Wish List:

•  a pocket universe for storage purposes
•  an adaptable shield spell
• extra value points
  
•  a spell to transfer action points from me to another

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Due to my overriding alliance with the Balance, I find myself unable to accept Alliance Offers. 

It is a great pity, but I dare nothing that would interfere with my purpose here.

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         Born in 2765 N.A., I was named Mainnalle D’Ashkera and spent my childhood much as any other child. As I look back, such peace and happiness was mine that I can scarcely credit it…and I lived it.

But the day after I turned fourteen, my parents died, and my mother’s father, Rainspinner D’Keither, took me as his apprentice. I became Mainnalle, of House Keither, but of Clan D’Ashkera – born as one and dedicated to the other.

In the second year of my apprenticeship, I tripped in Grandpa’s workroom, fell, and put my hand through his Spirit Level – his device for measuring the Balance of our world – and changed my soul’s life thread for all eternity.

I lost my senses for three days. During that time, I discovered that I could read the Planetary Balance – every time I opened my eyes.

I could now monitor the Balance without effort, and interpret what needed to be done to ensure its workings.

Thus I found myself Guardian of the Universal Balance, for when the Balance is off, the pain is excruciating. And the greater the imBalance, the worse the pain.

When I am required to fix the Balance, I disappear from my current location, and re-appear in my new one. There I stay, doing what I can, until the Balance is righted.

• I have traversed a thousand worlds, and the endless depths of space.
• I have crossed a million seas, and a thousand swamps and deserts.
• I have birthed heroes, and empowered villains.
• I have raised tyrants, and crushed rebellions.
• I have rescued strangers, and betrayed friends.
• I have established colonies, and ruined empires.
• I have murdered innocents, and banished kings.
• I have destroyed wizards, and succoured monsters.
• I have raised temples, and toppled fortresses.
• I have corrupted saints and maddened geniuses.
• I have rescued planets and snuffed out stars.

And I would – and probably will – do it all again. The Balance must be maintained, and I am Maintenance. I do this because I must, I once tried to deny the Balance; and through my willfulness, caused the death of a star – and four hundred billion souls.

So, I do what I can. I will always, given a choice, bring joy rather than sorrow, peace instead of pain. But that choice is not always mine. I am possessed by a power capable of toppling Gods, and its purpose is undeniable.

Yet through limited choices, and many unavoidable, dubious actions, I carry the guilt of countless innocents on my soul. Lives ruined, hearts broken, bodies bloodied, spirits warped – and countless innocents dead at my hands.

Thus, I take my pleasure in the little things. A butterfly on a flower, a sunny afternoon, the majesty of a palace, the serenity of a temple; a picnic by the river or a moment spent laughing with friends. All these, I store in my heart, and all the good actions along with them, to set against the evil I have done and maintain hope.

I am the Guardian of the Balance of the Universe. And my gift to all is Hope.

The little details that make the person

Glancing up from the tome in my lap, I smile and beckon you to sit in front of the fire. A frank and open discussion upon every topic imaginable follows and you realise my interest is in everything and everyone. You explain your opinion, and I explain mine, without rancor. You discover that here is someone who has seen so much, and interacted with so many that her world-view is very tolerant. She makes you realise that there is always room for another opinion, and each has its own validity.

Upon wandering into the kitchen of the Root of the Matter Inn, the first thing you see is me bending over the stove.  I set the pot to simmer and turn to smile at you... Upon inquiry you discover a person who enjoys food.  choosing it, preparing it, cooking it, eating it, experimenting with it... All these are cause for pleasure.  And if you ask, I will prepare whatever you wish, although I will confess that my muffins are not as good as Firsanthalus'.

 Let's have a picnic....I smile...and produce a large covered basket from my pocket.  I wander over to a patch of green grass and set up lunch.  Over the next several hours, you realise that this lady enjoys the simple things...

• fresh bread spread with butter
• a butterfly on a flower
• a friendly duck
• lying on the grass watching the clouds
• a vigorous game of tag with the children
• and sitting under a tree with a good book