Entry #5 The Reflections
I took another break from my journal; I should not make a habit out of this. Admittedly, Luna has become a substitute of sorts— I’ve been comfortable confiding in her my thoughts and feelings to everything we’ve been going through, and I have been more than happy to provide her with the same courtesy. While I have an obligation to my entire Squad, keeping them safe and their wellbeing in mind, I do find myself worrying more for her safety above the others. There is still much I do not understand about Samsarans, but I know enough to see their significance to this world of ours. They could be the only thing that holds this place together after we dismantled fate.
I suppose.. I should talk about what happened to us. We were assigned to a mission to investigate reports of our colleagues, Luna and Aahi, being sighted in an entirely different part of the continent, despite them being with us. It turned out that they were the reflections of them that had escaped during our time in Tesmeri. From the start, I was concerned for their safety; the others do not understand, as I was the only one to merge with my reflection properly, but.. They were still themselves. The more we investigated, the more our concerns grew. They were working with a lich— someone Siegfried seemed to be familiar with, and whatever they were doing was warping and affecting the reflection in ways we could not understand. Using the knife here proved very dangerous for that reason. Whatever they were doing, whatever work they had done, was starting to impact the people in the city. Citizens were falling into a slumber that they were unable to wake from; Mass panic were caused by projections of creatures in order to trigger the creation of what we learned to be Rulers; a representation of a part of Luna’s lives/consciousness. Both reflections had scattered themselves into segments, Aahi was broken into segments of herself, and Luna in the form of these rulers. We somehow found ourselves aiding them in creating them all; damaging or hurting the rulers may have severed Luna from her past selves, and destroy her ability to reincarnate. We wanted to avoid that at all costs, and find a way to save her and the people as well. I fear our decision led to more lives being lost than if we had simply destroyed them; but to do so would be at great cost and risk to Luna’s entire being; who am I to place that burden onto someone else? It was her choice to find an alternative to destroying them, and I was not going to disrespect that.
Once all the rulers had been freed, we were able to reunite them with Luna; unfortunately, this was a part of the Reflections’ plan. This ritual severed Luna’s reflection from her past selves, making her more or less human. For Aahi, it provided her with the chance to remove the beast contained in the Heart. We had to fight her in order to seal it back away.. She was beyond saving.
We had a final moment to speak with the Reflection of Luna— I gave her a firm enough warning about endangering more lives. This entire experience has had me re-evaluate my own actions, and has left me disappointed in myself. I have fallen short of my duties as a Paladin to The Emperor, and allowed to many injustices to go unpunished; Too many evildoers given a chance of forgiveness. I strived myself on approaching things passively, trying to find a peaceful resolution, but if that course of action is going to result in more lives being lost, then I must take a firmer hand.
A lot of this is still very fresh on my mind, and not at all collected or formed.. I would like to talk with Luna about some of it to obtain an alternative perspective and just.. Relax in her company. I experience much less pressure and expectations with her.. I feel like I am allowed to have doubts, flaws.. Being more myself.
Until the next,
Afthisdryn's Journal Ordered oldest to newest
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Entry #0
7540MW, 3, 7
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Entry #1: The Incident
7540MW, 3, 8
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Entry #2: Plague
7542MW, 4, 15
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Entry #3: Acrea
7543MW, 01, 02
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Entry #4: Oshen
7543MW, 01, 08
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Entry #5 The Reflections
7544
7540MW, 3, 7
7540MW, 3, 8
7542MW, 4, 15
7543MW, 01, 02
7543MW, 01, 08
7544
The major events and journals in Afthisdryn's history, from the beginning to today.
None of this should [i]feel[/i] normal. I semi-regularly converse with the man I consider to be my god, we as a group run into multiple instances of calamity and are seemingly at the centre of the lot of it, and now we are being charged with a mission delivered by [i]my own god[/i] for the safety and wellbeing of our planet, AND the life of said god’s mortal enemy, before an interplanar war tears our world apart. We are not in control of this situation. [i]I[/i] am not in control of this situation— And I can’t tell if I’m supposed to be excited, angry or completely terrified.
