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personal - GemStone IV EBON GATE 5010

EVENTS

- Ebon Gate 5109 -

- Krystanne's and Caleanon's Wedding 5109 -

- Highman Games 5110 -

- Grawood Festival 5110 -

- Mist Harbor Eastern Harbor Street Festival 5110 -

- Ebon Gate 5110 -

- Zifku's Vodka Drinking Game 5111 -

- Droughtman's Challenge 5111 -
             Challenger's view
             Best Heckles
             Key Moments

- Mist Harbor Anthem Ceremony 5111 -

- Ebon Gate 5111 -

- Ebon Gate 5112 -

- The wedding of Erienne and Nordred -

- Highman Games 5113 -

- Gweniveer and Japhrimel Wedding 5113 -

- River's Rest Pickle Festival 5113 -

- River's Rest Pickle Festival 5114 -

- River Rest Pickle Festival 5115 -

SUMMARY

I had fully intended to provide details of this year's ebon gate from my perspective but to be honest, due to other worldly commitments, I was unable to attend as much as I might have liked. The interesting elements were:

Entered over fifteen raffles - Tdem won a illusion sigil
Obtained ten alterations
Spent over 10 million silvers shopping for fusion items, wands and magical potions
Entered the deathly dirges and entrail tossing competitions
Met some wonderful merchants with the patience of saints

I definitely will be attending next year and taking Tdem with me. I intend to ensure i have the time to enjoy more of the festivities.

I intend to concentrate my records on one event. Deathly Dirges. it was the first time that I had ever attended this event and I was extremely nervous to say the least. The purpose was to provide a story, song or poem about death. I created my 'masterpiece' a week before and rehearsed it over and over. This is a record of my poem, but also the poetry of others who participated.

The Venue

[Forest, Path]
Lush forest surrounds the winding dirt path on both sides as it meanders into the woods. Tall modwir and cypress trees form a colonnade, enveloping the area with a thick, colorful canopy. The air is thick with the smell of loam and moss, and dust motes hover in the air, glimmering in the sunbeams that manage to break through the canopy, illuminating patches of soft grass beneath the trees.
You also Ghostly Spirit Rasmeeryn who is sitting
Obvious paths: west

Rasmeeryn says, "I am Rasmeeryn, for those who do not know me from more rangerly pursuits... This contest, Death Dirges, is for poems and songs about death. I will judge you based on content, sticking to the theme, and staying within the five minute time limit. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place, though everyone who participates can have a souvenir."

Rasmeeryn smiles.

Rasmeeryn says, "Other prizes may be awarded as I see fit, as well."

Rasmeeryn says, "I will judge you based on content, sticking to the theme, and staying within the five minute time limit."
Rasmeeryn asks, "Okay, so I have Tylaen, Aneris, Bremerial, Dhairn, Ascaris, Maleisse, Vender, Angellos... anyone else wish to sing or tell your poem?"

Tonklin nods to Rasmeeryn.

Rasmeeryn exclaims, "Very good!"

Rasmeeryn says, "Now, a trickier question..."

Rasmeeryn asks, "Does anyone volunteer to go first?"

Rasmeeryn grins evilly.

You softly say, "I'd rather get it over with."

Rasmeeryn points at you!

Rasmeeryn says, "You, and then you."

You softly say, "Actually quite nervous so bear with me."

Rasmeeryn settles back to listen, sinking into the grass.

BREMERIAL'S POEM

You recite:

"Love conquers all, even death."

"These words have echoed through the years
In dwaven tales. In Elven Rhymes
Dismissed by some as the foolishness
Of those so desperate to progress
From death to other planes"

"But in recent years with dwarven eyes
I have seen the truth
Discerned through the lies
...that love DOES conquer even death"

"Please picture this.
Two warrior dwarves full grown as friends
Upon the ash-filled Kharam Dzu
Who in the dotage of their lives..
Found love within each other."

"Inseparable
Fighting side by side, through thrust and parry
Him with a glance, a touch, a stolen kiss
Her with her lover by her side
Protecting each other from all"

"And then invaders came
These two,they heard the warning gong
Of massing foe, marauding throng
And rallied to the Northern Gate"

"Stood firm in Kharam Dzu s defence
gainst deadly overwhelming hoard
With some demonic aim in mind
Destroying all with claw and sword"

"HE died first
She saw him fall before her eyes
A penetrating claw through skin
Piercing his heart, death drank him in."

