> catalog knights of solamnia Knights of Solamnia: Anglicized Song of Huma - In English (Common) Awards - Information regarding the award system Betrayal - Breaking a bond of honour. Death and Life - A story of a resurrection. Dedication - A noteworthy virtue for applicants to consider High Armoury - Proper and Responsible Usage Letter to Applicants - A letter to aspiring Squires Loyalty - A Guide to the Roster of Loyalty Mistborne Cycle - A Story of Bedivere of Camelot Oath and Measure - Abridged version Prayers - Time devoted to Paladine and his sons Service to Thee - A traditional hymn of the Knights Sir Ballorin - an Epic Tale of the Bravery of Sir Ballorin Song of Huma - In Solamnic The Life of a Knight - The Tale of Morrigan uth Matar Vinasfest - An Honored Holiday of the Orders Warhorses - Listing and tales of the Cavalry's warhorses Weaponry - Proper care and reasons for doing so There are eighteen volumes available. > borrow anglicized song of huma You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book The Honour of Huma survives The Glory of Huma survives Dragons, hear! Solamnic breath is taken Life; hear! My sword is broken of Dragons Dragon-Huma temper me now Dragon-Huma Grant me grace and love When the heart of the Knighthood wavers in doubt Grant me this, Warrior Lord Honour is Huma Glory is Huma Solamnic Knight Huma survives Glorified Huma survives Life; hear! Huma's death calls me! His death! Temper me with such death! Paladine, lord god of knights! Huma's life is all our lives! Dragon-Huma survives! written by Lord Tracy Hickman, entered by Teth of the Order of the Sword > The aged grey-haired male human whispers: I should like to visit the Palace of Palanthus again soon. return book You return a well-read, soft-textured book. > borrow awards You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book The basis of the Solamnic Knighthood, the Oath and Measure, requires discipline, wisdom, and faith to follow. Occasionally outstanding Knights are awarded for thier dedication to upholding the Oath and Measure. For their altruism in the face of adversity they achieve an honoured status among the Knighthood. There are five awards which one can bear, and each award holds a different meaning behind it. The five awards are as follows: -The Twirled Braid- One of the most common awards given, the twirled braid represents valour, courage, and honour within combat. Whether fighting the dark minions of Takhisis or rescuing a teammate from those who would harm, a Knight often sacrifices themselves for the belief behind the Oath and Measure. The Twirled Braid is awarded for those that exemplify this attribute. -The Golden Ribband- Many know that a fight is not always won by a firm grip and a steady blade. The Golden Ribband is awarded to those honoured Knights who use their knowledge and charisma in a non-combative way. It is often awarded for spreading the word of Paladine, Kiri-Jolith, and Habbakuk as well as guild relations. Those who bear the Golden Ribband truly understand both sides to a battle against evil. -The Emblem of the Ornamental Crown- The Order of the Crown revolves around the belief in loyalty and obedience. Those Knights that express these virtues unconditionally often bear such an emblem. Inclusive within loyalty and obedience, the emblem of the Ornamental Crown also represents outstanding service to the Order of the Crown. This award is only granted through the High Warrior or High Lady, leader of the Crown Order. -The Emblem of the Ceremonial Sword- Honour, courage, and heroism all represent the basis of the Sword Order and therefore is the meaning behind the Ceremonial Sword. Honoured Knights who bear this emblem exemplify these virtues and dedication to the Order of the Sword. Whereas the Sword Order is closest in prayer with Paladine and his sons, this award is occasionally rewarded for one's spiritual faith. Only from the High Clerist does a Knight bear the emblem of the Ceremonial Sword. -The Emblem of the Honorary Rose- Highest of the triumvirate Orders, the Rose Order focuses upon the search for holy wisdom. A Knight with wisdom is a Knight who why the Solamnic Knighthood follows the Oath and Measure and is a Knight who bears the Honorary Rose. Those unyielding in their dedication and service to the Rose Order wear this award. A Rose Knight is a leader among the Knights and those who display such leadership also are honoured thusly. Bearing the emblem of the Honorary Rose is deemed by the High Justice. (Written by Kayen Makalis) > borrow betrayal You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book Betraying the Knighthood - Breaking the Bond of Honour made when swearing the Sacred Oath. Est Sularis oth Mithas - My Honour if My Life! When swearing the Oath of Knighthood, one swears to be loyal to the cause of Paladine, to follow the rules of the Measure, and to obey the commands of one’s superiors. The Measure prescribes that a knight should act honourably at all times, upholding the ideals of the Knighthood by behaving justly in battle, by protecting the innocent, weak and defenceless, by maintaining a good relation to those listed on the Roster of Loyalty, by being faithful to Paladine and his sons, praying to them frequently to show his dedication and by contributing to the Orders in any way he can, through giving good advice to younger people, through participating in keeping the Armoury in a good shape, through battling evil creatures and through helping to maintain the unity of the organisation as a whole. Through the years the Measure has worked as a guideline for the knights of Solamnia, telling them how to live their lives honourably under the light of Paladine, but at some occasions, some people have strayed from the path set -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- out for them by the Measure, and those people failed in living by the rules, committing dishonourable deeds, disgracing themselves by breaking the Sacred Oath. When somebody did something gravely dishonourable, such as killing good people, disobeying direct orders in critical moments or taking bribes to shut up about some evil deed he had seen, he could, if caught with it, be punished by the Conclave by being made a Knight of the Black Rose - the gravest dishonour a knight can face, for his betrayal against the cause of Paladine. The Knight could also be banished from the Knighthood since he had proven he could not live by it’s standards. The most legendary betrayal of the Knighthood is the one committed by the cursed Lord Soth, who betrayed the Knighthood by not revealing what he knew about the coming Cataclysm. He had gained knowledge about the future through the elven cleric woman he married after having murdered his human wife, who was of royal blood, because she was barren. When his elven wife, who he had a son with, told him about the future, he rode to warn the Knighthood, but a number of elven clerics stopped him along the way and threatened to tell about his dark secrets if he did not turn back. So Lord Soth turned back, betraying the Knighthood, and for that he now faces the punishment of the Gods for all -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- time. When it later became known that a knight of Solamnia had known about the Cataclysm before it happened, people started to blame the Knighthood for the disaster. There have also been other cases of betrayal, where the knight in question acted dishonourably and faced the punishment of the Conclave. If a disgraced knight abandons the cause of the Knighthood, breaking his Oath, and goes to seek a life on the other side, he has actually made himself a Knight of the Black Rose without honour. Knights who retire from a long life of service of the cause of Paladine is the best way a successful career in the Knighthood can end, for then the Knight has dedicated his active life to a good cause, earning a place to withdraw to when growing old under the caring presence of Paladine. In order to prevent further betrayals, the Knighthood could make the controls of applicants more thorough, and one could create a rule saying that an applicant has to wait a certain amount of time, to test his patience and persistence. Should the applicant give up during that waiting period and go elsewhere, he probably didn’t want to be a knight after all. Besides, patience is a virtue looked for in Knights. So, if an applicant truly seeks to serve -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Paladine and his sons, he would hardly give it all up after putting so much effort in proving himself worthy. Before I finish this I would like to tell you all my personal opinion about betrayal. Betrayal of the Knighthood is not an option, for if you do commit that ultimate act of treason, you go up against every belief of a knight and disgrace yourself so gravely that your life is worth nothing in the end. After all, your honour is your life, and when breaking the Sacred Oath, you lose your honour. That was all. I would like to thank a few people for helping me in the writing of this book. First of all I want to thank my sponsor, for supporting me and give me advice. And thanks to Sir Garion Brightblade I realised I was wrong about what a traitor really is so I could correct it. I would also like to thank Lord Morrigan uth Matar for providing me with good advice when I needed it. Thank you! -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Written by, Faryan Whiteguard, Squire to Sir Fourtcoer Whiteguard of the Crown EOF > borrow death and life You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book Chapter 1 - Death ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This story begins rather simply in the office of Lord Gunther. It seems the he had received some information concerning some lost relics, namely two ancient disks of Mishakal. He needed someone to go and recover these disks since they would be of use against the Dark Lady and her hordes. It seemed to me that this would be an act of great honor and I swore to Lord Gunther that I would retrieve these disks or I would die in the attempt. I was then informed that the resting place of the disks was deep with Xak Tsaroth, a place now completely overrun by draconians and thier kind. Still, I would not let a few draconians stand in my way. I proceeded to the armoury of the Keep and claimed a good sword, a suit of armour, a lamp and some oil. Then I made a short trip to the chapel to ask for the guidance and protection of Paladine. I felt renewed by this and confident that success would be the order of the day. I proceeded to leave the my home, the Vingaard Keep, but I stopped briefly for a moment at the statue of Huma in our courtyard. Who cannot feel a certain amount of awe when regarding this man. There can be no doubt that I must certainly do whenever I walk by that statue. -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- As I stood there, one thought ran through my mind "Paladine, please let me do this man proud". Perhaps it was arrogance on my part that I thought I could do enough or as well to make Huma proud. Perhaps that was the nature of my downfall, I cannot be certain, I do know that it was my sole wish during this adventure. The journey to Xak Tsaroth was uneventful, although an unpleasant trek through the swamp. I found the temple, and it was quite saddening to see it in such a state of disrepair, perhaps one day it could be restored. Inside the temple things were no better, draconians ruled this place and even moving about seemed dangerous with all the holes in the floor. I moved along from onw battle to the next hoping that I moved closer to my goal. I am not entirely certain what happened next, perhaps one of the draconians had envenomed his blade, but I was wounded and although it was not a great wound, I could sense something wrong. I was clearly poisoned. I started to become more tired and less healthy with each step. I moved into a small house, that did not threaten to collapse immediately. Once there I did everything I could to heal this injury. I sprinkled some holy water on the injury and prayed to Paladine to aid me. I bandaged the cut and drank some wine to help deaden the pain. Then I -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- remembered the rules my knight instructors had given me, I remember being told that the only thing to do once poisoned was to find a ranger from Gondor to heal it or sit and wait for it to run its course. I knew of no ranger, so it seemed more sensible to wait the poison out, rather then use my remaining strength seeking one out. Beside I felt that I had addressed the wound suitably and had nothing to fear. Time seemed to move along ever so slowly for me, undoubtedly a result of the poison. It was a strong poison, there can be no doubt. I passed in and out of conciousness repeatedly. Thankfully no draconian found me, although that would have made no difference to the outcome, for a few hours later although I felt like the poison was about to pass and I was feeling very well, although very tired, when suddenly the poison seemed stronger. My vision became cloudy and dim. My heart was beating faster and faster, it seemed like it was ready to burst. I forced myself to my feet with my blade in hand. But I did not stand for long, I called out to Paladine one last time with my last breath and fell. Such a strange sensation to be standing above yourself, and yet to see yourself lying unmoving upon the ground. I must confess I was lost -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- at that point, I did not now what to do. Suddenly the medal upon my body started to glow with a bright light like a sun, I do not know how a spirit can be blinded but indeed I was. Seconds later the light although intense did not seem quite so bright. But the medal, it was no longer upon me, rather it floated in the air before me. The medal started to change before me, I was not aware that my medal had the ability to do such a thing. Rather quickly in formed into the shape of a very old man, in a simple robe. He spoke to me "Come Squire Katanga, your struggles in mortal life are over, it is time to rest". Suddenly, it dawned upon me that this was the god to whom I prayed everyday, this was Paladine here to claim my soul. I bowed before him unable to speak. He spoke again "Rise Katanga, it is time to go". I rose and looked upon him. I found within my a desire to return to the Keep and bid farewell to the Knighthood, and I asked if that would be possible. He smiled at me and say "You may come to me when you wish Katanga, but do not delay too long or your soul will be lost in limbo forever". With that he transformed back into a medal and even that disappeared. I returned to the keep and wrote a last letter. With this done, I thought to myself that I wished to go now to Paladine, and a bright light opened up above me. I floated upwards to towards it and a warmth -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- and a feeling of comfort was about me. I cannot describe what happens next, for how can I put to words being in the paradise. It is beyond my comprehension and beyond mortal words. Chapter 2 - Rebirth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I awoke to find myself in the church of Sparkle. This was without doubt the most confusing devlopment of all. I was dead, I was with Paladine, what was I doing here? I looked about me, and the church looked very much a long time ago when I first came to the lands of Genesis. As I looked about I saw a figure leaving the church. He wore a white robe, and upon the back was the figure of a platinum dragon. Never before had I seen such a thing, but I had read of such legends. I remembered from our tales and legends stories of true priests and clerics. I even remember that these dedicated men and women could accomplish great things with their prayers, even the ability to raise the dead. Is this what happened to me? Have the true priests returned? I struggled to my feet, still feeling weak, and ran after the priest. As I emerged into the daylight lit street of Sparkle, I could see -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- nothing. The figure was gone. I searched for hours for the priest but it was of no use. I decided that if he wished to reveal himself, he would later. I returned to my home here in the Keep to tell the Knights of my journey and the possible discovery of true priests. And so here I am. My faith is stronger then ever, how couldn't it be after being to the land of the honored dead and back? I look forward to continued service in Paladine's name, may he watch over me. Katanga Rak'a Squire of Solamnia EOF > borrow dedication You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book The aged grey-haired male human whispers: I remember my first battle like it was yesterday. I was sent to defend a village in southern Solamnia from a band of marauding goblins. - Loyalty and Dedication - a Squire's Thoughts by Fourtcoer J. Whiteguard In an age where battles must too often be fought, when the blade of a man brings him more worth than his heart, I am often disappointed by the often casual dismissal of loyalty and dedication amoung some who seek the Knighthood. Any young person who has spent any time in Vingaard Keep knows of the importance of the Oath and Measure, but what does that really mean, and what else does being a Knight entail? Too often I have heard the words from the lips of visitors, they speak of this devout fellowship of knights as if it were a common guild; in some minds, the meaning behind being a knight means no more than being a Gladiator or Minstrel, they seek only to weigh the worth of the training that is offered within these halls. Many conclude that the Knights is ideal because the training we embrace is naturally supperior. However, it must always be remembered that such mastery only comes at the price of dedication, honour, and the vigours of willingly submitting to the orderly chain of command that the Knighthood seeks to maintain. Individuals who are unwilling to be obidient and honorable have plenty of other options in the realms of Genesis should they seek to become warriors. A good squire or knight should be willing to embrace death with honor, if need be, at the command of the Conclave, and always serve vigously and boldly, speaking the names of Paladine and His sons often, and turning to prayer frequently. Some have told me that my views on the Knighthood are too strict for the diverse contemporary life in Solamnia. To them I can only say that if you seek to embrace the benefits of the Knighthood, do not so easily dismiss the responsibilities and duties of a Knight. - duties that go beyond merely answering the Vingaard alarm of tending to the armoury, for while those are important duties indeed, it is the persistent behaviour of discipline, dedication, loyalty, obidience, and religious piety that makes the Knight. Joining the Knighthood should be for most, if not everyone, a lifelong occupation. To be a Knight is to take an Oath of honor. To abandon that oath is a serious transgression, and should not be done merely because another organization seems interesting. While knights who have served their