Triat Mastery Quests

[Cordir]

I've had a number of inquiries about the Triat Mastery Quests. Some folks thought that the quest Corri received is what all Triat Masters had to endure; that's not so.

The core of the Triat Mastery Quest (TMQ) is self-knowledge and awareness. They were designed to push the Initiate to face their fears, to overcome challenges they didn't think they could, and to roleplay in ways that they hadn't considered before. Each was written specifically for that person, tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. Not everyone who undertook such a quest, succeeded. Several very skilled players failed. Sometimes it was a lack of self-control (Huey), or choosing that another task was more important (Gregar - who broke his quest restrictions to do a CR for a friend), or, in one case, for roleplay purposes (Solaron).

Thaygar once said that a Triat Mastery Quest should make the _player_ dread logging in, but that the agony of failure would be motivation to make them do it anyway. I shaped my quests differently - I didn't want someone dreading the game. Perhaps questioning their ability to complete it, yes...

Thaygar quested several folks. Typhon was the first mortal Triat Master. He was followed by others, including Ivarr, Pestis, and myself. There is rumor of a fifth Triat Master from Thaygar's time, but no one, including Thaygar, can recall who it was. I, in turn, have granted Triat Mastery Quests to several members of the Chosen of Fate.

Each quest was broken into three parts, one for each aspect of the Triat:

Nyx says (in old-common), 'For those of you unfamiliar...'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'A Triat Mastery Quest is granted only to those who have reached 30th level.'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'It is made up of three parts, each teaching lessons within the sphere of an Aspect.'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'The Wyld teaches us change, chaos, death... the unpredictability of the world and spirit.'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'The Wyrm teaches us to grow, to learn, and to explore.'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'The Weaver teaches us perseverance and honor, and hones the soul upon an anvil of service.'.
Nyx says (in old-common), 'These are the challenges of the Quest.'.

Here's a few of the quests granted.

[Cordir]

Cordir says, 'Adso, in preperation for Ordainment, you come seeking Triat Mastery. Is this so?'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'Then I charge you Pursue your goal with diligence and honor.
Cordir says, 'Win it, and Ordainment is yours.'.

(Adso did not succeed in his Trial of Triat Mastery.)


For the Wyrm:
1) Reach ADEPT rank in either Mage-Craft or Warrior-Craft by completing a Class Mastery quest.

2) Map in its entirety one level 40+ zone unknown to you* at the time of this quest. That may include an area you have not yet been able to conquer. Aid is permitted.

3) Perform an act of service for a friend, for a foe, and for one unknown to you at this time. This act should, necessarily, be of extreme sacrifice, or involve direct personal danger overcome through wits and skill. What you choose for these acts will be considered part of the trial. Choose wisely.


For the Wyld:

1) Cause the death of three worms - 3 dragon/Wyrm type beasts.
2) Cause the death of three weavers - 3 mobs specifically with weaver in description or name.
3) Cause the death of three wyld - 3 creatures of evil alignment which con as death.

In all cases of the Wyld's requirements, each must be of a different type - no duplication.

For all Wyld's requirements: You may have the aid of the Chosen for one, the aid of any for another, and the third must be solo. Each corpse must be bagged or steaked. If they have no corpse.. improvise. Thinking on your feet and discovering unforseen solutions...is part of the Trial of Mastery.


For the Weaver:

The Weaver's Trial demands that you give of your self and that which is most precious to you. In your case, Adso, the Weaver demands your solitude. First - You are required to take on an apprentice. They must be a mage of no less than 10th level, and no greater than 20th. Spend at least 30 hours in specific, direct training of them, teaching magecraft and survival. They are your full responsibility during this time, and ever after. Second - You are required to act as a shepherd. When present in the Realm, actively protect those good or neutral individuals who are in the 10 to 20 level range. Do so whenever possible during the course of your trial of Mastery. Should any wolves fall before your protection, their corpses are to be dry-sacced. Third - Craft a poetic or lyric work or tale, educating the Realm on the beliefs of the Triat. This work shall be read aloud in public, at a time announced via notes.

[Cordir]

Gregar was not successful in his quest. He requested that it be granted in Note form, rather than an RP ceremony.

