Olyver Embers

Olyver Embers Leader of the Boogey People of the Cardinal's Reach Elite, Snow Bane of Eathas, Oceanic Knight Grand Defender of Rilan and the People within,both above and below the waves, member of Ember's Oddfellows and wearer of the Ring of Magnificence.

Olyver's Patron is Lythia Liselis

Backstory:

My travelling troupe was started by my grandfather, Ramas Embers, he was always enjoyed entertainers and as a young boy wanted to explore the land. It was his vision to entertain all the masses, from the noblest of lords to the honest peasant working the fields. Living his life in the town of Greenwood Meadows, a smith by trade it was a sad day for him and his wife, Violet, that only after 4 years after my father, Raeburn, was born he was drafted (at the age of 20) by the local lord, Evenstar, to fight for the Kingdom of Calvastus. I need naught speak of the devastation of the 30-year war, as it is a history still fresh in the mindset of all the land. While normally away from the front lines of battles, working to provide arms and armor to the soldiers of the Kingdom of Calvastus, he was called to fight in the bitter battle of Keepers Dale. Besought on all sides by the warriors of Skaalgluvic he lost his right leg in a melee against a mighty warrior. After a slow recovery over several fortnight he was sent back home with a minor pittance. 7 years had passed and what once was a young man in the prime of life, was a cripple with some silver in his pockets. 7 years poorly spent while his son, Raeburn, grew up without a father.

Life must go on and while the war raged Ramas had to make up for lost time with his family. It was then when Embers’ Oddfellows was born. One thing was learned from this war, with all the misery that all sides afflicted on each other, Ramas realized that there was not much difference between all the races. Beings, whoever they were and whatever beliefs they might have held were for the most part similar. They danced, drank, lived. They enjoyed the arts; they raised their young and they cared for their community. His vision had only grown stronger and he desired a life for him and his family that had adventure without all the grief of battle. During the war, performers were hired to boost morale of the soldiers, bawdy scenes enacted to the delight of the warriors, beautiful camp followers garnering the favors of the comelier fighter or courageous battler. Lessons not lost on young Ramas, he was ready to gather a troupe, one free of prejudice, there to simply entertain and bring in coin. He was thrilled by the beautiful singing voice of Raeburn and the good looks of the lad but was worried as the boy was nearing an age to be drafted in the very same war.

Luck is a two headed coin, one day when Raeburn was out with his friends by the Jotunrath Mountains (I think from the map), a band of goblins attacked. While a local patrol was able to protect the youth, Raeburn took an arrow and lost an eye. This was devastating to Ramas and Violet but Raeburn was made of stronger stuff. Unhappy but unphased he became a legend amongst his friends, Raeburn One Eye, spinning tales of his bravery against the goblin band. He had indeed saved a friend’s life, but his own tales of valor were not to say the least, slight exaggerated. Even though only partly blinded, this wound had exempted my father from being conscripted in the war. Instead, as he grew my grandfather spent his time encouraging young Raeburn to entertain others, knowing that performances brought joy in these trying times.

Years passed and my grandfather sought entertainers to form his troupe. Acrobats, dancers, strong men, whether warriors or rogues, human, elf, half-orc or halfling he did not shy away from who could join. Raeburn, bright and fanciful would be the lead man with his strong tenor voice and natural gift of performance. However, this was not enough and as Ramas worked tirelessly saving coin forging arms, armor, and whatever else was needed he was able to send my father (14 now) to a Bardic college to train professionally. In the meanwhile, the troupe was formed, a few young women from the town, eager to go out and see the world joined as dancers. A halfling witch, Veola Teapie, known for her homemade cures for household ailments and her fortune teller ways was recruited. There was also the gnome, Damek Ningel, visionary but erratic, abandoned by his former troupe for his eccentrics whom my grandfather thought genius! Along with several acrobats, amiable swindlers and a simple yet incredibly strong and not so bright young stable hand, Thunk, they began entertaining the common folk of Calvastus.