duty, dedicated a majority of their lives and hearts to the Knighthood might on occasion find a time to retire, this should be a rare case indeed. Becoming a Knight is an oath to your brother knights, and to Paladine and His Sons as well. To break that oath defies The Oath, for remember, your Honour is your life. If your heart lies strongly and truly with Paladine and His Sons, and if Honour is truly your life, and if you seek to make the Knighthood your lifelong endeavour, then come, for you shall be welcome in this glorious Fellowship. -- If not, there are plenty of other fine guilds in the realms of Genesis that do not require such a serious commitment. Explore those paths and you can still life a life that will demmand the respect of the Knighthood. But if you do not intend to take your Oath seriously for a lifelong endeavour, do not waste the time of the Knighthood with your temporary and false promises. > borrow high armoury You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. The aged grey-haired male human's expression grows somber as his thoughts linger on battles fought, and friends lost. read book Hail in the names of Paladine, Habbakuk and Kiri-Jolith! This is an instructional text on the proper and responsible use of the high armoury. It details such items as what should be donated, common courtesies, and other facts. First of all, items left in the drop room should not be subsequently donated to the armoury. The reason for this is: Knights who have earned the items laying about in the drop room left them there for a reason, and for the most part the reason is that the equipment on the drop room floor was left there for the use of all Knights, not only those with enough prestige to use the armoury. Donating the items left on the drop room floor robs other Knights of the chance to use that equipment. In short, only donate items that you earned, or that someone has given to you, or that someone asks you to donate. Secondly, the items that should be donated to reside stored in the high armoury should be of superior quality. Few armours should ever be donated, exceptions being the armour of the Nazgul and dwarven fullplate. If the rack is empty, dragonscale and other armours can be donated, as they will eventually scroll off. Armours of inferior quality can be donated, and they will not store. The only way to discern if an item will store or not is to test it by donating it. If it stores and it is of inferior work, please borrow it back and either use the item or drop it (unless the rack is empty). Weaponry is similar to armours, in that inferior weapons donated will not store in the rack, yet you will receive charity points for them. Only superior weapons should be donated for permanent storage in the rack, including, but not limited to, the onyx longsword, the light sword, gigantic trident, violet-edged red shortsword, giant black maul, draconian claymore, and various others. Again, medium quality weapons such as wicked flamberges, dunlending swords, and the occasional splendid sword should only be donated if the rack is empty, as they will store, and scroll off better weapons. Scrolling off equipment is frowned upon, so do not donate your storable items if better equipment lies within the armoury. However, if you wish to donate 12 wicked flamberges, and there is an onyx sword in the armoury, borrow the onyx longsword, donate the flamberges, and return the onyx sword. In short, use your common sense. Answers to some questions : Can I donate a small robe? Yes, as you will get charity points but it will not store. Can I donate a flamberge? Yes, but you should only do so if the rack is empty. Can I donate a splendid sword? Sometimes. Sometimes a splendid sword stores, sometimes it does not. Courtesy dictates that you borrow it back, and drop it in the Bin or on the floor. Can I donate a dragonscale? Yes, if the rack is almost empty or empty. What happens if I see someone pick up the 'junk' equipment on the floor and they donate it? They shouldn't be doing this as the equipment was not theirs to donate. Report this to the Conclave. Any other questions or concerns should be directed to the Conclave. Teth of the Order of the Sword > borrow letter to applicants You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book I would like to congratulate you for choosing to attempt to join the Knights. You have taken the first step towards a beautiful and wonderful guild. My advice to you comes as a former applicant of around 8 months. Hopefully the process wont be that long for you. I must reveal that I almost gave up several times. If it wasn't for a certain Ranger and Knight, I would have missed out greatly, for I doubt being a Glad that attempted to act Noble would have been as exciting as being a Squire who attempts to be Noble. Now my main advice is to hit the Library's in the Keep and Palanthas. Read every book. Study. Study. Study. This will prepare you for the interviews you will go through. Dont be scarred to mail any Knights or Squires for teams. Dont get your hopes down if many attempts dont turn into teams. (Especially with full Knights) I have found upon induction to the guild that they are much busier than you could ever imagine. I know there are many more duties and political manueverings that they must complete than any Cadet would believe. Stay in touch as much as possible. This will constantly remind us of you and your commitment. Good Luck Applicant. May Paladine Enlighten You. > borrow loyalty You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book A Guide to the Roster of Loyalty Background: In the first century after the Cataclysm, famine and plague spread across Krynn. During this time, townsfolk throughout the land began to blame the Knights of Solamnia for all their woes. The knights were jeered in public and openly reviled. Some were even murdered, their castles and homes invaded. It was during this time that important knightly documents were hidden away -- sealed up in coffers for safekeeping. Most of these coffers have been lost and forgotten. Recently, one of these coffers was rediscovered near Vingaard Keep, the ancient homeland of the knighthood. The discovery occurred quite by accident, during yet another renovation to the castle of Justin Thornbridge. When one of the original stone walls was torn down to enlarge the old chapel, workers discovered a metal coffer, hidden within. Sealed inside the coffer was this book, "The Guide to the Roster of Loyalty". It seems certain that this guidebook is perhaps a companion volume to The Measure, the set of thirty-seven 300-page law books that define knightly conduct. One of the books of the Measure, "The Roster of Loyalty", includes illustrations of the heraldic crests (distinctive designs on -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- shield shapes) associated with some of the knights. The newly discovered "Guide" delineates the rules of design of the ancient heraldic crests. Initially, only the Knights of the Rose could register a heraldic crest in "The Roster of Loyalty". This rule was made in the ancient days of Krynn when only the ruling class, who were of royal blood, possessed such crests. Ancient nobles often placed their distinctive shield-shaped crest on their coaches, castle doors, or even on rings used to seal letters with wax, in order to identify their high positions to others. When the knighthood was formed long ago, The Measure had a strict and unyielding rule that only men of the ruling houses could join the highest order of knighthood, and possession of an ancient family crest went a long way toward asserting the knight's royal claim. Then, once a knight had proven he was of royal blood, and had passed the required tests, his distinctive crest would be recorded in "The Roster of Loyalty" as a symbol that he had achieved the privileged status of Knight of the Rose. Today, a Knight of the Rose need not prove that his family is of royal blood. Further, it is fashionable for all orders of the knighthood (Crown, Sword, and Rose) to develop distinctly knightly crests. Thus, "The Guide" is useful to knights of all three orders struggling to attain the ancient dignity that a Solamnic crest imparts. -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Rules of Design of Solamnic Heraldic Crests Background Shape: The most important part of the crest is the shield on which is displayed various symbols representing a knight. In battle, many different shapes of shields are employed by the knights. But when designing a Solamnic coat of arms to be displayed in "The Roster of Loyalty" only one shape is permitted. The reason behind this is unity. Since the knighthood is a body of people unified by purpose, so it was decided long ago that all knights would use the same standard shield shape when their crests were displayed side-by-side in "The Roster of Loyalty". The blank shield shape is often referred to as the field. Originally, it was the standardized shield shape alone that denoted a royal family. Then, in order to differentiate between nobles, distinctive designs were drawn on the field. Today, of course, the field is always decorated, sometimes with complex designs. Foreground Decoration: Decorating this shield are various colours, patterns, and symbols or flora and fauna. Rather than go into depth on the -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- hundreds of possible combinations, I'll summarize the general trends and explain what decorations are explicitly prohibited by The Measure. Anyone requiring more elaborate explanation is referred to the guidebook itself, which is currently