Category Role-Playing (4)
Topic The Gods of Elanthia (13)
Message Fash'lo'nae (WAS: auction arkati item) (802)
By OBSESSION@PLAY.NET (Danay)
On Apr 11, 2000 at 05:25
Fash'lo'nae Ponders the Folly of Simple Gifts
Created by Franchesca Goyaryl, the painting can reliably be attributed to her later, more robust Enlightenment period. This painter was known for her bold colors, innovative composition and striking overall treatment of light and shadow, making her unreservedly the only artist of that era who may be called a true genius.
A figure sits in the darkened fastness of an austere chamber, his haggard visage illuminated by the sputtering flame of a single candle. His expression reveals an age-old weariness, which is likewise reflected in the stooped posture of his shoulders. The man sits perched behind a sturdy, wooden table, its top seared and blackened. A cloud of fog, or perhaps smoke drifts about his form like an unbidden visitor. The dark cloak draped around his shoulders almost looks as if it is smoldering, and his absence of eyebrows and the fizzled tufts of black hair framing his face underscore the impression of catastrophe just elapsed. His hands, lying loosely on the table before him, are long-fingered and expressive with their blackened tips. They are turned slightly toward you, as if in a gesture that intimates 'why me?'
The painting's ambiance on a whole is sorrowful and evocative, as though this man has been burdened with the cares of the world. That, or perhaps the fundamental ennui of a never-ending fire that has gone abjectly awry. Yes, it was undoubtedly a simple fire -- a simple fire painted by a simple mind. Fires burn, and this one apparently did just that. Danged fire!
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Fash'lo'nae Ponders the Folly of Simple Gifts'.
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I can't resist posting about this, even though this is not the best place. But this is where the painting was posted. When I saw the above painting on the Cloud, I almost fell out of my chair in a hysterical laughing fit. I fervently hope the Cloud makes another visit. It was a wonderful ship and the entire art gallery alone was worth the time to look at. I will never forget Harmonius seething and ranting in a zealot's frenzy about one particular painting that was a total sacrilege in his eyes. It was either Koar or Kai, I can't remember which. The ones with Lorminstra were sorta eye popping too.
Anyway, the above painting contains some, what is now rather legendary, Elanthian humor from an oops that happened during the Vvrael Saga. Below is the log of the oops. (My apologies to Talairi, but you DID put it in the painting. ::grin::)
Category: Suggestions & Ideas for Improvement
Topic: Invasions
Author: Tedra (JLINDSEY)
Posted: Jan 13, 1998 14:04:26
(chuckles at Talaire) After the drama of the previous night, thanks so much for that wonderful blunder, Tal.
Ya had to be there, folks, to appreciate it. Laughed so hard I needed a real hanky. We were in the Ice cave trying to warm up Rayyne. Edited version, o'course, enjoy . . .
Rayyne says, "Tedra, I have felt him tonite."
You ask, "you have?"
Aries says, "something is following Rayyne"
You ask, "is he any stronger?"
(This was seen without actually looking at her)
As you glance at Rayyne, you seem to see a shadowy figure standing protectively behind her, its stance guarded and vague, yet at the same time staying close to Rayyne.
Rayyne says, "Tedra, I felt like he was being ripped from me last nite."
Rayyne says, "And today, he's more like a shadow."
You say, "he's gaurding her"
Rayyne says, "gads, it's cold."
[Ice Cave]
This small cave is filled with shadows, the only illumination provided by
a dim ray of light that seeps through an opening in the southern wall. Several
dismembered bodies lie upon the cold floor, their brutalized forms piled in
a heap near a ring of rocks set in the center of the cave. Apart from them,
another corpse sits against the east wall, the only one of the lot that is
still wholly intact. You also see an arctic wolf who is sitting, the Tedra
disk, the Nutmegg disk and a huge pile of split logs. Also in the room: Lord
Mnar, Lady Amerlise, Lady Silkie, Lord Berr, Lady Merry, Lady Wanton, Lord
Sunny, Lady Rayyne, Lady Icefox, Lord Beldin, Nutmegg, Lady Rayvynne, Lady
Morgaine, Lord Ohr, Lady Aries
Obvious exits: out.
Merry asks, "what is happening Rayyne?"
Merry asks, "why are you so cold?"
Rayyne says, "I don't know...like...death."
