Original Submissions containing 'songs'

Gurth Hunter by Elkinhym
Added on Mar 29, 2015

Covered in armor from head to toe
Very thick leather and shell...
Fierce paint on his face, he's a man of woe;
There is only one beast that's more fell.

He has set out before, others give him wide berth:
he is off to slay the mighty gurth.

This gurth slew his mother--a hunter was she.
It ground her poor bones to dust.
It also took the arm of his sister, you see:
Leaving it alive would be unjust!

He is scared for his life, for his life has great worth:
he is off to slay the mighty gurth.

The hunter made way through the scrublands

he paused and then gave up a shriek,
Without his notice, it had bit off his hands,
and now leapt for his throat with its beak!

Of these numerous beasts, one can't say there's a dearth,
So let this be a lesson--though without any mirth:
Beware when you hunt mighty gurth!

Covered in armor from head to toe
Very thick leather and shell...
Fierce paint on his face, he's a man of woe;
There is only one beast that's more fell.

He has set out before, others give him wide berth:
he is off to slay the mighty gurth.

This gurth slew his mother--a hunter was she.
It ground her poor...
Continue Reading...
Sabers and Glory by Torgun
Added on Dec 6, 2012

A drinking song first heard among units of the Allanaki Jade Sabers Legion, late in the 22nd Age.

We are the pride of the Dragon’s Arm,

A legion of great and far renown,

Carved in history is our Legion's name

His City's founding onward down

If you think the Byn is tough

Or Salarr as strong as their steely claims

Just wait till we lay hands upon you,

Crying 'In the Highlord's Name!'

The Jade Sabers' is the place for me

The creme of all the infantry

No other legion can hope claim

The Sabers’ share of the glory!

We know no fear when duty sends us far from home

Or keeps us near to find the hidden foe

The Highlord's Cross above us boldly waves

As we give His enemies their dying day!

We take delight in the foeman's pain

Crashing through their ranks and on to fame

Strong as a braxat’s our blows do fall

When the order comes we'll kill them all!

The Jade Sabers' is the place for me

The creme of all the infantry

No other legion can hope claim

The Sabers’ share of the glory!

We are the pride of the Dragon’s Arm,

A legion of great and far renown,

Carved in history is our Legion's name

His City's founding onward down

If you think the Byn is tough

Or Salarr as strong as their steely claims

Just wait till we lay hands upon you,

Crying 'In the Highlord's...
Continue Reading...
A poor, common girl. by Wayani
Added on Aug 12, 2012

Composed by Seeker Ayla of Konviwedu for her first and truest love, Arkesh Kadius.

Don't leave me here, alone and empty;
for I know you could fill your bed aplenty.

I know that this poor common girl ...
Is not fancy enough for the refinement of your world.

Your duties and mine keep us apart -
And yet I wonder if I still truly stir your heart?

Am I only the simple common girl,
who dresses and speaks unlike her parented churls?

The one you ornament in the richest of silks,
to have only -your- hands unfurl?

Do you truly believe you were meant for me?
A poor common girl who's never worn pearls from the silt sea?

And even encrusted in such jewels feels completely empty?
Tell me love, tell me truly please.

So that my heart might rest with ease,
within my false bed of pretty tapestries.

Don't leave me here, alone and empty;
for I know you could fill your bed aplenty.

I know that this poor common girl ...
Is not fancy enough for the refinement of your world.

Your duties and mine keep us apart -
And yet I wonder if I still truly stir your heart?

Am I only the simple common girl,
who...
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Stone Hand's Song by Wayani
Added on Aug 12, 2012

Composed by Seeker Ayla of Konviwedu for the Byn's half-giant, Stone Hand. He had asked her if she could make him wings so that he might fly, but died before she could finish her task.

Bound to the ground by the thickness of the breeze,
the volume of my body and the thud of my feet.

I should like to flit through the air like a verrin,
but my arms are too wide, my limbs thick like meat.

So I ask you, pretty crafter, what do you know of fashioning wings?
Would it be a hard thing to accomplish, for someone as big as me?

I'll pay you anything if you can give me something,
that'll make me fly through the desert with ease.

So while you begin to sew the feathers, lacing them with string,
I'll lie down and rest and dream of someday flying on the breeze.

Bound to the ground by the thickness of the breeze,
the volume of my body and the thud of my feet.

I should like to flit through the air like a verrin,
but my arms are too wide, my limbs thick like meat.

So I ask you, pretty crafter, what do you know of fashioning wings?
Would it be a hard thing to...
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Double Circle Darkness by Bebop
Added on Jul 11, 2012

A song composed and sang by Sergeant Buckle Irofel before exile and after, usually substituting the "I" in the song to the name of some other bar patron (usually someone scrawny or sweet) to give the grim song a sense of playfulness.

When the sands and I come to claim you
I hope you shall prepare
For I shall show no mercy
When I smell blood in the air

My eye is on my prey now
There is little point in running
The stride of your beast of burden
Is of no consequence to my cunning

The night is falling all around you
Darkness and I are not far behind
The sands are an ally to finality
And there is no man Death doesn't find

It is quiet unfortunate for you
To be dealing with the likes of me
My blade is something seen by many
But something none have lived to see

If you knew what was approaching
You would take your odds with a tainted meal
Than chance a dance, in the sand
With the Moons and myself at your heel

So one last word of precaution
A warning should you choose to heed it
If you see me pray for luck
'Cause when I come, you're going to need it

When the sands and I come to claim you
I hope you shall prepare
For I shall show no mercy
When I smell blood in the air

My eye is on my prey now
There is little point in running
The stride of your beast of burden
Is of no consequence to my cunning

The night is falling all around you
Darkness and I are...
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Close Shave by MarauderMoe
Added on Jun 16, 2012

A song purchased from an old grebber and sung by Whatsit Nyli of House Fale.

Come gather 'round you grebbers
Who work for 'sid out there.
A trick played on a man named Teb
Did cause him to despair.

He came to town the other week,
His hard earned 'sid to trade.
'Twas there he met a pretty girl
Who did his heart betray.

Her lips were red as roses,
Her eyes a sapphire blue,
Long hair as black as all the 'sid
She stole from folks like you.

She took him to a drinking inn
And there they did imbibe
In ale and burning whiskey,
And dreadful stuff beside.

It's then she asked him up to bed,
To which he did agree,
But truth to tell Teb fell asleep
Before she earned her fee.

When he awoke next morning
No trousers could be found,
But there were women's clothes so fine
Scattered all around.

His jacket, shoes and 'sid had gone
And all that's left there is
A woman's dress, a long-haired wig,
And a shaving blade, not his.

Why did she need the wig?
Why did she need to shave?
It's then the truth it struck him
In a fit of blinding rage.

His pretty girl's a man, he cried,
Be thanks he fell asleep.
He'd rather lose a bag of 'sid
Than face that thievin' creep.

To venture in the street again,
He cautiously inclined.
He had a shave, put on the wig,
And wore the dress so fine.

And as he walked along the road,
A grebber gave a wink.
He thought of all the 'sid he'd lost...

...

So Teb offered him a drink.

Come gather 'round you grebbers
Who work for 'sid out there.
A trick played on a man named Teb
Did cause him to despair.

He came to town the other week,
His hard earned 'sid to trade.
'Twas there he met a pretty girl
Who did his heart betray.

Her lips were red as roses,
Her eyes a sapphire blue,
Long hair...
Continue Reading...
The confused bard by Akaramu
Added on Jul 4, 2010

Women are trouble, such is life. And noble ladies? They are very fond of their songbirds. Sometimes, there is no easy choice to make.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, his gaze drifting between your partially eaten bowl of erdlu wings and the nubile, aureate-braided woman as he speaks, a boyish smile lingering:

"Ah, those are delightful."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, her voice gentle as she swirls the contents of her goblet:

"I must agree with you."

