(http://i.imgur.com/17wNInS.jpg)
QuoteHey hoy! So Jarik Blake is (finally) dead. I joined the server after I finished my military duty and had some free time before I start college. I decided to go back to NWN and roleplaying after 9 years of break. I made a list of 4-5 servers to try and the first was EFU. Let's just say that I have no clue where that list is now and I don't really care. I fell in love with EFU.
Jarik was meant to be a test PC I made to check the server. He was meant to be a sellsword: A human fighter who's hired for jobs is always a good way to explore a server. I think I failed miserably with him being a sellsword! Well, I had really great time, and just couldn't retire him.
Halfbrood addressing Jarik as an antihero was a perfect fit: An antihero or antiheroine is a leading character in a story who, unlike a traditional hero, lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage & morality and acts in an unheroic manner.
In a few more lines I'll get to his story and a lot of crappy screenshots (I have little skill with taking them), just a word about his death: It was the most difficult decision I've made with him. While I'm sad he is no more, I have no regret with how it ended. I had some cool other choices but I followed the best guideline: "Do what is IC to your PC". And I did exactly that.
So here we go! Sadly, I don't have a lot of screenshots from the start. Hopefully I made up for it later on. Hope you enjoy the story, and maybe for some of you it will be a trip down memory lane! (I think I overdid this whole thing but meh..)
edit: By CondorHero's recommendation: Something for the mood (//%22https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfNVfiqKBeM%22)
I'll add mine as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jrVE1i0S-8
[SIZE="6"][tface=fellsc]Jarik Blake[/SIZE]
[SIZE="5"]Part One - Into The Darkness[/tface][/SIZE]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]Before the darkening, Jarik Blake was a sellsword, who only cared about money and booze, never staying in a single place for too long. He found one of the Spellguard's portals and arrived to Sanctuary shortly after the darkening. He quickly found himself employed by Ursarkar Kell, the banite wizard, as a mercenary in his organization "The Iron Crowns" (I think that was the name). While the coin was really good, it felt each passing dark like being a soldier on Kell's private army, and Jarik had issues with that. Jarik soon left the organization. He briefly joined Zsigmond's expeditions and the Ordinants patrols, meeting people like Ruarc the elf, Sigvar and Thomas Mis-Born.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Early Adventures]Did we just...kill Ibrandul or something?
(http://i.imgur.com/FhHirI5.jpg)
They are all long gone by now =(
(http://i.imgur.com/vfKieDn.jpg)
Fun with Zsigmond and the Ordinants!
(http://i.imgur.com/MO4swn8.jpg)
Ugh...Halcorn taking a lvl 3 Abala on a high level quest <3
(http://i.imgur.com/Nh8VSKl.jpg)
[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Slightly afterwards, he was employed by Slyd Radke to go against execute a plan against the Spellguard. Sadly, Slyd died a short while afterwards (A recurring concept with Jarik, I'm afraid), before his plan could be executed. By chance, Jarik met with Viviele (The time that she could actually be seen), and because of the similarity of her and Slyd's powers, he decided to join her.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The Ibrandul gang]We had an Ibrandul gang for like...a day!
(http://i.imgur.com/MBGTMKL.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
While still being in Upper, he frequented Lower more and more, eventually becoming one of Atto Proverson's men. But turns out, just like Kell, his new employer was also pretty crazy and full with paranoia (Again, a recurring concept here!). What was supposed to be a tournament in the fortress, soon turned out to be a hostage situation, with holding two auxiliaries and Patrice Vermand. The Spellguard soon sent Animatrons to pacify Lower, and after a brief skirmish, the animatrons were brought down. Jarik returned to Upper and was brought before Balfour, who brought Crane to sentence Jarik to a debt bondage to the Spellguard by the sum of 25k. He had three years to pay it and during the time, if he'll go to Lower, he'll be executed.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Proverson's Tea Party]Also known as EFU:R's Red Wedding
(http://i.imgur.com/OsfmovC.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
So (naturally) Jarik continued to go down to Lower. Jarik didn't care much about religion, but in order to be on Viviele's best side, he converted to Ibrandul. Unfortunately, Jarik took part in a ritual to revive a fallen comrade, but the ritual went wrong, and Jarik, along with Viviele and a few others were cursed to be bound to the void. Jarik didn't get the full story of what that thing was all about, since Viviele and Delina didn't tell him. He honestly believed for a while it was a blessing, and that was Ibrandul who has spoken with them. It was later revealed to him by Thomas, that it was actually Dendar all along. Felt betrayed, he left the Sacred Cave an allied himself with the Ascnesion who have just made their rebellion and saved Liruwen.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Fun with the Ascension]A job from the Man in the Mask
(http://i.imgur.com/otrqCt5.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zRr1AZl.jpg)
A peaceful afternoon!