11:23 pm - 20.05.2022It just [i]had[/i] to be Dracula, of all the enemies you could have chosen for us to fight.. They seemed so lost and confused when we tried to converse with them. Was it really them, or something else? They were provoked to fight, but.. Only at mention of the Archdevil Mephistopheles, so can they really be [i]blamed?[/i] .. For the first time, I actually think I need a damned drink.
05:42 pm - 07.05.2022I feel I have to pretend to keep up with everything that is going on in this reality. Being thrown so many choices and decisions.. Why does it so often fall to us? What path has fate set out for this group? Perhaps this is boring of me, but I did wish sometimes that our group faced more.. Standard challenges. Something that would keep us grounded, instead of this lucid dream.
10:37 am - 18.09.2021So The Unforgiven appears to be an.. Alternate version of the Emperor.. But not quite. They are the first living god of this world we're seeing, but the events that transpired here are far different to those that took place in the world we know. Samsarans are all that are left in the memory of this world. The forms of other mortals appear twisted, and powered by machinery. If this is a glimpse of what our future holds, then I am worried, but-- Things are different here. Our history has fallen to a new path; That should surely be enough to avoid this fate?
11:36 pm - 25.06.2021Well this is.. Certainly discomforting. Whomever this 'Unforgiven' is, they seem to sap the magic of the world with just their presence.. We are walking upon a different world now. I think it is ours, but.. not quite. It's cold, mechanical and lifeless. No magic in the air.. It's troubling. We've also ran into the first Samsaran. Again. Thats.. Something.
11:28 pm - 18.06.2021Entry #5 The Reflections
I took another break from my journal; I should not make a habit out of this. Admittedly, Luna has become a substitute of sorts— I’ve been comfortable confiding in her my thoughts and feelings to everything we’ve been going through, and I have been m...
08:29 am - 11.05.2021I’m glad the worst of this whole encounter is behind us, even if it didn’t go the direction I had hoped. I’m full glad that our two are safe, but... The other Luna and Aahi.. They were my companions as well. That we had to take the life of one is devastating to me.. But knowing what she had become there was no better alternative. The other Luna is also a cause for concern, if her actions would put more lives at risk. Gods above, I pray that she does not force our hand. [i]Anyone[/i] but her.
09:19 am - 10.05.2021I am growing tired of allowing evil beings to exist long enough to pull at their schemes. Next time this happens, I will not hesitate.
09:38 am - 01.05.2021I know better than to believe in the manipulations of a creature built of despair.. With that said, it has brought something to light that I do not believe I should ignore. I have been ignoring my duties too much for the sake of this group, and now that is at the expense of innocent lives. Hesitation towards evil. [i]No more.[/i]
12:56 am - 27.03.2021A happy Snowlight day to my Companions today; I reaffirm that even being so far from home, I find that family is not far away- And I consider you all family. I’ll have to find an opportunity where we [i]aren’t[/i] a squad to get you all gifts!
06:48 pm - 24.12.2020It would be a lie if I was to say I didn’t find Luna’s lack of technological prowess amusing. Perhaps I should ask Aahi to set something up at our base so that I can try and teach her how to use one properly.
12:38 am - 03.10.2020This reflection business is deeply concerning. While I’m glad to see them unharmed (mostly...) that they had gotten separated from us and left to wander alone with no direction or aid from ourselves, I can’t help but feel responsible. As a leader I should have ensured everyone’s safety crossing through the barrier.
11:17 am - 02.10.2020Well moving to this new squad seems to have worked well for us; I can already tell this mission is exactly the kind of thing we continue to run into. It was also pointed out that parts of our squad have been neglected greatly.. I will endeavor to amend that.
10:47 am - 05.09.2020It's going to be nice to have a bit of time to let our hair down. Everything during the trial was such a blur that it feels like eons since our last.
12:14 pm - 17.07.2020The Emperor.. He saw me directly. He made me his [i]hand[/i]. I never would have expected an honor such as this in all my life. I'm forever thankful for my friends who helped me on this journey, I doubt this would have come to pass without their assistance.
02:03 am - 04.07.2020Gods, Raida I am sorry. Vana. Those that fell. Their blood is on my hands. I drove them to this. No matter the stakes, they chose to fight because of [i]my[/i] words. We at least held out until forces arrived but at what cost? Will anything of the city even be left after their battle? What of the souls trapped on the ship? A living god has died. We chose this. Why do I feel no matter how we choose to move forward, death will follow? I can't think like this right now. I still need to lead.