After four years Raeburn returned to my grandparents, trained and ready to entertain. My grandfather was thrilled to have a professional join the troupe, his vision finally being reached. While only barely half way through the war (14 years) my grandfather knew that this was a time to build fame and bring smiles among the downtrodden. They traveled throughout Calvastus bringing joy among the common folks and eventually garnering the eyes of the nobles. While not a classic troupe simply performing the most famous tales, Embers’ Oddfellows catered to both the rich and poor. Dancers would beguile patrons, stripping bare for those with the coin. Games created by my grandfather would challenge the skilled (or those lacking) for prizes or coin. They still did perform some of the classics between the group but the entertainment was more far reaching. Word is a powerful tool and soon nobles wished to see these Embers’ Oddfellows. Aristocracy and common folk were both amazed by daring acrobatics and tricks of the blade, the strength of Thunk, men and even women enthralled with the dancers, tears were wept for telling’s of classic stories such as The Beast and Beauty.

Two years and it was finally time to travel beyond lands of Calvastus to entertain all those of the war-stricken land. A writ by the heir of Evenstar (whose father perished in the war) granted Embers’ Oddfellows the opportunity to travel beyond the kingdom. Through Wu and even Skaalsgluvic traveled the Oddfellows, losing and gaining troopers while entertaining races and ages of a grand variety. A certain notoriety being earned, while earnest and honest the entertainment could sometimes be a bit lewder. Even the dwarves of Baelrum were entertained by They Lady in the Mine and Edrick Ironanvil the Destroyer. At was this time around 19 years into the war where that strange dwarf, Tordek Duvail, joined the troupe bringing with him a menagerie of animals he had gathered over his 100 years. At this point a truly diverse troupe had formed, humans, half-elves, halflings, gnomes and even dwarves, they were a shining beacon of what peace may be during war.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. While in the halls of Anvik Ironfist an earthquake took the dwarf stronghold. While hidden away in reverie my grandparents Ramas and Violet perished in the collapse of the South district. My father was father was at a loss, the troupe now in his hands with both his parents lost, the grief overtook him. Counseling him, Veola told him of love soon to be. I believe this is what kept him going through this time. Tired of the suffocating of the glorious kingdom of the dwarves my father sought to travel to the land of Thenalia to try the troupes’ luck amongst the elves. This is now the story of my birth but back to my father. Never a man to fall in love and start his own family because of the family of Oddfellows my father, now 23, wondered about his legacy. Although still in pain, the lore of the elves had always fascinated him, the grace, the freedom the cities in the trees! While traveling to Thanalia he composed the Smith and the Maid which I am so proud has been told four corners of the world! It was in Cirezal where he meets my mother, Sylsal Auvreamitore.

Management had never been my father’s strongest suit. While a superb performer he did not bother with the day to day humdrum of maintaining the troupe. The Oddfellows were not seen with the same mirth as was the case under grandfather, Ramas. However, my father did meet a dashing elf rogue, Erevan Briarfell. Whilst a trickster by art, he did convince my father to include games of chance that the elves would enjoy and give him the advice to form a council to help run the Oddfellows. With that, Raeburn, Damek, Veola, Tordek and Erevan would work together for the best of the troupe! New plays were rehearsed, acrobatics practiced, daring juggling and sword swallowing perfected. Games of chance were perfected to allow the occasional victor but to generally fatten the purses of the Oddfellows. The troupe headed to the city of Cirezal and set up their carnival, while at first the citizens largely ignored the Oddfellows and their diverse crew soon began to slowly draw the attention of the elves and citizens of Cirezal. A new play was to be performed, about star crossed lovers from two sides of the war and the tragic dual suicide of the main characters, with a song full of the grief of my fathers loss of his parents to end the play featured the hero (played by my father) taking the remaining of a draught of poison after learning his love had drank half the potion thinking him dead. To hear the story, his voice had moved the heavens, but at the least it had moved my mother’s heart.

That night the troupe celebrated in drunken reverie, it had been the most successful night since the passing of Ramas and Violet. My mother weaved her way through the troop to corner my father in a clearing of the woods where they were camped. While nearly 100 years his elder, she was relatively speaking younger than my father. He had distanced himself from everyone still wrapped up in the emotions of his performance. Although I am a bit of a skeptic, I will say that my parents’ story may indeed be one of love at first sight. He lay down on the grass in the full moon while she popped into his vision forever changing him. I’ve heard at least 100 sonnets which he has written about her beauty, his green eyes lost in the sight of her violet orbs. She wanted to know of the inspiration for the performance and rather than simply explain he performed, guiding her in the role of the leading lady. He learned that her parents had died fighting in the war 10 years before and she was growing tired in her home seeing all the things which reminded her of them. Seeing the Oddfellows perform had sparked joy in her mending heart. The night passed and day broke yet the two seemingly lost in time to converse on until midday. Raeburn, aware of his duties to Sylsal with her to the camp and introduced her to the family. The troop was only to remain in Cirezal for another week and to my father’s delight my mother asked if she could join them on their journey. The troop gave their blessing and not to mention Sylsal was a sorcerous and Damek saw use in her for the productions, she would be a mighty asset to all.

