Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death.

Earl Wilson

 

 

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Name: Chaim Aron

Class: Bard 6 Mourner 1

Alignment: Neutral (recently leaning a bit toward Neutral Evil)

Race: Szarkai Half-Drow

 

Gender: Male

Age: 17

Height: 6'

Weight: 170

Hair: White (clear) w/ Silver hilights

Eyes: Hazel-green (seems to shift with light)

 

STR     12

DEX     18

CON    17

INT      17

WIS     15

CHA     18  (20)

 

Armor/Clothing: Favors dark colors and heavy cloaks to protect his sensetive albino skin. Chaim prefers armor that does not interfere with his ability to move stealthily.

Weapon(s) of Choice: Javelins, whatever weapon happens to be on hand

Tactics: Scout ahead when possible, using magic to make himself invisible. Encourage the group to do their best, then attack with his javelins, running to heal or assist a companion when necessary.

 

 

A more detailed description...

 

Chaim Art

 

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Chaim (kyme) Aron, Would-Be Hero, whose peaceful life was ruined when slavers found the small settlement where he lived with his family. Chaim's mother slain, the boy's father told him to run, and, much to his shame, he did, as fast and as far as his legs would carry him. They carried him to Diamond Lake, of all places, where he found himself in the company of two intriguing females and a rotating cast of other strange "adventurers." After more than one harrowing night in the Whispering Cairn, the hapless bard was ambushed on his way back to town by a band of grimlocks, from which the party only recently freed him. Chaim's father was an accomplished swordsman, and the boy longs to follow in his footsteps and become a romantic and dashing hero told of in story and ballad, but he just can't quite seem to be, well....cool enough. He had to get rescued, he's not as strong as the petite elf or the freaking wizard, and whenever he does manage to score a hit in combat, someone else always steals his kill. No, luck does not seem to smile upon Chaim, but when he's around, the group seems to recall a bit of the heroic days of yore, and fights more bravely for it. Chaim has a bit of a crush on Talin, but has not yet worked up the nerve to tell her.

 

 

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Chaim's Dark Side:

 

 

((OOC)) It was brought to my attention by the player of Fern that Chaim's morals have always been a bit, well, fickle. He has a "what's in it for me?" attitude wherein he uses the party as a resource to find his father, and to become more powerful so that he can one day rescue him. His recent attachment to Vincent is a sort of defense mechanism in which he has taken the place of his "uncle" Astaroth, and his psyche has basically forced his overprotective streak as though he were trying to reach through time and save his abnoxious big brother-like friend. If he saves Vincent from his demonic fate, he saves Astaroth too. His family was there for him and only him. They died for him, so why not vicariously live through them? His morals change from instance to instance, helping those that mean a thing to him, while ignoring others. His complete crush on Talin forces him to act as a good character would, though still, as it turns out through outside observation, is for himself. The way Talin sees him is for his own benefit. His morbid sense of humor at times, his inward want to destroy that which causes him pain, all supposedly evil traits. I still see him as mostly neutral, but his willing to frighten those into cooperation did strike me as... well I guess it's in the blood? Or I'll just chalk it up to trauma. Wouldn't you be a little f-ed up after watching your family die brutally a little less than two weeks before meeting the rest of the party and being thrown into an insane adventure one after the other? Morality has been pulling on all sides in this party, what is right and wrong, and who has the right to say which is which. He is fighting his own inward battle on right and wrong, and has come up with this response: It depends on the situation and who you are that effect my decision to help or hurt you. Whatever gets me through the day with a clear conscience, whatever gets me through the day at all. I am no coward, despite my constant fear of discovery and of death. I willingly throw myself into danger for the sake of three people, one is dead, one may join her, the third may never know why.

 

"Fear, recrimination, innocence, sympathy, guilt, waste, failure, grief, are things, emotions, that no one really feels anymore. Reflection is useless, the world is senseless. Evil is its only permanence. God is not alive. Love cannot be trusted. Surface is all that anyone finds meaning in … this is civilization as I see it, colossal and jagged…"

 

Appearances are what keeps one alive.

 

 

EDIT:

I truly believe It has come to not only my attention., but Chaim to be trying to win over his dark side. I see it as part of his grieving process he never expressed. ... but his strange way of turning people's own morals against them, forcing them to rethink their position on good and evil, the nature if things.... hmmm. Based on the definintion of "pure evil" gulp he really doesn't have any biases to good and evil, law or chaos. He tends to defend those considered "evil abominations", accourding to Fern's player, because he is one. It's like he is really trying to defend himself. Now that I think about it... yeah, that is the motivation for the adamant defensiveness to demonic or evil races. Sorry Vincent.

 

EDIT II: Upon returning to Diamond Lake after saving Black Wall Keep, the party was met with a strange "Magic tax" in which items, their strength, and one's name is documented. Chaim of course refused, not wanting his nae on a list. The party discussed this matter amongst themselves for quite some time. Chaim stated that the people in power don't care about the rest, no one will listen to our input. He then began walking toward the Temple of Wee Jas saying simply, "I don't know why I care." Now this was a slip up, as the intended statement was "I don't know why I should care." He caught himself, pausing in step and thinking.... "I really care?" This moment was interupted by Fern calling after him, smiling a little, "Because you're a good person, Chaim."