12:00 am - 20.06.2020An actual, real living saint is taking [i]me[/i] as their student; The lost saint, no less! Though I guess they will need a title change at some point... They want to see me lead. I think I'm doing a good job, but.. Setting up war tactics is completely new territory for me. I'm just glad I have the backing of the immortals here.
08:23 am - 30.05.2020Its very uncomfortable to know that there is detailed documentation on.. Me. My life. I dread to think what might even be in there.. And what kind of people have read it.
02:58 pm - 09.05.2020That was... A lot to process. Putting my personal history aside, hearing that there are possible plans to turn immortals into 'God Killers' is.. Worrying. And now we're having joint nightmares? This is uncomfortable.
11:08 pm - 08.05.2020I'm glad that people are able to take joy in my misery. At least something positive is coming from it. I really need some time to myself once this is over.
09:51 am - 02.05.2020I'm not sure what just happened. I'm deeply concerned that nobody is seemingly able to focus on the fact that the city is being sieged by some soul collecting ship and an entire fleet and instead bicker about everything other than defending it. Supposedly we're going to plan to ambush some people that are looking to capture us, which should be.. Interesting.
11:05 pm - 24.04.2020The city is under attack by Druace. I wasn't there to protect the people of Acrea.. I have a chance to repay that.
11:10 pm - 03.04.2020Completed the First Trial
We actually [i]saved[/i] Lily! I don't.. Think the gods will be happy with us about that. And I became Immortal! I spoke with my soul very briefly. He was very.. Angelic. He had a Halo and wings! Hopefully this power will allow me to protect more people.
12:11 am - 28.03.2020Well, the Orchestrator turned against us. At least we passed the Trial...?
12:09 am - 21.03.2020I.. Think the trial took us on a detour. We met a gnome called Lily. I think she.. Made the trials? We kept getting jumped forward in time each time we met her, the whole thing was odd. The last time we saw her she was hiding from the Gods. She apparently did something that she couldn't tell us about, lest we are put in danger ourselves. .. I hope she's okay.
12:01 am - 07.03.2020This trial has taught me that I am in serious need of upgrading my Armour. Hopefully this contract we have collected will provide us with sufficient funds to do so. On another note.. We seemed to fight some people from Luna's past? They did not appear to use imperial arms, but their Elf had very similar gear to me. I'll have to poke her and find out who they were.
12:25 am - 29.02.2020I DID NOT EXPECT TO FACE THIS FEAR QUITE SO SOON [i]Sigh...[/i] It is an unfortunate necessity for the problem we have given ourselves.
10:09 pm - 21.02.2020We figured out a way to get through the trial without risking more lives. Apparently this is the same path The Emperor took, but he failed.. Are we making the right choice?
12:25 am - 15.02.2020I had an.. Interesting conversation with the Orchestrator about temptation. He took pity on me for not finding any temptation to take drugs which.. I failed to understand? I really don't know.
12:44 am - 08.02.2020Is.. Is it really [i]that[/i] unusual to be put off by thoughts of intercourse, especially so if it concerns close friends? I saw no fault in my reasoning before..
10:59 am - 16.01.2020I... I have heard a party member say things no one should have to hear. I feel like I need to wash my brain..
11:18 pm - 10.01.2020Well, I'm not sure it [i]really[/i] counted since time isn't exactly certain here... But what the heck. Happy Snowlight day @lunaria-isatis-annua , @b806ead5-edf3-4484-98da-555b9e568734 , @faraahi-andeema and @lt-collier ! It is a privilege working with all of you, and I hope we can all continue to celebrate this day together for years to come.
08:56 pm - 24.12.2019Okay, life threatening danger aside... Having the oppertunity to face the same challenges that @the-emperor faced in his trial is incredibly exciting to me.
04:00 am - 01.12.2019This trial is.. A lot. Even during the preliminaries and members of the other groups have already fallen. I could never imagine myself in that position but there is a creeping feeling in the back of my mind that I may not have to. I have much faith in our group's capabilities and we shall surely come out on top of this but I am.. worried.
10:01 am - 16.11.2019This 'Orchestrator' fellow has far too much freedom over this reality than I think I'm comfortable with.
