Hlahlisessil-zah, Identity Crisis with a Gut

[whiterabbit]

Thanks for all the fun! Especially to all you who allowed me to utilize disguises, and to the PC friends I made towards the end - loner life is hard, especially in the underdark.  Hlahlissesil-zah was inspired by my favorite PC to date, Shif.

Background
Hlahlisessil-zah grew up an unhappy boy in the farming community of East Warren not too far outside of Amn.  There, rabbits are revered but often also served for supper.   He was often bullied an picked on, both for his name and his weight.  His Uncle, who left East Warren years before and became a Watchman in Amn, would fill his nephews ears with stories of his escapades within the Watch - growing rich off bribes, racketeering, smuggling, murder with one's words rather than swords.  He shaped his nephew's future more than he knew.

Arrival
Upon his arrival in Sanctuary, Hlahlisessil-zah's first acquaintances were Aracknar Blackgem, Isabella Morales, Ezekiel Romel, and Ashela.  He, wearing pink-and-white clothing and a rabbit mask he'd stolen from his parents, introduced himself as "Ralphy the Rabbit".   Not long after, he got paying work as a member of Aracknar's Bandits.

[hide=screenshots]Spying on rebel Drow and the infamous Klaw.


The exchange for Margie's folks.


Dess has some smooth moves.




Margie wasn't so happy about the botched exchange.


A lot of promising bandit talent got started under Aracknar's watch.




A Falcon is captured.


And released.  Falconer knows how to speak greedy Dwarf.


Ralphy downs a couple of shots of synovial fluid with the ever-charming Dr. Leo.

[/hide]

A Bright Future
Aracknar's behavior becomes increasingly erratic.   After blowing up the House of Heroes and taking a casualty in the form of the House of Hooch, Aracknar sets his sights on steeling a fortune in gold from a tribe of... bug people.  Hlahlisessil-zah, sensing that Aracknar's luck will soon end, looks to the future and decides to establish himself in Upper.

One night he robs a man in the In-Between, a despondent man of Helm who has the perfect name: Abraham Farford.   Hlahlisessil-zah steals the man's ring and identity, walking Upper as "Abraham Farford, the Shorter", preaching the word of Helm.  But not without some difficulty.

::[ City Sending by Hlahlisessil-zah : [A confident yet tired voice] Peoples of the Dunwarren. We live in a time and place where our safety is far from assured, and must not be taken for granted. We must keep our eyes on not only our enemies, but also our friends. Please report anomalies in your day-to-day routines to your hard-working Watch. I am Abraham Farford, Servitor of the Vigilant One. ]::

::[ City Sending by Abraham Farford : That wasn`t me! Who is doing this?! ]::

Soon after, Aracknar was betrayed by Isabella Morales, who sold him to his former allies, the Sojourners.  He is given to Abala Quickfoot, and murdered in Freedom Square, but not before whispering a secret or two to his former employee.

Enchanted by the stories told to him so long ago and leveraging his knowledge of Sanctuary's criminal underbelly, Hlahlisessil-zah applies to become a Watch Recruit, and, after battling the Bretheren Resolute and his former comrade Caspian Folkwin, is accepted as a Watch Private.

[hide=screenshots]So much love in Upper (completely random)


The death of a legend.


A job interview with the benevolent Sergeant Tactitus


The Bretheren Resolute capture Tacitus Martialis and several others during Abraham Farford's leadership test.  He was much better at keeping the books than leadership.


After a rescue of the hostages and the death of one of their members, the Bretheren Resulote strike back, holding the Beetle and Baby hostage.   Tacitus Martialis negotiates using Lord Faclonner as leverage for exchange.   After the well-being of the hostages is seen to, Martialis orders the Watchers to turn on the Bretherin resolute, knowing that he was putting Falconer's life in danger.  Did Tactius want Falconer dead?  Hard to say....


Falconer escaped, and was less than pleased. Hlahlisessil-zah was nonplussed to be called before his presence along with his superiors.


Calador Careswell, the Cyricist disguised as a Banite, gauges the lying abilities of recruits Weston and Farford.
[/hide]

Life as a Watch Private
After weathering the Bretheren Resolute crisis, Tactitus Martialis swore Abraham Farford the Shorter in as a Watch private.  His focus soon began gathering informants and keeping detailed paperwork on individuals and goings-on inside and outside Sanctuary.