Gregar:
This honor has been pursued by few, and gained by still fewer. Should you prevail, you will be known as a Triat Master. Mastery challenges the soul, the body, and the mind. For each aspect of the Triat, challenges are given, each of which must be recorded and witnessed.

The Weaver demands Sacrifice. Sacrifice of what is held most dear.
Gregar, the Weaver demands your Pride.

* Humility: Your wings have lifted more than your flesh above others. For the duration of your Trial, use of your wings is forbidden you. Nor may you accept the aid of sorcerers or immortals binding the winds to your will. However, potions, unguents, and fetishes are permitted.

* Humility: Your need for glory has driven you to create tokens of your prowess, displayed to others in pride. The Weaver bids you destroy all of these mementos of pride and vanity in the presence of your Goddess and Her Ordained Triat Master, Nyx, and forbids you the creation of any more such articles for the duration of your Trial of Mastery. Only in true, humble service, as you become aware of specific and immediate need by the new or bereft, shall you craft such an object - the requirements of your Geas involving such things are temporarily suspended during this Trial.

* Humility: Your self-identification through use of familial name and vainglorious titles shows lack of humility. For the duration of your Trial of Mastery, identify yourself only as Gregar of Fate.

The Wyld demands Death. Death to teach humility, bravery, reverence, and teamwork.
Gregar, the Wyld demands that you slay the following beasts or individuals:

* In humility and solitude, release the Skeletal Statue of N'Kai.

* In bravery and in concert with others, the Blue Dragon within the Chamber of Storms.

* In reverence and in concert with others, Okrii of the Spire.

In these tasks, you may, where indicated, have assistance of others. They may be no more than two in number, making three including yourself. They may be no more than 10 effective levels higher than yourself. Less is preferable, that the challenge not be made a triviality. They may not be members of the Chosen of Fate.

The Wyrm demands Growth and Learning. Lessons to further hone your spirit and mind.

* Lessons of the Heart: Perform an act of service to three who are your enemy, three who are your friends, and three who are currently unknown to you. Be prepared to describe what act you performed, and for whom, and why, and how these acts glorified the Triat and upheld the ideals of the Chosen of Fate.

* Lessons of the Mind: Journey to N'Kai the Black. Wander its halls until they are indelibly printed upon your bones. Spend time in silent meditation with each of the Shamans of N'Kai. Create an image of this place, and provide it to the Lady, proving your knowledge of it.

* Lessons of the Spirit: Research and read all current available Triat Lore. Compose and publish a poetic offering to Them.

Accomplish these Tasks, and be known as Triat Master.

[Cordir]

Noctus was granted his Mastery Quest in the ancient Temple of the Ebon Hand, as a token of the high esteem in which he was held. A god+ was kind enough to transport everyone who wished to witness it -- nearly half of those on line at the time (17 out of 39, including four immortals) -- to Thaygar's God+ office / temple. Of all of the Triat Mastery Quests granted, Noctus' was given with some of the coolest group RP. At the time Noctus took up his quest, only six people had ever completed one in the history of TFC.

In the Name of the Wyrm, for Growth and Self-Knowledge:

First: You are bid seek out the sacred places, and make them one with your heart and well known by your feet. Specifically: travel to the North, and seek out the Citadel, and Black N'Kai. Travel to the South, and find the buried city of Tier Sh'Halen. Create images to show your knowledge of these places, and share them with the Chosen. (These may be created in Notepad, or drawn by hand and electronically reproduced.)

Second: Directly assist the growth and knowledge of another. Take on an Apprentice. They are your responsibility for the rest of your days, or until such time as they reach a level of growth that they no longer wish tutelage.

Third: Review the current Cleric Class Mastery quest and provide suggestions on updating and revising it, to provide challenges and goals for those wishing to follow the Wyrm's Path.


In the Name of the Wyld, for Change and Death:

First: Review the Anathema and Rabhadh lists. Provide a written report to the Taoiseach of the current threat level of each individual, and provide a recommendation of anyone who should be removed or moved from one list to another. Create a third list of "Extraordinary Threats and Newbiekillers". To deserve Newbiekiller status, the person must have attacked a Chosen below 20th level, and one of our allies, the Tigers, below 20th level. Please work directly with Tripper or one of his Councilors in confirming the attacks on our Allies.

