Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

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meenauh
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Character: Meenauh Silberwald

Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » April 19th, 2021, 1:27 pm

MEENAUH SILBERWALD
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Name: Meenauh ('me' + 'now')
Surname: Silberwald (zil-bah-wald)

Birthdate: The 17th of Chilldawn, 1328 (18 years)
Birthplace: A farm to the south from Ghaenthgrand
Birthsign: The Watcher
APPEARANCE
Height: Below Average
Weight: Average
Hair: Brown with a golden tint
Eyes: Golden-Brown
PERSONALITY
Core Traits

Emotional Disposition: Anxious
At the moment Meenauh is constantly anxious due to her recent tragedy and the new environment she found herself in.

Moodiness: Labile
She is a bit unstable because of all the danger and because she lived in a much safer environment all her life.

Outlook: Optimistic, Idealistic, Hopeful
It's not easy for her to accept the world has turned into hell on earth, so deep in her heart, she's always hoping for the best.

Integrity: Conscientious, Honest, Responsible
There are enough evil and deceitful people around, but she was raised as a decent person and she'll continue to be one.

Impulsiveness: Deliberate, Focused, Thoughtful
Despite the recent events that shook her to the core, she tries to keep her sanity and order, thinking twice before acting.

Boldness: Prudent, Cautious, Vigilant
The new life smells like dead people, so she keeps her senses sharp, always scanning the surroundings.

Agreeability: Warm, Empathic, Tolerant
She is open to other points of view and can accept a lot of things unless they are against nature or people's free will and common sense.

Interactivity: Shy, Loner, Taciturn
Meenauh is not used to be around people, moreover strangers, so the social interactions are still something to learn the hard way.

Conformity: Conventional, Spiritual, Traditional
A child raised in love, freedom and tradition — she will base her actions on the core values of a free man and free soul.
Motivators

Understanding: To seek knowledge or wisdom (spiritual, scientific, magical, etc)
Creation: To build or make new, such as art, culture, invention, design, etc
Domesticity: To get married, have children, and live a family life
SOCIAL
Languages: Decusian, Yultish
Profession: To Be Determined
Background: Farming, Herbalism, Tailoring
Hobbies: Dancing, Horse Riding
BACKSTORY
Early Years

It seems that there was nothing but the farm from the very beginning. Running barefoot between the rows of corn. Father spending most of the sunlit hours in the field, tending the crops, making sure Torment wouldn't crawl inside. He treated it very seriously, while Meenauh couldn't treat it with the same grade of seriousness due to her child mind, which her parents so attentively kept safe from the whole concept of the Torment. Ignorance is bliss.
Adolescence

As she was growing, she started to watch her parents work and choose to help with one thing or another. She was never pushed into hard work or any work she didn't want to do, which only expanded her mental borders. As she had the freedom to choose, she chose wisely.

Mother started to take her on her journeys into forests and fields, where she gathered herbs, flowers and seeds. Meenauh observed and remembered. The craft of herbalism was forging her attention to details and the sharpness of the sight. And it was magical — like a fairytale with all those processes like drying and mixing to use in brewing and cooking. She bonded a lot with her mother during those years and formed a steady image of what a woman is.

She didn't have a lot of friends, but one very close to her heart. The one she spent her free time with, sad and happy. One of the most heartbreaking moments was when her friend had to leave as her family decided to move away from the Midlands for whatever reason.
Youth

As she was forming as a young woman, she started to spend more time in the fields as her father needed more help with the crops, and her mother discontinued her journeys far from the farm and focused on her tailoring business. The Torment concept was revealed long ago by that time, the hard way as well. Losing the acquaintances of hers and hearing monstrosities about it.

Overall, Meenauh felt pretty isolated from the whole world as it was 'safer' on the farm than anywhere else. At least that was what her parents told her. And what she genuinely believe until the day that started the tragedy.
Coming-of-Age

It was the middle of Icereign. That day she woke up late. Every day since then she thought that she didn't sleep at all. Every day since then she thought she shouldn't have slept that long that day.

There was no sign of struggle, there was no sign of burglary or any note. Everything looked like an average day.

First, she thought that mother was ill and they had to leave to the healer and it had to be done fast, so they didn't even leave a note. She was shaking off all the thoughts about the Torment. If her father would need to leave her at the healer's he would come for Meenauh and they'd go together. But he didn't come that day. And the day after that day. And...