You think:

"Hopefully she still likes those almost inproper little remarks, heh."

You eat your partially eaten bowl of erdlu wings.

You are no longer hungry.

Having emptied the bowl, the lissome, kohl-eyelined man eyes your green glass brandy snifter and switches it from his left to his right hand, still watching the nubile, aureate-braided woman from the corner of an eye.

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"Have you had a delightful week, my lady?"

You sip from your green glass brandy snifter.

This tastes like strongly spiced brandy.

You think:

"This is the Krath-damned good stuff. Nothing like the gith piss in the Gaj."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, eyes lifting to your face, ignoring the pleasantries:

"What do you want to do Zach. I am really curious if it was your desire to be my concubine. I want to know your thoughts pet."

You think:

"Ah, so this is it..."

Waiting expectantly, the nubile, aureate-braided woman sips from her round, amethyst-rimmed lapis goblet.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, contemplating the contents of his glass as he speaks, in a cautiously respectful tone:

"My lady, it is my desire to please you... however, this simple-minded bard does not know any of the... rules, or what is required."

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"Lady Lapitia never spoke of... such things."

You think:

"Would I still be able to see Zara? But Krath, if I mention a common woman now, she might think I prefer Zara over her."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, slender finger tracing the rim of her goblet idly, her tone patient and soft:

"I am not Lady Lapitia my dear, but do not fret. If you were to be my concubine, I fear it would stun your creative avenues. You would never be allowed to be with..."

You think:

"And do I even have a free will in this? I don't want to lose her favor..."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, clearing her throat:

"You sould never be allowed to be with another while my concubine, Zach."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, blinking at her goblet:

"Would.."

The nubile, aureate-braided woman sips from her round, amethyst-rimmed lapis goblet.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man nods as he listens, his gaze flicking towards the curving lines of the nubile, aureate-braided woman's lips briefly.

You think:

"Ah, Krath. Life will never be simple again, eh?"

At your seat, you say in sirihish, softly, allowing his gaze to linger on the nubile, aureate-braided woman's lips for a longer time:

"My lady, no other woman could match your charms."

At your seat, you say in sirihish, with an undertone of amusement:

"But half of the servant lasses within the household might fret..."

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"I could be strangled in my sleep, or beaten with brooms."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, artistically arched brow raising as her dark eyes lift to you:

"I do not want to take your freedoms Zach. That is not my intent. Unfortunately I must be careful for obvious reasons, with who I lay with. If it is not your desire to be killed..."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, continuing with some humor:

"..with brooms, decline the position."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man considers the nubile, aureate-braided woman sidelong for a moment, his kohl-lined gaze softening as it traces along her braids and neck.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man releases a deep breath.

You think:

"I am likely a Krath-damned idiot, no matter what I do."

At your seat, you say in sirihish, softly:

"My lady, would you be offended... if I think about this, for a week or two?"

You sip from your green glass brandy snifter.

This tastes like strongly spiced brandy.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman crosses her legs primly and readjusts the silk over her legs then lets her free hand drape over her knee.

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, smiling gently:

"Of course I would not be opposed Zach. But I will give you another offer within this to consider."

At your seat, you say in sirihish, curiously:

"Another offer, my lady?"

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, her eyes focusing softly as she looks across the carriage:

"Should you decide to be my concubine, if you find love your heart needs to persue, even after a week in that service.."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, eyes moving up to focus on your face:

"I will release you to your freedoms, while still remaining employed with me."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man takes another small sip from your green glass brandy snifter, apparently attempting to focus his attention on something other than the nubile, aureate-braided woman's curving bosom.

You think:

"Ah, shite. I always knew that in the end, women would get me into the most trouble."

You think:

"I know it... no matter what I do, at some time, it will result in trouble."

You think:

"But Krath, she's perfect..."

You feel aroused.

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"You are very kind, and generous, to make such an offer, my lady."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, voice soft:

"I could not keep my songbird in a gilded cage."

The nubile, aureate-braided woman lifts her hand from her knee to rest on yours, fingertips gently tracing over it.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, in an equally soft tone, favoring the nubile, aureate-braided woman with his warmest smile:

"The songbird will always chant his sweetest songs, no matter what happens, because he adores his lady."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man gently places his hand on top of the nubile, aureate-braided woman's hand, each slender finger lightly caressing her skin.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman grins briefly before lifting her chin and leaning towards you, her full lips grazing your jawline, warm breath washing down your neck.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, mumbling with mock disapproval:

"Ah, my lady, if this was a Kruth game... I would say you are cheating."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man releases a faint sigh, then closes his eyes, tilting his head slightly to ease the nubile, aureate-braided woman's access.

Her lips moving up to linger over your ear teasingly, her voice low and lascivious, the nubile, aureate-braided woman whispers to you, in sirihish:

"Wouldn't my Seniors be proud of me then, my pet?"

You think:

"Must... resist... her... now. I need some fecking time to think..."

You think:

"Resist..."

You feel internal struggle.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man tightens his grip on the nubile, aureate-braided woman's hand somewhat, then releases it with a vague, and weak shake of his head.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, with a somewhat strained tone as he turns his face away from the nubile, aureate-braided woman:

"Forgive me, my lady... I need time... to think."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, dropping back to her place in the chair, eyes on your:

"I'm not trying to seduce you into an answer now Zach. Just seduce you."

At your seat, you say in sirihish, a look of vague confusion crossing his features as he glances over to the nubile, aureate-braided woman:

"Would this not mean... I am, I mean... would it make me..."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man sighs softly.

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"See my lady, your charm is so strong... you turn me into a babbling idiot."

You think:

"And sometimes, that scares me... very much."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, her hand under yours turning up to entangle her fingers amongst yours:

"Not this once, my curiosity has the better of me Zach, anyway, would you not be the same man a week or two from now, should you accept?"

A Pilot's Chamber [D Quit Save]

A carved and gilded wooden bench, upholstered with comfortable purple

leather padding, stands at the front of this low- ceilinged pilot's chamber,

while other ornately fashioned benches, sitting a little further back against

the walls, provide the occupants with a comfortable vantage point from which

they can see out over the pilot's shoulder. A large baobab cabinet, fastened

with a small gilt catch, sits within easy reach of the pilot, while a gilded

wooden cask sits atop it, ready to dispense wine. Underfoot, a purple and

green rug completely obscures the wooden planking of the floor. The walls

are covered with woven tapestries, depicting scenes of Allanaki glory. The

chamber smells of perfume and burnt spice.

A leather-strapped, rich purple satchel is slung over the footboard of a large, agafari bed.

A small, black-dyed wooden cask with silver stripes is pushed in the corner behind the table.

An unlit slender yellow taper is standing upright in a small sconce built into the wall.

An octagonal agate-topped table is set just to the side of the pilots bench, several chairs pulled around it.

A small, purple-dyed wooden cask with green stripes is here pushed in the corner, strapped down to keep from sloshing.

Affixed with leather ties, a plump leather cushion pads the driver's bench.

A large tray is placed in the middle of the table, filled with various foods.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman is sitting on a leather-covered, gilt-armed easy chair.

The unibrowed, wide-shouldered man is standing here alertly.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man settles back on his seat, giving the nubile, aureate-braided woman's hand a gentle, though somewhat absent squeeze as he appears to mull the question over.

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"I don't know, my lady. I am not the same man now than I was before I wore this cloak... "

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"I might be a better man, or I might be a babbling idiot, who only comes to life in your presence. A more skilled artist, mayhaps..."

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"but one with fewer friends?"

At your seat, you say in sirihish, with an undertone of bitterness:

"Envy runs like crotch-rot among the common populace."

At your seat, you say in sirihish:

"A bard with few friends does a poorer job, with less birds whispering into his ear. We work with stories, and the inspiration of others."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, a soft smile curling her lips as she looks to her hand in yours:

"You need not tell people. Nor do you need to fret over the future just now. All I want at this moment is to lay with you."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, squeezing your hand before releasing it and moving to stand:

"If you wish for it to not happen I suggest you make your desires known now."

