3. Maya's Journal

Maya's Journal


  • Spectacularly RP'd character, Wolfhere. I loved reading every single entry in this journal. Shame seeing her go. 😢


  • Yes, I've been reading this journal since as far as I can remember finding it. Always a pleasure to read, and Maya will be missed.


  • @3abc8edb67=Wykith:

    I've transcribed this entire journal, and will bring it IG tonight. My way of honoring one of the most colorful and well played characters Narf has ever seen.

    The Champion of Tempus will be greatly missed.

    May she rise to fight again, when the land is again in need.

    That seriously brought a tear to my eye.

    Awesome…totally awesome


  • If you'd like, I would love to have a copy of it to be placed within the bardic colleges library…


  • I've transcribed this entire journal, and will bring it IG tonight. My way of honoring one of the most colorful and well played characters Narf has ever seen.

    The Champion of Tempus will be greatly missed.

    May she rise to fight again, when the land is again in need.


  • You've now had two characters pass away that have left a profound affect on Zyphlin and which he will never forget. He will always hope his dear friend is at peace…or in constant glorious combat...at the side of Tempus and that she once more saw the smile of a grey haired bard as he had told her she would. We'll all miss her, but as was previously said, she will never be forgotten.

  • M

    A truly amazing character.


  • Maya will be missed, but never forgotten.

    :drunk: drinks a toast to the memory of Maya

  • D

    I'll miss her. She was wonderful, Wolf. 😞


  • Blank Pages

    _The remaining pages of the journal are unwritten, empty pages full of promises of simple thoughts and dreams, but promises unfulfilled. It is said the journal resided on the desk of Barrim Asbravn for some time, before showing up on Zyphlin’s. Later, it was moved to the shelf of some library, a small footnote in the mists of Narfell’s history.

    It said the warrior of Tempus known as Maya died fighting great evil, but only a few know the true details. All that knew her however, are sure that she now resides with Tempus. It is hoped by those that knew her that her legacy would live on, and that her good and simple heart left impressions on those that remember.

    A very few still pause in the commons, and remember the day that Tempus appeared and brought her forth from the heavens. Some of them wonder perhaps, if it will happen again._

    –

    Epilogue

    A friend once told me that you knew a characters time had come when they no longer had a story to tell. I’ve played Maya for close to three years now, and I believe that time has come. Uthgar and Tempus always told her she would enter the “Hall of Heroes” fighting great evil. On this last day, the day she completely broke down missing Adam, the day she died fighting great evil, I knew it was time.

    I would like to personally thank the myriad of DM’s and players of Narfell that made this story possible. The concept of a simple warrior, one completely pure of heart, who only understood what her heart told her has appealed to me for many, many years. I was able to create this story with all of your help, and for this I thank you. I hope in some small way, this fictional character touched your heart. For a while, she lived in mine.

    Wolfhere


  • Entry 73

    One thing want to write in journal was have to escort prisoner to Cerulean tower. Many of prisoner was Dwarf mountain person, who was part of riot. They have much concern about how treat by guards, until I offer stay and bring out box of Dolvark Dark. Mood change much then. I also have few bottle of something call bearded ale which not even like smell so not have, but what few bottle I have drink quick by mountain person. Story not end there though.

    Was rowdy (is right word?) bunch of people these mountain person. Maya spend many, many hour listen to story, drink much too much ale, and tell story of own. Was person name Gimble Orehammer that make most impression.

    He was very old mountain person, and have beard and hair of dirty snow. But one thing Maya know is heart. Gimble still have heart of fire. Could see in eyes. Though body was old and tough like nut, eyes sparkle with each story tell, and was so old that think have more stories than could hear in year of party. Have funny stories, have stories that make blood sing, and have story that bring tear to all eyes in room.

    I remember tell him that should go bard college, and everyone in room go quiet and look at me, then all break out laugh like was biggest joke in world. I not try make joke, but was good make all laugh like that.

    Eventually Roland come and make me look at records. Was sad to have to go, because was have so much fun. I had to laugh inside when Roland see Maya have too much ale. He purse lips and look all father like.

    Is great thing about life. Battle and adventure create story for all to hear. Is part of Tempus not many understand. Dwarf understand.

    I understand too.


  • blushes

    Thanks folks. It's comments like these that help me continue to write.

    The server in it's current state is as good or better than I've ever seen it. The DM, Dev team, and player community are top notch, and everyone appears interested again. This includes me, someone who almost gave up Narfell for good a few months ago. It's also nice to see some of the old-timers here again, in whatever guise they choose.