Getting to sleep alone that day was impossible. It was dark and she kept staying outside just listening to the sounds of the night just to hear anything. And then the crying started. Crying that turned into weeping and didn't stop for several days. She didn't eat, she just lied there and wept. She wept for several days, it seemed, until no powers left in her and she was forced to sleep in unconsciousness.

After a week of desperation, she had to start doing something to stay alive. The despair grew further, the hands were shaking preventing her from doing anything. What was the point in doing anything if the only people that mattered were no longer there?

A month passed. Her 18th birthday wasn't even the day she noticed to come. It did not matter.

Two months passed. She started to accept the fact that they were not coming back. Ever. Maybe they died. It didn't matter from what. Maybe they did not. Maybe they had to travel to the First Province. But why without her? She was not ready to live alone. She was not ready to live like that.

By the mark of Dewfall, she was ready to move. Whatever way really, just not staying. She had to reach the Rumbling Pass and it didn't matter how and when. It seemed to not even matter whether she'd make it there alive.
PLOTS
The Roots
Father claimed (in a notebook found in the attic) to originate from Prelacy a long time ago, but decided (or was sent) to live a life of a farmer.
The Mage
I've met a mysterious person called Shadow. He led me to the Bright Lantern and turned out to be a mage. Are all mage evil or I have to learn the truth myself?
Last edited by meenauh on June 6th, 2021, 1:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Character: Meenauh Silberwald

Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » April 25th, 2021, 4:32 pm

Week 1
My own (!) house not far from Fort Praesidium

As soon as I arrived, I've met a person — Ines. She was just a passer-by, but she greeted me and was very welcoming to me. Because, to be completely honest, I was frightened to death. I didn't like the landscape that I've seen while I was moving towards the Fort. And it was dark.

I didn't think it all through. I just arrived. I had no guide, no place to sleep, no goal. The inns saved my first days, while I had the coins in my pocket. Then I had to do something to earn more pieces of clinking metal. Someone named Michalich became my guide and brought me to the Foundry. They needed farmers — and I have skills — so my first days were spent in the fields and first nights on the benches near the Foundry, or the barns nearby. Tending crops was something I'm used to and it seemed to be worth some nice coin. Food is an important resource here. Well, anywhere, I guess?

I have met more people at the social area at the Fort, but it turned out to be so hard to communicate properly. I lack communication skills, but that was expected, considering my isolated life. It is easy to accept it now and talk about it, but when they actually address me, I turn all no-no suddenly and can't do anything about that. Some made me cry (because they were too kind), some made me laugh, because they were funny, indeed.

And then, after several days working non-stop in the fields, I met her again — Ines.

Word by word, a casual conversation revealed amazing facts about our lives: it turned out that Ines was raised and lived at a farm just not far from me. When you talk about farms, the distances are of course much bigger, so "not far" is actually far, but the fact that I met a person of almost my age and from the same lands was spectacular. Moreover, she did a lot for me.

When she learned about the places I was staying and sleeping, she told me she knew a recently abandoned house. Also, she listed what she did in general — she's actually a Jack of All Trades. Her skill set is unique and encompassing several disciplines. I wish I could be like her. That said, she managed to replace the lock on the door of the house and I got my own place to stay and live. My actual first house. It was hard to believe because houses are usually built and it takes ages to earn something. But the laws are different here in the First Province. And if there's something to take, you take it while you can.


I tend to wander around while not working, and it's not nice out there. Lots of wild animals nearly got me several times — I had to run so fast as I've never been running in my life. Because life matters. I should stay closer to the fields and just do my job.

Oh, and it seems I enjoy cooking. And it seems I'm really getting good at it as I've even made a deal with a trader, so I'm getting some money for my dishes as well, which is always nice.

This all will take a while to absorb, but I'm not in a hurry.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » May 12th, 2021, 3:01 pm

Week 2... 3? Does it matter?
Realm of Despair

Depression hit me hard. Harder than the newborn Flowerbloom sun at noon. I wasn't touching the notebook for quite a while. Every day is still like in fog. I do not see anything else but fields and vegetables, and fertilisers, and water. Going out for herbs doesn't help much. It's the same activity but in a different place.

But yes, I've continued to read father's notebook. And then it hit me hard. It is hard to be alone and to come back, even mentally to the fact that I was left alone.

A few more facts were revealed, but still, I cannot treat it anyhow seriously. It is still far from believable. Father must have loved reading fiction or something. I remember the times we've struggled. He would have had a connection to his prelacy or whatever. We would live a little bit better.