Silkie says, "they will destroy her because she is a threat to their hold on Terate"
Icefox says, "he's worried Rayyne"
Rayyne shivers.
Merry exclaims, "we need a fire in here!"
Morgaine points at a huge pile of split logs.
Nutmegg rubs a huge pile of split logs.
Rayyne exclaims, "They are torturing him!"
Morgaine says, "how about some minor fire on those logs"
Rayyne says, "Terate! "
Morgaine asks, "who is torturing him??"
Wanton says, "We need to help him."
Rayyne says, "He was laughing...and they made him stop."
Rayyne says, "I will kill them for this."
Berr rubs a huge pile of split logs.
Morgaine says, "Aries, cast some minor fire on the logs"
Aries says, "tried"
Rayyne says, "I cannot stand the pain they are inflicting on him."
Morgaine asks, "firestorm?"
Aries says, "got me a stick I rub that gets warm too but can't"
Rayyne sobs.
Rayyne says, "warm it up in here."
Wanton asks, "Any luck on making a fire?"
Berr says, "We need ta warm it up in here"
Merry says, "before Rayyne turns into a block of ice"
Berr asks, "Anyone good at makin a fire?"
Suddenly, a dark fog seems to form over the logs. You hear a few whispered words, and a small fire bursts from the wood!
Amerlise says, "Apparently so."
Rayyne beams!
Wanton says, "Your wish is his command."
Ohr says, "I guess so."
Rayyne says, "Thank you, for the fire."
The fire crackles merrily, throwing shadows against the walls of the cave.
You say, "much better"
The small fire crackles, beginning to warm up the cave.
The fire crackles, a small blaze against the onslaught of the cold.
The fire consumes more of the logs, retaining its warm crackles against the cold.
Merry asks, "are you warming up Rayyne?"
Rayyne exclaims, "Yes!"
You hear the voice of Talairi say, "Bright tongues of flame lick up from the logs, small yet warm and cheerful in the face of the cold."
Aries giggles.
Rayyne giggles.
Rayvynne blinks.
Ohr coughs.
Rayyne swoons.
Silkie snickers.
Merry chuckles.
Mnar bites his lip.
Icefox gasps.
Silkie flails her arms about.
The fire crackles regardless.
Wanton whistles tunelessly to herself.
Amerlise laughs!
Aries laughs!
Merry laughs!
You laugh out loud!
Beldin laughs!
Merry falls to the ground laughing hysterically!
Ohr rolls around on the ground laughing hysterically!
Wanton gazes heavenward.
(Merry wipes the tears from her eyes.)
You nod to Merry.
You ask, "got another hanky?"
Berr says, "Yu all been havin da wind blow in yur ears too long"
The fire crackles and burns up someone. No one is behind that curtain, honest.
Berr says, "Yur all hearin things"
Icefox grins.
Rayvynne laughs!
Beldin laughs!
Ohr laughs!
Rayvynne falls to the ground laughing hysterically!
Merry dabs at her eyes with her silk handkerchief.
Merry laughs!
Aries exclaims, "Rayyne give me some of that champagne I think I'm hearing things!"
The fire crackles. Fires do that. Regardless.
Beldin says, "heh"
Ohr chuckles.
Rayvynne laughs!
You grin.
Mnar blinks.
Merry says, "anyway, the point is Rayyne is warming up"
Ohr says, "Morggie you just miss a good laugh"
Morgaine asks, "what?"
You say, "too priceless to relate"
Morgaine drops a cup of lemon honey tea.
Icefox exclaims, "oh gods.... Morgaine! you'll douse the fire!"
Morgaine asks, "fire?"
Morgaine says, "all I see it logs"
The fire just crackles. Danged fire!
Aries laughs!
Icefox cackles!
Aries laughs!
Rayvynne laughs!
Morgaine says, "there it is"
Ohr gazes with interest at a huge pile of split logs.
Silkie chuckles.
Morgaine says, "I didn't douse the fire"
Morgaine says, "I placed the cups gently on the ground"
Berr says, "With alla dat tea yur all drinkin, next thing half a yas'll be paintin da snow yeller"
Icefox asks, "no...its a magicky fire...aint that right?"
The fire burns. It's a simple fire.. made by a simple mind. Fires burn, and this one does just that.
Aries giggles.
Sunny giggles.
Rayvynne laughs!
Silkie snickers.
Beldin says, "simple minds make simple fires"
Beldin grins.