11:00 pm - 18.10.2019There are a lot of interesting characters heading to the first trial. And most of them are surprisingly quite pleasant! I was half expecting everyone to be very hostile.
11:45 pm - 11.10.2019With everything that has happened to Acrea its very nice to return to help with rebuilding. Granted I'm not one for building houses but an extra pair of hands wont go amiss. Hopefully my home city can return to its former glory soon.
01:40 pm - 09.10.2019@snuffles-woof Is just... Staring at me. I feel like he's up to something.
09:46 am - 04.10.2019Someone thought it would be a fantastic idea to dress me up in some silly bird costume. I hate this.
09:33 pm - 30.09.2019I seemed to have missed quite a lot during some kind of.. Battle? I'm not really sure what happened to me. Perhaps it was some kind of mind control or manipulation. Right now every mission we go on my team gets drawn closer and closer to danger beyond our abilities. I am concerned for their safety. I would suggest some kind of getaway or break but given what we know currently its difficult to stay.. Settled. I think I need a drink.
10:39 am - 16.09.2019While I have been taking steps to be more careful and responsible with @the-emperor 's Lance, it sure is difficult not to bring it out more often. I was able to destroy some tentacled abomination with it, and make this huge hole in the ground.
12:31 pm - 11.08.2019Entry #4: Oshen
Gosh, I'm not even sure where to begin with this one. I'm keeping information out of this entry, mostly because the report I'm going to have to submit will be more than enough work on its own. We've been stationed up in Oshen for a while. It's a nice ...
10:52 am - 30.07.2019I think we actually did it. We FINALLY put a close to this damn case. @lunaria-isatis-annua @beb2a144-291a-4fcc-b9ae-d2415998a4d3 @b806ead5-edf3-4484-98da-555b9e568734 I hope you don't mind our group taking a healthy break after this particular job has concluded fully.
01:04 am - 13.07.2019It seems our investigation is coming to a close soon; We come across a whole heap of information and evidence that has most likely tipped the case in our favour. I will finally have some free time to do as I please, at the very least until more work arrives. I'm very happy with our team and how hard they've been working. They deserve the break as well.
11:17 am - 10.07.2019This investigation is really beginning to wear me down. Why does it feel like we're so close to finding an answer and have nothing at the same time? So many loose ends. So many suspects. Maybe I'm too used to being able to have someone before me, who is unquestionably evil, for me to defeat. I hope the next time we're called out for something I get to fight instead of finding clues and questioning people. I'm not suited for this kind of work.
06:11 pm - 22.06.2019We're live pretty soon! Our party are getting close to cracking this investigation wide open! Come join us! https://www.twitch.tv/overlord59
08:58 pm - 21.06.2019Are there any long term effects from wearing full-plate all day long? I can't really tell myself but I do worry my back will give out one of these days.
01:57 pm - 19.06.2019I really could go for a nice cup of tea right now. My brain feels like its been so worked recently that I haven't had much chance just to sit down for a bit.
08:01 am - 13.06.2019Oh good lord. I think I may have been misinterpreting a few of the messages on here as normal advice when they were rather.. Oh no. OH NO
12:38 pm - 10.06.2019Oh! You know this seems like the PERFECT place to display some of my paintings! I have a few around during our downtime between jobs. First I have to figure out how..
11:12 am - 06.06.2019Hmm.. The more I think about it the more I really think this pearl shouldn't allow me to communicate like this to such a wide audience. I guess being unintentionally exposed to the artefact changed more than those technicians thought.
11:30 am - 05.06.2019I'm curious; what does everyone on here do to relax or unwind? I always start and end my day with some stretches and prayer, which is a good combo for clearing your thoughts, in my opinion.
06:45 am - 04.06.2019I acknowledge ALL the gods, including the living ones. Because I am sensible. Just needed sure my stance is clear in this place. No other reason.
11:11 pm - 02.06.2019I'm not freaking out. Are you freaking out? I'm not. NOBODY is freaking out.
05:33 pm - 02.06.2019Can anybody recommend a good brand of polish for steel? I think my lance is getting a little dull.
09:51 am - 01.06.2019Our airship is a little barren, I'm thinking of hanging up some artwork. I might have to get one of the others to help me put them up.