Witha graceful rise, silks clinging to her ample form, the nubile, aureate-braided woman stands up from a leather-covered, gilt-armed easy chair.

At your seat, you say in sirihish, his features brightening at the instant as he considers the nubile, aureate-braided woman once more, and watches her rise:

"Mmmmh... not tell anyone? I believe I would like... that, I like secrets, my lady... of course, none from you..."

The nubile, aureate-braided woman turns to face you, head canting faintly.

Wetting her full lips as she regards you, the nubile, aureate-braided woman asks you, in sirihish:

"I didn't hear you pet. What was that?"

You think:

"Didn't I want to ask something today? Eh... can't fecking remember..."

You think:

"Something about... swords? Ah... no matter..."

You think:

"A flurry of sexual images"

Speaking in a slightly darker tone as he pulls back the rim of your black-feathered, purple hat and turns his face to her, you say to the nubile, aureate-braided woman, in sirihish:

"It was nothing important, my lady. Just a waste of time, and words."

Turning with a swirl of lilac silk about her ankles, the nubile, aureate-braided woman asks you, in sirihish:

"I am about to lock the trapdoor, do you choose to be inside our outside when it is done?"

The nubile, aureate-braided woman moves over to a leather-strapped, rich purple satchel hung across the cramped bed wiht a silent stride.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman opens a leather-strapped, rich purple satchel.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman gets her jade-glazed keyring from a leather-strapped, rich purple satchel.

You ask the nubile, aureate-braided woman, in sirihish:

"Will I be able to walk, my lady?"

The nubile, aureate-braided woman closes a leather-strapped, rich purple satchel.

Arching a brow curiously as she turns to face you again, the nubile, aureate-braided woman asks you, in sirihish:

"What do you mean Zach?"

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man scratches his chin above the two hairy prongs of his goatee with a thumb, the flicker of a grin playing along his lips as he takes in every one of the nubile, aureate-braided woman's movements.

You say to the nubile, aureate-braided woman, in sirihish:

"Well, sometimes it works like an excellent drink... leaving me too light-headed and exhausted to climh down stairs, or ladders."

Pursing her lips in thought as she watches your expression, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says to you, in sirihish:

"I certainly hope you will still have minimal use of those legs. But Wesley can help you down if the need should arise."

The nubile, aureate-braided woman flashes a grin and moves for the tradoor, pausing to look at you once more.

Holding up her jade-glazed keyring, the nubile, aureate-braided woman asks you, in sirihish:

"And what is your decision?"

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man lifts a hand to flutter a small, playful wave towards the unibrowed, wide-shouldered man before returning his attention to the nubile, aureate-braided woman.

The unibrowed, wide-shouldered man grunts, eyes darting off to look out on the yard.

You say to the nubile, aureate-braided woman, in sirihish:

"Mmmh, mayhaps outside then, my lady."

You say, in sirihish:

"Or inside? I am no good with decisions."

You think:

"Does it fecking matter?"

His eyes locked on the nubile, aureate-braided woman as he speaks, distractedly, you say, in sirihish:

"Mmh, no... outside it is."

Leaning into the wall of the chamber with a sharply jutting hip, brown eyes still on you, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says to you, in sirihish:

"As you wish pet."

A quick glimps of disappointment crosses the nubile, aureate-braided woman's visage, quickly hidden behind an amicable smile.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman stops using her round, amethyst-rimmed lapis goblet.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman switches hands with her round, amethyst-rimmed lapis goblet and her keyring, taking her jade-glazed keyring in her right palm with an almost inaudible sigh.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman walks across the carriage and sets down her goblet quietly on the table.

The nubile, aureate-braided woman puts her round, amethyst-rimmed lapis goblet onto an octagonal agate-topped table.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man rises with a smooth motion and a soft rustle of your purple and green silk cloak bearing the Fale sigil, then sets your green glass brandy snifter down on the table with a forceful 'thud' before approaching the nubile, aureate-braided woman with a few swift strides.

You stand up from a leather-covered, gilt-armed easy chair.

You put your green glass brandy snifter onto an octagonal agate-topped table.

Placing both hands on the wall to her right and left as he speaks, in a dark but gentle tone, next to her ear, you ask the nubile, aureate-braided woman, in sirihish:

"Is it locked, my lady?"

The nubile, aureate-braided woman looks at you with an interested flick of her gaze, watching you assessively.

Softly, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says to you, in sirihish:

"No."

At your seat, you say in sirihish, his gaze drifting between your partially eaten bowl of erdlu wings and the nubile, aureate-braided woman as he speaks, a boyish smile lingering:

"Ah, those are delightful."

At your seat, the nubile, aureate-braided woman says in sirihish, her voice gentle...

Continue Reading...
The boy with the heart of a bird. by Anonymous
Added on Jun 15, 2010

This song was overheard in the Allanaki Bazaar, sung by a rinth rat.

The boy with heart of bird did not fly,
the man he wants to be did die.

The girl he loves most, suprising,
when asked, see him not deserving

I want to be alone until suk-krath dies,
and what I know is maybe lies

Iiii-eeee do not die, when I close my eyes....

Iiii-eeee do not die, when I close my eyes....
But all I love go away

The boy with heart of bird did not fly,
he fell upward into black night.

The boy with heart of bird did not fly,
the man he wants to be did die.

The girl he loves most, suprising,
when asked, see him not deserving

I want to be alone until suk-krath dies,
and what I know is maybe lies

Iiii-eeee do not die, when I close my eyes....

Iiii-eeee do not die, when I close my...
Continue Reading...
All my love you have. by Anonymous
Added on Jun 15, 2010

This was overheard in the Allanaki Bazaar, sung by a rinth rat.

In 'day' time, or in 'night' time, I be your friend.
      You give me cup of love when you laugh.
      When suk-krath go away, I will stay,
      I love hear you say my name.
      All my love you have."

You make my heart broke, and not know,
     I feel most alone when you go-oooh.
     I want make your heart feel best,
     I make my singing prettiest.
     All my love you have.

If you and me stay all day, I be your friend.
    I love to most to see your face
    Maybe you hurt me, or say lies,
    Or when you wear my anklet white,
    All my love you have.

In 'day' time, or in 'night' time, I be your friend.
      You give me cup of love when you laugh.
      When suk-krath go away, I will stay,
      I love hear you say my name.
      All my love you have."

You make my heart broke, and not know,
     I feel most alone when you go-oooh.
     I want make...
Continue Reading...
Untitled by Hanna
Added on Jun 15, 2010

A song about a gemmer-girl who's broken the grip of her father, only to end up broken herself.

Surrounded by the enemies,
in a war held in my mind.
Darkness lifted gingerly,
but now I think I'm blind.

The bodies hid in his secret,
were only shadows of her love.
The forgiveness he would not permit,
kept me from rising above.

I'm marked and marked again,
a gem and a fever I can't shake.
I've been craving another hit,
and all my lovers are fake.

Tell me now what keeps me,
from cracking down the center,
shattering into so many pieces,
and spilling all my water?

I know I have destroyed one,
person who had drank from me,
but I won't be a fount of poison
that corrupts the rest of the city.

Surrounded by the enemies,
in a war that's long behind.
Darkness lifted eventually,
it's the light I seem to mind.

Surrounded by the enemies,
in a war held in my mind.
Darkness lifted gingerly,
but now I think I'm blind.

The bodies hid in his secret,
were only shadows of her love.
The forgiveness he would not permit,
kept me from rising above.

I'm marked and marked again,
a gem and a fever I can't shake.
I've been...
Continue Reading...
The lousy Allanaki bard by Akaramu
Added on Apr 24, 2010

Running into another, overly confident bard in Allanak, Zach decides to play down his skills, and just showoff his storytelling and entertainment value instead.