(http://i.imgur.com/3s9DDL1.jpg)
A werewolf, an ooze for brain cultist, a winged elf, a man who later got addicted to the Substance...yep! Jarik was clearly the sane one!
(http://i.imgur.com/SRYIW5V.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
For the first time in a long time, he was happy with his part…But we all know those things don't last forever. Geoffrey Catwright has formed the group "The Ragmen", a group dedicated to protect Lower from eternal and external threats, which Jarik took part in. But soon enough, all his friends started to die and fall: Drake was captured; Irith lost her arm, Tobit assassinated…
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Crying about Tobit](http://i.imgur.com/lUS0i8A.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
The worst happened when Geoffrey became addicted to the substance by the fey, which led to a series of events that saw the end to the rest of the Ascension.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=A reunion!]They didn't hug =(
(http://i.imgur.com/7vwnlZM.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
After losing so much and so many, newly arrived scrappers decided to hang around with him: Trem and Pipes. When Irith turned herself in, they tried to cheer Jarik up. During all this time, Viviele, getting mad by her bind to the void, decided that if Jarik will not be protected by Ibrandul's shroud, he'll soon be consumed by Dendar, endangering others. He was captured by Viviele and was faced with a choice: Return to Ibrandul, or die. He refused to do that, as he still did not know what was truly going on, thinking the Sacred Cave is a place of Dendar cult. Viviele slit his throat, but he managed to survive the cut, while two little scrapper hins making their way to the cave, and start to try and barter Jarik for a piece of armor. In the end, Delina offered them a choice. In order to protect the cave and Jarik from Dendar, who was on the verge of taking him, another shall take his place and they'll trick Dendar that way. Pipes took it on himself, and managed to survive, saving Jarik in the process…And that's how Jarik became the Scrapper's bitch (Soon to be their "Retainer"…I said it; hope Petey and Gracken are happy!)
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Viviele's Ambition](http://i.imgur.com/FPwfuVb.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=A bold Scrapper's rescue!]So two scrappers enter the Sacred Cave in order to stop a crazy dwarf and mad shadow cultist (So lucky I made the save and didn't bleed to death before they arrived!)
(http://i.imgur.com/xejiLuL.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/Qzov2vm.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/9gGQSan.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/AssUFZT.jpg)
Let's trade a piece of armor for Jarik!
(http://i.imgur.com/fsLZfsc.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/b0HxLnp.jpg)
Didn't work...let's say how useless of a being he is!
(http://i.imgur.com/frADuyL.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/Sr1pK70.jpg)
Ahh...we're back to trading him for the armor...grand!
(http://i.imgur.com/SWGkarW.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/o6sl3xt.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Perigo Pipes]Taking Jarik's place in the ritual, saving his life
(http://i.imgur.com/mafeuxj.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
A week later Viviele tried to catch Chandera Morningbright who was traveling with Trem and Jarik. Viviele was defeated, however, she was still instrumental for Jarik's release from the bind. He tried to defend her, however Chandera managed to get to her, killing her. Jarik's final hope to be released was lost. During that, Jarik obtained the ice orb and gave it to Sialoorta. It proved to be a very foolish move…not because of what Sialoorta did later, mainly because Trem would never shut up about it.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Sialoorta's Ice Party](http://i.imgur.com/pzSUdzI.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
People continued to arrive to Lower, eventually dying. Cults continued to rise, eventually destroyed, while Jarik spent his days in the Crone, feeling sorry for himself. Jarik decided to make himself useful, and started organizing hunts against the Chosen. After a short time, threatening letters to stop the hunts arrived to Jarik, and in his ignorance, Jarik didn't pay any attention to them.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Chosen Hunting](http://i.imgur.com/XRxJP0e.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KnfWIbU.jpg)
~Do you want to hunt a Chosen?~
(http://i.imgur.com/4PVNxHU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wViJNC0.jpg)
You didn't expect to see a Lower PC without a selfie with Bob, right?