08:22 am - 31.05.2019Does anybody know any good puns I can share with my team? I've been coming up... Short.
11:48 pm - 25.05.2019Hey @lt-collier , after this investigation business has concluded we were thinking about the first trial. If by then you haven't taken it, would you and your team accompany us? I think it would be a good idea!
09:48 am - 25.05.2019I'm very surprised our cell has come into use so quickly. And it's not DIO in there.
12:09 am - 25.05.2019I AM PRETTY SURE WE JUST KIDNAPPED SOMEBODY BUT IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS IN THERE? IT MAY HAVE BEEN A RESCUE
11:04 pm - 24.05.2019Might die, send help
Just walked into a pub full of super scary powerful Witches
10:38 pm - 24.05.2019So Rexxar just kind of walked away from us? I'm confused.
09:55 pm - 24.05.2019Snuffles is acting funny, I think he might have swallowed something. Does anybody know any way I can check?
08:20 pm - 24.05.2019Snuffles tried to steal the Pearl, Emperor knows why.. I got it back though! I need a bit of a sit down though! Its hard running in this armor.
06:23 am - 24.05.2019CH HXBXNSN DKKECVJ DBWBBA ARF BCBSJSJ jskro3o
06:22 am - 24.05.2019This thing is excellent for keeping tabs on everybody, maybe a little too good. It also seems to be letting everybody's pet to use it! I must make sure Snuffles doesn't get his paws on one.
06:20 am - 24.05.2019Seriously? I swear this Communication Pearl has WAY too many features.
07:23 pm - 23.05.2019The list of amazing people following the adventures of Afthisdryn.
Social
Birthplace
In the heart of the Acrean Empire.
Current Residence
Dealer's Run
Contacts & Relations
Has contacts in the capital from his upbringing, and is currently the Sergeant of the Six of Hearts, a mercenary group that is part of a larger company known as Loaded deck.
His teammates are Logan/Dio, Luna, Aahi, Siegfried and Targen.
When they first joined the Mercenary group they were led by Sergeant Collier, which had quickly deteriorated within the group as he was given the pet name, 'Collie'. Sef refrained from calling him this at first out of respect for his ranking, but as the party became more accquainted he had no issues with it. This had also come to pass after quickly discovering that the nickname had a reputation within Dealer's Run and Loaded Deck, with many others who were already familiar with Sergeant Collier referring to him as 'Collie'.
Sef holds respect for Sergeant Collier for his attitude towards leadership and for serving as a mentor for his first two years within the group. Though their paths have seperated as Sef has been promoted to Colliers previous position, he hopes to keep in contact with him, and that their paths may cross again some time in the future.
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Sergeant
Religious Views
Sef follows the Church of the Emperor and has been a strong believer in the Living god for as long as he can remember.
Social Aptitude
Charismatic and has no issues talking to large crowds of people due to his family teachings in diplomacy.
Will treat each being he meets with respect until an appropriate amount of information has been obtained on them to make a better judgement. Should the being be evil or against his core beliefs this sentiment is not shared.
He is confident in his own ability and to others if they are able to prove it. He is willing to give people the benefit of the doubt should they make a mistake. This sentiment is not shared on a social level, and Sef will often make snap assessments depending on a person's beliefs.
Sef has faith in his abilities but not to an egotistical level. Even being given the rank of Sergeant, he tries his best not to put himself above others, and to only give direct orders when it is absolutely necessary.
Sef is extroverted and has no issues with crowds of people or interacting with others.
His etiquette is that of any typical citizen of the capital, and is well mannered.
Hobbies & Pets
In his free time, Sef likes to make portraits.
He has a pet dog called Snuffles, who he obtained from a market in Dealer's Run.
Snuffles is a large riding dog, trained for combat use. He is a Mastiff with a white coat of fur, with a darker snout. When not in combat Snuffles is extremely lazy, and will often lie down when there is an oppertunity. Sef likes dogs, and had wanted one as a pet during his childhood for many years but was denied so. In his spare time he will attempt to play with the dog, with little success due to the previously mentioned laziness. Other than that, Snuffles is a very good boy.
Speech
Sef has a lisp that he has had from birth. He speaks with a higher pitched voice and will often put a lot of emphasis on words at the end of his sentences.