At about this time, a lady by the name of Veronique Pallione arrived in Sanctuary seeking the Sunite Ruby shards.  Ralphy the Rabbit quickly offered the service of providing information, telling her who had the Ruby shards at any given time.  He also assisted with the escape of Veronique's head scout, Klaire, who was captured by Watchers Calador Careswell and Adrastos Trouvaille.

[hide=screenshots]Tacitus Martialis inducts Abraham Farford the Shorter into the Watch.


Farford had a drug habit that almost killed him.  He decided to quit.






Farford and Hagkir doing paperwork together like true bros.


Gylin Allinsk's induction
[/hide]

A Promotion
Before long Chief Inspector Feistings, appreciating Hlahlisessil's detective work and attention to detail, offered him a promotion to Inspector.  He soon had to deal with the matter of Vrarikorg and his vandals, who had several sunite ruby shards and were gaining power outside the Dunwarren.   He had wanted to deliver the shards to Veronique Pallione, but they were deftly stolen by Kallas Larskul.

At around that time Nicodem Skalarius became an Agent.  Hlahlisessil-zah greatly feared Nicodem's competence, and became even more careful of his criminal activities, some of which Skalarius was aware of.  He became obsessed with eliminating Skalarius as a threat.  He compiled a large casefile filled with evidence for the day when he would prosecute Skalarius and went after his most trust Auxiliary, Danuta Pak, on a  technicality.

Skalarius made the Sunite rubies a priority, and drafted plans along with the newly-appointed Frontiersman Adjutant Robert Oak to raid Veronique's temple.   Ralphy the Rabbit sold the plans to Captain Jaina Rosalyne, but assisted with making preparations for the raid.  Knowing that a scapegoat would be needed, he selected Robert Oak who was a competitor for power and whose erratic behavior was known within the ranks of the Watch.

[hide=screenshots]Inspectors Farford and Flint induct Thonas Smashmail into the Watch


A visit with Captain Rosalyne of the Rosethorne Mercenary Company.






The march to the Rosethorne encampment.


The trial of Robert Oak.


The death of a traitor.
[hide=chat log]

Hlahlisessil-zah: [Whisper] Adjutant, may the Vigilant one watch your soul in the life hereafter
Robert Oak: I was told multiple times that I would be executed no matter what, Flint. No other way to act.
He Bo Gusten: He is enthralled sire? Perhaps should find that out first.
Edgar Flint: Now, accept what's comin' with some grace. *He kicks out the back of the man's knees*
Nicodem Skalarius: A moment. I will-ghhrmkh-call Citizens to observe the judgement
Hlahlisessil-zah: [bows his head]
Paul Weston: I want to be the one. For Gylin.
Hlahlisessil-zah: No
Edgar Flint: You can want plenty. But ya ain't doin' shit.
Robert Oak: *He looks Farford in the eyes*
Edgar Flint: Now put y'fuckin' weapon away
Paul Weston: [steps on a bowstringer]
Hlahlisessil-zah: Weston! You shall be charged with murder if you shoot that arrow!
Your actions have shifted your alignment 15 point(s) toward Evil.
Your actions have shifted your alignment 7 point(s) toward Evil.
Your alignment has changed. You are now Neutral Evil.
Paul Weston: I won't.
Your actions have shifted your alignment 17 point(s) toward Chaotic.
Your alignment has changed. You are now Chaotic Evil.
Thonas Smashmail: ...Good...
Edgar Flint: Give some time for the sendin'
The voice of Nicodem Skalarius echoes through your head as you receive a message: Former Officer Robert Oak has been found guilty of Treason to Mankind. His duplicitous actions directly led to the deaths of many brave Sancturians this dark. For this: He will be executed in Freedom Square in a few moments time.
Matagar Rusient: There it is
Robert Oak: God... take me...
Matagar Rusient: [snorts]
Hlahlisessil-zah: May the Vigilant One watch him in the life hereafter
Robert Oak: *Mutters a prayer to Ibrandul*
Nicodem Skalarius: The-ghhrmkh-deed will be done now either way. At least-mrrgh-come clean in your final moments. Why did you betray Sanctuary?
Jasmine Ilvastarr: So much death this dark [she sighs and stands behind the Agent]
Thonas Smashmail: Y...yes. Helm watch.
He Bo Gusten: Inspect him for thralldom good sirs.
Lucas Langley: [He tucks a feather into his place through the text and stows it in his pack. With due severity, he watches Robert.
Casimir Bolon: *she folds her arms, occasionally glancing at Rand*
Robert Oak: You're a failure of an Agent.... *He bows his head and returns to Prayers*
Hlahlisessil-zah: [sighs]
Matagar Rusient: [snorts] Poor last words
Lucas Langley: Would you like to deal the deathblow, Agent Skalarius? If you have an appropriate spell prepared.
Robert Oak: Fucking do it, already.
Nicodem Skalarius: You're-ghhrmkh-right. I failed to notice your-mrrgh-foul nature. I trusted you, as an office of the-ghhrmkh-Watch.
Nicodem Skalarius: And many good-ghhrmkh-friends - of myself, and others - died as a result.
Paul Weston: Rot in hell Oak.
Robert Oak: See you there.
Edgar Flint: A'aight Oak. Y'want them t'stand as y'final words?
Robert Oak: *He nods*
Edgar Flint: Grand. *HE looks to Thonas and nods*
Thonas Smashmail: *Stays quiet as he swings at the neck of Robert Oak*