Second: Prepare the way for the Blades of Fate. To successfully hunt, specific tools are of great use. Obtain six potions or pills each of HEAL, SANCTUARY, and ABSORB. Learn the location of the various spell-pools, and magical pills, and prepare a list for the Chosen's use. This info may be culled both on-line, and off-line through back postings to the Chosen Email list, etc. You may have whatever assistance you deem useful in gathering this information.

Third: Temper yourself in preparation for Ordainment as a Blade of Fate. The Blades of Fate shall be a law unto themselves. Their rights, protections, restrictions, privileges, losses and gains affect not only them as individuals but by the following as a whole. Yet, they alone bear the burden of initiating violence... on Our behalf, for Our well being, for Our protection. They become both Blade and Shield. You are bid to work in concert with Adso in authoring the Creed of the Blades. When a Blade may attack. How to determine whom to attack. Who must grant approval, etc. These are suggestions. I leave the rest to you, but reserve, as always, My absolute veto power.


In the Name of the Weaver, for Perseverance and Teaching:

First: Review the entirety of the Web of Fate - All within this Realm, and sources on the Great Web. Glean all of the lore that you can regarding the Triat, and make yourself familiar with all of it. Take up the responsibilities and duties of High Priest of the Chosen of Fate, and commit all Triat Lore to memory or easy reference. Be prepared to answer questions put to you by anyone of the Triat and its meanings and Incarnations, past revelations, Triat Mastery Quest finalists and questors, etc. Here is your first and only direct aid on My part in this Trial. [He was given my Ebon Book – a restring that included every Triat poem I wrote as a mortal. It was also a mandate of the quest that he not lose it!]

Second: Perform an act of service for an Enemy, a Friend and a Stranger. These acts should necessarily involve great personal danger or sacrifice on your part. Be prepared to describe what act you performed, for whom, and how that act held true to the codes and dictates of the Chosen of Fate, and the Triat Path. What service you perform is your own choice...

Third: To teach the infinite patience a Triat Master and Ordained must have. During the span of your Triat Mastery, you must rein in your sense of true and righteous anger. If attacked by a fellow adventurer, you may NOT stand and defend, or pursue your attacker. You MUST immediately flee and pray, quaff, or speak the words of Recall. You may not, in any way, commit or support any act of aggression towards any individual in the Realm. This includes calling for vengeance if you or one you know are attacked. You may not initiate aggression against those who are native to this Realm (translation: Mobs) The only exception are those who are naturally aggressive to you, and those who are * directly * threatening the lives of your fellow Chosen, Apprentice, Newbies, or Allies. Note each time you are forced to act on behalf of another (not the aggressive mobs) and the circumstances of the aggression. A report at the end of your Trial of Mastery will be required.

[Cordir]

Nyx received the first TMQ I created on my own. It was given to him in solitude - just he and I in the temple, without witnesses. That was his way. It was also part of his Weaver's sacrifice... and Nyx had, without a doubt, the best reaction to a Weaver's Sacrifice ever. I honestly wasn't sure if he'd accept the quest as a result.... but he did, and succeeded.


It has ever been your nature to stand in the company of others, but yet apart. To teach you the importance of accepting aid from others, by showing you its utter lack, you may receive NO outside aid whatsoever for the duration of the Trial of Mastery . No asking for spells, advice, directions, etc.


The Wyrm bids you to seek and to learn. Often have you walked known Paths. The Wyrm demands the sacrifice of time and effort in learning. Those who have survived have a valuable lesson to share. Find and be able to name the six Elders described thus:
Of the Six, two are shopkeepers, and both are female. Two wander, not bound to one chamber.
Of the Six, one bears the stature of the pines he dwells near. Another is wise to life's pitfalls.
Of the Six, two lie to the east, two to the west, one to the north, one to the south.
Of the Six, one dwells in the golden city, one by the foggy sea, two by the plains, two in the trees.
Of the Six, one is time-eaten, one walks with roes and does, one a 'blue' lawbreaker, one hides her treasure.
Of the Six, one has angry eyes, one clear blue eyes, one feasts, one starves.
Of the Six, one is at peace, one is drunk, one is silent, one rages, one communes, one grins.
Guidelines: All are from the Older Age of The Realm. (2x)
Elder means there is a reference in their look description that they are elderly.
Your quest shall begin outside the West Gate of Midgaard, on the Great Western Road.'


