Tall Balrama

The Learned Man

  Formerly from a southern region of in the Original Plane, Tall Balarama is an elven wizard and member of the Court of Stars (Reformed). Little is known of Tall's previous life before the Shifting, other than he was well traveled and a frequent visitor to Wamper's infamous Tradefest. Unlike other returnees to the festival, Tall never brought any goods or offered any services for sale, though after a few mulled wines he could be convinced to share a story of his travails. Tall was regarded as an average and brusque storyteller who's sole redeeming feature was that his stories, told factually and without a Songsell's lengthy preamble, were a fascinating mix of adventure, arcana, and, if people were enraptured enough, the imparting of canny wisdom.   All in all, Tall was regarded as a learned man who kept to the background of many of the festivals more outlandish ceremonies and entertainment. He seemingly paid close attention to all that transpired. While adults always swore Tall was already turned to catch their gaze should they dare to observe him, children delighted in sneaking up to Tall to catch him 'unaware'.

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The Knowing Man

  The rumour that Tall knew about Wamper's impending fate persists, though his actions to warn and protect Wamper's throughout the Arborean War, and tutelage of Wamper's younger generation (including the Dormant) have placed these rumours into abeyance, not fully addressed, yet no longer pressed.   Other than Tall's consistent presence at Tradefest for at least a decade prior, the most damning evidence is, of all things, his luggage on the night in question. While no-one can categorically say Tall had never travelled with a seemingly comprehensive library cart before, many local inhabitants of Wamper's are certain they would have noticed such an accompaniment in the years prior. Other so-called evidence-his seeming calm in the days following the Shifting; the aptitude to which his bio-arcanic studies flourished in the realm; his ability to easily make long-lasting political connections-can all be explained by his usual stoic demeanour and existing skillset. Whether Tall knew about the Shifting or not, he was prepared because he always was.

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The Connected Man

  Tall currently heads the Court of Stars (Reformed), a loose affiliation of, in his words, 'knowledge professionals'. While the Court of Stars has no formal agenda, ranks, or role within the recently formed stable political structures, his duties keep him travelling more months out of the year than not. As such, Tall possesses a decent understanding about the politics of the various states, the Unkept Roads, and innumerable bio-arcanic applications and studies based on native Arborean flora and fauna. In particular, Tall and Misty have collaborated to study the Void Glass crystal in Misty's Copse, a remnant of his travels and travails during the war.   Among his many duties, Tall has dedicated significant time to schooling the young of Wamper's Feast in the 'trappings of civilisation', setting a rigourous syllabus that uses his infamous book collection to draw important lessons he feels wil benefit all in life. In his absence, he delegates the running of his tiny school to Jody Aside, another member of the older generation Shifted with Wamper's.   For his own reasons, closely held, access to his larger library is by invite only. Only those with prodigous talent, discipline, and respect gain intermitted access. This unwavering edict has done little to dampen the lingering accusation that the evidence of Tall's knowledge about the Shifting resides within his library, though none are polite enough to inquire for fear of forever being denied access. Plus, no-one really wants to earn one of Tall's famous long looks, full of judgement, disappointment and just a hint that he's mulling over an unspeakable punishment.   For those whom he trusts (or feels he can control), he provides additional instruction in matters of enchanting, at times collaborating with Misty Marten. Unlike the Corrupted dryad however, Tall's enchantments create tools that aid his many travels throughout the Wild Realm.