Turinrond on Onar

 

Turinrond quietly says, "This area is quite safe from the local law, as it were."

Turinrond quietly says, "Out of respect, I would prefer to leave the shadows to him."

Turinrond quietly says, "My thanks."

Turinrond rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Turinrond quietly says, "You will need to lean forward. I prefer to keep my voice subdued in here."

Turinrond glances around the room.

Turinrond quietly says, "Before I begin, take a moment to observe the altar."

Turinrond quietly says, "And on top."

l altar
Plain black velvet shrouds the simple altar set with a broken skull.

l on altar
On the shrouded altar you see a mirror, a broken skull and a sharply-honed dagger.

Turinrond quietly says, "The Lord of Assassins is a study in simplicity."

Turinrond dusts himself off.

Turinrond strides a few steps forward.

Turinrond quietly says, "Now then. I know that time is short, so I'll begin."

Turinrond quietly says, "Good evening."

Turinrond quietly says, "My name is Turinrond Coyoterre Sil'draug, and I hail from just outside the province of Bourth, of the Human Empire."

Turinrond quietly says, "My family and clan, as many other Elven and Half-Elven clans in that part of Elanthia, took Wyrdeep Forest as residence."

Turinrond quietly says, "I am unsure of how much of my personal history you truly must need to know, so I will leave it at that."

Turinrond takes a few steps to his right.

Turinrond quietly says, "Before I begin, I would like to thank the city of Solhaven, and the other organizations involved, for allowing the Dae'Randir to be involved in this event."

Turinrond quietly says, "Several of our members, myself included, have maintained a vested interested in the well-being of this community, and the chaotic events that have transpired here in the past."

Turinrond furrows his brow.

Turinrond quietly says, "It is important to me that you walk away from here - not only alive - but also with a very thorough understanding of Onar."

Turinrond quietly says, "As a Lesser Spirit, he is oft misunderstood because of the unique position he fills amongst the Arkati."

(Turinrond gestures sharply, emphasizing his words, but his voice remains strong and steady.)

Turinrond quietly says, "I will be the first to admit that my particular views are not law, but rather, interpretation based in no small part upon personal experiences and communications with my Patron."

Turinrond quietly says, "To live by the blade is to die by the blade."

Turinrond folds his hands behind his back.

Turinrond raises an eyebrow.

Turinrond quietly says, "Before we go any further, I would be remiss if I did not warn you of the potential danger in speaking openly of the Assassin of the Arkati."

Turinrond quietly says, "It is not my place, as a student, to say whether my words will be pleasing unto Him, whether He may choose to strike to reassert his dominance of the challenge of Life and Death."

Turinrond's eyes glaze over as he stares, unfocused, into the distance.

Turinrond quietly says, "Lastly, I will ask that ye hold your questions until the end, as I may verily answer them before I am done."

Turinrond shifts his weight.

Turinrond quietly says, "Let's begin with what the Historical texts say."

Turinrond quietly says, "It is generally known that Onar is the Assassin of the Arkati. He is the One that is used when Mortals cross the wrath or trust of the Arkati."

Turinrond quietly says, "It is somewhat less known, but also historically referenced, that Onar works often for Eorgina, as noted by the Lady Naessi earlier this week."

Turinrond quietly says, "In certain cults and organizations dedicated to other Arkati, it is very common for Onar followers and devotees to be found, in service to the organization, but still a devotee of the Silent Lord."

Turinrond quietly says, "There are several of these - dual devotees - within the Dae'Randir, in fact."

Turinrond quietly says, "An important note also is the 'mark' of Onar and how it applies to common law. Possession by Onar is considered an excusable reason for murder by the courts, as the Lord Onar almost ALWAYS works independently and often through the hands of Mortals."

Turinrond quietly says, "It is believed that He, too, was once mortal and transcended into Immortality through his deeds and particular skills. Much the way that such is known and believed of Arachne, Amasalen, the Huntress, or even Voln."