The Wyld bids you embrace chaos and change, through death and sacrifice.
There are many Guildmasters of Thieves throughout the Realm. Prove your worthiness by slaying Three of them, one for each Aspect of the Triat. Make bags of them using your own skills. Also, you are bid to complete three acquisitions through Steal from those who have been named Anathema. And to complete three Corpse Retrievals (one for good, evil and neutral), returning the entire corpse and give up one object of your own that you value. The object may not be an edible item, or a wand/staff/scroll/potion, etc. It must be something of real value, i.e. equipment or jewelry, with a bonus of at least +2. The item may be an object gained while on Quest, but may NOT be a gift from anyone else. Only objects you have found yourself are acceptable sacrifices.


The Weaver bids you endure and sacrifice: Show your willingness to give up what you treasure most for the honors you seek. Your use of Shadow is forbidden until the completion of all other aspects of your Trial of Mastery.. Specifically: You may not conceal your person. (No Sneaking, Hiding, or use of scrolls for Invisibility, etc.) You may not conceal your tracks. (No Pass without Trace pills or scrolls, no flying, except to cross water and into air rooms.) You may not conceal your presence. You must announce via three channels that you are present - via Ftell, via Cant, and via tells to three individuals who would not hear you on the other two channels (ie not a Chosen and not a thief, one must be Good, one Neutral, and one Evil.) - whenever you enter the Realm.

==========================

Nyx blinks.
Nyx blinks again.
Nyx says (in common), 'If someone else makes me invisible of their own accord...'
Nyx says (in common), 'I must become visible, correct?'
Cordir says, 'Yes.'
Nyx sits down and thinks deeply.
Nyx says (in common), 'Oh, my.'
Cordir nods slowly.
Cordir says, 'Only the sacrifice of what is held most dear is worthy of Weaver.'
Cordir says, 'She demanded my voice, I, the Ebon Bard.'
Nyx nods slowly. Nyx says (in common), 'So I understand.'
Cordir says, 'Can you meet Her demanded sacrifice?'
Nyx takes a deep breath.
Nyx says (in common), 'I will do so.'
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Then remove the garb of one who lives in shadow.'
Cordir says, 'And drop them to the cathedra floor.'
Cordir says, 'garbed only in your faith.'

(He was required to strip naked of all his fancy RP clothes, and drop them on the floor of the temple, gaining a Curse as he did so. . . and he had to start the Quest symbolically and literally naked to the world.)

[Cordir]

Kaldred's Quest was granted in the Storytelling Amphitheater, so that people who weren't members of the following could attend, as no god+ was present. Unfortunately, that left it open to disruption, which Valo and Volkov of The Black Conclave kindly supplied in abundance, as did an Immortal who was invisible to the mortal world at the time.



Kaldred, In the name of the Wyrm, you are bid traverse the threads of knowledge. Three tasks, with three parts each.
First, traverse and record for your brothers and sisters of Fate, these three lands: Isirra, Sahaguin City, and the Dream Realm.
Second, increase your knowledge of the arcane. Seek out and record the properties of three times twenty-five rare artifacts unknown to the records of the Chosen.
Third, perform three acts of service. One shall be for a friend, another for a foe, and a third for a stranger. Be prepared to detail these acts and how they glorify the Triat.


Kaldred, in the name of the Wyld, you are bid spin the dance of death and change. Three shall you find and overcome. Three only, but three who shall challenge you to your utmost.
First, a creature of fire and earth.. the Balrog of the Master's Tower
Second, a creature of etherealness, the Dreammaster of the Realm of Dreams.
Third, a creature of cold and chaotic evil, the Jester of the Keep.
On this task, you may have the aid of three plus three individuals for each target. Proof must be provided in the form of a steak or bag, held until the quest's completion. Should the proof be lost, it must be re-obtained.