[/hide]


The gods must be given their due.


Inspector Farford and Gorstag Buckman enjoy some leisure, and become Great Game champions.


An investigations of strange happenings.






Making new friends... WAIT, WHAT?


Good taste in women.
[/hide]
The Ruby Shards
Skalarius, after indirectly causing Farford's demotion through his inside spy Dick Quargus finally started to make mistakes. Nearly killing several civilians in his pursuit of Aurelia Larskul and summoning a Beholder within Sanctuary led to Serena Tower finally consenting to have him put on trial.   While being delivered to the Watch House he slew his guard and escaped, carrying his Sunite Ruby shards with him.  Shortly after he was slain and his shards delivered to Serena Tower, outside of Hlahlisessil-zah's reach.  But not quite.

[hide=screenshots]
[hide=edited chat log]

Hlahlisessil-zah: Now then
Pierre Du'Ponte: Traitor
Hlahlisessil-zah: Not a traitor. I was never your ally.
Pierre Du'Ponte: You do realise you are locked in?
Hlahlisessil-zah: What is the combination?
Pierre Du'Ponte: Classified.
Hlahlisessil-zah: Then you die. Is it worth it?
Pierre Du'Ponte: Then you die too
Hlahlisessil-zah: Where are the ruby shards?
Hlahlisessil-zah: Ah.
Paul Weston: My gods. Was it you?
Hlahlisessil-zah: Yes Weston, it was me. Don't bother calling me Farford, I am not he.
Paul Weston: You killed her!?
[DM]Caster : [The footfalls of metal feet can be heard coming from the hallway]
Hlahlisessil-zah: Not first-hand, but indirectly I suppose. The combination, now. Stand. One wrong move, and you die.

[/hide]

You hear a metallic note, and then a powerful and deeply distorted voice rings sharply in your ears: Whoever brings former inspector Farford to Serena Tower alive will be well rewarded.  Look for the fat halfling with a bow.

Special delivery.














Ralphy loses some weight, the easy way.


A kiss from Klaire (had to ask for it)




I'll see you at the ritual.


The ritual begins.


Nooooo! That's where I hedged my bets!


And... Klaire? You were Cassandra Heartlight this entire time???  I still love you!
[/hide]
Life in Hiding
In the darks after the ritual, Hlahlisessil-zah had to go deep into hiding.  He was able to find friends in Sabra Ur, Jagaan Daar of the Bloody Harlots, and the Scions of Imaskar.  He put on an act featuring Renee Couture as his broker and puppet with him pulling the strings in the background.  Much money was made on the profits of what was stolen from Serena Tower.

Eventually, through a happenstance meeting in Lower, he reconnected with a woman who had changed about as much as he had.  Groa Halle, who he had known from his days in Aracknar's band.  He felt he could trust her, and began a friendship of sorts.
[hide=screenshots]Brokering between the Scions and the Tower


A Queen in her castle.


What to do with the artifacts of a past life.


A civil discussion with the one who was hired to murder you.


The Herald of War was subject to much voyeurism.


The Scions' last Hurrah










A ghost at Battlesmith Ulry's back.




More Herald of War voyeurism.
[/hide]

The Beetle King
And finally, Hlahlisessil-zah became the subject of a cosmic joke.