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, leaning forward some:

"Are you gonna write a song 'bout the war, then? D'you do that for 'sid?"

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man's eyes have a roguish sparkle to them as he glances sidelong to the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen.

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen sips from her miniature barrel.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Mmmh. Sure, everyone likes 'sid... but 's about time I come up with another song, anyway."

You think:

"Wanna play the clues game with me, mmmh? Smart lass."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man splays the slender fingers of his right hand briefly.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"These were gettin' a bit bored..."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, glancing at your hand:

"Well.. the drum's borin'."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, shrugging:

"Without a mandolin, anyway."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen grins.

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, looking into her miniature barrel:

"I do it for 'sid. Doesn't pay good."

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Ah, aye, I know... I used tha have a flute, and a mandolin... but 's the women, they always take what I have."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, frowning:

"Women took your mandolin and flute? You should'a pounded them o'er the head"

At your table, you say in sirihish, with a sheepish glance to the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen:

"And play clues games with me."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen chuckles.

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, glancing sidelong at you:

"Sounds like an interestin' story..."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen stops using a miniature barrel.

Passing it to the tall, amber-eyed woman, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen discards her miniature barrel.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Well, there was this lass... Lia? Leya? I don't remember..."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen nods briskly, watching you.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"And we spent a nice long night... talkin'..."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen nods a couple times.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"And, well, as I wake up, all my things are gone."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man chuckles.

You think:

"And none of this is true."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, shaking her fist:

"I would'a found her and..."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, sternly:

"Nobody takes me mandolin"

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen sighs at you.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Mmmh, what to say, I'm a nice guy."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, thoughtfully:

"Too nice."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, to you, grinning:

"Maybe you'll let me steal your songs."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, sweetly:

"I'll make them better."

A look of exagerrated helplessness flushes across the lissome, kohl-eyelined man's face as he stares at his hands, sighing.

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen grins broadly.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Mmmh, maybe you steal 'em no matter what I say, neh?"

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, with a smirk:

"Well, it ain't like stealin' your things, but I'll keep me ears good and open."

At your table, you say in sirihish, sweetly:

"I'm just a party singer. Surely I could neh match your skill at the competition."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, shrugging:

"Well - you know... I -am- the best song maker in 'Nak."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen stiffles a chuckle, then nods gravely.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man dips his head closer to the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen, the three piercings within his left ear shimmering darkly as a handful of tresses fall over his shoulder.

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen inches back a little, nervously.

At your table, you say in sirihish, giving the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen an apoplogetic, dark-lashed gaze:

"Got any master's advice, mayhaps?"

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"To level the playin' field a little? I'd hate ta see a nice lass like you bored..."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, relaxing:

"Uh... well.. I ain't heard your stuff enough to comment."

At your table, you say in sirihish, shifting back into his former position:

"Mmmh."

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Maybe we can fix that, neh?"

You are carrying:

a spiral-glazed goblet drum

Grinning slightly, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen flicks a finger toward the stage.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man lifts your spiral-glazed goblet drum from his lap and gently brushes some dust from it with his fingertips.

The Main Room of the Bard's Barrel [NSW]

A myriad of grinning skulls, each painted with bright colors laid

over the pallid bone, stare down from the broad wooden shelf that lines this

spacious room at eye level. Splashes of blue, green and red cover the clay

brick walls in an enthusiastic but inexpert abstract mural, some spatters of

the same paint dotted across the red tiled floor. The room is filled with

clamor: the clink and clatter of dishes and drinks, instruments being tuned,

scraps of song, and a general constant roar of conversation. A small wooden

stage sits along the northern wall, two ragged velvet curtains framing it,

looped back with blue-dyed ropes. A wide archway leads out onto the dusty

street, while a smaller one to the west provides a glimpse of a smaller,

quieter chamber.

A wall here is designated as a message board.

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen is sitting at a boxy wooden bar.

A lean, grey-eyed bard leans against the stage.

A lean, spike-haired elf drums softly in the corner.

A tall, amber-eyed woman polishes glasses behind the boxy wooden bar.

The husky, weatherworn dwarf is here, seated at a large table, drinking ale.

The huge, sun-bronzed man surveys the room casually from a table here.

The bald, muscular woman slouches at a large table, drinking ale.

The small, dark-haired man sits at a table in the back, staring into his drink.

The solemn, club-footed man limps slowly along here.

At your table, you say in sirihish, following the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen's motion with his eyes:

"Ah, neh... that's tha' host's place."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen glances at the stage once more, then nods.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Would be bold ta claim it..."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man winks to a grey-eyed bard from the shade of his hat.

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, dipping her chin:

"Awight"

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man tucks your spiral-glazed goblet drum beneath his left arm, his dark lashes sinking downwards slowly.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man begins to play a crude rhythm, his dancing palm and fingers producing a pattern of a few simple beats.

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen's head very subtly bobs with the beat, eyes shifting between you and your drum.

A rough, coarse and not very melodic tone to his voice, you sing, in sirihish:

"I'm a lousy bard..."

His gaze shifting towards a nearby table of gamblers, you sing, in sirihish:

"Can not even play a card..."

Amusement flashes across the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen's face.

You sing, in sirihish:

"I can't play any song..."

You are a little hungry.

His voice accompanied by a dissonant rhythm from your spiral-glazed goblet drum, you sing, in sirihish:

"Been a beginner too long..."

You sing, in sirihish:

"I never heard of tha war..."

Flashing the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen a warm smile, you sing, in sirihish:

"But the lass at mah side is a star..."

The cherubic, silvery-eyed teen rolls her eyes with a smile.

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man winces and quickly withdraws his hand from your spiral-glazed goblet drum, causing the simple melody to die down.

At your table, you say in sirihish, pursing his lips poutfully:

"Think I broke mah finger."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, smiling at you:

"Ah, get off it. Ya did not. That weren't bad at all."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, sighing with mock arrogance:

"You're certainly no 'Teafae', but... Good enough."

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man chuckles and tosses your spiral-glazed goblet drum a short distance into the air before catching it with his other hand.

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Ah, but I can juggle, neh?"

Light filters in through the doorway as the crimson sun rises.

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, with a grin:

"Aye? I've got a torch. Maybe you got another. We could light'm and you could show."

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Thank ya for tha kind words, miss."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, looking north for a moment:

"Okay."

At your table, you say in sirihish:

"Mayhaps... another time."

You are carrying:

a spiral-glazed goblet drum

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man turns on his stool to perform a deep bow towards the room, supporting the move with a wide sweep of one arm.

You say, in sirihish:

"Show is over."

At your table, the cherubic, silvery-eyed teen says in sirihish, leaning forward some:

"Are you gonna write a song 'bout the war, then? D'you do that for 'sid?"

The lissome, kohl-eyelined man's eyes have a roguish sparkle to them as he glances sidelong to the cherubic, silvery-eyed...

Continue Reading...
Touched by Krath - Edit by Jalden
Added on Mar 3, 2010

A nursery rhyme sung by poor children in Allanak. This rhyme is sometimes sung while playing a game where the children form a circle, and a child is selected to go in the middle in a "duck", "duck", "goose" type fashion. Then she or he is briefly (usually) pushed or spun around within the circle.

Out in the sun.
Three days in a row.
Mininz not fun
Too bad you don' know

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath
Now you'll get, touched by Krath

Out on the flats
Krath landed a blow
Saltinz for rats
This songs not for show

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath
Now you've been, touched by Krath

Heads a little dizzy
Feelin' little warm
So stop bein' busy
Need ta conform

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath
You're dizzy, touched by Krath

Still be afraid
Will not lie
Water n' shade
Or you'll die

Out in the sun.
Three days in a row.
Mininz not fun
Too bad you don' know

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath
Now you'll get, touched by Krath

Out on the flats
Krath landed a blow
Saltinz for rats
This songs not for show

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath
Now you've been, touched by Krath

Heads a little...
Continue Reading...
Touched by Krath by Jalden
Added on Feb 26, 2010

A nursery rhyme sung by the poor in Allanak.