housed in the Great Library of Palanthas (but may be 'borrowed' by someone else at this time ;) ) Colours: In Solamnic heraldry, the colours used on crests are divided into two categories: metals and hues. The metals of heraldry take their names from the dragons of good: gold, silver, copper, and brass. The traditional heraldic hues take their names from the evil dragons: red, blue, green, black, and white. Additional colours are sometimes used, but are considered rather untraditional: purple, orange, dark red, and sky blue. Steel helmets and weapons are often depicted as grey. When depicting a shield in black and white, heralds and scribes replaced the colours with patterns of lines and dots. Most crests were originally simple shield shapes, differentiated only by colour. The traditional colours of the ancient ruling house were gold and black, thus many of Krynn's oldest crests were simple combinations of those two colours. Numerous ways of dividing the field into two colours were devised. -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Designs: Later, heraldic crests took on more complicated designs with symbols and such. No symbols representing the gods could be used, such as the silver triangle of Paladine or the blue infinity sign of Mishakal. This rule includes the symbols of the constellations or depictions of the three moons of Krynn. The knights are sworn to honour the gods of good at all times; thus, there exists the prohibition against using the divine symbols. The only exception to this prohibition is the High Clerist. As the highest-ranking Knight of the Sword, the High Clerist may incorporate the symbol of Paladine (silver triangle) or Kiri-Jolith (bison's horns) from whom he/she receieves her/his powers. Perhaps the most popular symbols used by the Solamnic Knights are those that resemble interlaced cords or knots. Heraldic knotwork is thought to have evolved from an early depiction of the interlaced gold cord used to wrap the handles of the swords used by the Solamnic Knights in the time of Vinas Solamnus, father of the Knighthood. The first crest to depict such a design was that of Joshua Celtis, so the pattern is commonly referred to as a Celtic design. More and more elaborate designs have been fashioned over the centuries based on the knot theme. In addition to their use on heraldic crests, variations of the Celtic -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- design often appear on Solamnic armour. Flora and Fauna: Among living things, the kingfisher is a symbol of the knighthood as a whole and cannot be used by individuals on the crests. Evil creatures such as dragons, ogres, and minotaurs are not permitted unless they are depicted as dead, dying, or in pieces. Apparently there was a superstition centuries ago that the symbols on the Solamnic shield somehow influenced the nature of the bearer. However, as with every rule, exceptions have occasionally cropped up, especially during the time after the Cataclysm when the knighthood went underground and tradition was haphazardly followed. For example, the crest of Hugh Ocre depicts the face of an ogre with its teeth bared. Symbols: Sometimes the creator of a crest chose a design or symbol that alluded to his name. For example, the crest of Charles Calcord may at first look like a meaningless shape until it is realized that his initials "C.C." are depicted back to back. There have been several knights from the Fletcher family, and each has chosen a variation of the arrow symbol for his/her crest. Symbols might also be chosen for the location of the knight's estate or home. For example, one Knight of -- More -- 120 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- the Crown's shield depicted water because his castle was near the sea. Many ancient Solamnic families derived their last name from their heraldic crest. For example, the Knight of the Crown who lived by the sea came to be known as Berthold Atwater. This is how many Solamnic families came to have strong descriptive last names such as Brightblade, Tallbow, and Castlemore. Background Objects: In addition to the shield, the coat of arms may contain other items such as awards of merit. An award of merit is a symbol or series of symbols that are placed around or behind the shield as an accolade. Once a squire has been admitted to the Order of the Crown, for example, he places his heraldic shield in front of a six-pointed star. A small crown rests beneath it. Knights of the Sword have two swords crossed behind the shield. Knights of the Rose encircle their shield with laurel leaves, with a rose at the juncture of the leaves. Ancient Knight Jon Rosemont's heraldic crest depicted a red rose on a silver field, though we know that Jon was a Knight of the Crown, and not a Knight of the Rose, by the six-pointed star award that surrounds his crest. Similarly, the Knight of the Rose, Derek Crownguard had a shield that depicted a crown (as befitting -- More -- 140 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- his name) but the award of merit was that of the Rose (as befitting his position in the Knighthood). Cadency: Upon entering the knighthood, the knight is expected to design a crest that uniquely represents her or him. There are no two knightly crests that look exactly the same, even for two knights with the same last name or from the same lineage. However, there have been many occasions where a knight wishes to have a crest similar to that of a parent, sibling, or ancient ancestor who was also a knight. In those cases, small changes are made in the original design, such as adding a border, slightly altering the colour, or adding something new to the field. It is perhaps best to think of the crest as if it were a portrait of the knight. While a daughter's portrait may resemble the portrait of her mother, there are bound to be subtle differences that distinguish the two paintings. So it is with the Solamnic crests. Conclusion: All the aforementioned rules and guidelines were designed to promote individual accomplishment while still emphasizing unity within the knighthood. As the knighthood enjoys a renaissance of popularity, -- More -- 160 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- crests, long recorded in "The Roster of Loyalty", are again turning up on carriages and castle doors. In the hands of dedicated heralds, the new resurgence of crests will help the knights achieve what they have lacked since the Cataclysm, namely, recognition. Written by Teth Dallyon, on the afternoon of the twelfth day of Corij, 352 A.C. EOF > borrow mistborne cycle You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book This bard tale was spoke unto me by an ancient bard on a far off world upon which I traveled in my search for the Isle of my people, the Irda. It spoke of an honourable and True order of Knights who served a just a fair ruler named A rturus Pendragon, and of his brother Bedivere and his last days.... Faithfully retold in humility and preservation of the tale, Darien Deepmourn Stormdis of the House Ravensong MISTBORNE CYCLE PART I: ONCE AND FUTURE DREAMS Veils of silver mist range Embracing about my age-worn And experience-banished vision. The reins of my silent mount, hooves clicking on the unseen Bedrock of the Moher cliffs, Are grasped tightly in hand -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- As I wander warily forward, Intent on distant poundings Upon seaside rocks below.... Peals of thunder charged The cold black air with Drumming anticipation. Our eager procession Marched steadily amidst Grey-orange stone towers, Beneath flickering flames And glimmering stars Ready to perform our Somber ecstatic Samhain`s task. Cultures united would The land that night be, The Old Ways rekindled To burn regally away the Despair-born rust upon The iron of our Celtic blades. -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The Ring would future crown, In ancient henged might, The new-found youth Of Pendragon brood.... Morning dew settles `pon My wrinkled brow before Cascading chillingly down My white-bristled cheek. Old leather armour creaks Lightly to the cue of my bones As I slowly settle wistfully Beside the swaying tree, Limbs dancing in the gentle Spray of salty wind.... And I happily tasted Saile`s Gentle, wave-tossed exhalations As the breeze swept back My golden Irish mane -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- And wrinkled the white, Crimson griffon-breasted Sail of my father`s craft. With Badon`s battle behind, And Britannia in the Bear`s Strongly loving hands, No more my sword nor Gaelic song was needed. Caliborn-bred peace Was mine and His, And naught but the softly Cooing caress of my Flighty mistress Eire Could battle-starved muscles Quickly sooth in broad Green plains and rounded sidh.... In cold drafts of crying air The seagulls glide before me, -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Dancing in the last wisps Of the morning mist. My greying mount, in venerable mirror to myself, Is grazing loudly to my Aching rear flank, Hooves tapping lightly His eager feeding-fury.... I rocked precariously, Bringing my blade down upon The Saxon helm careening To intercept my frothing Battle-crazed mount. War drums declared the rhythm Of my hammering heart As I reined my charge Together with my Companions, Crisp vision questing For my Arturus, -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- My Bear separated From His loyal cubs. The dragon's roar turned My horn-helmed head To the bloody embrace My Lord in hating Coupling had shared With his bastard child, Swords striking equally deep.... The old