Where to begin?
Chenizra was my first ever drow and Underdark character; she had an awesome career and story as Matron, to councillor, to High Priestess and then Dread-Matron Chancellor. It is always hard to move on from a heavily invested character, but I truly believe there is nothing more to achieve on Chenizra and I would simply be traversing the same ground. I am still delighted to this day that Xel'vraxa was involved in the progressive political shift in dynamic from a three-way councillor system to that of autocratic system; what an EPIC legacy and historical moment to be involved in on the server and it is a proud achievement well deserved to all that made it happen. So big thanks to the Devs for valuing the IG efforts and having the faith in the players for making this change for the better that really led to more efficiency, less stagnation and enabled more RP.
I am traditionally a surface player, and I wanted a new challenge prior to creating her. The word 'challenge' is certainly not adequate to describe my experience, but it was one heck of a ride from start to finish. Drow politics, or drowatics and the idea of the Houses really appealed to me - Game of Thrones very much comes to mind; it is certainly very hard to navigate, and even harder to do well. I certainly recommend it if you are willing to come out of your comfort zone! But the Underdark certainly offered me what I was looking for; an amazing and supportive community that is very invested in the narrative. I very much perceived Chenzira as a traditional and orthodox Matron of Lolth - sometimes that was hard to apply practically; especially in a diverse, complex and compact settlement like Andunor. Though the biggest challenge, it was still insanely enjoyable.
I will be sad to not be playing with my friends so regularly (at least for the foreseeable future). It is with regret to acknowledge that toward the end of Chenizra's era, my playing time was simply not sufficient - the truth is that over the past few months I have been incredibly busy raising a litter of puppies (and finally) getting a new full time job after finishing University. I love how rewarding it can be to run a faction and a settlement, but it would simply be irresponsible of me and unfair to others to deprive them of the opportunity to step up. This is the best outcome for all involved, however sad it might be! In a BST timezone, and a majority being in EST and beyond also makes it even harder to be heavily involved in the game; sadly, no more 4-6AM gaming sessions for me! I had not expected Chenizra to go as long as she did, and subconsciously I had hoped that someone would step up to usurp her! Unfortunately I do not have the time to see if that would ever pan out. I am not sure how to envisage Chenizra's end, but it will not conclude on Arelith; she will at the very least provide an IC explanation, but I did not want to do anything that was 'clearly forced', or not organic.
It is hard to believe that I have been playing Chenizra for just over a year; it is rare that my character ever exceeds that time length. But why not end your character whilst she is still on a high? I just want to say a massive and general thank you to the Arelith devs, the DM's and the community as a whole. I have been playing Arelith for a decade now and it is remarkable that it not only continues to endure, but that I have witnessed an incredible transformation and growth in the playerbase from then till now on the server itself in which its development continues. I am very grateful to have had Arelith as a great distraction throughout the global pandemic in which there was little to no work and so on; I am sure many of you can resonate with this. I suspect I will be rolling a new character soon, but I could not tell you when and where; I will be looking for a new place to hang my hat, that will be less intensive and time consuming.
The Arelith team especially require a round of applauds - this group is clearly wholly invested to creativity, story and welfare of narrative; as volunteers, you have my respect for the dedication and time spent (we know it's significant, and so we love you). Arelith has a special place in my heart, that's for certain.
I will list a number of shout-outs to players and factions, but please do not be disheartened if you have not been mentioned. Chenizra has had a great many meaningful interactions and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Truthfully, nothing negative comes to mind. Please post any screenshots you might have of the times as I sadly do not have many on hand.
Allies
House Xel'vraxa
The number ones. You all deserve an individual kudos, but over the course of Xel'vraxa's existence there has been an obscene amount of characters within the faction. I just want to say thank you for the times, the roleplay and the experience. I know that Chenizra was a very busy character, and it is a shame I could not devote more of her time to you individually. But it was great to play with you all, and I hope we run into each other again soon. Thank you for believing in the project; especially what remains of the Old Guard from start to finish - Commander Yaszh'rae to Second and First Daughter Imri and Malrik (Chenizra's most loyal and unassuming gem and bad-Snuggybear wizard) who logistically got it all done.
T'rissolin Xel'vraxa
Not Chenizra's named successor, per se, but the one who naturally began to replace Chenizra and her role from First Daughter to now Dread-Chancellor and presumably Matron over the passing of time. Well done for making Chenizra less and less significant, and I look forward to see where you take things from here on out from afar. I did not know you as a player before T'rissolin, but I was pleased for the albeit limited interaction. I hope I run into you again sometime. All I can say is it's a shame that I will not get a front seat view. If you haven't played with this guy yet? Do so. Heavy lies the crown, though, so Lolth Zud'dar Dos!
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
Zhegota
How could I forget Chenizra's faithful Fiend-retainer? Chenizra genuinely missed this unassuming servant; Zhegota's pillow, and precious plant remains beside her throne awaiting her return that never came. Still, what a character!
Ardul'ala Dro'Vaalvaz
Chenizra's Councilor-partner in crime. Great player and character - once again, it was great playing with you.
