lucius to see Dana as only his love, and not a murderer.
That Dana had asked Nico, rather than Lucius, to defend her had at first surprised him, until he learned that Elvalia had shared certain details of his letter with her. Of course she would seek someone else. Lucius had said 'bad words' about Dana, and it hurt her and hurt her case. All he could do was explain the context of the letter, without disowning its message. After Sam arrived, Lucius sat and transcribed another copy of the letter for Dana. She might as well know all of what he said, rather than just the pieces Elvalia chose to share, he decided, for better or worse. Its message may have hurt her, but she didn't ask him to leave. She even accepted the part about Chief Borogask.
Some time after Sam's departure, Nico showed up. Within thirty minutes, the sombre mood was gone, and Lucius was holding a 'Free Dana and Ophelia' banner, one of a hundred Nico had printed. Dana's spirits were much improved as he laid out his defense strategy, and Lucius, at that point, put on his liar's mask. Why bring her spirits down by mentioning the flaws in Nico's strategy? If it gave her hope, that was perhaps all she needed. Lucius was tasked with soliciting character references for Dana and Ophelia, something he felt he probably could do without making matters any worse.
He transcribed a number of copies of the same message, sending Jane to post them on bulletin boards throughout the realms, and to deliver a few of them to select individuals. They read as follows:
Friends of Dana and Ophelia
As you may be aware, a trial is to occur in Ferein soon in which Dana and Ophelia are accused of murder. The defense seeks letters attesting to the character of the two women. If you wish to write a letter of reference for one or both of them, please deliver it either to the offices of Nicodimus the Scribe at Pickston and Jessup's Wild Tours, or to Lucius Edmonds, currently staying at the Falling Stars Inn in Ferein.
Time is of the essence in this matter.
After sending Jane off to post and deliver the messages, Lucius returned to his vigil in the detention centre. Though Dana was asleep, he spoke to Ophelia for a time until her friend Guk showed up.
((please post your reference letter in this thread if you write one)) |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 05:42 AM |
Alis delivers the following letter to Lucius at the Falling Stars Inn.
Character reference for Dana
I've known Dana for a long time and she has become the best friend I have. It was very difficult to me to believe what she had done because I know that she is a kind and caring person. When we travel together, she does everything she can to protect me. She would never let anything harm me – I have been to very dangerous places and left without a single scratch because of her. She cheers me up when I'm in a bad mood. She is very generous. She is loyal, even to the point where it starts to become harmful to her – she is raised to obey every command the chief gives to her. (She is currently living under the threat of marrying a giant, and I have no doubt she would go through with it if the chief told her to.) I am convinced that her upbringing plays an important role in her current predicament. She has learned to solve problems with violence and she doesn't think too much before acting. She is a simple, almost child-like person who follows her urges and instincts, eats when she's hungry and attacks when she feels threatened. She sees things in black and white – the elves have attacked her once, so she thinks they're evil. That is why she doesn't completely understand the gravity of her deed. However, I do believe that she can change. She has changed her behaviour in the past because it was pushing her friends away from her, and she can do it again.
Alis Rapidshill |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 12:21 PM |
to lucky
i finishd the play
no dana is not the hero
she is just the fokuss of empathy
does dana dizerv to die ?
did the elfvz she killd?
i no you no both are no
but there are no more heros and evul comes to those who do it
dana is sometims nice jenerus and fun
dana is sometims scary as hell murdrous and disgusting
at leest she got her hair and teeth fixd
opie is good lonlee mostly and confyoosd mostly
but no heros means no villens and no villens means no crimes just life being shitty
life kills everyone evenchuly
i reelly am sorry no one beleefs me when i say things that are real but i say them anyway
i reely am sorry for you
i am sorry for everyone
i wish i could change things
but i am just the singer
break a leg
karli |
"I've got a sword and it's a good one, but all the bleedin' thing can do is keep someone alive, listen. A song can keep someone immortal!" - Cohen the Barbarian |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 12:45 PM |
((posted anonymously))
elfie fing gers mak gud stew! |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 03:00 PM |
*Several posters are nailed into place alongside Lucius's own. While they make no attempt to obscure the calls for aid in Dana and Ophelia's case, they are prominently displayed and similarly styled in an obvious attempt to appear related.*
Friends of Peace and Justice
Let us remember that the question at hand is not whether two women have decent souls or kindly streaks in their hearts; the question at hand has nothing to do with personal character. The trial concerns a simple matter – whether they known as Dana, sorceress, and Ophelia, warrior, murdered elves in an unprovoked attack.
Let us also remember that we are not only dealing with a question of personal justice, but of international politics. If the powers of Ferein deduce that the denizens of Port are actively supporting raids conducted by the thugs of M’gok Tukar, and if they are correct in their deduction, they would be fully justified in seeing our two peoples as united against them. They would be justified in lumping us in with the barbarians when it comes time for reprisal, as well. Therefore, let not notions of friendship or personal loyalty, strong as these feelings may be, cloud our judgment. Let the greater virtues of wisdom and loyalty to all reign.