The Oddfellows traveled that year through the Thenalion Empire, Rilan and then Ilandi into Anadia and back again. Across the Flowering Gardens and by the Shimmering Seas. Once they had reached Shanlume they decided to take some rest as there was some big news in the troop. Sylsal was pregnant with yours truly and with fattened purses the troop deserved some time to rest and relax. My parents prepared the caravan to make room in their carriage and everyone purchased small trinkets as gifts to celebrate my birth. After the much-needed rest the troop traveled along the coast and I came into the world in Sandwich Village. Bloody and crying I came into the world and when I opened my eyes to my parents delight one was violet like my mothers and green like my fathers, they named my Oliver after my mother’s father. Ember's Oddfellows celebrated with the whole village, performing amazing feats, reciting tales, a huge bon fire was lit and everyone danced in the moonlight until the sun had risen. Thunk chose to retire here, however we meet Tanglar Van Hyden, a hulk of a half-orc and standing nearly 8 feet, Thunk and Tanglar drank and performed feats of incredible strength and Thunk was satisfied with our newest edition. Of all the gifts I received that evening the best was a 2 headed coin which belonged to Ramas, so I would always be in charge of my own luck.

Growing up in a troop is as glorious life. I sang before I spoke, I mimicked the tumblers and acrobats. My family was of all different shapes and races and I would never trade them for anything. I was thrust into performances within weeks, all the women happy to play the role of a mother with child in our performances. I am told that these were the most joyous times for the Oddfellows, the war still raged but they brought joy to the sad and weary. We continued to travel the lands, some members of the family leaving and others joining. Even though war torn there was still much wonder to be seen in the world. My life was a constant adventure, traveling, performing, and taking in all the wisdom from the troop. I was fascinated by the creatures of Tordek’s menagerie, a cockatrice, able to turn man to stone. An ash rat who unleashed could cause tremendous trouble, A will-o-wisp with its haunting aura, flying snakes, quasits and stirges, nothing so large but amazing nevertheless. As I grew a bit older, I became more interested in our dancers, known as the 5 muses. The human, Druella, the half-elf, Atala, the Tiefling, Sarkaria, the halfling, Crystal and the dwarf, Tella. Nine-year-old Olyver was particularly fascinated by Sarkaria, with her curved horns and her macabre sense of humor. The muses humored my attempts at flirtation but did not mind if I snuck into their tent as they performed for the bawdier patrons. Tanglar had me walk across the mighty weights he hoisted over his head, Erevan taught me the rigged games of chance, Veola would tell my fortunes and destined greatness and Damek had me assist with the special effects we used in our shows (It was convenient for me to crawl in tight spaces. My father and mother would tell me tales into the night and my imagination and wonder only continued to grow.

It was a day of celebration which marked the end of the 30 years war, while there was much devastation and borders everyone needed the respite. Life for Ember's Oddfellows continued as it had and we continued to travel. After three years of traveling we were in the Kingdom of Calvastus and my father took us to Greenwood Meadows, the village of his father and where he grew up. He meets with friends of old and we performed for the village. We went to the castle of Lord Evenstar and performed for the nobles of the court; Evenstar quite impressed with how the troupe had grown. Most impressed with my performance in the Tale of Angly Starburn, the classic story of the young hero saves his city through his quick wit and clever riddles, Evenstar wished to send Olyver to the Bard College at Limcaster. However, Olyver would have to serve in the court for one year before being sent out. It was agreed, and my parents would travel through Calvastus and I would serve in Lord Evenstar’s court.

Life at court was not what I was accustomed to, however I took it as a new adventure. There were plenty of youths in the court that I took to, they were delighted with the tales of my travels and I was quick to make friends. Almost no one had been outside of the Kingdom of Calvastus so I was the resident expert. Whenever the Lord was entertaining, I would demonstrate my acrobatics, sword swallowing and theatrics. I meet several heroes from the I enjoyed the stories of their endeavors. Their history with the war was different than what I had grown up with, most stories I heard ended in woe where we had entertained the fellows but now, I heard stories of conquest, heroic deeds and battles. I had considered my life on the road adventurous but we had always avoided where battles were fierce and the loss of life great. It is surprising how during conflict there are so many places where there is little chaos in the midst of the world bleeding. The year came and went, and I was now back with the Oddfellows as we headed over to Limcaster. My father was proud, all reports of me where in high standing, and while there were some antics, I had my tuition paid at no expense to the family. When we reached Limcaster before I would start my schooling, we performed to approving glances of some of the bards at the college.