(http://i.imgur.com/NGSw0YH.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
A new threat in the form of drow pirates arrived to Lower. Jarik tried to have Upper's aid, however Winston rejected any help they could offer. When the drow faced showed themselves in Lower, that's when he met Melanie Coppertop for the first time, being in the Crone instead of Upper. She told Jarik she'll escort him to the stairs of Upper to offer aid with persuading Abala to help Lower. That act intrigued Jarik greatly. Not a major detail for now, but important for later on.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The Drow]Getting ready (and pretty) for the drow arrival!
(http://i.imgur.com/xf7pVlU.jpg)
Negotiating!
(http://i.imgur.com/Ys6y8mi.jpg)
PARTY IN LOWER!!! (Sadly the drow were a week late for the party)
(http://i.imgur.com/OcuERk9.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Eventually through combined forces of Upper, Lower and the gnomes, the drow were defeated, and Lower was safe again (As much as Lower can be safe).
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=A trip to the planes]Space Pirates!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/ef7nkSn.jpg)
Trying to trick a devil...didn't work
QuoteErinyes: The halfling struck me when no offense was made. Bring him to me.
Erinyes: And I will aid.
Jarik Blake: And what will ya do to him?
Erinyes: [her eyes narrow] He will suffer joys and torments for eternity.
Jarik Blake: Neh...how about this. MY soul shall belong to ya?
Erinyes: [she frowns]
Ialadris Vesparion: Silence, Jarik.
Jarik Blake: [Smiles]
Erinyes: [she clasps her hand to his chin]
Erinyes: You are already claimed.
Jarik Blake: [sighs]
Jarik Blake: Was worth a shot, no?
[/hide]
[tface=fellsc][SIZE="5"]Part Two - Breaking The Bind[/SIZE][/tface]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
While being out of Lower one time along with Trem and a few others, darkness started to surround him, eventually covers his body. He was about to be taken. He made his way back to Lower, and decided to head to the Sacred Cave, to Delina, instead of the Cathedral. There he pledged his faith to Ibrandul and offered him a prayer. At first, he did so in order to be saved, but as the time passed, he truly believed that Ibrandul cares for him (unfortunately, near the end, his faith in the Lurker dwindled, but we'll get there!). Ibrandul managed to fight of the darkness, and Delina bought Jarik more time.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Jarik's bind](http://i.imgur.com/6c4pxy9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/m88WpWB.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
In this time, Delina sent him on two missions:
The first was to collect the essence of a darkness that doesn't answer Ibrandul. Jarik took his allies and headed to the Lowerdark, where they were trapped by darkness.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The first trial]
Berylla: Yeah... this is the sorta party you want for doin something dangerous in the lowerdark.
Siliander Ayloud: Is it?
Berylla: No.(http://i.imgur.com/n23eaNM.jpg)
Whoever says that Jarik didn't take any risks, when was the last time YOUR PC slit his wrist HMMM??? (joking)
(http://i.imgur.com/kcDm5Gh.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/PaGhCJT.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/5OuWA76.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/IQEfcPG.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/fgPonsa.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Eventually they managed to grab the essence that came from Jarik's body and found themselves back in the Sacred Cave.