[hide=screenshots][hide=edited chat log]

Hlahlisessil-zah: Mmmm, a tale for a tale then... *CLICK*
Eileen Wilkina: Ain't seen many, or ANY Ratcatchers in the Machine lately. [She nods eagerly] I wanna know.. if you've heard this story before -
Eileen Wilkina: I heard.. That there once was a really swell scrapper. Did a lot of crazy work in the Machine, probably one of the best there was..
Eileen Wilkina: Is, maybe. But that one day, durin' what was supposed to be a ROUTINE, if always interestin' scrap swap, his eyes were drawn to a CERTAIN TREASURE.
Eileen Wilkina: A most MAGNIFICENT CROWN. And bein' a proper scrapper that he was, he craved it. As we crave all shiny things of worth and value at times.
Hlahlisessil-zah: *CHITTER*
Eileen Wilkina: Tale goes, that the crown was CURSED, see. With foul magicks of a most bizarre kind. One that changed him.. [Her eyes focus on the beetle for a moment, a rare expression of clarity on her features]
Hlahlisessil-zah: [regards her with his six eyes]
Eileen Wilkina: Some say the Scrapper-Who-Was still wanders these steel and stone halls, yeah? As somethin' different, but still himself in a way. Y'know anythin' about that?
Hlahlisessil-zah: S-s-s-s-scrappers are quite fond of grandiose t-t-t-t-tales *CLICK* I'm sure such a story has no b-b-b-b-basis in r-reality.
Hlahlisessil-zah: *CLACK-CLICK*
Hlahlisessil-zah: One of the tales they are fond of telling in their swaps to s-s-scare the young, I am sure *CLACK-CLICK*
Eileen Wilkina: [She regards the beetle silently for a few moments, then claps her hands together] Uh huh! Maybe! Just thought it was.. interestin'.
Hlahlisessil-zah: P-p-p-perhaps the G-g-g-graywalker should teach you not to trust everything you h-h-h-hear
Hlahlisessil-zah: F-f-f-freak monkies are ever impressionable *CLACK-CLICK*
Eileen Wilkina: Curiosity is somethin' that can't be taught. It's in our blood, and he's only got half of Gond's sacrifice in his veins. [A slow nod]

[/hide]

Keeping strange company.


Downtime.


Asserting royal right.


A welcome friend.
[/hide]

The End
Hlahlisessil-zah, enraged by Mouldercrests wanton consumption of his new-found subjects, devised a bold plan to slay him and his new wife on the day of their wedding

Alas.

[hide=screenshot][/hide]

Oh yeah, Loot

[hide=loot]Love you Caster.  Best piece of loot ever.




[/hide]

[Malboro]

i had plans ;-; rest in peace king of beetles

[MaimedGod]

GOOD!

[Pentaxius]

Amaaaaazing.

Thanks for the great obit. A great read!

[xXCrystal_Rose]

He was great to plot with, but who ever knew he had so much going on! Alas I only knew him as a shady but efficient Watcher. Amazing story to read over now.

[morva]

A job well done!

[NothingGoldCanStay]

Right good PC, gracken. Rest in pieces of delicious, nutritional value.

The story here was amazing buddy.

[Blue41]

You really managed to reinvent yourself- three times, at that. Rogue lyfe.

[liquidsonic]

I never met him, I hear he was scary though

[Moonlighter]

Good times were had.

[Kinslayer988]

One of my favorite PCs to speak to coming back from hiatus. He became a staple as each of my characters interacted with him. Through the chats with Oomig to muggings with an alt. I loved it all!

[Cruath Quasith]

The BEETLE KING is gone, but his legacy will live on! Really cool character, here's one of the more memorable snippets from conversations we had during our occasional news swaps that stuck with me as to what kind of person/creature Hlahlissesil-zah was.

[hide='Is it true?']
[/hide]

edit: oh i'm dumb and didn't see you already posted this. Oh well!

[Vlaid]

Durgin always hated you and wanted to end you. He was sure you were the real traitor behind the Robert Oak mess but he could never prove it.

Great character, too bad you didn't get a chance to kill Mouldercrest at his wedding.

[putrid_plum]

Sweet PC loved every interaction and other goodies associated with the PC!!!

[Dauerschlaf]

I loved the interactions with him on Adrastos, and the ones as Sylfbrrrn with Beetle King!

Fantastic PC, very well-done.