    Thanks again folks,

    Wolfhere / Robyn / Maya / Yolande / … and a cast of hundreds.


  • ((I echo Zyphlin's compliment.))


  • ((This is one of those TBTF entries i keep up with on a regular basis and I just have to say that last entry was one of the best I've ever read. It spoke volumes of the character, what they are going through, how they are, and was masterfully done. Keep them coming as always wolf))


  • Entry 71

    I’m not sure I like this.

    Last night, Shannon D’Arneau blessed me with rituals of the Fox and Owl. I see things much clearer now, but knowing I won’t in a few mere hours leaves wondering.

    …wondering which is better.

    I have thoughts, ideas for change, reflections on myself I’ve never had before. The rules of trade speech which eluded me for so long seem painfully obvious. I remember being confused over the use of “I” or “me”, and often just lapsed into using my own name. I realized the voting process in Peltarch is horribly inefficient, and already sent the Herald a letter.

    I can’t believe they have three booths, and check and cross reference each name as each person votes. Someone could easily vote three times and it wouldn’t get caught until the Herald checked all the entries from each booth. It would be far better if many punches were created ahead of time, and put into a box. On the day the polls opened, one would be chosen at random. That and its two “brothers” would be given to the booths, and citizenship papers would be punched when they voted. Not only would it be almost impossible for a person to vote twice, it would create a record for each person when they voted.

    Simple, no?

    I also wonder about the system of government here. If they want people to represent the people, then there needs to be a way to get rid of a Senator if he does a bad job. Senators are elected for life. If they had to re-run every so often, say 6 to 10 years, then it would be in their best interest to do a good job, or they would find themselves out of a job.

    Personally, I think kings are better. One person making a change…makes changes. 9 people arguing over change doesn’t seem productive.

    So here I am, wondering when all the blessings Shannon put upon me will end, and I am thinking about…Shannon.

    I had dinner with him last night. I never would have asked before, because I did not see him for who he is. I was blinded by his silence. He speaks volumes with his silence, and I just couldn’t see it. I knew that once this wore off, all my perceptions would change, so I asked him to dinner. I know he has feelings for Arien Ashald, but I found myself wondering how deep they run. If Arien becomes angry with me, then that’s too bad. She’s going to have to learn to fight for what she wants in life.

    I did. Tempus knows, I did.

    It takes a man of great self-assurance to be with a woman taller and stronger. Adam was that kind of man. Is Shannon? I fear however, that Shannon will see who I was last night, and not see the real me tomorrow. He will hear the words from last night, and not see the heart in front of him.

    Perhaps this is a test for him from Torm., and a test for me from Tempus. Not all battlefields have axes and swords. Some take place in the heart.

    –

    Entry 72

    I wake up, and look what I write on last page, and not believe is me. I know is, and remember write, but words not clear.

    I always person to think with heart, and not think with head much. I know what is right and wrong because is, and not have to make puzzle of. Think from heart is my strength.

    Maybe I have good ideas after blessing. I hope ideas that come from blessing of Torm are good ones. I hope Shannon sees my heart for good heart it is.

    I find myself smile when think of Shannon, and hope Shannon smiles too. Is good person who give life to duty and honor. I respect much. Besides is cute, and want to take to tall grassy field and have way with.


  • Entry 69

    _Maya sits sprawled on the stones behind one of the parapets facing south into the Nars. Columns of smoke rise from the battle, curling eastward with the gentle breeze. Off and on, there is a bright light, and many seconds later the boom from a fireball reaches her ears. Several guardsmen are around her. All looks south anxiously awaiting news of the war.

    Several of the guards warily look down at Maya, who has been snappish and moody since the start of the war. Most make snide jokes out of earshot regarding the time of the month, but those that know her nature understand, and simply keep quiet.

    She begins by writing –_

    Has been several day since war start, and am stuck here on wall of city, while watch battle from great distance. Was all pack up and ready go with defender, when run into Senator. Was so excite! Then Senator ask where was going.

    I say, “To fight war!”, and pointed south.

    He say, “No…job is here”

    I remember argue some. Tell Senator that was chosen of Tempus. Is here in Nars to fight war and evils for Him. Then he point to all the guards. Say something about soldier be go to war, and is separate from guard. Say that Maya work for Barrim and can arrest like guard. Soldier cannot. Soldiers will fight war. Guards will keep peace, guard gates, and defend city from spy.