Turinrond quietly says, "This is a belief that I personally share, and have gleaned no reason to believe otherwise."

Turinrond nods.

Turinrond takes a deep breath.

Turinrond gazes confidently at his surroundings.

Turinrond quietly says, "There are two philosophies, generally speaking, where worship is concerned. Both have been covered adequately throughout the Festival. These philosophies, however, are applicable to Onarian tenet as well."

Turinrond quietly says, "The Western philosophy of "worship" is most likely what is seen in the areas to the West of the Dragon's Spine. In this, you will have followers who bend a knee before the Assassin, soliciting guidance, affirmation and favor."

Turinrond reaches out and touches some white monir and dark fel prayer beads.

Turinrond absentmindedly rubs his fingers across his prayer beads.

Turinrond quietly says, "The Eastern, or Elven, philosophy is one of Patronage. Onar is viewed as Teacher, and the disciple views himself as a student. Rather than simply bending a knee in worship, the disciple asserts his actions and beliefs in such a way as to emulate Onar's supposed will, by meditation, and completion of task."

Turinrond quietly says, "Ultimately, it is believed that Ascension into the ranks of the Lesser Spirits is attainable."

Turinrond closes his eyes for a moment.

Turinrond takes a few steps to his left.

Turinrond quietly says, "In my experience, neither one of these methods are incorrect. I have asked for guidance and have received it. I have asked for guidance and have been struck down. ."

Turinrond quietly says, "I have offered my blood and oath and have received affirmation. I have offered my blood and oath and have received silence."

Turinrond quietly says, "In my studies and experiences - and even conversations with ascended spirits - I have come to learn some basic tenets, which I will share with you."

Turinrond glances around the room.

Turinrond shifts his weight.

Turinrond quietly says, "As the Patron of Homicide, it is an oft misunderstood belief that Onar condones all murders. This is simply not the case. The reason that he is the Patron of Homicide is because this is what Onar does."

Turinrond quietly says, "The other Arkati all represent a position. They may cross the boundaries of Death and Life, the before, during and after, but the actual Death is only a means to their end. ."

Turinrond quietly says, "This is why Onar is Homicide's Patron. His only concern is the task of Death. This is his realm of influence."

Turinrond quietly says, "Whereas Gosaena and Lorminstra concern themselves with the Spirit after Death, and Luukos reanimates the Soul."

Turinrond quietly says, "V'tull may cause death, but his interest is in the bloodshed. Mularos does not shy from death, but inclines towards the suffering that leads to it, prolongs it."

Turinrond quietly says, "Many of the Arkati use Death as a message to the Mortals, but Death in and of itself holds no special significance to them."

Turinrond quietly says, "The act causing Death itself, is Onar's realm. The act of the final stroke the divides life and death. The reasons for the death do not matter. The destination of the soul does not matter. Only the task itself."

Turinrond nods.

Turinrond takes a few steps to his right.

Turinrond quietly says, "This is why Onar is the Lord of Assassins. All of us here this evening have caused Death - whether to friend, foe or mindless beast. Whether for food, greed or self-defense."

Turinrond quietly says, "The simple act of murder, in and of itself, does not honor Onar, nor does he particularly care."

(Turinrond scans the area slowly and deliberately, his jaw set stubbornly, and his stormy grey eyes study each of you, in turn.)

Turinrond takes a deep breath.

Turinrond quietly says, "Assassination is defined as a murder with PURPOSE. It is this Purpose alone that separates it from murder or otherwise."

Turinrond quietly says, "This can be either a physical death, a slit across the neck, or a poisoned drink."

Turinrond quietly says, "This can also be defined as any single task which has a significant and purposeful outcome. Sometimes that may be as simple as finding the crucial ingredient to an important spell."

Turinrond grins coldly, his eyes reflecting no emotion.

