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By Marcus

Originally born on the Isle of Onlor in the eastern Forest of Relum, the third son of the elven noble house of Avanarastir, Zemeal exhibited magical talent from an early age. At much cost to the family, Zemeal was apprenticed to a powerful mage named Nemis who dwelt in the village of Leaventide and ran a guild dedicated to teaching the way of formal wizardry to the normally sorcerous elves. Zemeal spent many years with Nemis and learned fast.

Nemis was head of his guild, known as the Order of Blood and Thought, and it was rumoured that he had dealings with the legendary silver dragon Octonneor de Lurgente. Nemis and the guild took no interest in worldly affairs or problems and tried to ignore what later became the War of the Gem. However, when the silver dragon left to fight in the War, he bequeathed to Nemis, for safekeeping, an artifact of great power. Even when the dragon returned, he was so tired and wounded from his fighting that he bade Nemis still watch over the mighty item.

Alas, in NS 16, a group of paid mercenaries attacked the Guildhouse in Leaventide. These mercenaries stole the artifact and a spellbook said to have been given to Nemis by Octonneor de Lurgente which was rumoured to have scribed within it a great many exotic or little-known arcane spells.

During the attack, many of the guild's mages were slain or severely wounded. Zemeal was one of these, and he was left for dead by the attackers. The mercenaries used some form of magic prepared for them to encase Nemis inside a specially prepared sapphire. The sapphire was then splintered into 3 pieces. Each piece contained a portion of Nemis's being… mind, body, and soul. The pieces were then divided up among the three mercenary leaders who then disappeared into the North.

After returning to health, Zemeal tried to continue his studies. Soon he began to have visions of his old master in eternal pain, and speaking only in broken common. The visions were unending and continue to this day, but one reoccurring statement has been: "Splintered Arrow". With some research this was revealed to be the name of a mercenary band. Not knowing if this was just old memories resurfacing or true visions, Zemeal began the search for these mercenaries, thinking them perhaps the same who sacked his Guildhouse.

Tracking the mercenaries to the Far Coast, Zemeal met Varinoth, the House Commander of House Riverine. Varinoth knew of Splintered Arrow, and explained they worked for House Mercur as sometimes bullyboys and hired muscle.

Knowing the growing power of the House Mercer, Zemeal needed to align himself with a like power. Varinoth sponsored Zemeal's membership in the House Riverine, feeling the elf was sincere in his desire to avenge his master's capture and/or death, and Zemeal is currently under probationary watch by Veribor, the House Enforcer, until his loyalty can be proven.

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