The second task was to end a threat that lay dormant beneath the Sacred Cave, who has awakened from the essence Jarik brought back with him. He called this time to Trem and Shiff, who were his allies for quite a while, Loreli/Moonflies/(Something generic to do with snakes), and Melanie – as wayfinder, Jarik believed she's favored by Ibrandul. Funny enough, all of those four people had a huge impact on Jarik further down the road.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The Second Trial](http://i.imgur.com/4Hln0M0.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/0BmCvQX.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/fmXqBKu.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/IlreCtA.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/2kTgOXv.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/T9ikRM1.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Vherah](http://i.imgur.com/hdn49wV.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/9tvy0iW.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/p9p2urh.jpg)
What's not shown in the screens: Gracken and Granny in a joint plan to have us all killed by blinding Jarik, then spam dispel magic on him which resulted in his death (It happened, but it was nothing IC...I hope >_>). I hope Caster had a good laugh there![/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik was revived by Ibrandul, also restoring his leg, and this essence was collected as well.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Jarik's revival and restoration of his leg by the Lurker](http://i.imgur.com/rOH7R0d.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/rGKnSfs.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/ayqdRub.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=One of my favorite moments!](http://i.imgur.com/rqlNLWR.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/NHYBhcG.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Jarik's favorite spot](http://i.imgur.com/GrRGEcu.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Trem's Death](http://i.imgur.com/7KcCSUc.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
While Jarik waited for Delina to call him again, Trem met his demise, his best friend dying (AGAIN!!!)and three new threats emerged: A lycanthropy plague, a demon cult and a woman of shadows – Cassandra Heartlight. Jarik met with Melanie in the Sacred Cave to discuss how they can address those situations. (It quickly turned to be one of the most enjoyable conversations I had!)
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Jarik and Melanie]What started as plans to deal with the threats turned to a talk about the past
(http://i.imgur.com/lfBVFgL.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/y2nxTFP.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/M35LeXQ.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Destroying the Flesh Forge](http://i.imgur.com/YRpzOfo.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PUYdZnf.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Jarik and Ialadris]After her child's soul was lost, Jarik decided to try and sway from the path of vengeance, and just worry about living her life...he failed
(http://i.imgur.com/rayLX78.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/tXNz120.jpg)
However, Jarik and Ialadris (even with all the differences) found allies in one another, even best friends.
(http://i.imgur.com/CahOCQk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vB0Oe1K.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
But again, things weren't meant to be good for a long time. In one of Jarik's Chosen hunts, Shiff attacked the group and managed to infect Jarik with lycanthropy.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Shiff's Revenge](http://i.imgur.com/g9VAgNp.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Betrayed once again by one he considered a good friend, slowly becoming the thing he hated the most, Jarik hid away in the Canals. Ashamed, and slowly being consumed by the beast in despair, his only comfort was Melanie who came to visit him from time to time.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=A talk of despair](http://i.imgur.com/19KiC41.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/6CyDU1i.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/po5Q9YL.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=But if he's already a wererat then...]Who's laughing now!?
(http://i.imgur.com/oPdBCpT.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik's last task before he could defeat his bind was to bring someone else to worship Ibrandul. It proved a bit difficult, considering Jarik's current state.
Another betrayal came up, as Loreli, going mad(der), from a ritual gone wrong with a relic given to her by the Sacred Cave. She was brought to the Sacred Cave to face Delina's judgment by Jarik and Melanie. Loreli lost her life to the Lurker, while Melanie gave offered her life to the Lurker, becoming a new faithful. The preparations to see Jarik's bind removed were complete.
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Loreli's demise](http://i.imgur.com/UlR0wgN.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/eeQjckM.jpg)
Ibrandul's blessing:
QuoteDark Stone Elemental: [An eerie, reverbrating voice echoes throughout the cave, you can't tell if it is the cave itself speaking, or the entity of rock and stone]
Melanie Coppertop: [As she can do is listen, her thumb continues to turn the onyx ring about her fingers. Gaze set on the elemental]
Dark Stone Elemental: --The Lord of the Dry Depths shall see you protected in these caves... Hidden in the darkness...--
Dark Stone Elemental: --Whether it be a welcoming warmth or a cooling chill... Such shall be found within the shadows of his domain--
Dark Stone Elemental: --Whether it be prey you wish hunted or predator you avoid... The darkness shall be your senses or your cloak--
Dark Stone Elemental: --Be welcome in His caves... And may the Darkness keep you...--
Dark Stone Elemental: [The large, massive entity takes a lumbering step forward, bending down to scoop up Loreli's body]
Melanie Coppertop: [She slowly pushes herself to stand, then dips her head low]
Jarik Blake: Darkness keep [repeats quietly]
Dark Stone Elemental: [And as the earth beneath you begins to shake yet again, the entity of stone and rock lowers, melding into the ground before disappearing]
[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
A few days later a group assembled to find the place to remove it, and by Delina's guidance made their way to the lab in the inbetween, the place where the clerk Renee first made her shadow ritual, connected Dunwarren with Dendar. Jarik and co were taken to a place of darkness were they fought numerous shadows and eventually an aspect of Dendar. Somehow they managed to keep Jarik alive throughout the fight and emerged victorious.