    I remember curl fist and think would be easy knock little Senator so far into next week, that would need calendar and seer with crystal ball to find, but not want spend war in jail either.

    If senator ever run for office again, think will spend entire pouch of gold for big campaign say is idiot.

    –

    Entry 70

    We win war. Yay.

    People much celebrate, but I not feel like. Instead, I spend many day inside shrine of Tempus and ask one question.

    Why?


  • Entry 68

    Have much to write about. Has been many happening since last entry in journal.

    First, I almost see Tempus yesterday. More undead come from ground in the pass, but stink on these so bad was like poison, and start to choke. Is bad to choke in battle. I try to defend self, but blow from very strong hand almost beat to ground, and could not stop choking. Was when someone come and distract was able to get away. Had to use healing drink cost much gold from Temple of Tyr and then come back and kill. I am use all gold from sell house on healing drink. Pretty soon will be gone I think.

    Person who distract was name Analya. Is tribe woman like Maya, but do not understand tongue, and she not able use trade speak. Have pendant with black lion, and remind of Uthgar tribe. Is about good as strong soldier in combat, but not match for undead, was almost die when try save Maya. Was act of great bravery, and probably save life, so I buy warrior gift and make pledge of honor to teach and protect. Analya seem understand this, so is good.

    Have spend much time in Underdark and fight many evil creatures. I fight two headed giant with Rary, and run into big problem when fight Giant Shaman. Shaman make great evil magic and fill head with vision of evil spirits and fear, and was unable to fight. Thought Rary and Maya both see gods that day!

    Also have grand adventure with Lyte. We go different direction than go with Rary, and fight hoards of Fishmen (Kuo-Toa?). Was warriors small and great, sneaky ones who hide in shadows, and even priests that make magic go away! We travel great distance and end up under Norwick, but keep going. Was great many cave, so large could not see end, but not find any more evil creatures. Was both think we run into Drow if keep going and Lyte think we explore cave unseen by many. Lyte’s nature blessings not work there, so we turn around and leave.

    Also have problem with evil Banite. Wizard name of Arikess say was hurt by Banite name Nickolai, Li, and a tattooed man. Arikess put bounty on, then Banite assassin come and kill Arikess, or hurt so bad should be dead, and warn about mess with Banite.

    I meet Banite Nickolai on hill near crossroad, same place where Arikess say was attacked. I try to bring in to Barrim for questions, and thought he go with honor, but use drink of invisible and try to run. I use special drink to see invisible, and chase, but he lose me in Underdark. Was great evil city there, and choose not approach when see ballista point at me.

    Would have been OK if he challenge to duel or go with honor to Peltarch, but now know has no honor. Was run like coward, so will be treat like coward. Next time I see will just bonk on head with axe and drag to Barrim. Citizen of Peltarch must be protect from evil while Maya on job.


  • _In a private room in the Dancing Mermaid, Maya lies unclothed on a fur covered bed. A great variety of things have been stashed in corners or lay strewn about the floor. Her axe lays on stonework next to the fire drinking it’s warmth, the runes on it glowing a soft, dull red. The armor sits in the chair, it’s mirror finish creating dancing shadows from the fireplace on the walls.

    She opens her leather bound journal with great care. Many of the pages have been torn or stained, and some stick together with drops of dried blood. She starts at the beginning, reading quietly out loud with her thick accent. There are moments of laughter, smiles, and tears as the night wears on and the pages are turned.

    Eventually, a page is turned to one unwritten. With great care and patience she dips the quill into her ink and writes –_

    Entry 67

    Has again been long time I write in this journal. Should maybe take more care make more entry, so that when die in battle Maya life will be remember. I had want to give life to son, but that was take away from. So now I have to give life to journal. Is sad though, because journal not return love.

    Crystal is gone now, or so everyone say. I cannot tell if be true, but many people who I know not hide behind words say is true, so maybe is time for rejoice.

    Maybe can be with Nathen again.

    I think about Nathen much, and how was capture by heart. Nathen is person of much good and love him much, but not know if is right person for me, or anyone be. I will have life of forever because Tempus make so, or will die in battle also because Tempus make so. If have life of forever, then cannot grow old with someone, and if die in battle will be great pain for someone. Sometime I think it best maybe that Adam die first. I have so much love for Adam that could not stand be in Hall of Heroes with grandfather and Tempus know that Adam in pain.

    Better for Maya to be in pain. Am used to.

    I think maybe will just be happy with Nathen or other man that hold Maya in heart, and see what world bring to me.