wound thrusts pain Deep into my chest, And I in futile gesture Cup my hands to my side, Memories of Camlan lost In dwindling sleepy shadows To this reminder of aching reality. That I have returned home Is small recompense to the Legendary glory of Our circle.... -- More -- 120 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- She had come quickly from Her lakebound isle, Scrying His passing in the tide. And now that ethereal Sprite of the waters, Last true ally beside His few surviving Companions, Was here to claim Him And the Sword of Kings, Saving both beneath the waves For a time to darkly come. It was I who aided her In the deliverance of His Deathly crimson regal form To her deep abode. It was she who delivered Me from the death Piercingly promised By the arrow shot into my side; -- More -- 140 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Denying me the rest I wished.... My once monarch is in Fatherly embrace A grave resident Tpon the Isle; Guest of that faerie, Swan-maiden enchantress. The lyre in my bags, In the tales I could spread, Bought me the title Merlin, Forever to remember peace I could not have again. I can but pray Our legend And His Right deeds In many village canted `Cross the land and waters Has bought also the Indebted care of my Lady Of the faerie lake. -- More -- 160 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- (And my grave in quiet waters.) For as always, my place Is beside my present, future King. This sunny vision is eclipsed Easily by a shadow Of Earth and Time. Yet it is a dream I have.... MISTBORNE CYCLE PART II: ERIN GO BRAGH In the chilling twilight Her breath, in dewy wisps, Is carried softly to me, Moistening my face and lips. `I shall not be returning,` I whisper to my crested mistress. Will she miss me? -- More -- 180 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- I wonder; She has so many men Whom have life long loved her. My beautiful Erin, my mistress main, It is she whom I would least Care to leave forever. But as I sit beside a tree, weary, I realize my greatest journey comes. The man I might have been Is passing quickly now Over the horizon of my Dreams. Pity no sunrise, only dusk. Oh Saile, with your sapphire attire, I shall miss our romps. No more shall I ride Your tempest freely, Nor feel your salty Breath upon my face. -- More -- 200 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Erin, my emerald-cloaked sovereign, I return to your embrace. I rest easy knowing you shall, With your warm and strong caress, Hold my earthly goods far more lovingly Than do I. Saile, goodbye. The night brings darkness Most quickly this eve. Erin Go Bragh...... The language of the bard was a tongue named Gaelic, and the word "saile" means sea in that tongue. "Erin go bragh" is a saying meaning "Ireland Forever", Ireland being the homeland of the Gaels... a beautifully green island with strong haunting people. EOF The Oath and the Measure (Taken from AD&D Dragonlance Adventures) The organization of the Knights has not changed substantially in the last 1,800 years. The Knights subscribe to two codes: the Oath and the Measure. The Oath is simply: "Est Sularus oth Mithas" (literally, "My Honor is My Life"). The Measure is an extensive set of laws, many volumes in length, that defines what honor actually means. The Measure is complicated and exacting; only a brief summary of its laws are given here. It is important to remember that exact and unquestioned adherence to the law is the goal of the Knight. The greatest problem facing the Knights at the time of the War of the Lance was that the spirit of the Oath had left them. Only the rigid, unbending shell of the Measure remained. The Knights learned that honor does not lie in the aged and dusty codes of the Measure, but in the heart of the true Knight. Though this lesson was hard and costly and learned only slowly, it eventually promises to make the Knighthood a shining example and power -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- in the world again. The Oath and the Measure were compiled from the writings of Vinas Solamnus and his successors. The whole of the Measure eventually consisted of thirty-seven 300-page volumes. The following are some excerpts from the Measure. "The Oath governs all a Knight is and does. It is his life's blood, more sacred to him than life itself." "The Measure of a Knight is taken by how well he upholds the Oath. We judge a Knight against the Measure and by the Measure. The Measure of the Rose deals with holy wisdom among the Knights. The measure of the Sword deals with the discipline of Honor among Knights. The Measure of the Crown deals with the disciplines of Loyalty and Obedience." "No Knight found wanting in the Measure of any Order shall command Knights of the field of battle nor council with them until repented of his unknightly deeds." The Knights of the Crown and their Measure -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The Order of the Crown exemplifies the ideals of Loyalty and Obedience in all that a Knight is and does. Loyalty is the unquestioned promise of a Knight to a higher power and authority. Loyalty is a treasure valued only when it is justly given. Those to whom loyalty is due includes the following: the just before Habbakuk and all that is good, those oppressed by evil, and those monarchs who by decree and common consent of the Knightly Councils are in good standing with the Knighthood and deserving of its honorable loyalty and protection. Acts befitting a Knight of the Crown include these: unquestioned obedience to those whose authority is righteously maintained in the Knightly Councils, dedication to the ideals of the Measure, Loyalty to brother Knights of all orders, and all other acts that cause the strengthening of loyalty among the Knights. Responsibilities of a Knight of the Crown: ..... service and aid to any fellow Knight who is about the business of his order and requires assistance, service to the kingdoms on the List of Loyalty as compiled by the Grand Circle of Knights. -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The Knights of the Sword and their Measure The Order of the Sword combines the purest ideals of heroism and courage with the power of the gods of good. Courage is sacrifice to the ideals of honor; it is the well from which true honor draws its life. Heroism includes acts of might in defense of sacrifice and honor. Those to whom heroism is due include the following: the weak and the oppressed, the enslaved, the poor, the falsely imprisoned, fellow Knights in need, and the defenseless. Acts befitting a Knight of the Sword: facing evil without concern for personal suffering, accepting the challenge of combat for the honor of the Knighthood, defending the honor of the Knighthood, defending the honor of a fellow Knight in good standing, protecting the defenseless and weak. Responsibilities of a Knight of the Sword:...........pay homage to the gods each day (though in times of great hardship, once in a quartermonth is still a seemly practice), never decline combat with an evil opponent nor flee from such combat regardless of the strength of the enemy, protect the weak and the defenseless wherever the need -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- arises, abstain forever from the use of Knightly powers for unrighteous reasons. The Knights of the Rose and their Measure The Order of the Rose exemplifies honor guided by wisdom and justice. Wisdom is the strength of honor and ability applied in the service of just causes. Justice is the heart of the Measure and the soul of a Rose Knight. All beings regardless of their stations, positions, or beliefs have equal claim to compassion under the Measure. Deeds befitting a Knight of the Rose include the following: taking one's life for the sake of others, giving no thought to one's own safety in defense of the Knighthood, protecting the lives of fellow Knights, seeing that no life is wasted or sacrificed in vain. Responsibilities of a Knight of the Rose:.......to honor the gods of good at all times and in all acts, to fight for justice without regard to personal safety or comfort, to never submit to any evil foe, -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- to sacrifice all in the name of honor. (Realize, however, that these guidelines were created by Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman for the Knights in their novels. They do not strictly apply to members of this guild. I have copied them here as a guide for those members who are interested. Dordon) EOF > borrow prayers You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book Prayers and devotion to Paladine and his sons, Habbakuk and Kiri- Jolith, marks the faith of a true knight. Each knight expresses their worship in various ways. Regardless of how you choose to show faith in Paladine and his sons, some simple guidelines will help mold you into a knight of spiritual oneness with Paladine. prayers to your patron differ from those directly to Paladine. When praying to your patron, focus on the specific testaments of your Order. If you belong to the Order of the Crown, pray to Habbakuk for loyalty among your fellow knights, or if you pray to Kiri-Jolith, patron son of the Sword Order, ask him to guide you with honour and faith. If you belong to the Order of the Rose, Paladine, himself, is your patron. Seperate these prayers from your normal prayers and focus on what the Rose Order upholds foremost. Ask for the granting of holy wisdom and that those around you will also see the light of Paladine. In short, know why your specific Order was created and pray to