Turinrond quietly says, "As such, the typical Onarian must be prepared to serve any and all Arkati. He must be prepared to wear the appropriate mask in this service."

Turinrond quietly says, "Not only must they study the ways of stealth and discretion, but also must be apprised of world events, various cultures, Arkati, and the things that are less easy to discern."

Turinrond quietly says, "Because Assassination is Onar's realm, and to do such an act in his name is to honor him - a follower must be particularly careful that all other options have been exhausted."

Turinrond quietly says, "A disciple must be sure that the task of offering Death will truly have consequence."

Turinrond quietly says, "Most importantly, that the target is given an honorable and merciful Death. Torture, suffering and anguish are not Onar's teachings. The strike must be quick and efficient."

Turinrond suddenly slashes his hand through the air in a lightning-fast cutting motion, before continuing, "...that Death and Life touch together in that exact moment of tribute."

Turinrond quietly says, "Ultimately it is the goal of the Onar worshipper to be put to task, to be tried and tested."

Turinrond gazes confidently at his surroundings.

Turinrond quietly says, "Until then, most worshippers will find it in their best interest to blend in and to listen carefully. To basically be everywhere that a shadow can be found."

Turinrond quietly says, "Onar's path, and the ones who walk upon it, quickly come to learn that it is indeed a path of silence and solitude."

Turinrond looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Turinrond quietly says, "Friendships and alliances are temporary, at best."

Turinrond glances around the room.

Turinrond quietly says, "Your greatest achievements are often credited to others."

Turinrond quietly says, "Your enemies, however, continue to grow, as the path of the grey will eventually transcend all boundaries."

Turinrond's eyes glaze over as he stares, unfocused, into the distance.

Turinrond quietly says, "The Onarian is impassionate towards all, bearing no bias but for the commitment to the task."

Turinrond quietly says, "The Onarian must forego all notions of sentiment, as any weakness is liable to be used against you."

Turinrond quietly says, "You must have enough inner strength and confidence to withstand the nights of silence and unanswered prayers, and enough determination to trust your instincts, to keep your skills honed, and to be ready to answer the call when it comes."

Turinrond quietly says, "Before I conclude, I would like to read two passages from my preferred text of all time. I cite from this text every time I do a lecture on Onar - so you will begrudge an old elf his comforts, and have my thanks."

Turinrond removes a dark silk-wrapped journal from in his spidersilk robe.

Turinrond quietly says, "The single most intelligent piece of literature I have ever read on assassination, was once stored on the shelves of House Cheslycha's library."

Turinrond quietly says, "It was written by Lord Otath Tatheralin. In my opinion, you will not find a single more effectively construed document, that carries within it, the very essence of the profession known as Assassin, even moreso where it relates to the philosophy of Patronage."

(Turinrond quietly clears his throat.)

Turinrond quietly says, "His introduction, which reads:"

Turinrond recites:

"First and foremost is it necessary to understand that Elven Assassins are not rogues, thieves, scoundrels and the like. They do not sit in dark alleys and wait for easy targets to pass by so that they may cut their purses and run away within the darkness. "

Turinrond recites:

That is not to say that Elven Assassins are not extremely well trained in the art of subterfuge and secretly acquiring items and more importantly, information, that cannot be obtained through normal channels. It is to say that they do not use their highly honed skills for petty purposes."

Turinrond quietly says, "And another passage later on in the text:"

Turinrond recites:

"I will however tell you some of the abilities necessary to hone in order to be adept in these areas: The ability to quickly adapt, to think on one's feet, to be ingeniously creative, to be a quick study of both spoken and unspoken language and gestures, the discipline and intelligence needed to study one's enemies up close and from afar. To not only be the eyes and ears of the walls and the shadows, but to be the wall and the shadow. These are just some of the ways of the Elven Assassin."

Turinrond put a dark silk-wrapped journal in his ceremonial bag.

Turinrond folds his hands behind his back.