Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene [ Historian on Ancient Objects ]  

Uploaded October 21st, 2010 by asusazazel

If you hang around Lorekeeper Arbel long enough, you'll see this emote:

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene shuffles through the stack of tomes on the shelf looking for some important historical clue. He murmurs to himself, '...but Marnek couldn't have possibly....'

You say, 'Who is Marnek?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene looks up confused, 'Oh, hmm? Nothing... Just a bit of history to delve into here...'

You say, 'Hail, Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene glances up from his tome for a moment, 'Hmm, yes? Another scavenger for wares to strew about your domicile I presume? Just like all the [others], hmm?'

You say, 'What others?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene says 'Yes, others, you're really all the same. One generation picking off the bones of the last and claiming itself as inventive genius. The Shissar, the Legions of old Cabilis, the Combine, you're simply the next pawn in the [grand jest].'

You say, 'What grand jest is that?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene laughs, 'So hard to figure out, eh? I wonder why I've bothered with you, but it is really no matter... The grand jest is that, after all your trials and tribulations, what will be your legacy? For your bones to be picked apart by a generation with no interest in your story! Just as I will pass on to the Realm of Heroes, Druzzil willing, so shall you ascend or descend to whatever [plane] you've earned the right to. Let us hope the cells of Justice are far enough away from your mortal deeds, eh?

You say, 'What plane?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene says 'Now you're just toying with me... Surely you've thought this through? Sure, you may have fallen in battle, but it is the order of our world to reincarnate those not ready to pass into the next realm. Have not my allies, the followers of the Shadow Maiden, imparted at least 'some' of this knowledge onto you? When your time has passed, you will no longer find yourself soulbound to our world. You should embrace this notion, should you have lived your life [appropriately]!'

You say, 'Appropriately?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene nods, 'Far be it from me to preach morality, civility, purpose to you. I see your battle scars and can only imagine your story. Here is some advice though, embrace your history, take a moment to survey the world around you and gain a better understanding of how you got here. There's something to be said for reflection.' The tired scholar shrugs, 'I suppose I am no better, my wages are fueled by the sale of [relics].'

You say, 'What relics?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene says 'Relics, trinkets, oddities, things of any historic significance... I've generally held audience with the council of Erudin and the Scholars at the Academy of Arcane Sciences to fund my exploration in exchange for donations of artifacts to their causes, but their appreciation for my work has waned over the years. So here I am, on the outskirts of Tanaan to offer items of historic [significance] to random passersby to decorate their dwellings with.'

You say, 'What significance?'

Lorekeeper Arbel Neklene shakes his head, 'I've much research to return to here, perhaps another time we can continue this little conversation. Should you decide to purchase any wares, I can only hope you're of the kind that appreciates the gravity of history and what it means to own a part of it...' The generally dolorous human returns to his studies, leaving you somewhat confused as to whether or not he wants you to buy his wares...

If you click on the helmets you see on his bookshelf:

You survey the ancient Teir`Dal helmet. Its features are far more imposing than today's newer models. The memories of battle imbued in the dented and worn metal are far older than most living humans. Only a few Dark Elves have had the privilege of donning such an ancient artifact.

The ancient cloth helmet, crafted out of a hollowed Dire Wolf skull, appears to be showing its age. You can tell the deterioration within the cap has rendered it nearly worthless in battle. Despite this fact, the piece is no less poignant as an adornment and reminder of the utter joy that even the smallest of victories can bring us.

The prized possession of an ancient human warrior sits atop the small bookshelf. Something about the intricately scaled pattern and encrusted ruby eyes leaves you captivated by its beauty... Some things are just too special to ever truly be replicated again.