Orphiel Farwind
Few figures in Telara’s history are as controversial as
Orphiel Farwind. Though a full account of his life and times is all but
impossible to convey due to spotty records and Orphiel’s own silence, the
following documents may shed some light.
Excerpt of a letter from Theo Catari, Royal Advisor in
Matters Magical, to Jostir Mathos, King of Mathosia
As regards this Orphiel Farwind, I admit I have heard of
him. Of Ethian stock, I think, self-taught, and a prodigy. We have had occasion
to correspond, and his thoughts on sourcestone theory and planar dynamics are
revolutionary. Note my deliberate word choice. If you are looking for a tutor
for your princes, to ground them in sound magical theory and ancient lore, you
can do better than Orphiel Farwind by choosing randomly from any graduating
class at Quicksilver College. As my daughter Asha currently resides in your
palace, I hope for her sake that you do not expose these impressionable young
minds to Farwind’s radical notions.
From the diary of Asha Catari, age 12
Master Orphiel today told us about the ancient Eth—like
me!—who tamed half the world and created a golden age of magic and learning. Oh
how grand to have miniature cities made of crystal where mice are enchanted to
walk upright and put on plays, or to ride to war on a mechanical horse powered
by lightning. He says that the technology is like a pearl hidden under the
sea-bed. You can find it if you dig hard enough, and then everything will
glitter. You just have to use it more carefully than the old Eth did, so nothing
goes out of control. I was so rapt I forgot to take notes, but Aedraxis offered
to let me copy his. Zareph just sat and scowled the whole time.
Overheard discussion between King Aedraxis and Orphiel
Farwind, visiting the palace at royal request
“So you say the ancient Eth built war machines?” asked
Aedraxis, sipping his velvet-purple wine.
“At first, yes. Sourcestone-fueled wonders that were
especially effective against the dragons. This pales in comparison to the
engines of prosperity they developed based on these early inventions.”
“War so often is the father of progress,” said the king.
“A shame for progress, then, that Mathosia has known such a
long peace,” Orphiel said with an ironic smile.
Aedraxis sighed, his broad shoulders sloping. “It will not
last, my teacher. I fear certain citizens who’ve grown too rich in ambition.
Like the noble Eth of old, I would have machines to bring a merciful end to my
enemies.”
Orphiel leaned forward intently. “I could build you such
devices, Highness, given the promise that once war is over, we explore the
technology’s peacetime applications.”
Aedraxis nodded sagely, and said, “Only under those
conditions would I agree.”
Raj Tahleed, Dean of Planar Studies in Meridian, giving a
lecture on the renaissance of Eth technology
Of course one cannot blame Orphiel for Aedraxis’s crimes.
Yes, he used Orphiel’s machines to break the Ward, but there is no way Orphiel
could have known. Yes, perhaps Aedraxis did turn progressively more obviously
sinister as the war ground on, but Farwind had been his teacher when the king
was just a lad. It is hard to see wickedness in those you love. Besides, the
great mind was never present for Aedraxis’s deadlier tantrums, isolating
himself with his work. And it was Orphiel, after all, who rallied the Eth and
the Bahmi to march to Port Scion and support Prince Zareph against the rifts.
He was the first Defiant, and let no man forget!
Kip Bayne, graverobber, current member of the Unseen, in his
cups
I brought the man a fragment of bone from a fresh grave like
he asked, and watched as he lay it on his fancy slab. Took a whole lot of
sourcestone (must’ve cost a king’s fortune) and built a figure of a woman. He
pulled the lever and there was a flash, brighter than anything I ever thought
I’d see. For a while, nothing happened. The man kept tugging nervously at his
dozen collars. Then, a voice came, a pretty woman’s voice: “Orphiel?”
She formed around the sourcestone frame: bone, then meat,
then skin, and then these bright tattoos blazed to life on her dusky flesh. I
knew that girl. Asha Catari, she was. She sat up and stared at Orphiel, who
just laughed and laughed and laughed.
Activity transcript from Rusty, primary automaton assistant
to Orphiel Farwind
REPORT: Currently operating at 98% exertion at the master’s
bidding.
REPORT: Attempts to complete alternative Ascension Process
0% successful.
REPORT: Have inquired of the master why such steps are
necessary, as Sylver Valis and other Defiant have perfected the process
already. Master claimed that alternative means would make Ascended far more
common and allow Defiant to overwhelm Guardians and riftspawn. Not having to
rely strictly on temporal travel, according to the master, is also highly
desirable.
REPORT: Instance of visitors to the master’s study has
lessened by 65% since the first Ascension. Most visitors now seek council of
Asha Catari and other Ascended.
REPORT: The Master stands at his tower window for hours at a
time. Mutterings included the following: “I must perfect Ascension. Could I even
assign it to a living mortal? Test it on myself, of course
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