Jarik was free!
[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The Final Stand]That quickbar is indeed all the supplies Jarik had...(http://i.imgur.com/anZsSH1.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Aspect of Dendar]Jarik Barely survived but his allies kept him alive!
(http://i.imgur.com/Y8q7KVE.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/e0OUxXb.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/xVaHHxL.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Breaking the Bind]So Lucky Dillusionst was there, otherwise there would be no screens!
(http://i.imgur.com/xVaHHxL.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/uje6qDr.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/wcCmbOu.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/h7SBHpF.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/jULH02Z.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/TmO5bwk.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/hyH7Zfr.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/vmRDfwK.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=Words of gratitude](http://i.imgur.com/vpCeZco.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=fellsc][SIZE="5"]The End[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=ZOOK]Nope, really not the end (but I had a hard time deciding whether to retire him or not. I'm really glad I didn't)[/hide]
[tface=fellsc][SIZE="5"]Final Part - His Dark Desire[/SIZE][/tface]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik was glad now. Relations between Lower and Upper were calm, a stream of new worshippers of Ibrandul came to the Sacred Cave, he followed Delina's teachings and feelings towards Melanie started to grow inside him. (Make a guess what happens next)
At the attack of the Formian, Delina lost her life, right in front of Jarik eyes, and he couldn't do a thing about that. Delina managed to save Lower, but lay dead.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Delina's death](http://i.imgur.com/gEB8KR0.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/lTa9Z6M.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/wgJc1rU.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
That was maybe the last thing Jarik could handle. So many of his friends died during his time in the Underdark, and now his mentor and teacher (and contrary to IRC belief, NOT the woman he loved). He started to lose faith again, not understanding why Ibrandul allowed him to live, but didn't save Delina. Jarik had only one more thing in his life that made him happy: Melanie Coppertop. But he was unsatisfied, and feelings of love, slowly turned to feelings of jealousy, possession and selfishness. He wanted Mel to feel the same as him and return his feelings. He wanted her to leave Upper and her Wayfinders in order to join him in the Sacred Cave, and in time, leave Dunwarren with her forever.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Darkness Keep](http://i.imgur.com/H9pNbhT.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/s0VnEBH.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/nESQ5tk.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/8xC2GRd.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/nhzU7fQ.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/mDvzsFy.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/quxDc5Z.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/DPy3pnu.jpg)[/hide]
[Hide=Last Adventures]Me and the boys fighting Gunyk Bloated On Rat Carrion
(http://i.imgur.com/Z7cl6Tx.jpg)
The Creation of the Fiddlesticktinkeronuim!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/WPgaWxQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wn8GZbo.jpg)
Wasn't such a significant event, but I survived a hellball, so YAY![/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
For a while he kept those feelings to himself, as Delina wasn't around to guide him anymore. However, Nibley captured Melanie and held her hostage in the fortress. She was rescued however the fear of losing Melanie, the single most important in his life, consumed him. He confessed his feelings to Melanie. Sadly, feelings she didn't share.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Jarik's Confession](http://i.imgur.com/ypZatvL.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/jYn4kuq.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/n9B2aoM.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/kUyICIy.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/RGsLaQS.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/y0Urb43.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/5A9RHFf.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik was devastated, but was soon approached by a person with an interesting offer. To collect the fragments of Sune's Ruby to Cassandra Heartlight, and in return she'll make Melanie feel the same way about Jarik as he feels about her.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Cassandra's offer](http://i.imgur.com/aL6me1j.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/EPHKDEu.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/rjrlX9V.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/oK7iiTG.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/V1R392T.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/3NgS5yd.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/F7sjoMO.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/Lkl61U4.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/ZSLix1F.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/5qf8cCE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/AEuqrk8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Q6mURUW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eEwefyv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/lFtaYkB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JX13NNL.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
He searched the fragments for a few days, until he was assaulted by Romel and the Sojourners. They didn't appreciate he aided in Melanie's rescue. When Romel learned how Jarik feels about Melanie, he decided to use it to his advantage, giving Jarik ultimatum of three days to bring Melanie to leave Upper and come down to Lower or they both will be hunted and killed. Jarik begged Melanie to do that, and asked her again to leave Dunwarren for good; let Lower and Upper continue their endless struggle. She refused; her oaths to Upper remain strong.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Melanie's resolve]
Quote....