Out in the sun.
Three days in a row.
Mininz not fun
Too bad you don' know

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath

You're a gonna get, touched by Krath

Out on the flats
Krath landed a blow
Saltinz for rats
This songs not for show

Heads a little dizzy
Feelin' little warm
So stop bein' busy
Need ta conform

Don' be afraid
Not gonna lie
Water n' shade
Yuh might not die

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath

Now you'll prolly die, touched by Krath

Out in the sun.
Three days in a row.
Mininz not fun
Too bad you don' know

Touched by Krath
Touched by Krath

You're a gonna get, touched by Krath

Out on the flats
Krath landed a blow
Saltinz for rats
This songs not for show

Heads a little dizzy
Feelin' little warm
So stop bein' busy
Need ta conform

Don' be...
Continue Reading...
The Ballad of High Lord Templar Elithan and the Wyvern by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Performed by Pia Konviewdu for Chosen Lord Ranak commemorating the High Templar's fight with the Wyvern.

The sands shaken, the Wyvern did waken,
Its wings unfurl’d and hauled its scaly grey bulk throu’ winds ‘at whirled.
Eyes like the bloody moon up high, it rasped and did cry:
"You're but food, I’ll end you like a kank-fly."

Throu’ visored helm ‘gainst an awful glare did our High Templar stare,
And his fate did now he saw began to glow on the Wyvern's claw.
Power ain’t ‘ford him no shield ‘gainst a light so bright,
Blindin’ him of sight, all moon-white.

With power ‘at split the red sky and laid our legions low as scrubs do lie,
Upon ‘em the abomination did fly.
Inna rush o’ beatin’ wings and a fearsome growl,
The nectar of its maw did spit upon our ranks an ichor so foul.

In multitudes did His soldiers fall, buildin’ a wall o’ blackened flesh,
Crisp'd meat, a dike o’ dead, insufferable heat.

Yet through befoulin’ wafts of tainted smoke,
Tho’ reel our folk might, and scream and choke,
Our crossbows were let fly, loud as any storm's cry,
And the air did sigh with the fall o' our Templar up High.

Inna rush o' steps did drum a sea o' His Common come,
Ain't shield in hand nor spear, we carried His Faithful Lord clear.
Tho' torn and beaten he be, his heart and hand done quicken,
And when his sword done lifted, the beast lay dead and stricken.

‘Ere stood we, a shield ‘round His Faithful Lord,
The shinin’ Common o' His Light.

The sands shaken, the Wyvern did waken,
Its wings unfurl’d and hauled its scaly grey bulk throu’ winds ‘at whirled.
Eyes like the bloody moon up high, it rasped and did cry:
"You're but food, I’ll end you like a kank-fly."

Throu’ visored helm ‘gainst an awful glare did our High Templar stare,
And...

Continue Reading...
Elves of the Hand by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Performed by Pia Konviwedu.

Elves be tricky, sticky, see,
Long-fingered dancers of the night,
Quick and lithe, like riitikki be.
With necks and ears high of height.

When you got your money, honey,
Hold it closed and ever so tight.
Their heads be a-bobbing like menelli be,
Quick little fingers, dancing out of sight.

When you're walking, talking,
With your sweet one on the street.
Nigh silent, shadows come a-stalking,
Dancers dancing, fleet of feet.

Elves be glancing, dancing, see,
Long-legged hunters of the night.
Tapering high, like a marilla tree,
With sharp eyes and teeth that do bite.

Elves be tricky, sticky, see,
Long-fingered dancers of the night,
Quick and lithe, like riitikki be.
With necks and ears high of height.

When you got your money, honey,
Hold it closed and ever so tight.
Their heads be a-bobbing like menelli be,
Quick little fingers, dancing out of sight.

When you're...

Continue Reading...
Black Crowns by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

A song performed by Pia Konviwedu about assassins.

Blood in the breeze,
Blood in the sand,
In the land of dancing trees,
Cold blade in my hand.

I creep through the night,
Silencing in mind.
To be the last sight,
Of those I am set to find.

I dance in the dark,
Moons above do not betray.
I do seek my mark,
Cutting an end to his day.

I swirl from behind,
I sweep with my knife.
To his pain I am blind,
As I bleed out his life.

As he draws a last breath,
I look to his face.
I'm the dealer of death,
Crowned in black and grace.

Blood in the breeze,
Blood in the sand,
In the land of dancing trees,
Cold blade in my hand.

I creep through the night,
Silencing in mind.
To be the last sight,
Of those I am set to find.

I dance in the dark,
Moons above do not betray.
I do seek my mark,
Cutting an end to his day.

I swirl from behind,

Continue Reading...

The Firestorm Pub by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

A song performed by Pia Konviwedu for Kadius.

At the Firestorm Pub a bottle or ten’ll be found,
Open them up and drink round after round!

We’re drinking to life, drinking to death!
We’re drinking til ain’t one coin to be left!
We’re winding our way through all and more!
We’ll drink til we’re floored like an Allanak whore!

Raise up your...

Don't Fuck a Half-Breed by Spawnloser
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Song from an anonymous Nakki bard.

Songs

Don't Fuck a Half-Breed

(chorus)
Don't fuck a half-breed,
That's something you don't need.
Don't fuck a half-breed,
They'll taint you where you pee.

A friend of mine he tells me,
Them halfling girls are so sweet.
I tell him, sure they are,
While they're chewing on your meat.
Continue Reading...

A Song of Dancing Moons by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

A song between lovers of Jihae and Lirathu.

It happened one night beneath a sky so bright.
When the leaves danced down from the trees.
And the next thing I knew,
I was up right beside you.

With my bloody red face,
With your silver smiles and grace.

And we danced, hand in hand slow all across the sands.
A sultry breeze flowing through the...

Roll Away by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

A song of caravans performed by Pia Konviwedu.

Gather your belongings.
Tend the wounds and heal the scars.
The horizon ain’t far beyond us,
And a new life ain’t ever far.

Surrender to the beat, to the dance, to the flames,
Surrender to the call, to the drink, to the games.

Leave the night far behind,
Let a new dawn light the way.
Come away...

How to Get Involved in Plots by Taven
Added on Oct 24, 2009

Time and time again questions that have plagued players have been "How do I get involved in plots?" or "How do I make this role more excited and prevent boredom?" and they've had a whole host of answers. Answers that often get repeated or overlooked because of the sheer amount of other threads and posts on the GDB, making answers almost impossible to find. This article is meant to be a resource for players, where the answers can be easily and quickly found. It uses suggestions from many players in a large range of posts from the GDB, sometimes keeping the original language. Please note that this is player advice and ideas; it's not hard fact supported by staff.

How to get Involved in Plots

How to get sucked into Plots
Make your Own RPT
Involving Yourself in Your Clan
Don't Forget the vNPCs

Time and time again questions that have plagued players have been "How do I get involved in plots?" or "How do I make this role more excited and prevent boredom?" and they've had a whole host of answers. Answers that often get repeated or overlooked because of the sheer amount of other threads and posts on the GDB, making answers almost impossible to find. This article is meant to be a resource for players, where the answers can be easily and quickly found. It uses suggestions from many players in a large range of posts from the GDB, sometimes keeping the original language. Credit is given under the heading of each section, in italics. Please note that this is player advice and ideas; it's not hard fact supported by staff.

How to get sucked into Plots

Most of this comes from the work of Gimfailsette, with some contribution from FiveDisgruntledMonkeysWit.

It's really not HARD to get involved, provided you're not in some incredibly isolated role. Joining a clan can be helpful, but some people join clans and still don't get involved; why is that?