    I have long talk with Deacon other day. Deacon is merchant that some say is good, honest hard worker. Other say hide behind words and steal from people. Some even say is pirate. Is all seem like village gossip create by old woman with nothing better do, so I decide just treat Deacon like Deacon treat Maya. If be with honor, then show honor. If cheat or steal from, will just behead. Is simple really.

    Deacon say should put money I get from sell house in place where can earn money, like farm or business. Maybe is smart thing to do. Deacon is merchant after all. But think would be more fun to spend money on magic ring or great shield or something protect from evil wizard.

    I never thought would do again, but am now Peltarch citizen. Magistrate of city name Barrim Asbravn give job to hunt down undead and evil people that threaten city. He call position inquisitor, and job even pays gold for do good thing. I was thinking would not do until Barrim show me new fortress north of Peltarch. Inside was shrine to Tempus, with many words of truth and sign for honor fallen warrior. I think was sign from Tempus say, “OK, can do this”, like when get vision become Black Dragon Knight, so I say yes.

    Barrim also say is “Battle Advisor”. I worry much on this, because I just good at fight and am force for Tempus. Black Dragon Knight train much in work with team, but not know much about formation or flanking or envelopment (is big word but remember!). I will do job for Barrim as best can and hope do good in eyes of Tempus.

    Oh! I meet Johan again! It bring smile to heart when see in commons, and was so happy to work with again, even if not in same group. I invite to supper tomorrow, to drink much ale and speak of good times.

    Maya looks at what’s written, and blows gently on the page, her warm breath drying the ink. Within moments of extinguishing the lamp, she is asleep, dreaming of happier times.


  • Entry 66

    It has been long time since I write in journal. Is much stained from grease, blood and dirt, but still have many good pages left.

    I enter Jiyyd a week ago, only to fight Orcs who try to raid Jiyyd. Was great battle, and was good to fight something other than dogmen. Know that Tempus was watch, because even Orc shout his name. But Tempus give me vision that evening after fight, and was different than usual. Used to be grandfather spirit would come down in form of raven. Raven would die and give vision, and I would return raven to Tempus with fire. This time vision come in dream.

    I see great slaughter in fields where snow giant fight orc, then see another slaughter where snow giant destroy Jiyyd.

    I go to Orcs with truce to find out if maybe Shaman have vision too. I know Orc is evil, and Tempus want me fight evil, but think maybe Tempus show me vision because though snow giant in vision also shout Tempus name, was not battle. Was slaughter. Tempus is not god of slaughter. Since I hear Orc shout name of Tempus, I think maybe Orc shaman have vision. Maybe is meant Orc and Human fight snow giant together, so that there be true battle take place and not each get slaughter. I know people in Jiyyd will not see this.

    It not matter anyway. Message I give to Orc shaman was not answer. I hear rumor of great priest of Tempus name Krig also have vision.

    I not have much answer either. Am feel very lonely for first time in life. Even in slave camp, had friends of heart. Now Adam is gone. Nathen is take by crystal. I come back to crowd full of stranger. Only old friend I see recent was Uthger, but seem like fire gone from Uthger heart.

    Have not had man between furs in long time now, and arms ache to hold someone inside of heart. I not want live or die alone.


  • Interlude

    _The stillness of a winter’s day surrounds Maya, knee deep in last evening’s fallen snow. Her cloak is cut in many places, strips of fur hanging loosely. Her armor, forged in Damara and blessed, remains unmarred. The painted griffon on her shield is all but worn away, the bluish sheen of mithril catching the sun’s rays casting dancing reflections on the snow.

    The ground around her is stained in blood, the dark red contrasting against the freshly churned snow. Countless bodies of gnolls lay around her in gross caricatures of life. Pieces of some lay several feet from where they fell.

    The gnolls sought to take advantage of her moments ago, but the fresh snow had tipped the scales in the woman’s favor. Gnolls are long in the torso, but have short legs. The depth of the snow had prevented them from surrounding Maya, whose long legs had given her mobility to move away and engage opponents at will. Their failure to acknowledge this became apparent all to quickly.

    Maya looked up. The fur hood fell from her head. Her blond hair, now dark with the winter season fell in corded braids and sheaves loosely down her back. Her eyes became bluer as she stared into the sky, her arms outstretched in supplication to the powers that fueled her heart. She uttered a single word. A word usually shouted in the course of battle, but now whispered in ecstasy and longing –_

    “Tempus”