Vri'l and Welverin Xel'vraxa
Once again, I just wish I had more time to develop stories with these guys. I really enjoyed the Xel'vraxa-Z'ress wedding, and the intrigue and roleplay involved. It is a pity I did not see the conclusion of Welverin's ambitions, but I hope it persists.
The Devil's Table/Chamberlain Alirios Freth/Minister Synk
Every resident, every citizen, every minister and every faction - I just want to say how terrific you all are and the role that you each played. Deep down, you were all part of mine and Chenizra's big Snuggybear family.
The Temple of Lolth
The soul of the Devil's Table - this is where all devious plans start and finish. The most distinguishing aspect that I like about this faction is how tradition was always 'respected' despite mechanics and leases, and especially among the clergy; narrative and the environment dictated outcomes above all. My one regret is that Chenizra did not become Archpriestess as part of her story, but I never wanted Chenizra to 'have it all'. Besides, there have been quite a few Arch priestesses in that time and each brought its own success and identity who certainly did it better than I could have done. Thank you to the Killian and the Clergy - you have been fantastic.
Nazara/Neph'Tys Mori'hyanda
These guys introduced me to the world of the Underdark, and drow RP more generally. The guidance they provided, the plotting and the detail that went into their character's was absolutely terrific. Chenizra had many mentors, but Nazara/Neph'Tys was certainly where it all started. I thoroughly enjoyed roleplaying with these guys, and I was disappointed when the roleplay cut short. I was pleased I got to roleplay with Neph'Tys after the betrayal, but I had always wondered what the interaction would have been like with Nazara.
House Dro'Vaalvaz
Again, another House that was there during the origins and rise of House Xel'vraxa. Dro'Vaalvaz are a very interesting House, that was once all male as an unorthodox House to a now transformed orthodox House. Very much involved in how Xel'vraxa and the Table became what it was - it was always a pleasure to roleplay with these guys.
O'annir Z'ress
Chenizra's Matron-partner in crime. The changes they helped each other make to the Devil's Table and the Temple was more than I could ever had imagined. It was a shame to see it end, but O'annir achieved so much in so little time.
Aly'arra and House Z'ress
There were two generations of House Z'ress, and I sadly did not get enough time with the new Matron and House. As mentioned before, the Xel'vraxa/Z'ress arranged wedding was fantastic and the meetings were always superb.
Uyr Xel'vraxa
A terrific player and character. It was a shame to see you go, but I was very pleased when you decided to join the faction. You were wholly dedicated to the project and the vision for the Table, and it was great to have your help and support in developing all that was developed.
Elvanshalee Dalael/Aunrae Hlairyn
Wow - just wow. This player probably had the biggest impact on Chenizra over the course of her two characters; more so on the former, of course. The Killian Commander was Chenizra's greatest ally during her rise - the plotting that went on for several IRL months was terrific. Elvanshalee was a very remarkable character as a commoner whom achieved so much. The player is quite literally a drow-encyclopedia - Chenizra would not have been the same if I did not have the opportunity to roleplay with this player, whom is well and truly dedicated to helping the noobie on the server time and time again.
House Rilyn'ervs
You are doing yourself a disservice if you have not roleplayed with these guys. Not always allies
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House Tanor'Thal
Another historic faction that has been there since the start of Xel'vraxa. From allies, to enemies, to just bitter neighbours - it had always been an interesting story line. There is no story without an antagonist, and Tanor'Thal certainly kept flames high. Thanks again for the times!
Tribe Shadowclaw
The non-drow underdogs of the Table, and remarkably, the oldest faction within the District; these guys are awesome, and dedicated to facilitating great roleplay. These guys are just involved in absolutely everything, and they really are a big aspect of Andunor more generally. Once again, thank you for the times.
House Xun'viir
There are a great many players that I have roleplayed with from Xun'viir, and every experience is a rich one. I thoroughly enjoyed all the plotting with the great many character's in this faction. It is hard to explain, but uniquely, Chenizra's roleplay with this faction had so much depth and variety that it is a pity there was not time for more. I can only say major shout outs to Ilphaeryl, Lavok, Zelos, Vierna and Nas'lhoah. You just knew with every different character the dynamic would always be different. I was pleased to become more involved with this camp with the passing of time, and ever grateful with the support from the player of the Matron Ilphaeryl: she really knows her stuff and the detail she puts into her characters is to be envied!
Gareth Trahern/Schezalle and the Erudite Arcanum
Absolute boss. A lot of FOIG, but these guys were very much (subtly involved) in the development of Chenizra and Xel'vraxa within the Table. It was a pleasure to roleplay with these guys, and they are wholly dedicated to seeing great potential and great characters flourish. After the shock departure of Gareth Trahern, it felt like a piece of Chenizra's story just died - it was a real shame. The Erudite Arcanum is a very attractive faction to me and I have always wanted to play there - perhaps sometime in the future!
Emily Bitterbloom/Chrollo Xel'vraxa
My best friend. This guy is one of the most creative people I know - wholly dedicated to supporting the faction, and creating an insane amount of plots. It was never the same without you.