The sekret key to getting sucked into plots: RELATIONSHIPS

If you do not have enough involvement with other PCs, you will not get brought into plots, it's just that simple. It's not that the AREA is boring...it's that you're boring, because you're not connected! So, here's how to get involved with other PCs:

1. Join an active clan as an employee or partisan.
   Joining a clan puts you in a position to be noticed by the clan leaders, it gives you an immediate connection to the other employees in the clan, and it gives you potential connections to customers/users of the clan's goods or services. Clans give relationships of all kinds a kick-start.

2. Play in a consistent time frame for a consistent quantity of hours.
   If you only have two hours per day to play, fine. But don't then play sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, sometimes late at night. Playing those two hours per day at or near peak time, consistently, will assure that you are seeing the same characters on a regular basis and will allow you to develop relationships with them.

3. Play a marginally interesting character.
   If you are Redshirt Guard #15 (or Mage #87) who is constantly stoic and doesn't laugh and appears to have nothing to talk about, you will be easily overlooked. Don't be that person. It's not hard to be just a bit more interesting by emoting some, having some quirks, and having some opinions about things. PCs like to hang out with other PCs who are interesting, and it's the people you hang out with who will get you into plots.

Here are a few helpful ideas along those lines:

Don't be just a merchant. Be a merchant/performance artist!
Don't just be a soldier. Be a soldier/fortune teller!
Don't just be an aide. Be an aide/crafter/physician/linguist/assassin/you get the point, this is a ridiculously versatile role.
If your character is only good at one thing then do it for two different people, and be a spy!

4. Cozy up to the clan leaders.
   Imm-generated plots are disseminated through clan leaders, who then involve their minions in the plots. If you're not in a clan, or you're not close to the clan leader, you will not be able to take advantage of this connection for getting involved. Making nice with the clan leader is not difficult; it doesn't require ass-kissing or bribery. Mostly what it takes is #2, #3, and #6 on this list; do those things and you will be Right-Hand Minion in very little time.

5. Don't make your character be all about sparring or hunting.
   If you log in to spar in the Zalanthan morning hours, but then log out in the afternoon/night because there's "nothing to do," you will miss out. Ditto with hunting. You MUST get your character involved with other characters in order to get included in the fun stuff. Develop rivalries or friendships, find enemies or love interests, sell or buy things from PCs, however you can get involved in relationships with other PCs, DO IT.

6. Ask your clan leaders for things to do.
   At first, they will give you completely unimportant but necessary tasks, like buying or selling something at a shop for them. Later, they will give you tasks that necessitate you getting in contact with other PCs, which then gives you a potential opportunity to develop relationships with those PCs. And still later, when you've become trusted, they will give you neat stuff to do like carry sekret messages or spy on someone. EXTRA BONUS to doing tasks for clan leaders: The smart, competent clan leaders will usually give you a nice tip of coinage for your work!

7. When given a task, complete it correctly within the allotted time frame, then immediately report back.
   If you're given tasks and you don't complete them, you will never gain the necessary trust with your leaders to be given more important tasks. If you don't report back on your work, you miss out on the opportunity to build trust and also to potentially get 'sids coming your way for a job well done. Plots require lots of things to be done in game, so if you're there to help with the tasks, you'll get involved in the plot.

8. Attend RPTs.
   If your clan is having an RPT, then the likelihood is that your presence would be really helpful to the clan leader. (It's hard to accomplish RPT goals when clan members don't attend.) RPTs are often where interesting plot-related information is passed, or seriously freakin' cool stuff happens. So don't miss them.

9. Live a while.
   If your character dies immediately, you won't get involved in plots. If your character lives for an RL month or more, then you start to have a much better chance of getting involved in interesting stuff. Other characters are not interested in your character until they've seen them around at least three times in, say, an RL week, because there are just SO many insta-dying characters around, and it's a waste of time and energy to invest in totally new characters...usually. So prove you can live, and relationships and plots will follow.

Make your Own RPT
Written completely by Taven.

RPTs, HRPTs, I think what this is all about is having fun in a way that involves other players or clans with some steady, dependable fun events taking place and happening. I agree 100% that it is NOT solely the leader's job to do this. You can think of your own fun and crazy ideas to try and go for. If you don't succeed, then you can say you tried. Here's a few ideas that can lighten up any scene.

Game Night
Having a clan game day/night every few weeks is awesome, too. Kruth, Tek's Tower, whatever. Just go to your nearest tavern, hijack a table, and show all those other sorry little idlers how awesome your clan is. Furthermore, there are things and ideas to do WITHIN that that can be a game night, or any time.

Impromptu Song Contest
Tulukis, find a location for some public singing or dancing. NPCs do it all the time, don't you go telling me it isn't subtle enough. Also, singing and dancing is not just for Tuluki. Making up silly songs on the spot in the group and forcing each other to sing them publicly could be TONS of fun. Dance with someone at the Gaj. Aspire to find a Nakki bard to come and teach you songs, or some tribal to teach you exotic dances. Let other people know of your plans, set up a time.

Impersonation of other city contest/activity
We do silly things like this making fun of the various cities respectively all the time. Starting this up at a dull day in the Gaj (or Sanctuary? Tooth?) would provide a break from the long boring periods. It's also easy to combine with any of the above ides.

Have clan gossip sessions
You think I'm kidding. I'm not. Players often loose interest in clans because they don't SEE anything going on. Tell them just about what they missed, make them want to play more! Make it so Amos down the bar wants a piece of the action, too. Alternately, have just-clan meetings. Talk about policies, about information you know that they should too. Talk about weather or not that new Salarri IS actually crazy, or if so-and-so has a crush on that half-elf.

Tell stories of ages long gone
That's right. You, crazy Fale, you know we commoners can't read. Impress us with your tales from ages past of great Fale parties. Tor, tell your Silvers some war tales so it will trickle down back to the common folk. You, there, old grizzled Bynner! Tell us of days gone by when you had to walk up hill both ways in a sandstorm and fight off defilers. Tuluki, same goes for you. Remember when those 'Nakki invaded? We may be at peace now, but back in my day...

Play "bother the elf" (Or Foreigner, as the case maybe)
Seriously, people. These are ELVES. They aren't PEOPLE. They aren't HUMAN. You Tuluki made subtle snide remarks. 'Nakkis, start a fight! Throw some insults. And beer mugs. Be more creative then the bar-fight echoes. Also, power in numbers. Have a large support group to back you up. Elves seem, to me, to mostly get ignored. Breeds, too. SNEER MORE, PEOPLE. Interact. See just how far you can insult that breed before they loose it and tackle you.

Learning and Teaching
I'm not kidding. Getting taught things is great. Set a clan day (approve it with your leaders, or on the fly) to teach about whatever you can do. Geography, what ARE those cures for anyways, tricks elves might do, wrestling... Don't make it all about the CODE make it about interaction. I have had stellar times where the routine "training" was broken up by some absolutely incredible lessons on these things. I've given some lessons myself.

Alternately, start a teaching group for your spare time. Maybe you always wanted to learn about Geography, and have traveled in your time. Make a group, trade stories and tales. Healer? It's not all about TABLETS. Rumors of cures, charms, and special "remedies" that may or may not have coded value are perfectly good. In the movie Gladiator, they use maggots to eat away the diseased flesh. How come I've never heard even a whisper of someone using that technique ICly? Also, slapping a bandage on something isn't always good. Tell gruesome stories about infection, and talk about how to clean a wound or set a break properly.

Learn about some foreign culture. Ask that Tuluki about why they have those tattoos... Then mock them for it. Is it true that Gith can actually TALK? Go ask that tribal over there. Learn a language. Insult people in that language while claiming it's praise (use with caution, and beware negative side effects). Learn tribal slang or phrases.