Jarik Blake: Come see me in two darks. [says with an empty expression]
Melanie Coppertop: ..Mmn.
Melanie Coppertop: Jarik?
Jarik Blake: [He finally looks at her]
Melanie Coppertop: [She tucks her flask back into her belt, looking aside to him] .. What's happened?
Jarik Blake: Romel got pretty thrilled with his magic, that's all..
Jarik Blake: I don't know what will happen to me in three darks.
Jarik Blake: [He forces a smile] But it would be a hell of a thing to see you before if..you know.
Melanie Coppertop: [Her gaze lingers on him for a time]
Melanie Coppertop: .. Something else has changed, Jarik. A darkness clings to your soul, and I do not speak of His darkness.
Jarik Blake: [He twiches]
Jarik Blake: It's..nothing.
Jarik Blake: [He shifs his gaze from her again]
Melanie Coppertop: Look at me.
Melanie Coppertop: For all you've said I've done for you, for all you say that you 'owe' me.. All I want is this from you, now and always.
Jarik Blake: [He slowly returns to look at her]
Melanie Coppertop: The truth.
Melanie Coppertop: Always.
Jarik Blake: I told you the truth...
Jarik Blake: I'll do everything.
Jarik Blake: /everything/
Jarik Blake: To protect you..
Jarik Blake: To make you happy.
Melanie Coppertop: .. And if it's something /I/ don't want?
Melanie Coppertop: [A faint chuckle, though it seems to lack any actual mirth
Melanie Coppertop: You're speaking to a woman who swims in twisted truths day in and day out.. I know how easy it is to make anything sound pleasing, even if it hurts to say so.
Jarik Blake: I can't force you...
Melanie Coppertop: [She slips her hands into opposite sleeves again]
Melanie Coppertop: I will come again in two days. During that time, you should think long and hard about what /you'll/ do. [A brief pause before she continues]
Melanie Coppertop: .. I know not what they've said to you, what's been promised, or what you think might come of things now.. But know this -
Melanie Coppertop: I will never, /ever/ betray my comrades above, I will never abandon them. My.. My guilt forbids me from doing so. S'much as I want to run away, much as I want to hide..
Melanie Coppertop: ... I will fight, wear this badge, be called a collared dog until the day I die.
Melanie Coppertop: Because I must.
Jarik Blake: [He frowns] Then I guess...
Jarik Blake: We'll both do, what we have to do.
Melanie Coppertop: [A slight nod]
Melanie Coppertop: I put my trust in you as I always have, Jarik.
Melanie Coppertop: May darkness keep us both on the right path - 'till our time comes.