Silkie says, "at least we are all cozy now"
The fire licks little flames up to the top of the cave, reminding you of little minds. Oh, what a nice little fire.
You dab at your eyes with your silk handkerchief.
Aries laughs!
Rayvynne giggles.
Berr says, "It are warmin in here abits"
(Morgaine warms her hands on the fire)
Rayyne says, "Believe in Terate."
Rayyne says, "he is a chosen. He was not chosen for his looks...tho they be good enough."
Merry asks, "is the corpse thawing any?"
The fire suddenly blanches, funny how fires can do that. Just like people. This fire blanches and twists. It's a little fire. Did we say that?
Silkie snickers.
You chuckle.
Aries laughs!
Merry laughs!
Rayvynne laughs!
Silkie says, "its a silly little fire"
The fire suddenly goes completely out. 'It's about time!' you think. Yes indeed, this fire has overstayed its welcome. Well gone, you say! Or don't say. After all, fire have no business telling you that to think!
Morgaine laughs!
Rayyne chuckles.
Beldin laughs!
Merry giggles.
You laugh out loud!
Ohr laughs!
Mnar says, "Bah, fire went out.."
Merry says, "darn! it didn't last long enough for Ardo"
Morgaine says, "but, but, but...I was thinking it should stay forever"
Rayyne says, "What a pleasant interlude. I think the fire and the champagne has made me light headed."
Category Role-Playing (4)
Topic The Gods of Elanthia (13)
Message Ilyan Cloud Paintings (803)
By FARQUAR1@PLAY.NET
On Apr 11, 2000 at 06:33
Here are the other paintings from the Cloud, Danay. And I can see where some people would get a trifle...dumbfounded, shall we say?...at the sight of some of these paintings. Look closely at the painting of Lorminstra and the painting of the Faendryl especially.
Chortling wildly,
Nofret
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Lorminstra Contemplates the Nobility of Fashion
This is obviously a marvelous example of the Mannequinisic painter Correggialli, with its elevated, ideal conception of man -- or in this case woman, at the heart of society. A phenomenally gifted artist, his grasp of illusionistic perspective and vast, luminous space filled with monumental figures was unparalleled. In this work, a tall, striking woman is lit with pronounced sfumato, and exhibits a striking sense of color and texture, producing an effect of exquisite voluptuousness. Certainly this is an energetic being of flesh and blood rather than some disembodied spirit, an effect characteristic of earlier artists of that time.
The central, female figure stands proudly in a large chamber, notable for its strong contracts in white and black. Drapery, furnishings and floor all are starkly portrayed, the checker-board of the floor tiles giving the woman a sense that she seems to frankly delight in the surrounding absence of color. Even her long white gown, which sweeps down in dramatic folds, is offset by the deep black over-dress covering it. A luxurious fur cloak falls from her shoulders to the ground, rendered in ermine's distinctive silvery white tufted with black. Her features are strikingly beautiful, of which her strong, enviable cheek-bones are the crowning glory. Her hair is puzzling though -- the artist has painted half of it pure white, while the opposite side is shown as jet black.
Also curious, is the fact that Correggialli has placed his monumental figure in the midst of a large number of small animals, which lay, scamper and stand around the lady's feet. They are shown as juveniles, and what meaning the small dogs represent is debatable. They are, similar to most everything else in the painting, portrayed as white with black spots. There must be over a hundred of them!
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Lorminstra Contemplates the Nobility of Fashion'.
**********************************************************
Koar's Magnanimity Revealed to the Early Races
The vast canvas is obviously a work by the finest of the Illistim Rococoa artists, Jeanlyr Fragonardyr, who painted with a masterful and fluid breadth and spontaneity. His figures move with a floating grace that also links him with the vibrancy and immediacy of the earlier Banale Academie.
Set in the midst of a pastoral glade, three figures form a triangular composition -- two nymphs flee a pursuer, through flowers, trees and shrubbery portrayed in profuse detail. The female nymphs are idealized and beautiful, draped in wispy veils that reveal the vibrant tones of flesh for which the Rococo period is revered. The male figure following them is likewise idealized, however he is shown wearing a toga-like garment and a gold crown. Behind him trails his mane of flowing grey hair, which matches his dignified carriage, albeit his headlong plunge after the virginal nymphs adds an element of strain that creates a striking juxtaposition within such peaceful surroundings. The chubby flesh of the chasing, toga-clad halfling is rendered as resplendently as that of the ladies.