Let truth, hard truth, be our guide in these next few hours! Let decent folk see justice done! |
True solace is finding none, which is to say, it is everywhere.
-Gretel Ehrlich |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 28 Aug 2006 09:31 PM |
*After a brief discussion with Dana and Lucius Telli was informed of messages left on Dana's behalf. The following note is tacked along with the others.*
http://star.walagata.com/w/tigrelily/Free_Dana.jpg |
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Djinn's Statement
Posted: 29 Aug 2006 04:37 AM |
Zubeida carefully pens a letter in her calligraphic style, and then copies it. She leaves one with Lucius in the Falling Stars Inn. The other copy is delivered directly to the courts of Ferein. Lucius' copy is preceded by a note:
Lucius,
The following letter is a copy of my statement which I have delivered directly to the court that will be trying Dana and Ophelia. I do not know what good these letters will do nor am I confidant of any good coming out of the upcoming trial regardless of what I have written. I must tell you that I am deeply wounded by these events, as I care for all that are involved, those that were massacred as well as Dana and Ophelia. So I wrote these letters as much for myself as for anyone else. I do not apologize for these words, but hope that you at least understand my intentions well enough to make them known to Dana. I doubt without explanation whether she would interpret my letter in a positive light.
If it means anything, I think a trial is unjust in this case. Neither Dana or Ophelia are citizens of Ferein so I do not think they should be tried for "crimes". If Ferein wishes to defend itself then it should do so. Nevertheless I understand that they would see this trial as a civilizing influence intended as the most peaceful solution to a potentially explosive incident. Whatever. Who am I to say what the best solution would be?
I am deeply sorry that I will not be there for both of them when the trial begins. I am suffering travails of my own that I can not avoid.
-Djinn
And then followed by Zubeida's statement:
To those concerned with the trial of Dana and Ophelia,
I learned of Dana and Ophelia's alleged crimes through a request for a statement attesting to the qualities of each of their characters. I was both surprised and saddened by the news. I see nothing but pain and suffering through the entirety of this situation whether in the crime or its punishment. Which path before us promises the least pain and suffering? Will the light of Justice show us the way? I can only hope and trust in the Courts, as this matter is beyond my control, and I am unable to offer testimony at the upcoming trial. Please accept this statement as my testimony. I am known as Djinn, a friend and peer amongst Ferein's druids as well as a friend of those accused.
The rangers of Latonei woods were dear to me. I now miss them. It is difficult to accept that I will never see them again. Never again will we see the world reflected in their eyes. Never again will we hear their voices. Never again will these expressions of The Mother's dream walk amongst us. Their untimely deaths are a great tragedy, beyond redemption.
I am also saddened by the imprisonment of Dana and Ophelia. They are friends of mine. I do not wish imprisonment upon my gravest enemy let alone my friends. Although I understand the practical reason for their imprisonment, it is a wrong done to them in the name of Justice, just as their Punishment is likely to bring more harm should they be found guilty of these crimes.
Does one harm redeem another? That is the untenable problem of Justice, and why they say Justice wields a double-edged sword.
I think the courts of Ferein are well acquainted with those that were massacred in Latonei woods. I assume that many of the unique qualities of each of the fallen are well remembered by those in the court and as the court is likely to have these memories of the fallen foremost in their minds, I think it important that they also have an understanding of who it is that they are judging. I offer the following statements for this purpose.
Ophelia.
Ophelia and I are close. We call each other sister, and have survived many trials together. In this time I have learned something of her background and of her moral fiber. Ophelia has suffered innumerable trials throughout her life which have been largely outside of her control. Despite her background of extreme hardship - or perhaps because of it - she is one of the most compassionate people I have encountered. Ophelia strives to be a good person caring for and protecting others - sometimes to her own detriment. At the start of this summer, a fellow traveller despite her efforts to defend him was slain by a Sslissayath assassin in the Kobai. A ghoul came upon her companion in order to claim his soul for eternity. Unable to see this happen to another being, she offered to bear a curse and a debt in exchange for her companion's freedom from the corruption that the ghoul had in store for him. Her decision was naive, and dangerous, but well intentioned. and she saved her companion from becoming an undead. She came to me to seek help in lifting the curse that the ghoul laid upon her, and through our combined efforts we have freed her from the necromantic taint. I think this episode illustrates the best and the worst in Ophelia. She is a loving and compassionate woman who defends others from harm. She is naive, and thus makes mistakes at times despite good intentions, but has never in my experience intentionally brought harm to another unless acting as needed in self-defense.