 

This made him feel horrible. I'm not sure why. He doesn't feel like a good person at all. And Talin's revealing of her opinions of him also made him creep slowly inward. She sees him as a kind boy, and obviously grew up in a loving environment. He doesn't want them knowing the real him, he doesn't think they'd like what they'll see.

 

 

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Chaim's Curse:

It has come not only to my attention, but is glaringly obvious to the rest of the group that Chaim is in fact, cursed. Whenever the boy performs a daring feat of heroism, he goes unnoticed; sometimes, so does the deed itself. The boy is invisible, it seems, not only when he casts the spell. Of course, it doesn't help that the most recent encounter dealt with invisible foes, so his killing of said menace was not credited. (The player of Croi also had to be reminded OOC of the Tasha's Hideous Laughter on the Black Dragon, something Chaim was immensely proud of, yet no one seemed to take notice. In retrospect, it's very appropriate for Croi to have not mentioned it in the journal, as there were several things Chaim has done that Croi overlooks and ignores about him in his entries anyway  ) 

 

 

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Chaim's Cycle of Mourning

 

The Stages of Mourning

 

Previous Stages: Denial

                            Anger

                            Bargaining (asking Wee Jas priests for resurrections, following their advice and even their teachings)

 

Current Stage:    Denial/Anger, with a little bit of a displacement self defense mechanism with the new party member Ethios (thinks he is Valefore in disguise).

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Chaim's Perspective On:

 

Fern – “The Dancer of Death,” a very cheerful, lovely, easily distracted Elfin woman. I refuse to believe she’s as bubble-headed as she appears. Underneath the ribbons and vacant stare is a very intelligent and calculating warrior. I for one will never doubt her abilities— although her speech frightens me in public. Her views on other races, good and evil, leave me infuriated.

• Public speaking should be avoided. Especially when it involves a mob and a thunder stone!
• I don't think she trusts me anymore... did she ever?
• I love the woman like an older sister, but. . . she's just like my grandmother . . . she honestly frightens me.
• She seems so lonely now. I can't place what it is. She seems a little closer to Vincent after our short stay with eh Lizard Tribe, however it feels... awkwardly forced... or perhaps... Fern has changed?

 

Thomas – Phlith zhah naut natha gareth z'lonzic xan'ss. (An oft-used Drow expression, roughly translated to Common as, "Hate is not a strong enough word.")

• He shall thus be known as "The Harbinger of Worms," the fool!
• I wanted to completely destroy him during the interrogation of the Lizard Man. I am convinced he is evil. Just who does he think he is condemning them all to death? He is no better than Sorin, and should be treated as such.
• Threatening your own party member because of race...
• That night in the Lizard Tribe's caves... we learned much of each other, of motives. I owe him my life in the Keep's basement. If he had not shifted himself into that creature... the Annis Hag... I would have been dead for sure.

 

Talin – She’s a very pretty kind-hearted Human. I’m completely infatuated with quite fond of her. She’s a bit of an idealist, a tad naive. Maybe she’s what - I - the world needs?

• She is the only other sane member of the group.
• Why do I want to be ... "good" around her? Before acting I always think of how she'd react. It frustrates me greatly, but the feeling I get when she hugs me, the peck on the forehead thanks me or compliments my tactics... I'm really not sure what to do.
• Why does she want to know so much about me? Am I really so interesting? She called us... the party, a family. It felt strange to hear that in relation to the rest of the group, but at the same time, it felt right. However, my nervousness around her when we are alone together has gotten worse...

 

Sorin – A very intelligent, soft-spoken half-orc. I was unfortunate to meet this gentleman much later than the others... It’s too bad he has lost himself to rage.

• It seems truly unfair that he was expelled for acting in the party's best interest, while Thomas continues to act in his own.

 

Croidhamsa – He’s definitely an interesting one. He’s nice enough, but I’m still not exactly sure how I feel about this Human Druid. He sees everything in the realm of black and white. I do, however, enjoy twisting his words on the subject of “good and evil”, and just what is natural and abomination in hopes he realizes how wrong he is. I don’t think he quite understands yet.

• He fought side by side with what he thought an "evil" man. Perhaps he's learning?
• We had quite the bonding moment over the capture of my new friend Kushak. To think the Lizard Folk can have Druids? (end sarcasm)
• Does he not think before charging into battle? His animals are quite useful, but one can hardly work around his less than tactful rushing in. Perhaps changing into an aggressive animal? It is all well intentions, I understand, but think, man!

 

Vincent – A pirate without a lake to sail on. He’s an entertaining… I refuse to call him “Elf”. His physical characteristics are not Gray Elf. He resembles that of the Tiefling guards we’ve met. Perhaps? Little things he says here and there, the red eyes — not that I would care. As long as he keeps his hands and other appendages where they belong and away from Talin — and Fern, then there will be no problem. He is a handy sort to have around, despite his lecherous behaviour.