Worship your City's King
Yes, that's right. Remember dear old Tektolnes who decides if you LIVE OR DIE? Those people in front of the Dragon aren't kneeling there because it makes them feel good. What about the Sun King? What have you done to show appreciation for HIS Glorious Light, lately? Make a cult. Inspire worship. Make up your own odd rules and beliefs that you spread to others. Do your odd ideas publicly.

It doesn't have to be traditional worship. Dance to the Highlord, or kill a halfling for the Sun King. Be creative. Look at RL and how many religious variants there are. Not in a big city? What do you worship? What's a new way you can worship this?

Host An Event
Yes, even you, Commoner Amos, can Host an Event. Don't have enough food and wine for everybody? Make it a potluck. Don't have the money for l33t prizes? Talk to your local GMH member and discuss making a raffle for an item. How many Maliks would toss fifty 'sid into the pot for a chance at that awesome sword? Or that insanely cool outfit? If they don't go for it, collect the pot first and then get the item.

Organize Co-Clan Games/activities
Ever get to be in a spot where whatever clan you're in seems devoid of all people, but the other similar clan is hopping? Coordinate with your leader and theirs, set up some friendly cross-clan games. Archery contest? Well, our Malik is better then your lame-ass Amos! You could even ask a Templar about setting up some friendly non-bloody Arena games. Everybody who enters will probably have fee to get in, and if the Templar was motivated, they could charge the viewers to watch, too. However, that does open up the opportunity for ‘Sid prizes, ranging from fifty ‘sid to even a large, depending on the event. It's a fun thing for multiple clans, and it gets a Templar 'sid. Who doesn't like that?

Even if it doesn't work, showing interest and ideas is a good start. Just remember, everyone likes money! If there’s other people participating then it makes sense for them to chip in for costs, too. Convince your leader that while you might not have any archery ranges, this clan might, and wouldn't it be good to practice? I'm sure there's non-combat oriented ways to do this too, but usually a clan has at least one combat aspect to it.

Explore
Oh, woe is YOU. You're stuck inside your city, how can "go exploring" POSSIBLY apply to you without getting your PC in trouble? Actually take a moment to look at your city-state with a fresh eye. Those room descriptions? Read them again, sometimes you'll be surprised. For example, just who ARE those templar statues of? What sorts of carvings are in the Gaj-- Are they lewd? If there aren't any lewd ones, why not? Shouldn't you make one? Alternately, exploring doesn't have to be physical. "Explore" your PC's past. What are their vNPC relatives up to? Is it something that can make for an interesting plot in PC-land?

Summing It All Up
I think more challenging then a leader not wanting to get all the work, or a minion struggling to create a RPT/event despite their lack of power is when you just don't HAVE minions/underlings, or a leader. There's a lot of things you COULD do, if there were more people around. I think that's one of the reasons that things never actually happen. Trying to plan more cross-clan events would help solve this, I think. The trouble with that, of course, is that with more people to get "okays" from, then longer everything takes. But it doesn't have to be a BIG thing, it can start small and go from there. It's so easy to get discouraged or bored, it's HARD to plan things and involve others. Keeping at it is an important thing to do. I'd also say that it's easier if you've been in your clan awhile, and have a feel for how things work. It's hard to make things new or exciting if you don't have a good grasp of what "normal" is.

Involving Yourself in Your Clan
Work from Helix and Fathi's post.

Characters:

So, if this is a post about plots and clan involvement, then why is the first section about characters? One of the major barriers to having a good time with clans is that oftentimes characters aren't developed enough for them to operate independently of their clan. One of the most important part about playing in a clan is also knowing when not to be working on clan stuff, and that requires having a developed character.

Personality:

As a leader, it can be frustrating to have PCs under you with no ambition or life beyond their clan rank and station. People also seem to expect that they be given these nebulous 'things to do' - often a series of easily (or not so easily) accomplishable tasks that lead up to a bigger task that is an overall goal for the clan or some of the PCs involved in it. Many times what a PC needs to keep 'busy' is simply a more developed personality.

In this case, "personality" is more than just likes and dislikes. It means fleshing out the background - who did your character know, before they were a PC? Who were their friends, their family, where do they come from and what do they want? Goals. Goals, even lofty nearly impossible goals, do more for character development than anything else. This also helps you actually bond with other characters... if you think about how it works in real life - you have the deepest connections with people that you can talk to about a variety of subjects. In Arm - the key is coming up with believable experiences for your character to enable them to have the deep bonds that keep you from getting bored (as the people whom become your characters good friends will often draw you into plots).

The caveat with this is that if you join a clan where there's only two people and you have a strict schedule, you're going to have this problem unless you really, really enjoy solo RP.

Goals:

A range of goals for a character is best. Not just 'I want to become..." type goals, but also character development goals - where do you want your character to go? What do you want your character to accomplish? Allow your character to be shaped and evolve from the events that happen to him. Flesh the character out with thoughts and feels - deciding how they would react to something goes a long way in determining what they want to accomplish. If they 'like' something, they're much more likely to want to pursue something that brings them into contact with what they like. The opposite is true for disliking things.

There's also the concept of having "Things To Do." However - what's much more useful and appreciated is knowing what's going on. Say I'm a clan leader. I have goals X, Y, and Z that I need to accomplish in t amount of time. If you - my loyal and fearless clanmate - know that, then you find an opportunity to advance those goals - in a sense, you're getting "Things To Do" by acting on your own capability and innovation. Rather than sit and wait to be 'assigned' to work on something - figure out what your clan is currently engaged in and then its easy to figure out what you need to be working on - without having to wait for "Things to Do."

Independence:

Don't be afraid to be independent from the clan, either. If you're in a clan that has a tight training schedule but there isn't ever anyone around - address it either IC or OOC on your clan boards. Email your Imm.

Also - mentioning that Storytellers are busy and everything... if you email your imm and say, "Hey, can I do x?" and they don't respond then take what IC steps you need to make it happen, as long as its IC for you to do so. Even if its a 'bad thing', chances are the imm is going to enjoy roasting you alive. If they come back later and say you can't do that, or you shouldn't do that then take that as a lesson learned. But at least you're doing something, and really, if you send in an email about it, they probably aren't going to be (too) angry with you.

Leaders:

As a leader of a clan, here is some extra advice as to what helps with success.

Have goals:

Have an idea of something that you want to get accomplished. This isn't as easy as it sounds... leaders have to have all the stuff above - they have to be normal characters AS WELL AS be capable of coming up with things for everyone to do. You should have both personal goals and clan goals.

Be online:

You'd think this was a given. You'd be surprised how many people get intimidated by not really knowing what to do and just stop logging in. Leading characters in Arm is about creating and resolving conflict. You can't do either of those things unless you're online. That's not to say that you can't take time off, or you have to play every day. But you should at least be around fairly frequently. Also, make your leader PC accessible by the rest of the clan. Granted you don't have to be buddies with them, and of course a lot of clans have social structures that would prevent outright friendship or snuggles, but don't isolate yourself from your clannies' PLAYERS. Be around in places where they can find you if they need you or just want to interact some.

Have a trusty sidekick:

Having a trusted lieutenant goes a LONG way, in my experience. Once you have this - you can direct 'overall' direction for your clan, and allow the lieutenant to be the one who really digs into the details and gets things done. In this way you can focus on higher-level tasks (handling the templars and other nobility) while your lieutenant deals with the scum of the universe (your employees). In this way, you're working as a team at all levels of Arm society. That's hugely important for getting things done, and getting them done fast.

Be social:

Especially at first, when your character isn't involved in very much... be social. This will quickly embroil you in the political plots of the place that you choose to reside in. Don't be afraid to make blood enemies, and don't be afraid to make trusted friends. Both of those things will generate plots for your players - especially if they feel that their actions are influencing the clan's overall position. Everyone likes to feel important, and everyone likes to feel that their character is doing something large for the clan.