I decided (again?) to live my mother's style. Got a bit into tailoring. Ines is a fairy. I told her about my intentions. She got me the spinning wheel. I have no idea where she gets things. If she crafts all that — she's a goddess or something. She just smiles at me. I like her. She's like a big sister. Like a close friend. Like Xailah.

I miss Xailah. She never returned. She never sent me a letter. If she'd be alive, she'd definitely find a way to reach me. Death is not something to be afraid of in the current state of events. Just another state of being, really.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » June 1st, 2021, 7:41 am

Young Greengrass

Just starting to recover. I have to write things down to remember. To not forget.

What was I recovering from? Injury. Shock. Being on the verge of death? My regular outings for herb and flower gathering become more and more dangerous. It seems I'm getting carried away easily and wandering really far into the wilderness. This time it was a tiger of sorts. I've never run so fast in my life. And still, it was too far. Still, it was not enough. Just a few blows before it all went dark. As I was told later, I managed to make it to the Foundry and the guards saved me from seemingly inevitable death. I was carried away to my home, where I was left to recover. I thank the kind people to get me food. I'm glad I had enough herbs to treat myself all those days. Not sure how many have passed.

It seems the death itself doesn't like my presence in the First Province. But I take the challenge.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » June 6th, 2021, 12:24 am

An Impossible Encounter
Scribbled on a side:
When did I write this? Why I don't remember writing this? Did he tamper with my memories?


When I was little, my mother used to tell me different stories about how the world was before the Torment and after the Torment but before me. The tales about progress, about wars, about the Church and about magic. She told me that there were people who liked magic and were called mages. And other people liked them first. But then it changed and they were hated.

Of course, later on, I deduced it was mainly politics. A pandemic without a clear source was easy to blame on a group of supernatural origin. "Man-made" — something created by those mages. In my memory they were always the supernatural forces, underestimated. The notion of magic itself was twisted for the favour of the people in power. When you can't control something, you either govern it, or you forbid it. And they went the second way, mostly.

All in all, they were tales. I had no knowledge of who they actually were, where did they come from and where did they go. They practically only existed when my mother was telling tales about them. If I'd ever meet one, it would probably be a dream rather than reality.


What are the chances that you would meet one nowadays, moreover in the First Province? Exactly, none.



He introduced himself as Shadow. I couldn't see his face. The even and mature voice was flying to me over several metres as the person didn't plan to come close. He said he didn't mean any harm. That not all mages are evil. Which I never stated. They were all supernatural heroes to me — human beings able to dig into the unknown, harness the power of reality beyond our imagination.

I asked if Shadow was really his name. He said it was what he is called. Fair. He demonstrated magic. It was impossible to believe. My heart started to beat at an insane rate as if I was touching the edge of this reality as if some mysterious force was opening its doors right before me. I was in awe and total horror. A feeling you would never expect to feel, but it was just... magic.

When I remembered how to breathe again, we talked. He told me about the place called the Bright Lantern — never heard of it even once since I've arrived. He said it was an intriguing place and I should pay a visit. Which I'll definitely do.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » June 6th, 2021, 1:23 am

The Bright Lantern

I'm writing this after a while because I had to process everything I witnessed and was told.

The road was long and tough. It was my first journey far from the Fort and I planned to do it during the day. So riding a carriage was fine, but then I had to travel by feet just a little before I reached the place. Somehow it was darker around it despite it being just early evening. The colourful lights and decorations were catching my eyes. It was like a constant holiday there. Some sense of total freedom was scattered across the whole camp. Some areas were a bit disturbing, so I had to look away and pass them at a quicker pace.

Once I got to the market, my sight was caught and immersed into the variety of unknown items, pretty and not. My urge for history and old things paid for a book that seemed to be ancient but still in good shape. A worthy decoration. I was disappointed a bit that the contents were actually empty. A notebook of sorts. But the cover was beautiful, so definitely something to add to the interior of my home.

The voice came out of nowhere and had me jump up a bit, saving me from reaching the other side of the market, which I may have regretted if I did. It was Shadow. He was friendly again, he complimented my purchase and said it was a good start. Start of what exactly? He just smiled. I complimented the place as it indeed seemed curious and unusual with lots of strange and mysterious items and people around. He told me the place was inconveniently close to the wolves. The definite wolves. My questioning ignorance was met with another grin (not much was seen from under the hood). It turned out the wolves were not animals, but a special kind of people that were after those like him. Indeed, ignorance is bliss as I was just flopping my eyes. His even wider grin was followed by some "let me show you something" routine as he started rummaging through the items in front of the vendors, but he never finished.