Jarik Blake: I'll see you in two days. [he says dryly]
Melanie Coppertop: [A faint smile to him. Though it seems more sad than anything now. Then she departs]
[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik made his way to meet Cassandra once again.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=Jarik's request](http://i.imgur.com/qldOVen.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/hqtLN4F.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/P4pRJ4i.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/OzDZw30.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
Jarik didn't know what he's going to do. Taking Melanie to Cassandra, Not doing a thing, confessing to her about his dealings with her. Nothing good about any of those possibilities and all hold serious outcomes. Whatever he'd do, he knew life won't be the same anymore. He took the chance to say his goodbye to his two best friends[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=a Last Goodbye](http://i.imgur.com/Km7Byzm.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/OMuA6Wl.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/F3Os34C.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
A day later he met Mel, for one last time. In the moment of truth, it seems as he has regained a shred of his humanity, perhaps recalled Delina's teachings, perhaps his love to her overcoming his selfishness. He couldn't make himself subdue her and bring her to Cassandra; taking away all of what Melanie cares about, taking away her freedom. However, he was still selfish.[/tface][/SIZE]
[hide=His Dark Desire](http://i.imgur.com/ViLfHDG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Q61OJVK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/nsVKeCr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/isvIoxS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FOpU3LY.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/f1PWgnD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sNNlAoa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PCDVyNl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3rYF4WF.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
In his death he tried to accomplish a number of things: The most important one was to make Melanie hate him as much as she possibly can. In his mind, he brought her only sorrow, while all she did was to aid him, with his bind, lycanthropy, Delina's passing and so much more. He wanted her to hate him so much, she'll never return to Lower again, making sure she won't be caught by the Sojourners or other people from Lower. He wasn't afraid for his own well being, but rather for Mel. He knew that if the Sojourners could figure out their connection and his feelings for her, the Spellguard won't be far behind and might use her to get to him.[/tface][/SIZE]
[tface=walter][SIZE="4"]
I'd say he died so she could live at peace, but that's a lie. Jarik was no hero, and in his death he still possessed the same dark desire he had in his life; to have Melanie for himself. He wasn't interested in salvation any longer, nor did he think he deserved such.[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=The End](http://i.imgur.com/7I3LfLB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/nlc0VuM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gcsXJAm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hXolJmf.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3Fn1D26.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eqXKeQN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WHfBxKq.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qijUXuS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CdwNunh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/27i4Yip.jpg)[/hide]
[tface=fellsc][SIZE="6"]The End[/SIZE][/tface]
[tface=fellsc][SIZE="5"]Loot[/SIZE][/tface]
[hide=Loot]A nice armor from Canzah
(http://i.imgur.com/g2T7IrZ.jpg)
Also know by Gracken as the "Jarik Classic"
A reward from Intryzz' arena (Caster)
(http://i.imgur.com/v1cyzYS.jpg)
After an adventure in another plane (Caster)
(http://i.imgur.com/pjwNyhN.jpg)[/hide]
[hide=The Age of Night]A cool set given to me by Howland after Delina was mercilessly killed. I'm sorry I disappointed you Ibrandul ;_;
(http://i.imgur.com/IKPH93j.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7b5bfUS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dfs3Lug.jpg)
Gracken named it "The Dark Knight Suit"[/hide]
[hide=My two favorite pieces]Given to Jarik by the Sacred Cave after he completed the second trial. As much as I love the stats and abilities, it's my favorite piece because of the awesome description and story. Thanks Caster!
(http://i.imgur.com/ODa7g98.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LWEiIQq.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/u27JdOb.jpg)
The last one is more flavorful than the rest, and I had it for only a day before Jarik's demise, but I fell in love with it regardless! (Naturally, by Caster)
(http://i.imgur.com/n5RrN86.jpg)[/hide]
Guess I'll add this as well:
QuoteThis character was created on Friday, August 2nd, 2013 at 03:00:59 PM.
Since creation, this character has logged on and off 789 times.
The character has spent 34 days, 22 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds online.
His death was a bit selfish on my part. I thought long and hard what was the best course of action, and while other choices I had could change the server a bit more, I chose something that was a bit more personal to me, which made more sense IC, and unfortunately, his death. I apologize to Cmenden, VP and anyone else who had plans for him, but I'm glad people could still stir conflict using his death.
Thanks to everyone I interacted with (most of you, more than one PCs) and for all the advice on IRC. Gracken, for sweet old Tobit and the hilarious Trem. Blue41, for Geoffrey as a mentor and Shiff as a nemesis. RwG for all of those PCs. Cmenden, Vlaid, Granny, Moonlighter, Diz-e, Lira, Bearic, Dillusionist and soooooooooooooooo many more! Thanks a lot to the DM team for their advice and patience with handling me; I'm sure I made it difficult at times.
Huge thanks to Caster for taking the Bind plot, and later for allowing Jarik to evolve much further. I wanted to give the Sunites a good fight for the fragments, but it was just not meant to be. And most of all, thanks to the wonderful tinfoilhat, who made this plot possible. Melanie became my favorite PC on the server and I'm glad Jarik had many cool interactions with her, and managed to make a difference with her. I'm really grateful for tinfoilhat and Caster being there in the end. Was really sad and emotional and they made it so much easier.
See you all IG soonish!
Brilliantly done.
Now I'm all sad after reading this, damnit!