Delegate:

Giving your underlings jobs and responsibilities not only gives them Things To Do, but it creates a sense of hierarchy and importance. Don't let any members of the team feel like they're stuck in a position where they would be prevented from stepping up and contributing more if they expressed desire to.

Do things together:

As cheesy as it may sound, palling around with your clannies establishes a sense of unit identity and makes them more likely to stick in the clan long enough for things to develop. Also, I'd imagine any friendly neighborhood staffers would be more apt to play around with six PCs on a hunt in the same place than six PCs in pairs scattered all over.

Create Atmopsphere:

Develop a clan atmosphere that encourages contributions from the lowliest underlings up to the top of the tower of power. Don't make your clan meetings into "the apped in leaders sit around while everyone else types 'guard man.'"

Keep staff informed:

Let your clan staffers know what you're up to! If you plan on going out to investigate That Place In The Grasslands/Tablelands/Salt Flats with your hunters, instead of just going out one day, turn it into a mini-RPT. You'll get more people and you're far more likely to get staff attention when your imms know when and where you're gonna be somewhere.

Stick it out:

There will be rough patches, there will be boring stretches, and there will be stress. But despite all this, there's a special kind of enjoyment that comes from building a group of players from the ground up, sticking together through thick and thin, and cultivating something interesting, multifaceted, and eventually badass.

And one thing, too, that both leaders and minions can keep in mind: clan staffers are here to help you, not screw you out of having fun. If you're bored and you're unable to stir up anything interesting with your PC boss, try emailing your imms and setting something up with an NPC to get some work on the side. Plot AGAINST your PC boss and your imms might just help you out if he's doing that horrible a job.

Don't be afraid to come to the staff with questions, concerns, and frustrations--just sitting around and letting it fester while you play less and less doesn't help anyone in the end, and chances are your admins will have at least -some- input on how to better the situation.

Don't Forget the vNPCs
From a post of Tisiphone’s.

Develop your vNPC environment. There was one thread, by way of example, an encounter between one of his characters and that character's father. They didn't get along, and the character was in a foul mood for the rest of the week.

As far as getting into exciting things rather than personal quirks, make mistakes. Get totally sloshed because you're upset with your new life and puke on a noble's shoes. If you're a southerner in Tuluk, bow to a templar; nod to one if vice versa. Fall into a hole, get robbed, go mad (this must be done with utmost care as madness is difficult to fake and only compelling if done correctly), fuck a fruit for money, act bigoted towards elves/'rinthis/gemmers/southrons/northrons/dwarves/all of the above at the same time. Have an emotional breakdown.

Do all of those things at the same time.

How to get Involved in Plots

How to get sucked into Plots

Make your Own RPT

Involving Yourself in Your Clan

Don't Forget the vNPCs

Time and time again questions that have plagued players have been "How do I get involved in plots?" or "How do I make this role more...

Father by Mechafish
Added on Jun 29, 2009

A sad song about a son and his father. The father owns a inn and the son wants a better life away from the inn.

Father
By Kragar

Father was always peaceful. He gained the inn from his father. Never been in any fights, just worked in the inn. Now, father had me. For many years, I have worked in the inn like him. Same thing as father, I never seen or been in any fights. I just worked in the inn...

Bayors Poem by Solera
Added on Apr 26, 2009

The story of a northern bynner caught up in the Gith War, composed by Trooper Gul of the T'zai Byn.

Down the hole to the sewers the Byn went,
To hunt down the Gith they were sent.
Took the wrong turn Bayor did.
Saw the Gith camp while he were hid.

Gave a shout
Sarge got him out.
Told the Robe "Thousands of Giths down there!"
Gave the city time to prepare.

The Byn were waiting near the Road of...

Oh, Vash Where Are Your Trousers? by Lahna
Added on Apr 26, 2009

Cheerful and bawdy song usually heard in the Firestorm in Freils Rest.

Two girls wanting to have some fun
spy a man come into the room
They whisper, giggling as they nod
Then sidelong they glance to newest patron

(*bouncy*)
Oh Vash where are your trousers?

He glances to the pair, gaze sweeping over them
Their fingers wiggle in his direction
His mouth drops open, their arm...
Continue Reading...

Recued by Raleris Winrothol by Lahna
Added on Apr 26, 2009

Written by Kadian crafter, and bard hopeful, Lahna after Chosen Lord Raleris Winrothol rode down the north road with his men to help the attacked Kadian wagon.

(*cheerful and jaunty, hold out the last note of each line*)
Have you hear the tale of the Winrothol Chosen Lord?
I'll tell you the tale as I strum my cords.

(*tempo speeds up*)
Heard his friends were in trouble,
Rode right out on the double.
His Corporal came along,
never questioning what was...
Continue Reading...

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Original Submissions containing 'songs'

Gurth Hunter by Elkinhym Added on Mar 29, 2015

Sabers and Glory by Torgun Added on Dec 6, 2012

A poor, common girl. by Wayani Added on Aug 12, 2012

Stone Hand's Song by Wayani Added on Aug 12, 2012

Double Circle Darkness by Bebop Added on Jul 11, 2012

Close Shave by MarauderMoe Added on Jun 16, 2012

The confused bard by Akaramu Added on Jul 4, 2010

The boy with the heart of a bird. by Anonymous Added on Jun 15, 2010

All my love you have. by Anonymous Added on Jun 15, 2010

Untitled by Hanna Added on Jun 15, 2010

The lousy Allanaki bard by Akaramu Added on Apr 24, 2010

Touched by Krath - Edit by Jalden Added on Mar 3, 2010

Touched by Krath by Jalden Added on Feb 26, 2010

The Ballad of High Lord Templar Elithan and the Wyvern by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

Elves of the Hand by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

Black Crowns by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

The Firestorm Pub by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

Don't Fuck a Half-Breed by Spawnloser Added on Nov 23, 2009

A Song of Dancing Moons by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

Roll Away by Yseulte Added on Nov 23, 2009

How to Get Involved in Plots by Taven Added on Oct 24, 2009

Father by Mechafish Added on Jun 29, 2009

Bayors Poem by Solera Added on Apr 26, 2009

Oh, Vash Where Are Your Trousers? by Lahna Added on Apr 26, 2009

Recued by Raleris Winrothol by Lahna Added on Apr 26, 2009

Gurth Hunter by Elkinhym
Added on Mar 29, 2015

Sabers and Glory by Torgun
Added on Dec 6, 2012

A poor, common girl. by Wayani
Added on Aug 12, 2012

Stone Hand's Song by Wayani
Added on Aug 12, 2012

Double Circle Darkness by Bebop
Added on Jul 11, 2012

Close Shave by MarauderMoe
Added on Jun 16, 2012

The confused bard by Akaramu
Added on Jul 4, 2010

The boy with the heart of a bird. by Anonymous
Added on Jun 15, 2010

All my love you have. by Anonymous
Added on Jun 15, 2010

Untitled by Hanna
Added on Jun 15, 2010

The lousy Allanaki bard by Akaramu
Added on Apr 24, 2010

Touched by Krath - Edit by Jalden
Added on Mar 3, 2010

Touched by Krath by Jalden
Added on Feb 26, 2010

The Ballad of High Lord Templar Elithan and the Wyvern by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Elves of the Hand by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Black Crowns by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

The Firestorm Pub by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Don't Fuck a Half-Breed by Spawnloser
Added on Nov 23, 2009

A Song of Dancing Moons by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

Roll Away by Yseulte
Added on Nov 23, 2009

How to Get Involved in Plots by Taven
Added on Oct 24, 2009

Father by Mechafish
Added on Jun 29, 2009

Bayors Poem by Solera
Added on Apr 26, 2009

Oh, Vash Where Are Your Trousers? by Lahna
Added on Apr 26, 2009

Recued by Raleris Winrothol by Lahna
Added on Apr 26, 2009