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In 1335 upon Tassadar's emergence he was greeted by Karagian and Gothorum, the elders of the Dragon's Neck Liferock and the other members of the liferock. Then Tassadar underwent the Ritual of the First Merging. In 1435 Tassadar Awoke and began his journey.
Tassadar spent the first 10 years observing the other members of the liferock. He learned about the obsidimen's place in the world and various legends about the journey. Tassadar quickly displayed an interest in the idea of the harmony that an obsidimen strives for. After various discussions with his brothers, Tassadar decided that the best way to achieve this harmony was to follow in the footsteps of the great monk Climacus. The monk's journey to Oneness, their striving to reach the physcial, mental and spiritual harmony, is so similar to an Obsidimen's belief of physical and spiritual harmony. So in 1454, Tassadar petitioned the elders to allow him to journey on the path of the monk. After a brief (2 years) examination by the elders on Tassadar's intentions and beliefs (see appendix A for excerpts from the hearing) permission was given along with a letter of introduction, written in Dwarven of course. Finally in 1456, immediately following the conclusion, Tassadar travelled to the Spirithawk Temple in the Scol Mountains.
Late in 1456 Tassadar reached the Spirithawk Temple. His first few years passed as an initiate. The period was spent in study at the temple's library. It is beleived that Tassadar first came across the legends of S'shr'tal during this period. After the intial few years of mandatory study Tassadar began his physical and spiritual training. During this time Tassadar traveled with a small group of monks to learn what they could from other temples across Barsaive. Then in 1485, Tassadar returned to the Spirithawk Temple to undergo the ceremony to become a monk.
Remebering the brief and obscure legends of S'shr'tal Tassadar devotes much of his free time to learning all he could find about this momentus point in the history of Barsaive. For Tassadar, this event had a profound effect on the Great Pattern of Barsaive and so as he began to learn more he realized that to reach any understanding about his own place in the pattern must include knowledge of an event this significant.
Then in 1508 he was summoned by the liferock to attend the Return of one of his brothers, Gort. Knowing the importance of Gort's own journey to the liferock, Tassadar began the journey back. While at Dragon's Neck Tassadar met those responsible for bring Gort's body back for the Returning, the Bearers of Akasha. Reflecting on Gort's experiences and the path he chose for himself, the elders decided to ammend their thoughts on Gort (see Gort's history as recorded by Caarad Surestrider). The whole episode had effected Tassadar deeply. Seeing the importance of Barsaive to Gort moved him to devote even more of his studies to S'shr'tal. Also, during this time Tassadar hears of the Liferock Rebellion. Being an obsidiman, Tassadar pledges to do everything in his power to aid the Rebellion in any way possible. Tassadar returns to the Spirithawk Temple.
1509 Tassadar receives a missive from Omasu, one of the leaders of the Liferock Rebellion. Apparently, Omasu had heard of Tassadar's research on S'shr'tal and decided that he could assist the Bearers of Akasha in their new quest. Tassadar decides that he can use this opportunity to learn about S'shr'tal firsthand, travel and gain new experiences and to also give something back to the Bearers for their service to the Dragon's Neck Liferock.
Finally, on Rua 2 Tassadar meets up with Maxwell Highcliffe of the Bearers of Akasha and the journey begins...
| <Karagian> | "So Tassadar, you wish to follow the path of the monk. There have been others in the past who have chosen to disregard our deep beliefs in tradition. We worry that by forgetting who and what we are the essence of the liferock is diminished. Are you aware of the danagers following such a path places on your committment to the liferock?" |
| <Tassadar> | "Yes, elder Karagian, I have thought long on the subject of my ties to the Dragon's Neck liferock and to my brothers. But I believe that the way of the monk and their journey to find harmony of mind, body and spirit does not interfere with my committment. In fact I believe that with my increased awareness and the progression of my own self-understanding that I can strengthen our understanding of our own existance and our place in the great pattern. Concerning the ties I have as an Obsidimen to the liferock and to my brothers, that understanding would take on a much larger concept than the normal monks journey, but I am sure that I am up to the task. The teachings of Climacus have shown us that there is some deep and fundamental understanding that we can attain through introspection. If you could just grant me permission to begin this journey I know I will not disappoint you." |
| <Gothorum> | "Yes, we know the teachings of Climacus and we have conferred with the Council of Four concerning this matter. You have that strong desire for knowledge that fuels us all. Your thirst to learn about the harmony of being should be explored, as long as you keep in mind your connection to the liferock, to the earth and to your brothers. This path you seek could lead to revelations about our race and our existance. The teachings of Climacus have taught us that we need not deny our search for harmony or self-understanding, rather that search will, in the end, strengthen our bond as brothers. By just one of us gaining the insight of the monk we can hope to better understand our connection to one another and therefore our connection to the Great Pattern itself. So, it is agreed that as long as you, Tassadar, are a fine example of what it means to be an obsidiman." |
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Last Updated 05/10/98 by Paul
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