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As many of you may know, I, Zoracc, am not originally from Thera. Where
exactly I come from is not of concern... however, I feel that an
outsider's perspective of the World Clan can be of use. You may not
like some of what I say, yet I say it objectively.
Why do I call myself an outsider, when I am the longest standing World
member aside from Kayal herself? It is because I am not natural to this
World. Of all the domain and protectorate of the World Clan, the only
living thing on Thera that rests outside of it is me. An irony to be
sure. But it is because of this that I can maintain objectivity...
When I arrived here to Thera many years ago, much was different than it
is today. The Gabreallic Ocean had yet to form, the Sea Of Sorrow
likewise, and many of the regions of this land had yet to be discovered.
There were only four clans, and far fewer immortals than in later days.
The clans were functionally much different as well. These were the days
of the Great War between the Rose/World alliance and Darkness. It was
at this time that Darkness was at it's zenith of power. Behind Kronus'
leadership (and Riddler before him), as well as with Wink taking a
greater role in the clan's affairs, Darkness in those days was a MUCH
more cohesive unit than at any time since.
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World was forced to ally with Rose, to keep the balance from totally
shifting to the side of Evil, while Gatulot sat patiently, and awaited the
outcome.
This war certainly was what shaped the events of that day. No conflict
since has been more meaningful. It was into this environment that I
found myself upon my arrival at Thera.
In my early days, I chose the path of the Loner. It was free, and
non-restrictive. Also, there was a certain amount of respect for those
who chose to walk their own paths. The Loners have never been numerous,
but in those days there were a few prominent ones, such as Orin and
Noone.
It was the god FReAk that provided the spark I needed to join the World
Clan. Of all the immortals, he seemed the closest to us mortals, to
humanity if I may use that term, though I am farthest from human of all
that have walked the streets of Greyhaven. FReAk was an inspiration to
us all in those days, and the freedom I enjoyed as a Loner was little
impacted when I finally decided to join World.
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In retrospect, the war came at an advantageous time for me. In truth,
had the World Clan realized who, or rather, WHAT I am, I doubt that they
would have left me alive. It was not until later that my outer-Worldly
origins were exposed, and by then, I had proven loyal to the Clan.
In these days, the clans were different than they are now. Far more
organized, and closer-knit. When one clan member was affronted, the
entire membership would get together to plot revenge. Teamwork was the
order of the day... only Darkness, ironically, had truly mastered it,
but all clans were proficient in the mechanics of working together.
Today, on the rare occasions that people work together, they are called
cowards. Back then, it was a part of life.
What I would call my 'first' tenure with World was easily my most
successful. I was able to provide a helping hand against the organized
forces of Darkness at a time when it was most needed. During these
days, the roll call of the clan, at all levels, was strong indeed...
with members that were very successful, or would go on to even greater
success in the future. Braveheart and Carmon were at the head of the
clan, Laneen, Kayal, and Cage were close behind.