I do not know what her part was in the massacre of the Latonei rangers, but I do not believe that it can be much if anything. I come to this conclusion both from the physical evidence; the bodies were burned not hewn by a sword; and from what I know of Ophelia she is not one to attack another unprovoked.
Dana.
I have known Dana for a similar amount of time as Ophelia. Dana often surprises me. Dana is often uncouth or crass and yet she has bestowed upon me a great honor, inviting me to become one of her tribe. She has the soul of a child, intense in her earnestness, and uninhibited. She wields great power due to the dragon blood in her veins. The combination of her childishness and her power can be dangerous and to those she crosses it is frightening. In my case, I have been well protected by her during our adventures together, and thus have no reason to fear her. In fact, I have found in her a fierce and loyal friend, of great candor, and with basic needs unconfused by the misguided values that lead many of the well intentioned to harm others. Dana is a free and natural being however unrefined, and for that I respect her. At times her ignorance has caused me pain. She slew a spirit guide sent to me by the Mother. The guide was a White Stag. She slew the Stag because she was hungry. A hunter has the right to take game to satisfy their hunger. I had a choice in how I dealt with this situation. I realized that the best way to deal with it was to convince her never to slay a White Stag again. It was a difficult conversation, but in the end she agreed, and to this day has held to that agreement while we have managed to maintain our friendship.
I do not know what part Dana played in the massacre of the rangers. I would be lying if I said that she was not capable of it. I believe she is capable of this because Ferein has made an enemy of her in the past rather than show her the respect that she deserves. So in this matter I think the evidence will have to reveal to us what happened, but regardless of what happened I hope our hearts will enable us to see why and the best way to remedy the situation.
I wish the courts great wisdom in their decision.
-Djinn |
Famous last words:
Mykal> it's my new wireless router.
* > Mykal has quit (Ping timeout)
Vulpina> Hey!! IRC didn't boot m.....
* > Vulpina has quit (Exit: DarkMyst WebChat) |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 29 Aug 2006 06:02 AM |
*A pair of letters left at Nico's office, one labeled Nico, the other labeled Elves*
*The first letter reads:*
Nico,
Saw the notice on the boards, please see that my other letter is delivered to Lucius, it's for the elf fellas in regards to Dana and Ophelia.
Fennigan
*The second:*
Dear Mister or Missus Elf judge fellas,
I know Dana and Ophelia both.
I'll start off by telling you what I know of Ophelia.
Ophelia is kind, she always seems to do what is right by those around her. When she thought that she was responsible for the death and suffering of friends and strangers, which she wasn't it was that nasty little skulls fault, she was willing to run off and suffer alone. She was ready to sacrifice her own safety to try and ensure the safety of those around her. She's always been kind to me, never said a cross word to someone who didn't have it coming, and is always willing to help the folks around her.
As for Dana.
She's a real peach! Got a sense of humor that matches my own, always willing to help anyone who asks, and she's saved my life on more than one occasion. She's risked her own life and livelihood on more than once to help me when I got in over my head. She's done the same for countless others as well. On top of that she's generous to a fault, give you the shirt right off her back she would.
Signed,
Fennigan
((Their only mistake was getting caught, bloody elves.)) |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 29 Aug 2006 09:43 AM |
Lettur from Guk Neksqeezer.
Miss offillia gud Orc.
Miss Dana gud frend.
Guk nut see dem do nuffin wrung.
Dis all big mistak by der Elvy peepol.
Dem ill ee gulls action in seezin mumburs of orc natiun nut gud.
Dem shud say sorry to miss dana an miss Offillia...
dem do nuffin wrung..
guk nut der fer tril coz guk got hed to bash
mi fink him elvy too.. him a feef .. steel Guks axe tabbaffa... seems to guk dat elvy peepol nut trust wurfy... all of guks trubles seem to cum from rood elvys.. dat nut gud dat isnt.
dat all guk got say on dis mattur.
Signed
x
Letter transcribed by an itinerant scribe in port royale and dispatched by boat to ferin council. |
Love 'n' light
Wings |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 29 Aug 2006 09:45 PM |
Letter from Sam
To tha leada's a tha Fey. It is a shame tha it has com' ta this. I is askin fer yer leniency fer tha accused. Ophelia an Dana. While it looks bad Id like ta say tha i has on many an occasion tha thes' two lass's has don' more then ther' share a good deeds. It would be more than a travesty ifn thes' two lasses were put ta tha sword. Look inta yer hearts an grant thes' two anotha chance.
My thanks,
Sam |
*chomp*munch*chomp*
TALES OF ABODDAN |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 29 Aug 2006 11:45 PM |
A letter addressed and delivered to Princess Sairalindë Nénharma and the Council of Ferein
Your Highness:
I am writing to you regarding the matter of Ladies Dana and Ophelia and the murder of six elves in Ferein.