Umrae Tor'ani
Unassuming, though significant, this character and player was always an absolute joy to play with. As Chenizra's best friend, she certainly added more depth to the mix. If you have not played with this player, go out of your way to do so - you will not regret it.
Ikarus - Shaman of the Sharps
If a Matron wants to plot with you, consider it a compliment; the only problem is, plotting is not necessarily compatible with Ogres as Ikarus' frequently commented. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this guy and the roleplay shared. It was very sad to see Ikarus depart from the server, and even harder to find a way to express that from a callous drow Matron. But Chenizra respected Ikarus big time and Andunor was not the same without him.
Roselyn Kingsley and John Salamander
These guys are great, and I highly recommend you seek them out. It was always a pleasure to plot and interact with you guys and it was a shame there was not time to see where things go next.
Arak
This guy is really important to the Sharps, and he was always a joy to roleplay with. Big thanks for the times and the political fun and games!
Gorehound
This guy is just a Titan. It is always nice to see gnolls about Andunor and Gorehound was a really good representation of one. He was certainly someone you wanted at your side when it all goes wrong.
Pani
What could you want from a duergar sellsword? Humour, violence, and some more humour. Great value for money, even if you do not get some blood
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Cypher and The Abyssal Citadel
Again, all around awesome. The Abyssal Citadel is where Chenizra's world started to get bigger outside of the Devil's Table.
Zaisha Khalid
Everyone's favourite Andunorian slave - the torment she endured made me feel guilty, but this character and player was absolutely terrific.
Ovvar Gravelgut
Once again, everything you want in a duergar: humour, violent and completely insane; Ovvarr is the one Chenizra wanted in her Vanguard. Everytime I played with this guy, there was always something to chuckle about.
Prath Armgo
This guy was also very much involved in the rise of Chenizra Xel'vraxa. Your dedication and inclusion of the Sorcere was fantastic, and it's a pity you did not get more time with Xel'vraxa.
The Black Host
Big shout out to these guys - I always loved my meetings with Ceska, and my RP with them certainly made me reminisce about my own Banite days. I really hope to see more from this faction!
Enemies:
I very much viewed Chenizra as a Palpatine. Drow are strange creatures, and direct conflict/war is something I perceive to be incredibly rare among them. There were a great many subterfuge efforts, proxy wars, raid coordination, war councils and assassinations; if you were involved in them, thank you for the experience.
The rescue of Ikarus at Guldorand
This event was one of the more memorable ones for me. From start to finish, every aspect was fantastic. The roleplay it incited on both sides, to the amount of people involved and the general impact it had in the aftermath could not be understated. Big shout out to the Shields and all those that were involved - the opportunity was just all around awesome and it does not happen frequently. It was just absolutely epic to watch the whole of Andunor rally to save their favourite Andunorian bro big-ogre Ikarus.
Markus Hawkwinter
This guy made the raid and the subsequent capture RP all the more worth it with Guldorand. I won't go into much detail due to a lot of FOIG, but the plots and the roleplay with this guy was great.
The Gauntlet and Denny Walvish
Enemies, allies of convenience? Who knows. All I can say is, you were comfortable in being enemies or friends with these guys. They were always tasteful, and it was always a pleasure to play with them. There is a lot of FOIG, of course, but I really enjoyed the plotting, the distrust, and exploring new aspects of Chenizra's character. There was certainly an 'arc' involved here, and it added more depth to her as a individual.
Void Cult
The conflict with this faction was one of my more unique experiences. There remains a lot of unknowns, but I particularly liked the Cold War aspect of the roleplay, the infiltrations and the plotting that went on for a long period of time. This faction was very mysterious at the beginning for Chenizra- you always heard about them and the huge impact they had - but it was great to find out more with their increased involvement in The Sharps. These guys are very much dedicated to offering villainy to the server and that is never easy; especially when there are always two sides to every story. Big thanks for the times and the antagonism - there is no story without your villains on Arelith.
Myon and Karathas
I shall confess I did not have much interaction with these guys, but I wanted to make sure I at least had one interaction with Karathas. I wish there was more, but all I can say is this guy really knows his stuff. I really enjoyed the interaction, and learning more about an otherwise enigmatic character and settlement. Conflict against Myon was very important to Chenizra, and I really wanted to drive it tastefully. Big thanks.
Tebryn Ssambra and the Civil War
This was Chenizra's first major conflict, and it was the catalyst to so much change. I did not have much interaction with Tebryn, but it really was impressive as to how much of an impact he had. Thank you for the chaos - and the ladder that came with it
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Xel'vraxa certainly had more enemies over the year, but most of them are amusingly listed under 'allies'; that's the funny part about drow. One day its smiles, the next it's daggers at the throat - and then it's smiles again - but you know it's not personal. It's just drow being drow.
Six pages and 3,000 words is likely obscene for a kudos so I'll shut up now. Still, no amount of words can justify just how great it's been.
Lolth tlu Malla, and Darkest Cycles!