My four years at the Bard College at Limcaster were entertaining however lacked in the comparison of the life I was used to. I was eager to learn all that I could but I did grow restless staying put for so long, particularly after serving a year in the court. I knew my history put me a leg above the other students however I still had much to learn. I was a natural leader, and when the students would have to perform, my experience allowed us impress whatever patrons we were entertaining. There were young romances, and I am sure some of my Oddfellows would have been proud. The many nights of reverie were enjoyable but the pain the following day was always so terrible. My third year, I composed an epic that I was so excited to share with my father. In a kingdom in the dunes of Wu, a young street urchin is hired by the sorcerer of the court to take a lamp in the cave of the Mystics. Previously he had meet a princess, trying to blend in with the commoners of the kingdom. The urchin learned the lamp was magic and summoned a genie and played the role of a prince to win the heart of the princes. The sorcerer eager to be the new king manages to take the lamp and expose the urchin and take over the kingdom. The tale ends with the urchin defeating the sorcerer, and with the kings blessing can marry the princess to start a new life in the kingdom. Into my last year I learned that my story with variation had been told throughout the land and I knew my father would be proud. College ended and I was soon off to the Oddfellows, ready to take a lead role but beginning my desire to branch out on my own, and create my own legend.

My family had planned their travels to be at Limcaster by the time I finished College. I learned that they had proudly performed my tale Olyver (a bit narcissistic, I know) across Calvastus. Now at 18, with my dashing looks, the 5 muses who had once looked at me as a child now began to show some interest, particularly my previous paramour, Sarkaria. It may still have been a game for her but for me it was real, she was my first love. She was 12 years my senior but I was young, eager to please and enjoying the distraction. It’s impossible to keep a secret with such a small family and I believe that Sarkaria became a little self-conscious and worried that the family may be impacted. While I promised it would not be an issue unfortunately the flame burned and dimmed and I must say my spirits were lowered. It was at this time that I began to wonder what it would be like to branch out on my own. My family would always be there, but to branch out and make my own name was a seed in my mind which was planted. I was interested in the guilds; I knew my history would make me a strong leader and I could finally have my own adventures which I craft the tales to entertain the masses. We were winding our way back to Thenalia. In Baelrum we visited again in the halls Anvik Ironfist. It was a celebration and the troupe was welcomed to much fan faire. We were honored to see a memorial to Ramas and Violet after that tragic incident all those years before. My father was moved and we shared many a pint of fine dwarven ale with all the dwarves and Tella surely broke a few hearts.

I was now 20 back in the land which I was born. It was a magical experience being back in Cirezal where my mother was from and my parents meet, it was a fond memory for the Oddfellows. It was here where I began to see the flyers for Cardinal’s Reach and that seed which had been planted 2 years ago. I told my parents that I needed to write my own story. They were so sad to hear this news but being so proud of me knew that I would be fine and that I would find myself back with the family. Once again 20 years later we celebrated in the same fields where my parents meet. It was a bitter sweet celebration, my family always knew when I would be back previously but not there was uncertainty. It was good to know that I would be a fine ambassador of Ember's Oddfellows wherever I ended up at. It was a painful morning but I knew that I could not stay so long to risk the desire to stay with my family. I packed and began my farewells, I did not realize how emotional experience would be, My whole life was formed by my family but now it was a time to take chances and forge my own legends. My parents were headed East and I made my way West to Vail to find out more information of Cardinal’s Reach. This is my story Olyver Embers and my tale has only just begun.

With the Cardinal's Reach Guild

Vael

Uramor Reserve

Eathas

The attack on Cardinal's Reach

Olyver's Speech

"People of Cirezal and The Thenalian Empire, I, Olyver Embers, stand before you today with heavy heart. In the last few days these False Greylanders, these terrorist under Queen Zofia Atmos, have unleashed these other planar beings to unleash havoc hear in Cirezal as well as all of the cities of our guild halls. It was one the most difficult decisions of my compatriots and I to stand and free the council of Grimdur before coming to aid here and I know my dreams will be haunted by the deaths seen here today.