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Koar's Magnanimity Revealed to the Early Races'.
**********************************************************
Kai Addresses His Noble Supplicants
Jon Bardic Corporal, perhaps one of the most consummate virtuoso Ta'Ardenai produced, has created in this painting a stirring balance between realism and internal vision. If a single word could describe the quality of light and dramatic contrariety within the borders of the canvas, it would have to be 'honestly!'
An imposing central figure dominates the composition, juxtaposed with the horizontal drama produced by a group of forms kneeling around him on all sides. The chamber forming the background is evocative and dark, lit by the chiaroscuro of candles in elaborate sconces set among the crowd. All in the prostrate group are posed upon hands and knees, and they are shown garbed in rough, brown robes tied with humble ropes, a stark contrast to the rich fabric composing the standing figure's short blue tunic. This man is quite muscular, as well as pleasing of feature. He is rendered with shoulder-length brown hair framing an expression of aloof disdain. His arms are crossed loosely before him, and in one hand he holds a curious paddle-shaped implement of unknown function. However, by its conformation, one might suppose it to be a weapon of some sort. It is decorated with a pattern of stripes and archaic symbols along its long, flat length.
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Kai Addresses His Noble Supplicants', however a sub-title is added beneath the larger heading. It reads, 'Thank You M'lord, May I Have Another?'
****************************************************************
Faendryl Ambassadors Seek Allies Against the Ur-Daemon Threat
To whom this stunning painting can be attributed is uncertain, however the bold style and masterful composition suggest the work is by the hand of the Great and Powerful Daveed of Taz. (Of course, the existence and exact location of Taz is still debated, however evidence suggests that it does indeed lie at the nether extremity of an arc of prismatic colors appearing in the heavens opposite the sun.
Three figures surround an open fire-pit, their attention intent upon an additional form posed horizontally, tied to a spit over the fire-pit's flame. The three -- obviously Faendryl judging by their elaborate and fanciful apparel, and exotic features -- appear to be in an animated discussion. The elf on the left winces, his face contorted beneath a receding forehead surrounded by a lively fringe of red hair. In the center, the Faendyl's visage is wrinkled into a closed-eye grimace. He is rendered with a nearly bald pate, and his face is strangely full-fleshed for that race. On the right, the remaining elf is depicted with a shock of black hair, cut bluntly in a style often termed a 'soup-bowl' arrangement. His hand is raised, almost aggressively poised with two fingers extended toward his neighbor. Perhaps the artist is giving his audience a glimpse into a form of archaic Faendryl mannerism, now lost to scholars and students of this ancient race.
The figure in the foreground watches the Faendryl from his toasty perch, his halfling features suggesting either horror or perhaps incredulity or even disgust. However, the answer to that philosophical question must remain a mystery.
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Faendryl Ambassadors Seek Allies Against the Ur-Daemon Threat'
*************************************************************
Assignation With An Assassin
Possibly the finest representative of the classical period of elven art, Jean Dominick Yngrys painted with both brilliance and ease. This example of his work is nothing short of a masterwork, with its paradox of classical associations combined with personal responses and rhythmic structure.
Two figures are set within the melancholy shadows of a dimly lit bedchamber. They face each other, leaving the man in the foreground turned away from the painting's audience. Over his left shoulder, a voluptuous elven woman cowers against a bed, half lost in deep shadow and with one hand out-stretched, as if to ward off the menace reflected in her horrified expression. The man's anonymity underscores the ominous nature of his presence.
The male figure appears to be slight, although he is mostly concealed within a voluminous grey cloak. The garment reveals little about him other than his unruly shock of black hair. The hilt of a dagger can be glimpsed protruding from the cloak's folds, held in the man's left hand. The immediacy and suspended violence of the painting is sharply contrasted by one element in the upper right corner of the canvas. There, a mirror is positioned, and upon its face, the viewer is given a glimpse of the figure's visage. He smiles at himself, an admiring expression curving up his well-shaped lips. His right hand is also revealed, poised in the act of arranging a stray curl at his temple.
A plaque at the bottom of the painting is engraved in elegant elven calligraphy, stating the title of the painting to be 'Assignation With An Assassin', however a sub-title is added beneath the larger heading. It reads, 'You're So Vain, I'll Bet You Think This Painting Is About You.'