your patron to keep his edicts forevermore. Direct prayers to Paladine may involve any and everything you wish. They may contain prayers for battle prowess, a blessing for the safety of friends, and especially prayers to search to become the true knight Paladine orginally created us to be. At times also pray that Paladine's grace will flow through you and touch the hearts of others, so they too will understand why we follow Paladine and his sons, and perhaps they will wish to join us in the struggle against evil. You may lift a prayer anywhere you choose, but when you visit the chapel stop and take time to let Paladine know of your faith and devotion to him. Running in and out does little to let Paladine know why you have chosen to be a knight. Speak your prayers silently, or like me, speak them aloud, but nevertheless take time to speak them. Closing Prayer: "Paladine, I thank thee for opening my eyes and showing me a way to show others the value of prayers. Bless this sacred tome in hopes that others will raise their voice to you in complete faith. In your name, thus, I have written." Sir Kayen Makalis Bloodbane, Order of the Crown. > borrow service to thee You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book "Service to Thee" Words by Augustus Todd. Music by Thomas Walton. Service to thee, unquestioning be, the Knights of the Crown value loyalty. Faithful and true, in all that they do, the Oath and the Measure define. Devoted to serve, never to swerve, while aiding the brethren of Paladine. Power to fight, evil to smite, the Knights of the Sword battle day or night. Challenging foes, regardless of woes, protecting what's right and divine. Courageously stay, never to stray, while fighting the battles of Paladine. Honour to show, good deeds to sow, the Knights of the Rose help where'er they go. Selflessly give, righteously live, to follow a higher design. Noble and just, their lives they entrust, to uphold the standards of Paladine. entered by Teth Dallyon. An Epic Tale of the Bravery of Sir Ballorin of the Crown compiled by Sir Tibbit Makalis of the Crown this Tenth day of H'rarmont in the year 351 after the Cataclysm Let me tell you, friends, fellow Solamnians, of the deeds long-past of Sir Ballorin, the Lord Warrior, Knight of the Crown; for the deeds of great knights, long gone to their rest in Paladine's arms, can even now rouse us to great acts of courage, honor, and loyalty. Sir Ballorin set out from the battlements, high and strong, of great Vingaard one fine morning of Spring, riding Salton, his sure-footed steed, and accompanied by his Squire, young Revas. Their travel took them across the Plains of Solamnia, heading for the great city of Palanthas. On their second day out from Vingaard Keep, Squire Revas noticed a broken-down wagon ahead of them in the road. Now, as every man knows, a Knight will always stop to help those in need; and Sir Ballorin was, in truth, one of the mightiest of Knights ever to walk these lands. Reigning in, the Knight called out, "Friends, I am Sir Ballorin of Solamnia, Knight of the Crown. Can I lend some assistance?" -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Unbenownst to Sir Ballorin and his trusty Squire, a trap had been lain. Baron Orkas, a local lord and a petty and evil man, had been informed of Sir Ballorin's journey, and had set into motion an evil plan whereby highly-paid and well-trained mercenaries were to set upon the Knight and to slay him, taking from him his possessions. Simple road bandits would be blamed, and Baron Orkas would have the satisfaction of watching a Knight laid low; for, as all men know, no evil creature can stand to see the good flourish and prosper. Thus it was that, as our heroes, all unawares, approached the wagon, twenty armed men suddenly emerged from where they had lain hidden in and around the wagon and in the tall grasses beside the road as it made its narrow way across the vast Solamnian Plains. With a cry of surprise young Squire Revas struggled to draw his sword. Sir Ballorin, however, remained calm, facing down the mercenaries of Baron Orkas. "I should warn thee," he spoke quietly, "to make haste and depart. If you should remain here, I should surely be forced to kill you." -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The warriors, taking this for a joke, laughed racously; and several moved in to capture the Knight and his horse. Then, suddenly, Sir Ballorin's sword was in his hand-- though none had thought him possessing of time with which to draw it-- and the nearest man's outreached hand fell, twitching, to the soil. The mercenary gave a cry of anguish, then, and the others drew back. "I say again," Sir Ballorin announced, "withdraw, and be done with this foolishness." But the fools only looked to each other and, then, charged forward. Sir Ballorin spurred his horse forward, swinging in wide arcs as he took on the challenge of the hired men. When a half-dozen had fallen, the Knight looked up, and worry touched his mind; for his young Squire, not so well trained as the Knight himself, had been laid upon and dragged bodily from his saddle. Foully, the mercenaries began to beat and kick the poor young man until he was bloody and -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- senseless from their onslaught. Sir Ballorin charged toward them, again laying about him on both sides, his Solamnian broadsword flashing in the sunlight of midday. Though they were many, the mercenaries could not hold back the righteous onslaught of so brave and strong a Knight, and one so filled with the spirit of Paladine. As many more fell before Sir Ballorin, the desperate men turned at last to his mount and, like cowards must, directed their attacks to the poor beast. Soon it stumbled, bleeding, and Sir Ballorin was forced to abandon his steed and take on the mercenaries on foot. But now, only a simple half-dozen remained; and so Sir Ballorin quickly dispatched them, save one, whom he wrestled to the ground. "Tell me," the Knight demanded of the bloody and injured hired sword, "who sent you? Surely you are not simple bandits." For such was the Knight's skill that he knew these men must have had, behind them, a controlling mind. "Baron Orkas," the bleeding mercenary answered. "The Baron paid us to waylay you." -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Dropping the man to the soil beside the road, Sir Ballorin moved swiftly. Taking up his Squire's injured body, he mounted the uninjured horse which had belonged to young Revas and set off at a gallop for nearby Vingaard. The stalwart Knight roade all that day and night without rest, concerned for his gravely wounded Squire. When, after much hard riding, his steed was exhausted and began to stumble, Sir Ballorin dismounted and, settling Revas's body nearby, gave a brief but fervent prayer to Paladine, asking for the strength only to continue until his Squire could be brought to safety. Instantly feeling renewed, the Knight took up his Squire's body and carried him the rest of the way to Vingaard on foot, stopping only when he, at long last, stepped inside the mighty gates of Vingaard Keep to stand in the courtyard which now holds our revered statue of Huma. As Knights and Squires hurried to his aid, taking young Revas immediately to bed for rest and healing, Sir Ballorin turned down water and food offered to him by attendants. Instead, the mighty Knight called only for a horse, that he might go forth and pay Baron Orkas his due for this treachery. -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- And so Sir Ballorin galloped off, coming the next day to the castle of Baron Orkas. In the Baron's own throne room the mighty Knight confronted the villain, asking him to a duel which would settle the matter. The cowardly lord, however, knowing full well, as any man knows, the great battle skills of a Knight of Solamnia, instead ordered his guards to charge the Knight. For brevity's sake, let us only say that Sir Ballorin easily put down all resistance which the Baron could offer. At the last he returned, victorious, to Vingaard with the Baron in tow, tied to his steed, that thevillain would face trial before a tribune. Friends, let us remember the dedicationi of Sir Ballorin to the causes of good and of justice, and to his injured Squire, for whom the Knight gave all. And, when we feel times are most against us, let us look to the bravery and loyalty of this great Knight, and emulate him as best we are able. -- More -- 120 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- May Paladine guide all our swords. Sir Tibbit Makalis of the Crown, on commission from Lord Finglas of the Crown, High Warrior of Solamnia EOF Sularus Humah durvey Karamnes Humah durvey Draco! Solamnis na fai tarus Mithas! Est paxum kudak draco Draco-Humah oparu sac Draco-Humah coni parl ai fam Saat mas Solamnis vegri nough Coni est Lor Tarikan Sularus Humah Karram Humah Solamnis Humah durvey Karamnes Humah durvey Mithas! Humah dix karai! Ex dix! Oparu est dix! Solamnis Lor Alan Paladine! Humah mithas est mithasah! Draco-Humah durvey! written by Lord Tracy Hickman, entered by Teth of the Order of the Sword > borrow the life of a knight You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The history of Morrigan uth Matar, as composed by himself with help of Astinus of Palanthas regarding events prior to his birth on the eleventh day of Argon (or Fierswelt as it is known in Solamnia) in the three-hundred and thirty-third year following the Cataclysm. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Prologue Perhaps the best way to begin my tale would be to relate some significant events prior to my birth. Hopefully, the story will unfold in such a way that will bathe the dark and twisted path of my life with a soft light of understanding. I will strive to recall with detail all that I relate in this text, but cannot promise to produce a flawlessly accurate journal. The first two sections were made known to me through Astinus' volumes of history in the great library of Palanthas only recently, but I have changed the order so that the story is more understandable. * * * * * -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- VOLUME I The Days of Yesteryear It was a day as any other on Krynn when the charming dark-haired man happened upon a young elven maiden frolicking innocently in a glistening brook somewhere outside of Qualinesti. Enthralled, the mercenary could not turn his gaze from the beautiful, green-eyed maiden or her shimmering, silver hair that flowed in lustrous waves down her slender form all the way to her hips. Spread along the bank of the brook was a trail of carelessly shed armour, undergarments, and weapons. The man made his way as stealthily as he could manage, hoping for a better vantage point. The elf rose magnificently from the water, and the watching man could not help but catch his breath as the water streamed in sparkling rivulets down her fair skin. He certainly did not dare breath as the elf exploded into action, leaping toward him and managing to knock him down as she caught him off balance. The cold tip of a dagger pressed against his chest and he did not risk taking a breath, much less struggling to escape. -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The elf's eyes were filled with anger as she brought the hilt of her dagger crashing down upon the man's jaw, sending him into the hazy realm of unconsciousness. He woke to find her regarding him with the same anger-filled eyes. He opened his mouth to offer some explanation, but shut it again as the elf spoke first. Do not even attempt to argue your innocence, Gregor. Did you really think you could sneak up on an elf in the woods? Really, I heard your heavy boots crushing leaf and twig far before I caught the glint of sunlight on your scabbard from where you perched so ridiculously in the bushes. "Very well, you win, Alustrial. I have no excuse, other than being a man. He offered the best lopsided, charming grin he could manage with his sore jaw. "That cute little grin only worked once." "Perhaps so, but it worked well that one time, did it not?" he asked with a grin. -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- An ever-so-slight smile softened her face for an instant. "Well enough. I'm starting to notice differences now, thanks to that one successful grin. I feel sluggish, tired, and generally irritable. The last sparked a laugh from the mercenary, Alustrial, you have never been anything, if not irritable. "If you don't stop teasing me, I might show you just how irritable I can be. She paused a moment, before adding with a defiant twinkle in her eyes, Again. "Fair enough." * * * * * He looks an awful lot like his father, she mused to herself. The mercenary's charms were surpassed only by his independability. Her thoughts turned back to the most important thing in her life, -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- conforming the Knighthood to the way she knew it should be. Her sponsor into the Knighthood, the High Justice, had continued to back her despite many unpleasant experiences she had been part of. She was not an altogether unpleasant person, but she placed nothing as high as her ultimate goal: to shape the Knighthood into her dream. The Conclave of Knights was altogether too complacent and laid back, in her opinion. Had she her way, a vast majority of Knights would be thrown from the sacred halls of Vingaard on their corrupt and dishonourable rumps. Her thoughts grew more and more angry as she stormed down the stone hallways of Vingaard Keep, toward the office of the High Justice. The guards posted outside his doorway moved to question her as she approached, and the closest one was rewarded with a jarring backhand from her mailed fist. As she turned toward the other guard, her hands dropped to her shapely hips. But her rage-filled eyes belied her pleasant appearance. The guard was just a squire but, still in training for the Knighthood, he was not about to step aside for any intruder, -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Knight or not. The seething elf casually removed a ceremonial shield from the wall above the fallen guard and flung it full force at the doorway she sought to enter. The High Justice emerged from the office seconds later, no doubt startled by the tremendous clang of metal and mortar. He motioned for the squire to step aside. With a sigh, he ordered the squire to help his fallen comrade to his quarters before turning to deal with the familiar rage of his former squire. She had stormed into the office as soon as the door opened, and as he turned to face her he could not help but smile at the all-too-common sight of her beautiful face completely flushed with anger. Alustrial, he began tiredly, "you really must work on your temper. No one else gets away with acting this way. "No one else is always right, either!" she shot back. The old elven High Justice smiled at her fondly. He was -- More -- 120 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- the most patient person she had ever met, and though she would never admit it, she appreciated it and knew that she was lucky to have him as a mentor. I hear you threatened to kill one of our sentries today. "You're damn right I did. By the Gods, the Keep was under attack and she sat like a lame gully dwarf in the courtyard, indifferent about the situation. I should have struck her down where she sat, the worthless wench! The older elf knew it was fruitless to try to talk to her when she was like this, and nodded in understanding to appease her. "Don't blow me off, I want her thrown out immediately." "You know that will never happen." She strode toward the door, turning as she reached it to say through clenched teeth, Then I will deal justice -- More -- 140 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- myself. I will return with an army behind me, one that can crush the lazy band of trash that pollutes the Knighthood. "You know I will not fight you, Alustrial." "You will, or you will die," she stated simply. "You are being ridiculous, what do you hope to accomplish with this insanity? "I know what I must do now. I will return and wage war on Solamnia. I will march across the land like fire upon the plains until I arrive at the very gates of this fortress. Then I will challenge you, she stated coolly. You will either slay me, gaining the respect of your Knights in the process, she paused for a moment before finishing, or you will die, and I will slaughter every last one of those who stand in my way. I will rebuild the Knighthood into the Order we both know it should be. Either way, I better serve the Knighthood this way than in complacent loyalty. -- More -- 160 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- She turned on her heels and marched out of the Keep, resigned to her place in the history of the Solamnic Knights. She would serve Solamnia with her death, eagerly, if such was her destiny. Her child was turned over to his father, who did not want him. She would have liked to have raised him, but the Knighthood came first. At least, she thought, he does not have any outward sign of his mixed blood. Her dreams were never realized, for she failed to amass an army possessing the necessary strength to carry out her plan. She turned to a solitary life in the forests and never returned to Solamnia. * * * * * The Early Years Born and raised in a moderate Castle in Southern Solamnia, I'd held aspirations of becoming a Knight for as long as I could -- More -- 180 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- remember. I grew up a member of a family I did not truly belong to, but that knowledge was withheld from me until I had dwelled there long enough that the knowledge did not matter. Those who I called 'family' were my family by then, despite what techni- calities disputed that. My father, Morgan Makar, had ties to the Knighthood, having indeed been a Knight until an injury to his swordarm left him unable to fight. His father, Andregoras, is a Knight to this day, and it is from him that I learned the ways of battle. My defiant spirit was often attributed to Andregoras, but the blood in my veins is not his, so there is no ancestry between the two of us. Rather, my heritage lies alongside that of another great warrior, the Blue Lady, Kitiara uth Matar. Her father, Gregor uth Matar, is also my father by birth. Exactly how I came to be in the world was long unknown to me, and has only recently been revealed to me by Astinus of Palanthas. How I came to learn of my relation to Kitiara will come later in the tale. I traveled to Solamnia at an early age, eager to realize my -- More -- 200 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- life-long dream of becoming a Knight of Solamnia. I soon found a willing sponsor in Lady Diri Graathawk, who was the High Warrior of the Crown at that time. My ambition, mixed with naiveté, led to a squirehood full of scandal. I became romantically involved with my sponsor, who was married to the High Clerist, Ladindell. The ensuing scandal destroyed my aspirations of becoming a Knight, and ultimately led to my departure from the Knighthood. Growing anger on the part of Ladindell and myself led to a duel, in