First, I grieve with you for the loss of your brethren. Life is sacred, and no death, save perhaps for those whose natural time has come, is every easy to come to grips with, especially such as the situation before us. My heart is truly with you.
Second, as you will see from my signature and seal upon this letter, I am a knight of the Novus Midorum. I implore you to read further, for while I am fairly certain of your opinion of Midor and its inhabitants, know that there are some of us – too few of us, to be certain – who oppose Vidus and the Righteous Sword and fight to return the city to what it was before. A city of true justice and tolerance for all.
Perhaps you believe that Midor and Ferein will never get along. Perhaps you believe our struggle is in vain. I do not know, but I believe it is a vision and an idea worth fighting for.
I cite this because I want to assure you I am interested only in justice regarding this matter. I know both of the accused fairly well, although I doubt either would call me friend. I have been in Ferein and enjoyed your lovely country, and I have been in M’Gok Tukar and enjoyed its….well, the steam baths are nice.
I only wish to see justice done. And I believe true justice must call each person to account for their action, but with a sentence tempered by mercy.
Accordingly, I hope that you will show mercy on Lady Ophelia. What I have gathered about the evidence is, of course, second- and third-hand information, but from what I have learned and my own interactions with her, I doubt she had a direct role in the murders.
She is undoubtedly naïve and her choices occasionally reflect a lack of wisdom, insight and inability to learn from previous experiences. She looks up to Dana as a powerful half-orc and leader of her people, which blinds her to the other’s faults. Yet, I have seen Ophelia sacrifice herself – indeed, her very soul – to help others. A paragon of virtue? Who among us is? But a cold-blooded murderer? Hardly.
If Ophelia is guilty, I suspect she is guilty of witnessing the murders and not trying to stop them, and for that, I believe she should be punished in accordance with Ferein law. But I do hope that you will show mercy on her. There is much goodness in her, and if you can devise a punishment that is appropriate and will help her learn, I believe that would be justice.
The matter of Dana is entirely different. I will not tell you that she is purely evil. We all have the capacity for good and evil, and Dana has her friends like any other. She is capable of love, as I have seen it with my own eyes with her relationship with a wizard by the name of Lucius. She has done things that would be considered good and generous in any place or culture.
But her capacity for hate and rage and deeds such as murder often overshadow the other traits she displays. I have heard excuses already for her, saying she is like a child and doesn’t understand what she does. But I have seen her eyes and heard her words, and she possesses a decidedly un-childlike cunning and slyness. She knows what she does. She may not have the wisdom to always understand all of the consequences of what she does, but she knows well if something is good or evil.
I still beseech you for mercy for Dana because of my beliefs, but I believe that a large majority of the blame (if not all of it) must fall on her, and she must pay the consequences for such actions in accordance with Ferein law. If there is some sort of punishment that would be appropriate that might still teach her in some way, I believe that would be the best course, although I have to wonder if she will ever learn.
And I suppose for me, that is the crux of matter when it comes to their punishment and mercy. As I said, we all have the capacity for good and evil, and it is a struggle we live with every day. I see Ophelia making this struggle, even if she is not always victorious. Unfortunately, and I say this with a heavy heart, the same cannot be said of Dana.
Thank you for your consideration. I do not envy you the decisions that lie before you. May justice and reason guide your hand.
Sincerely,
Cedrych von Maistlin
Knight-Errant of the Novus Midorum |
The world is a fine place, and worth fighting for...
-- Ernest Hemingway |
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Re: Character References
Posted: 30 Aug 2006 10:43 AM |
The following letter is written upon a roll of skin in watery-looking black pigment, the primary ingredient of which being orcish saliva:
Council of Elves~
I am CADDO
Speak of DANA ~ Speak of OPHELIA ~ OUR WOMAN you will kill
~~~To KILL OUR WOMAN is to be TAKE OUR WOMAN~~~
TUKAR woman worth much to us and the TRIBE of TUKAR is owed a debt if you are TAKE OUR WOMAN
DANA is give to MOUNTAIN KING KARKUS ~
KARKUS is BIG MAN and make us bigger and if you take OUR WOMAN this gift is like smoke~
What will you give to TUKAR if you take OUR WOMAN
OPHELIA is PRIDE of TUKAR ~ WOMAN fight strong with CADDO
OPHELIA fight beside MIDORAN and HARFLING and DWARVEN and ELVEN
OPHELIA is not a small woman
OPHELIA is OUR WOMAN ~ What will you give to TUKAR if you take OUR WOMAN
TRIBE of TUKAR is owe if you take ~ ELVES WILL OWE UNTIL YOU GIVE
Speak of DANA ~ Speak of OPHELIA ~ OUR WOMAN you will kill
What will you give to TUKAR if you take OUR WOMAN
I am CADDO |
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about dying."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means lying in the ground with dirt on your face and holding your breath forever."
-Burt Reynolds, "The End" |
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