Kaldred... in your case.. The Weaver demands an offering from your heart. She requires the sacrifice of your intimacy. Specifically... The abstinence of physical intimacy, be it lover's kiss, a reassuring hug, or the touch of a hand. (no initiating physical contact via emote or social.) The abstinence of emotional intimacy, be it joyful laughter, angry growl or mischievous smile. (no use of any emotional socials) The abstinence of spiritual intimacy, walking alone and without fellows of faith until such time as your trial is complete. (Release from the Following for the duration of the quest.) The abstinence of verbal intimacy...Denied the ability to speak in private, one on one. ( no tells ) And lastly, The abstinence of romantic intimacy. The presence of the one you love greatest in your heart - whomever that soul may be - is also forbidden. (He was required to tell me who held the dearest spot in his heart, and was forbidden to be in the same room as them for the duration of the quest.)

[Cordir]

I was a little disappointed in myself for Katrana's Triat Mastery Quest. I have long felt that I did her a disservice, by making her quest a little too easy - but that was entirely on me, and not her. She wanted to be a Triat Immortal, and I wouldn't give her permission to do so unless she was a Triat Master... but I also really wanted her to be an Triat Imm... so I backed away from the hard line of a TMQ in a way I shouldn't have.

Tynian was present at the granting of her Quest, and made such suggestions to Katrana (via tells) as 'Ask if you can trade in one of the really difficult things for hopping on one foot for an hour. *whistle*'. and 'If one of the hallmarks of power is knowing how to delegate, can you send Solaron on some of the tasks?'.



The Wyrm, in its ever shifting coils, teaches us growth and progressive change.
In the Wyrm's name, you are bid complete the following tasks, that your spirit and self be rebirthed, like the butterfly emerging from the caterpillar’s chrysalis.

Firstly... Make all arrangements necessary for your wedding to Solaron. This to take place after your completion or acknowledgement of failure of this quest.

Second, add to the stores of knowledge of the Chosen by crafting DETAILED maps of :
Cannibal island, the Black Manor, and the entirety of Molotov island including the volcano.

Third, perform an act of service - needfully of great personal risk - for a friend, an enemy and a stranger.

Fourth, interview three plus three FLIs (current, retired, or deleted) and ask them
to share with you what hard won lessons they gained in the span of their service.


Katrana, you are bid dance the measures of death. You are bid slay the following creatures and provide proof of doing so:
The Spider Statue of Velalasier
The Evil one of Lost Altibia
And a Dragon of your choosing from the Tower.

In addition... as the final measure of the 'dance' of your Triat mastery... You will engage in one on one combat... to YOUR death... at the hands of a creature I designate. You will not be informed as to the creature's identity until such time as all other elements are complete. Clarification... as these sorts of quests always seem to need them... if the mob named does not leave a corpse, provide a log.


The Weaver demands sacrifice of you, Katrana... Perseverance through anguish.. adherence to duty for the forging of the soul. Katrana, the Weaver demands sacrifices from your hand, your heart, and your very nature.

First... a sacrifice of the hand. At the commencement of this quest, you will sacrifice up three objects. They must be those that you treasure most dearly. Two may be of your own choosing. the Third is of mine: Your scissors. (This was a restring that Katrana had quested to receive – and was the symbol she would use as a DemiGoddess.) These objects must be put into the keeping of one who is already a Triat Master.

Second, a sacrifice from your heart Lay aside the tender words you would speak to Solaron No speech of ANY kind (on any channel) may be uttered to him for the duration of your mastery quest NOR may you receive aid of any kind from him during your Trial.

Lastly, a sacrifice from your very nature. The essence of your spirit is that of the Shamaness. Thus, I forbid you utilize the spell you treasure most... Not the rift that some suggested... but your Exclude.

Solaron ftells, 'Have fun w/dragons Kat! Whee!
You ftell, ':P
Quarnel ftells, 'heh, my thoughts exactly

Then, I bid you take up these tasks at first dawn's light tomorrow You have tonight to spend with your Ogre.

Cordir wouldn't be THAT cruel...
Solaron nods.
Solaron would cry.
... or would she?
Kerriariadne twitches.

[Faite]

*chirps softly, barely above a whisper* Is it true you wish to come back?

[Kaira]

Can you chirp a little louder Faite, I can't hear you!