"And in her fury, breaking ranks
She cried out. Maniacal berserking wrath
Destroying all within her path
til she herself succumbed to death"

"Torn and bloodied bodies both
Gathered for burial after battle ceased.
Resting together. A warrior s funeral
For the two lovers now deceased."

"That was the end.. or so I thought
But last Jastatos, day thirty-one
I saw with these very eyes
A fearful sight.. as night descended."

"A mist forming over hallowed ground
Disturbed by it's rapidity, I hid
My body s follicles all prone
At the echo of some demented tone"

"First HE to rise,
A decayed hand forced from the ground
And body followed after, with soil caked armor
An almost harrowed look from hollowed eyes
Despair perhaps? No something more."

"Then SHE appeared.
Rising slowly from the mist
Her face a shadow of its former glory
With decayed flesh on gory skull"

"I caught my breath, and widened eyes
I feel no shame now when I say
I covered mouth to stifle cries
As the bodies seemingly glanced my way."

"Then...."
"Unexpectedly"

"Both held each other in boney embrace
As tender as it was macabre
And suddenly I recognised
It was love I d seen in hollowed eyes."

"Not lack of breath, Nor still of heart
No death s sweet song, Could tear their love apart"
"Love conquers all, even death."

{applause}

Rasmeeryn exclaims, "A touching yet gory poem!"

Aneris says, "Very well told."

Speaking to Aneris, Rasmeeryn asks, "Shall we hear from you next?"

ANERIS'S SONG

Aneris sings:

"Sweet Glentia was a merry young lass, so spunky and blessed by time
With movements of such "enormous grace" that no one else could mime.
Her round face was blushed with life, and her bodice nice and plump.
One day a palace messenger came to her place and she was invited to that dump."

"It did not bother her, not at all
that the letter she had received
Was addressed to Slendia and not to she
Yes, it slipped through her mind like a sieve."

"She stuffed herself into a dress and waddled out so free!
If you had seen her coming then, you would have run like me!
Her stampeding steps sent flesh a'floppin 'til the palace was in sight
And when she got up to that gate she stepped panting into the light."

"The young gentleman who sent the request was abhorred at what he saw
And when she came up to speak with him he gazed into her maw.
"I invited a lass who was tall and slim, with beauty that none could match!"
"So why are you standing before me now with a ravenous mouth I should latch"

"Embarrassed at the young man's taunt she thought to show her moves
A short step here and a jaunty step there, she was into quite the groove.
No one was much impressed as she danced the night away
She looked quite like a dying urgh many were starting to say."

"One man saw through her rippling folds
He invited her to dance
But alas fate was cruel that day
Yes! Fate, it turned its glance!"

"A banana peel stuck between her waves fell out from her billowing gown
and landed between the ground and her foot just as she set down!
If you've ever seen a pumpkin smashed or watched a walrus die
This would be much akin as she slid upon her thigh."

"Glentia could not stop her round, round self as she rolled right towards the door
And smashed into a table leg, oh yes quite a bit of gore!
The table crashed upon her face and she was crushed by its unfathomable weight
But always we mourn you banana peel, you suffered the cruelest fate!"

"For the table was a mere twice her mass
But, worse, you ended up under that lass
If I had seen the horrors you saw at that ball
I'd have killed MYSELF within that hall."

"Then end"

Rasmeeryn praises Aneris.

Rasmeeryn says, "That poor poor banana peel."

Aneris says, "Yes...very sad...."

Rasmeeryn asks, "Does anyone volunteer to go next?"

Rasmeeryn exclaims, "No? Okay then, I'll pick!"

Rasmeeryn cackles!
Rasmeeryn points at Maleisse.

Speaking to Maleisse, Rasmeeryn exclaims, "Go right ahead!"

MALEISSE'S POEM

Maleisse says, "This is a morbid gardening poem, I thought it appropriate to share."

Maleisse recites thoughtfully:

"If you wish for things to grow
And have some secrets you can't disclose.
Recite this to avoid woe,
If you wish for things to grow.
Each of these verses will expose
Gardening tips for the slightly morose.
If you wish for things to grow,
And have some secrets you can't disclose."

"Remember, soil must be soft and dark,
So that the plants can thrive.
Dig all trenches at an arc,
Remember, soil must be soft and dark.
Fill in holes with mulching bark
Loosely, covering what was once alive.
Remember, soil must be soft and dark,
So that the plants can thrive."

"You cannot afford to show
What is now hidden.
In the ground below,
you cannot afford to show.
They never need to know,
that which was forbidden
You cannot afford to show,
what is now hidden."

