Difference between revisions of "Faith Blackheart"

Primitia...

There are hidden places in the world where the old ways still hold court. You may think this a foolish thing to say in this century of modern technology, however they do exist. Just out of sight. Blink to often and you will never see them. One such place lies deep within San Sebastian Swamp on the outskirts of what is now known as Vibora Bay.

Named during the days of Spanish settlement in the area, San Sebastian is one of the most extensive undisturbed natural areas in the state. Thick with trees, most commonly cypress and oak but also other sub tropical species. Most of these are coated with the ubiquitous Spanish moss, an airborne opportunist that drapes over branches, clings to roofs, and creates thick, tangled canopies over paths and tracks. The air is filled with the scents of hibiscus, frangipani, oleander and myriad other flowering plants.

Amidst this overgrown jumble there lurks a small hillock, slightly raised out of the swamp. All but the most observant would dismiss it as just another of the random copse like the countless others which cover the swamp. However this nondescript clump of moss covered trees is the gateway to the Green Wood.

The Green Wood is a timeless place, existing somewhere between now and never, and appears to occupy a much larger area than it's entrance in the swamp would suggest. Woodtop, the main settlement of the Green Wood is an idyllic location, nestled on a small hill amid lush woodland surroundings. Most of the dwellings are built around large trees at various levels in the canopy, however the village's main feature is Foundry, a stone-built hall in an open clearing at the center of the village. The Foundry marks the spot where Woodtop was first settled and has become the central meeting place for the inhabitants of the Green Wood. Many blazing cauldrons are dotted around the edges of the foundry to keep the large structure warm and pleasant. At the beginning of each year the Foundry also becomes home to myriad artisans looking for apprentices to train in their various talents.

It was the Year of the Flaming Star^[1] (according to the time keepers) when Faith first entered the Foundry to seek her trade. The hall was full of chatter and the shouts of greetings between old friends who had not seen each other recently. Faith wandered seemingly aimlessly through the crowds letting her eyes travel over the faces around her. She wasn't quite sure what she was looking for but had a feeling that her destiny was in this room. Off to her right, near one of the large braziers sat a crumpled old figure staring quietly into the flames. Unsure why this one person should catch her attention, Faith looked around at other artisans - they all had throngs of young men and women surrounding them, jostling each other and asking questions. Weaving her way between the groups Faith moved over to sit on the bench near the old figure, joining them in watching the coals blaze in the cauldron. After a short time of silent companionship, a wizened fist appeared from within the robes. As the arm extended, the clasped fingers slowly opened. Even in the firelight, Faith could see the green glow almost oozing between the fingers as if it sought to escape. "I can show you the true gift of the Green Wood.". Despite the obvious frailty of the hand, the voice itself was strong and clear. Faith sat silently staring at the hand and its strange aura, then turning toward the hooded face said "Show me."

Disciplina Perfecta...

Aspectus...

The residents of the Green Wood originally settled there in the distant past, and due to the strange vapors which permeate the air have taken on a green tinge in their countenance almost as if they themselves had become part of the forest. The vapors also give exceptionally long lives to the people of the Wood, however for some unknown reason their childhood and adolescence still lasted around 18 years.

Pinacotheca...

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  Traditional Tribal Wear

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  Returning to the Green Wood

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  Mystic Foundry

Miscellanea...

[1] 1910. The Year of the Flaming Star occurs approximately every 74-76 solar orbits.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halley%27s_Comet

Commentarium...

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