A shout came from a side and three men in black appeared from the shadows with some sort of net, or whatever that was. In an instant Shadow ran away and disappeared behind the corner. I remember a deafening scream, not sure if it was me or someone else. I had to follow them and found them pretty quick. But only the three of them.

They were all wearing black. Their faces were covered with masks, so I couldn't see them fully. Their presence was intimidating. I did not feel safe there anymore. But I couldn't leave without answers. And it seemed those people needed answers as well.

I was a bit in awe and fear to find out that Shadow was a mage. A real mage here and now in the First Province. I was really surprised to hear that but at the same time, something inside knew that but did not believe it. The black people did not share my joy over the fact I met a real mage. It was then when I realised that they were no others than the Wolves. They said their goal was to eradicate the reason for the Torment, which turned out to be... magic and mages.

Mother never told me that. Was it true? Was everything my mother told me true? How could I believe anything now? I have to do my own research. Is there a book house here in the Fort?

Anyway, the Wolves were pretty damn sure about their ways and reasons. And they had proof (which I didn't see, but mentioning was enough) — the market I purchased the book was called Black. Because illegal items of sorts were sold there, including... human flesh. If mages use human flesh, then maybe they are not the kind type after all? Only now I remember something Shadow mentioned about it all starting in the soul and something to be in the blood. I didn't get at all what he was referring to. Now I get and it makes me shudder. There were a few moments of realisation during my short conversation with the Wolves when I had to sit down. A lot of information to absorb and analyse, which was revealed to me. I have to check everything.

The book. The book I've purchased — freaked me out. What if it was a magical item, I wondered. But the Wolves assured me it was fine, a regular notebook. How could I know for sure? I'll keep it idle for a while and if something would change, I'll have to throw it away. Magic was intriguing, but also frightening. Indeed, it was not for 'mortals' as wolves referred to.

I just wanted to leave. It was enough for one day. It was not what I expected when I arrived. I am not sure when I'd go there again if ever. How can human flesh be sold for money and no one would be doing anything about it?

I asked the trio to escort me back to the carriage service. They've chosen the path, which shutters the whole inside of me. The undead, the gore creatures attacking us from all the sides was just the wonderful end of the day. Splashes of alien blood all around and exhausting running. I do not want to remember. I want to forget.

I did not sleep since I've come back home. So it all couldn't have been blamed on a dream. I wish I get to sleep soon, or my mind will explode.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » June 15th, 2021, 11:12 am

The Library

Not quite a library, maybe in common sense, though I haven't been to any. This one, right in the Fort had a good collection of books, but no way to find what you need. So I had to actually go through each and every one.

First I went through all the book covers to get acquainted with what kind of books there were. This has narrowed my search to several dozens of books I felt were worth considering. Just to get something. The advantage of my visits (and I've spent more than a week there, diving into them) was also in the fact that I've discovered a few deeper levels on matters I did not plan to find. Like herbalism is not everything. I've heard of alchemy, but it's so wide... and then there's a book on Toxicology, which only sounds terrifying, but in reality, it's such a deep level of experimenting. And I've seen pictures of plants that I've seen around, but never gathered. Might be a whole new world to discover.

So, the scarcity of information about the magic and mages and the history of it all left me hanging in the unpleasant feeling of defeat. Still a quarter of all books to go. The result of the investigation revealed a few facts, like how the Consortium was created and how the whole notion of "if you can't defeat it, rule it" was injected into the Church. First, they purged, and then they were trying to comprehend. Some books confirmed what Patricia has said, some denied it. The whole thing is... pretty controversial. But what if magic is the key to how to defeat the Torment? Even if they allegedly created the Torment, they must have the antidote. The scribe at the book place told me there are abandoned Consortium towers in the First Province and maybe some more books can be extracted from there. But who knows which creatures could have conquered the abandoned locations. Maybe I'll manage to get someone to accompany me. Maybe Patricia and her people could help me? Isn't it the truth that matters in the end? If not, I'll find someone else.

I'm still frightened to look at the pages I don't remember writing. I do remember meeting Shadow for the first time. I don't remember him demonstrating magic to me — I wouldn't have been so surprised when Patricia revealed his true nature to me. I do remember him saying to visit Bright Lantern once I have time. This is freaking me out. If he messed with my memory somehow, the magic can be infinitely powerful if nature's evil. But first of all, is it an innate ability? Can be taught to anyone? How Consortium tried to comprehend magic? Did everyone manage to? How many failed?