After decades of war this megalomaniac Queen Zofia aims on sowing the seeds of discord, here in the Thenalien Empire as well as having her sites set on further destruction. Her terrorist have worked in the shadows to try and invoke war between the Empire and Baelrum. They have taken council members of Rilan and Grimdur hostage. She claims to be of the old ways of the Greylanders but this is her propaganda as we have been in Grimdur and meet Greylanders of the old ways and even have recruited such members into our guild. They have slayed without mercy our fellow citizens and have caused destruction of our villages and cities. However if she believes this will bend us and she will not succeed.

My mother was from these lands and I was born here in Sandwich Village. While I did grow up in a troupers group traveling all the realm, I felt the urge to heed the call and join my fellows here at Cardinal's Reach. Me and the Boogie People have done naught but work to bring good to the Thenalien Empire and help her citizens. In our travels we have befriended a faer dragon in Karthalon who instead of destroying the Spring Glave became our ally for good and helped defeat the Sunken Corsairs. When we became trapped in time in Mathora they helped us return with our dearly Cheese who by the blessing of our allies Willya's god has allowed him come back to us. Our members even hail from other planes and I must also bow my head in mourning for Rupert (from the swamp realm) and Obsidian (form the plane of horror), Vaeritar the young faer dragon who left the lands poisoned by Queen Zofia and her Zealots in Anilas Bog to seek safety here in Cirezal. These brave souls knew that Cardinals Reach stood for good and to be here defending the people.

While we do mourn, I promise you that we will rebuild Cirezal and Cardinals Reach and be stronger than ever. We will avenge our friends and allies, defeat this mad Queen and work to bring peace to the Thenalien Empire. While the task at hand will be difficult, life is difficult and everyday we overcome its challenges. We must stand strong and united, we cannot allow doubts to cloud our minds, we must show Queen Zofia that she has made a grave error in unleashing these hellish beast on our lands and we must bring her to justice.

Cardinal's Reach will provide funds to help rebuild out guild hall and Cirezal. We promise to help raise any orphans here or in our other guild halls. All those who need sanctuary we will help to provide as it is our duty to all the good sentient beings of the planet. We shall strive to show strength in the face of adversity. I ask each and everyone of you, do you stand with Thenalia, with Cardinals Reach and all those who are good in the realm?"

Insert things later.

The Tale of Atticus Embers and a Stroke of Luck:

Long long ago began the tale of Atticus Embers, at a young age when he first started off adventuring, he fought off one of his first major challenge, the Demon, Dril'gilloth, was accidentally summoned by an apprentice mage, Folmon Cailana. While quite a terrifying encounter Atticus in his bravery overcame his fear to banish the beast. Within the belly he found his famed rapier, a Stroke of Luck, and hence the tale continues.

Limericks and Haikus:

Ember’s Oddfellows are in town, Limerick:

Ember’s Oddfellows are in town

If you miss them, you’ll be down

Some great theater

Then dances later

Post the fun you’ll feel unwound

My magistrate, haiku:

Her hair is fire

That gaze ignites desire

I am bound to serve

Sarkaria, haiku:

Beguiling dancer

Before long I fell for you

A lock of your hair

When those Oddfellows come around, song:

We traveled to ______ to sing and dance for you

We traveled to ______ and what a ballyhoo

______ In your fair town we hung around, to dance and drink oh what a sound, there are no folk quite as fine as you. Sample:

We traveled to Sandwich Village to sing and dance for you

We traveled to Sandwich Village and what a ballyhoo

Sandwich Village In your fair town we hung around, to dance and drink oh what sound, there are no folk quite as fine as you.

We traveled to Ilandil to sing and dance for you

We traveled to Ilandil and what a ballyhoo

Ilandil, Sandwich Village In your fair town we hung around, to dance and drink oh what a sound, there are no folk quite as fine as you.

We traveled to Ruendil to sing and dance for you

We traveled to Ruendil and what a ballyhoo

Ruendil, Ilandil, Sandwich Village In your fair town we hung around, to dance and drink oh what a sound, there are no folk quite as fine as you.

Cirezal, Merchants Beach

Smith and the Maid – Raeburn epic poem (pretty much Aladdin)

Dorian and Alloralla – Raeburn play (pretty much Romeo and Juliet)