But in all honesty, Jarik was a joy to be around. Thanks for being so awesome, Tala!
The end of an era.
I am so glad Alicia is still running around as a Shade- but Cassandra's army does indeed grow by the passing dark. ;)
Jarik was a true G. Here's the earliest Screenshot I had of him.
[hide=11/13/2013]
(http://i.imgur.com/6u1w9Bm.png)
[/hide]
You've improved so much as a writer and a player as I first met you back on Irith. Great job.
What a fcking awesome story. I am so proud of being part of it and having had helped to shape a tiny part of it.
The end could not be better! I am in love with you, Tala!
All my plans for Jarik... they were worth it. No complains about not putting them to roll, I rolled them all.
I enjoyed interacting with him on two of my pc's, and he was every bit the confusong mess :) i'm a little sad to see him go, but i'm looking froward to your next character.
Very good stuff. :)
Haha sorry I tried to link stuff while on my phone.
Death cab for cutie - I will follow you into the dark.
It seems a nice fit to listen to while reading this thread.
Well done tala.
Awesome story Tala. Unbelievable ending, I didn't see any of it coming. I always enjoyed my interactions with Jarik on my multiple PCs. Seeing him change over the months has been a joy.
Best. retainer. ever.
Not like that jerk Darik Flake.
An anti-hero indeed - and always one to be wary of. I always viewed him as a Jayne Cobb kind of character. Easy to understand, difficult to trust. Solidly played.
it took me 4 posts before i got to the loot and was denied.
5/10
An epic tale indeed from beginning to end. He was a true fixture in Lower Sanctuary to rival Chuckling Bill.
Well done.
Added Loot. Really hope I'll score a ten!
hell yeah. perfect example of what i love to see in our shared stories. when i see this, i get butterflies and i either get involved or i involve it with me. rock on, tala.
ANTI-HEROES OF IBRANDUL 4LYFE. LONG LIVED PC'S FOREVER
Loved Jarik. Don't know how we became friends but Jarik and Aracknar had some fun adventures together.
I only interacted very little with Jarik but I loved the character. Chimaera's life was changed yet again by her meeting with Ibrandul's darkness -- while she did not become a worshipper, she learned that there was something to respect in that old, old power.
Great guy!
So much EFU:R history in one PC. Going with the flow keeping the essence of the PC, I think you did it really well.
Bravo!
Gonna miss running around and hunting chosen, checking the caves, nearly dying to doom knights, or fighting shadows together. Was good fun. =]
It was great having him as a presence in lower all the way back from the days of Radke. Superbly done 007.
This has to be one of the best obituaries ever btw. Really enjoyed it as well!
Amazing job and I'm happy to see you got to experience such a story on your first go-round with EfU.
Neato!
Such a moving and tragic story. Great obituary! great first PC!
Quote from: Pentaxius;405917Such a moving and tragic story. Great obituary! great first PC!
I second what Pentaxius said.
I'm sure you can understand that both Jarik and Sru "knew" of each other's presence in and about Sanctuary... Through that common (spoiler) link... And I felt like I needed to meet Jarik at the right time; despite how deeply embedded in the goings-on of Lower Sanctuary he was... Meaning: Jarik was one of the go-to-guys... to find out who was who, and what was what in Lower.
I know I took my time (like months)... but so glad I got a chance to meet and talk to you with depth and quality when we did. And only scratched at a few surfaces :)
Awesome that Jarik started as a random sellsword... and ended up a Dark Prince of Ibrandul. :)
Well played!
Well done, Tala. Jarik was such a great character- I was constantly rooting for him and hoping for a happy ending, (but I'm not sure Jarik was meant to have one of those.) Even so, his life was spectacular.
I've long missed our group-meetings in the Crone.
Jarik, Irith, Tobit, and all the others.
It's sad to see the final piece of it fall away.
Very well done, Tala. Jarik always felt very human. Very real.
Great PC. Most people in EFU usually try to tackle major metaplots or illicit some change in the settlement. I like how Jarik's story and involvement with Shar, Dendar, and Ibrandul was a lot more personal.
Let me bump this for two reasons!
First of all, this is an amazing example of how a story of a character might evolve on EFU.
Second - this is a shining example of a screenshot thread.
Amazing one, too!