There are too many questions and too few answers to them. The largest library, as the scribe told me, is in Tor... I doubt we can ever reach it. Not until the Torment is defeated. So, one thing at a time. I need a companion.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » June 16th, 2021, 7:30 am

Politics

I woke up to the toxic smell. It smelled like fire. The fire was a common thing in the First Province as they burn the bodies. But this fire was different. It was wood and it was close. I dressed up in what I had around and jumped out to find my neighbour's house and the whole inn nearby burnt down to ashes. And one person standing nearby — Patricia Woods.

I needed a companion, yes. A companion that would help me reach a Consortium tower for my research. And I planned to send a letter to Patricia. And here she was, guided by destiny, although under not quite pleasant circumstances.

It was something disturbing, considering my house was already among some ruins. And then there was another house before, which was brought down pieces by pieces, and now this... Despite being in critical vicinity to the Fort, I don't feel safe anymore. Partially, because I'm alone now. Being in close vicinity to the Fort didn't help my neighbours. It could have been an accident as there was the distillery or something, but Patricia made it clear that it was politics. Some groups in the First Province were not in good relations with the others. While I try to stay away from politics, this one felt like I've been a part of it.

A person came in, Salazar (de Velle), who was my neighbour all this time. I didn't see them often, and we've never even greeted each other. He wasn't happy. Patricia remained tranquil, while he was practically furious. Or at least that is how I read it. And he had all the right. He said he was ambushed, looted and set free. And then his house was raided for everything precious and the remaining stuff was burnt down. This monologue only confirmed it was not safe there anymore and despite me trying to stay away from politics, I had no protection against regular burglary — something I didn't even consider before.

Maybe I should move to some different place. To settle somewhere with actual people. Maybe you do not survive alone in the First Province.

And then I presented to Patricia my little request. From her body language, I could read it wasn't a topic she fancied. She seemed to be annoyed by the fact that the Torment could be eradicated with the help of magic. She doesn't believe cooperation is possible. And she will not accompany to the Consortium towers, because apparently they are closed for entrance for everyone but the magic folk. I should have thought that to be honest — it's only fair.

So now... I have no clue how to proceed with my research. As mages do exist, maybe there are people in the First Province, old enough to remember how that was? Maybe, they even were in contact with them? They may be my only way to find out the truth about the origins of the Torment. Because to defeat it, we have to find out the real origin. With mages, or without them.
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Re: Legacy: Meenauh Silberwald

Post by meenauh » August 6th, 2021, 6:10 pm

All Night Long

The routine got me into a whirlwind of exactly the same days. The summer doesn't look like summer, to be honest. It does look like all the other months. Except that more crops are to be harvested. Which means more work.

This night I couldn't sleep and couldn't explain it. So in the middle of the night with a groan, I had to raise myself and try doing some hard work. The field of corn seemed to be a nice place to start. So, when I was finishing my second batch, a man appeared nearby. I did feel like teasingly talk. We got introduced after some time, not right away. The introduction opened the gates to hell. The hell of a night.

Mr. Kren. His hat was looking weird. I've seen similar hats on Patricia's people. "We didn't get along nicely," he said when I asked him whether he knows her.

I haven't heard from her for a while. Not that we are friends or anything. Not that I expected any particular visit from her. Now, I wouldn't wish her paying me a visit.

Because she is dead.

Mr. Kren seemed to know a lot about local events and rumours. Quite an intriguing man. Patricia didn't die alone. One thing led to another. So she was taken down with a few more of hers. Probably all those I've met. She seemed nice despite her spiteful hatred towards the mage kind. It came back to her. It came back to her for a reason.

Thaddeus was the name I heard from him. All in all, it seemed the mages are no rare kind. It sounded as if they live among people here. Like... I can talk to him like to Shadow. Or should I say... Bartleby?

I haven't heard from him for a while. Not that we are friends or anything. Not that I expected any particular visit from him. Our previous encounters made me uneasy, and I questioned what was good and what was bad. But after meeting Patricia, I had more questions than answers and it seemed like he could answer some. But not anymore.

Because he is dead.

The Vigil got him as they wished. I didn't get much from the story Mr. Kren tried to tell me. It was too difficult to grasp. I was too shocked by all the deaths. It seemed some even got into the newspaper. I should read it sometime. So, there were a lot of names — people, places... But one stood out by the way it sounded. Crimson Circle. They might have answers. Or at least some clues to whom to talk to about my research. With all the new information I got, it might be the next place to check. Or find this Thaddeus guy — should find his man at the Fort. Anyway, it seems there's light. And where's light there's hope.
Meenauh as 'me' and 'now'

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