• His swordplay and acrobatics have definitely saved us time and effort...
• He is so much like Fern it amazes me. However his sudden and forced friendship with Filge is a bit...suspicious.
• It appears that my previous suspicions are proven correct. We had quite the bonding experience while rescuing hostages from the Lizard Tribe... and how curious the both of us could see perfectly in the night... I will say nothing, as both our secrets would be discovered. We do work well together.
• ......... why did you do that to yourself?? I must make sure Thomas does nothing to him. Despite what he is, he is a friend and party member. Demon or not!
• I can't believe he-- that's not what I-- (During the party's brief interaction with the Black Dragon, he had mentioned wanting to know what Fern tasted like. Chaim had "Message" cast on Vincent and the rest of the party at the time Vincent had decided to mutter, "I'd like to know what she tastes like too." Upon confrontation, Vincent proceeded to embarrass the adolescent on "sex education". "...what, you never had your nob hobbed?"

 

Filge – I actually like this Human. His quips and jabs toward Thomas brighten this dreary situation. How can they see such a delightful person as evil? His “Motey” is a bit… temperamental? It’s unfortunate that I was … detained in the mines and unable to assist with the overly violent meeting. Pity about the eye.

• He is a very valuable member, and his skills in combat have definitely improved, even though he does seem to lag behind when a situation goes awry. He seems to be enjoying the Facelss One's spell books.
• I trust this human with my life. Is it too soon to say that?
• He had a hand in Vincent's transformation, admittedly so... at Vincent's behest! To create such a potion from the remains of the Ebon Aspect... to injest it even! And it worked... What else is this Human capable of?
• I hadn't realized that Thomas had not been giving Filge his fair share of the findings on our journey until recent. I hope the boots of springing will make up for that. I owe him for keeping the harvesting the Black Dragon vocal cords a secret from Talin... however his.... way about him when he is around her... hell, who am I to feel anything about it?

 

Motey - After our adventure with the Ebon Aspect ... I'm very glad to have met It. It's strange and comical behaviour is very welcome with such stress and has quite possibly prevented Thomas' death.

• It is quite fond of those bracers! I wonder how we can make it stronger... teach it other things that could be useful... ((can we give it levels?))
• Talin and I have begun making it flash cards and teaching it how to write. It has been going well, and it's humour never ceases to amuse.
• He looks quite the little undead hero with his magic bracers and red ribbon bandana. What's next, a cape and steed? His taste for Kyuss worms is, however... disturbing. He is already dead, so they cannot harm him. It's just ...

 

Allustan - I am not entirely sure about this wizard. I had heard stories of the "smartest man in town," but since Thomas is his apprentice, it leaves room to wonder.

• Where on Oerth did that Human get off to? He said he would return with help TWO DAYS AWAY during a Lizard Folk attack... rather than staying to fight. What good will the garrison do four days from now?? Again.... smartest man in town....
• Perhaps I was quick to judge. I am not world-wise and know very little about politics and what have you of their society. Damned bureaucracy.

 

Kushak - A Lizard Tribesman commander that Talin and I had managed to take prisoner. You should have seen her fighting I truly believe that our conversation went well. I hope I didn't intimidate him too much. I really did only want to be friends. He'd really much rather I speak to him than Thomas. I for one would gladly accept him to the group should he be exiled.

• I'm sorry you had to die. Truly I am... why did you have to try and escape? It was his attmpt that released the Kyuss Spawn wizard, I'm sure... fool.

 

Hharsshachln - A Lizard Tribesman that willingly betrayed the clans to Fern's coaxing. He is now our guide and Fern's hireling. She wants him to guard what now? He can barely protect himself!

• How refreshing it is that he is returned a hero, bringing assisstance to aid in the coupe against their Chieftain! And yet, he may still accompany us. How strange Fate is.
• I hope he makes his way to Diamond Lake safely. I am pleased with his decision to stay with the party, although I am still a bit wary of him. Fern seems tremendously happy about this.

 

Hishka - A Lizard Tribeswoman and Shaman to her clan... perhaps the new Chieftain as well? She is quite cooperative and generous despite the insanity that transpired due to an invisible Vincent and I. Not that she knew it was us... Should I feel badly about this deception?

 

Garis - A half orc Cleric of Hextor. We met this gentleman while ... excavating the Hextorian section of the Temple. He is a very noble man, and I am glad to have spared his life. I wish he and his wife, Kendra, well.

• The party is set on travelling to the Free City. Perhaps I will visit he and his wife? .... I really hope it turns out well.

 

 

Marzena - The jury is still out on this one. I had found her broken jawed and broken handed at the feet of the big black Lizard Chieftain Shukak. She is supposedly Allustan's friend we were traveling to meet before the attack and kidnapping. A sacrifice to a ritual...

 

Tarn - He's a brave human boy, and a dutiful younger brother to Talin.

• The strange sense I get from the boy... is it jealousy? I do believe he wants to travel with us.

 

Thomas 2 - The cowardly human who sought the Dancer of Death to protect him from the dangers of the Whispering Cairn. I daresay he and his fellow teenaged friends failed their rite of passage. I am in his debt, despite his ineptitude. If not for him I would not have spent so much time near Talin --- and the others.

 

 

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Chaim Art

 

A Bard's Tale

 

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