"Do not drown your little seeds,
Water only in the morning.
They have such meager needs
Do not drown your little seeds.
Weekly pull out pesky weeds,
Give visitors no warning.
Do not drown your little seeds,
Water only in the morning."

"Drive bugs away from the plants
To keep them healthy and green.
Watch for eggs of little gnats,
Drive bugs away from the plants.
Use honey to draw away ants,
Laced with hemlock to kill their queen.
Drive bugs away from the plants,
To keep them healthy and green."

"You cannot afford to show
What is now hidden.
In the ground below,
you cannot afford to show.
They never need to know,
that which was forbidden
You cannot afford to show,
what is now hidden."

"If you wish for things to grow
And have some secrets you can't disclose.
Recite this to avoid woe,
If you wish for things to grow.
Each of these verses will expose
Gardening tips for the slightly morose.
If you wish for things to grow,
And have some secrets you can't disclose."

Rasmeeryn applauds Maleisse.

Rasmeeryn says, "Nicely told, I liked the meter and repetition, repetition..."

Rasmeeryn says, "Next..." Dhairn raises his hand.

DHAIRN'S POEM

Rasmeeryn points at Dhairn.
Dhairn smiles.

Dhairn recites:

"Plight of life - By Dhairn the Heretic"

"Woe to lament,
A gift heaven sent."

"Tis embraced by us all,
With grace some may fall."

"While others do dread,
On the land that they tread."

"In fear of a clear,
Understanding my dear."

"Dwell not on how soon,
Tis not tailored by loom."

"Doom does not wait in the next room,
So no need to assume."

"Walk bravely and tall,
For one can not stall."

"While still under the sun,
To atleast have some fun."

"Gaze up at the stars,
Or moon from afar."

"Do not cower inside,
Preyed on by this guise."

"Simply look deep into eyes,
What is past and inside."

"For fear of the dark,
Will surely take lifes spark."

Rasmeeryn applauds Dhairn.
Rasmeeryn says, "Full of suspense and good lessons."
Rasmeeryn nods.

Rasmeeryn says, "Next, I think..."

Rasmeeryn ponders.

VENDER'S POEM

Rasmeeryn points at Vender.
Vender recites:

"A man stood in shock, pale as a ghost
For wouldn't you know it, he was giving a toast!
For 20 years married, in happyness and health
The years had kind, in fourtune and wealth
But now his wife lay there dead, face planted in the roast..."

"What could have done this, dastardly deed
Had it been poisin, slipped in her mead?
He thought they where happy, they never did fight
Maybe what killed her, was bottled up spite?
"Why did you take her??!!" to the gods he did splead."

"But yet a man still has needs, that a dead wife can't meet
He dusted him-self off, stood up on his feet.
He needed a new cook, a new partner in life
Someone to clean, and and snuggle at night
He hoped at the funeral, there might be several other "widows" he might greet!"

"End"

Rasmeeryn chuckles.

Speaking to Vender, Rasmeeryn exclaims, "What a cad!"

Rasmeeryn says, "Next..."

Rasmeeryn points at Angellos.

ANGELLOS'S POEM

Angellos recites:

"Am I awake? Or was it all a dream?
So many memories of you, never to be forgotten...
But that is in my book of time.
Each page is my thoughts of you...
Where should I begin?
Each memory of the day was better then the last."

"If only the memories would be for eternity.
I remember every smile, every laugh, every hug.
A picture frozen in my mind -- of you for all of time.
I cherish that picture -- never to be forgotten."

"Even when the book ages from time,
And the pages become worn,
It's treasured memories,
Very close to my heart."

"The sun will stop shining,
The moon will lose its glow,
The stars will cease to twinkle,
And this you should know,
When you leave,
I never wanted you to go."

"I know that whatever path in life I have,
You will always be with me,
You never ever really leave,
I see you everywhere,
You are every road,
You are every tree,
You are every cloud."

"The sun will stop shining,
The moon will lose its glow,
The stars will cease to twinkle,
And this you should know,
When you leave,
I never wanted you to go."

"So now during the night,
Gazing into the sky,
I never have to wish-upon-a-star,
Because all I wish,
Is all you are."

Rasmeeryn applauds Angellos.

Rasmeeryn says, "How sweet and sad."

TYLAEN'S SONG

Tylaen says, "I, I think I'm ready, if you want."

Tylaen hesitantly says, "So, I'm not very good at spooky stories and things. Well, I know one, but I'm saving it for the ghost story contest. But this contest is about death, so that's a little broader. Death is. . . maybe something sylvans think about a little different than some other people. It's part of life, the same way sleeping is a part of waking and all seasons are a part of the year. But that doesn't mean we don't mourn, even if we know the circle will turn again. So this song is about that a little, maybe. It's called "The Death of the Year."

Tylaen sings:

"Watch a breeze bring news of autumn,
Hear the sap crack and turn dry.
Leaves take flight in frenzied dances,
Only twigs now touch the sky."

"Chill the air and late the sunrise
As the year turns to its end.
Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend."

"Watch birds rise from barren branches,
Hear their rustling wings spread wide.
Circling, then soaring southward,
Winter yet again defied."

"Chill the air and late the sunrise
As the year turns to its end.
Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend."

"Watch their shadows cross the water,
Hear the once-swift stream grow slow.
Frost-rimmed rocks extend fine tendrils,
Letting ice begin to grow."

"Chill the air and late the sunrise
As the year turns to its end.
Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend."

"Watch the bear pace frozen surface,
Hear it groan beneath his girth.
While the fish sleep with the current,
He retreats below the earth."

"Chill the air and late the sunrise
As the year turns to its end.
Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend."

"Watch the first snow shroud the forest,
Hear the night wind keen and mourn.
"All are dead!" it cries to silence,
While spring waits to be reborn."

"Chill the air and late the sunrise
As the year turns to its end.
Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend."

"Earth and water, prey and hunter,
All know what the signs portend.
All are waiting, only sleeping,
Knowing spring will come again."

Rasmeeryn exclaims, "Very lovely, an interesting perspective!"

Rasmeeryn says, "Only two remain..."

Rasmeeryn glances between Tonklin and Ascaris.

Rasmeeryn says, "You two could fight to the death..."

Rasmeeryn grins evilly.

TONKLIN'S POEM

Tonklin recites:

"This is a story of the wanderer"
"For he does not bear his tale lightly or to squander"
"Tall in stature"

"Narrow in purpose
Grand in vision"
"Do not shield your ears and have them seek remission!"

"His rhymes are a lyrical Miracle
Metaphorical and historcial, often more sought after then the oracles"

"Coming at you from a time of distant ages
from lands of might pages and valiant pages"

"His insight and foresight only equaled by the most powerful and wisest of sages"
"Though, through times of change and looms weaved of strange, you might think he is a tid bit deranged."
"He's roamed the foothills of the farthest mountains and conquered the tallest peaks
Stormed foriegn seas and raided many keeps"

"Now he thinks he might of found what it was that he has forever seeked
He will never tell that which he will never speak"

"His alone and secret to keep"

"So in this he will share if you do so care
Below , beneath, beside, between"

"Up underneath after we
Dip across our melodic seas"

"The rhythm keeps flowing inside it grips thee"

Tonklin recites: "Sweet Sugar pops, sugar pops, rocks a pop
By the way this sweet beat drops"

"I go about above and across the stage
as I slide out of"

"In Addition to
except for
over over outside until before"

"Near beyond or without the page"

"Instead of tripping upon the stage
I stay true and endure
even though this poem has come to a close and hope not that I have been truly a bore"

Rasmeeryn applauds Tonklin.

Rasmeeryn says, "Last but not least..."

ASCARIS'S POEM

Ascaris recites:

"An Homage to the Ghosts of Ebon Gate"

"Being a dead body doesn't seem much fun
You just sit around and rot
Likely trapped in some fancy box"

"Unless somehow become a ghost
Then maybe, just possibly maybe
Not trapped in a box, but free"

"And if you have some skills
Or are perhaps quite smart
An Ebon Gate business you'll start"

"While quite poor in life
You may have been
In death riches you will gain"

"The END"

Rasmeeryn applauds Ascaris.

Rasmeeryn says, "If only we really were free."

Rasmeeryn shakes her head slowly.

{Rasmeeryn offers pins and brooches to all participants}

RASMEERYN'S VERDICT

Rasmeeryn says, "First, I'd like to say that I enjoyed everyone's poems and songs, and I wish you all could win."

Rasmeeryn exclaims, "But you can't!"

Rasmeeryn sticks out her tongue.
Rasmeeryn recites:

"In second place, with a sad story of loss
Angellos!"

Rasmeeryn recites:

"And the winner, with a beautiful poem of death
Tylaen!"
Rasmeeryn removes a gold-edged black vellum certificate from in her sturdy ebon pouch.

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Assess risk personal - GemStone IV EBON GATE 5010

Assess risk
personal - GemStone IV EBON GATE 5010