which he was the challenger. As is custom, the terms of the duel were at my discretion. I hated Ladindell more than anything in the world, and chose arms extreme despite knowing I was outmatched. I was a strong squire, but no match for a fully trained Knight. In the end, he chose not to kill me, for whatever reason I do not know, for I surely would have killed him. Lady Diri was soon led astray by her dark past which ever haunted her. I strove to fortify her faith, but it was not to be. I left the Knighthood, and unknowingly followed the path of my mother into the tranquil forests of Gondor. Soon upon my graduation into the Company of Gondor, I was trans- ferred to the battle fronts of Ithilien to serve as Sergeant, which -- More -- 220 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- suited me just fine. I was thereby given the chance to serve under my mentor Captain Twilight Brockhouse of Ithilien. But controversy was hot on my heals, no matter how far or fast I fled. After another scandal, which seemed to mirror my tragic romance with Lady Diri, my desire to serve as a Ranger was utterly destroyed and tainted forever. By this time, Ladindell had left the ranks of Solamnia, and the new High Clerist was my long time friend Bayerd Brightblade, who later became the first Grand Master appointed in the years following the Cataclysm. In him, I found a true mentor, companion, and friend. Many were the times when we stood side by side, waging war and wreaking havoc on the foul dragonarmies and the occasional hoodlum. Without the tribulation that plagued my first squirehood, I soon prospered and was Knighted. The days that followed were some of the grandest I can remember, and it was during these days that I came to learn of my sister. To be continued... -- More -- 240 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The history of Morrigan uth Matar, Volume II, written in retrospect from the heavens, in the years following the return of the Knight- hood to the lands of Krynn. More specific a date cannot be given, as time passes differently in the heavens than it does on Krynn. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- VOLUME II The Golden Years It was a foggy, grim morning in Solamnia as I looked out over the vast plains admiring them more than looking for signs of danger. My eyes noticed a winged shape for only a split-second before it descended into the impenetrable fog. Fear that felt like the cold metal of a dagger pierced my heart, and I found myself overcome with a terror that I had never thought possible. The fog parted, -- More -- 260 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- and on the plains loomed the most magnificent, the most horrible, beast I had ever seen. A huge blue dragon. A stimulating mixture of fear and excitement raced through my veins, how long I had waited for the chance to charge into battle against a mythical dragon like the legendary Knights had done. I ran down stone corridor after corridor, finally reaching my destination. The sound of the alarm bell rang out ominously over the Keep as I drew my longsword and took up my shield. When the present Knights had gathered, I was taken aback by the fact that I was the highest ranking Knight. Barely able to control the elation now racing through me, I set out to lead the defence of the mighty fortress of Vingaard. We rode forth onto the plains surrounding our home, the iron trod feet of our great war-horses thundering as we caught a glimpse of the huge beast in the distance. Fear like I had never known gripped us, freezing all but the most stalwart. The draconians spread like wildfire in all directions -- More -- 280 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- across the plains. We turned away from the dragon and charged after a band which was heading for the front gates of the Keep. At the crossroads I happened upon an old companion, Leviathon of Ithilien, who had served as Lieutenant alongside me during my time as the Sergeant of Ithilien. Though badly wounded already, she volunteered to come along and lend what aid she could to us. Simmering with adrenaline, we quickly dispatched of the draconian band and turned our concerns toward the High Clerist's Tower. The guards there were engaged in a battle most foul, facing five to one odds. They were obviously losing ground quickly, for their backs were against the unyielding steel of the Spur's gates. For a brief moment, my seemingly small team gazed upon the dreadful sight, adrenaline beginning to ebb as we realized the danger we faced. No sooner had I begun to doubt than I heard one of the guards cry out, 'Stand fast, we are all that stands between these foul minions and the sacred tower!' Filled with righteous rage, I shouted out, 'For Solamnia!' in response my fellow Knight's battlecry. With renewed vigour, I charged toward the battle, cutting down the nearest draconian with the first swing of my sword. At this time my team numbered four, -- More -- 300 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- including Leviathon, who was unable to fight. The other two were inexperienced squires. I hoped I would not let them fall in their first major battle, and I felt my own skill in battle hindered as I struggled to keep an eye on them. Squires though they may be, they fought with the battlehardened fervor of Knights, perhaps spurred on by the same indignation that coursed furiously through my veins. One of the squires took a heavy blow from an axe-wielding draconian before I could intervene. I could feel the edge we had initially begin to fade before one of the gate guards fell. The wounded squire leaped toward the fallen Knight, valiantly trying to ward off the blows of the draconians. I was cut off from the squire, who was surrounded by draconians from all sides. There was still one gate guard able to fight, a fully trained Knight, and he did what he could to help the squire and his fallen comrade. Suddenly, Leviathon sprang from the bushes alongside the road, knocking the great axe from the hands of the unsuspecting draconian even as she drew something from a pouch at her side. I realized she was in concentration to cast a spell, and I noticed the wounded squire begin to move a little easier, though the -- More -- 320 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- deep wound in his side still bled somewhat. The remaining squire at my side and I charged forward, each blow was aimed to kill as we sacrificed defence in desperation to reach our endangered companion. The road was soon engulfed in acid and fire as the raiding draconians fell swiftly to our avenging blades. I instructed the remaining gate guard to take the wounded squire and badly injured gate guard back to the Keep, they could do no good in their condition. Before he left, he stopped and saluted me with his sword, and I remembered how long I had dreamed of a day such as this. But my mind was jerked back to reality as I remembered the dragon, and wondered just how I could possibly manage to fend off such a beast of legend with one squire and one wounded ranger. It was at that moment that I first met Eden. A warrior of great skill, she carried with her a great black maul to match the long dark hair that fell around her shoulders. She smiled at me charmingly, and for a brief moment my cares seeped away. When she offered to help with the dragon, I took her up on the offer, needing all the aid I could muster. As we turned toward the dragon again, now four strong, two more -- More -- 340 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Knights arrived to lend their strength to the team. Renewed with hope, we came face to face with what had sprung full force from the stories I heard as a child. Rather than sit and marvel at my insignificance when compared to the dragon, I decided a swift attack would be best, or quickest at least. The dragon's strength was incredible, and devastating bolts of lightning flew from his great maw. Once again, the healing powers of Leviathon proved indispensable, allowing me to fight with an endurance ordinarily impossible. The battle blurred together, I knew only that I was in the fight of my life and that there was no turning back. Suddenly, as if of it's own accord, the dragon fell, his mighty head crushed beneath the huge maul of Eden. The rider that sat astride the great beast sprung to the ground with the grace of a cat. The rider's body was covered with blue scale armour, but the soft curves gave away her gender. The great helm she wore was carved to resemble the fearsome visage of a dragon, but she slid it off and let it fall to the ground as she drew a slender sabre from a scabbard at her side. Removing my own helm, as I often did in -- More -- 360 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- unmounted, hand-to-hand combat to improve visibility, I greeted her with a traditional salute of my sword. A lopsided, cynical grin played across her lips. Her nonchalance struck me as funny, it was something I often felt in battle, too. I returned her grin with one of my own--one, I realized, that was quite similar to hers. Amazement began to sweep over me as I noticed other similarities - the eyes, the casual demeanor. I will never forget the look in her eyes, expressing an attitude so familiar to me. There was a mixture of the same lust I felt for battle and the confusion that I felt as I looked at her. Suddenly, her eyes hardened and the grin returned to her face. She lunged forward, slicing upwards with her sabre. I was barely able to back away from the lightning fast blow. As the Knights at my side stepped forward to aid me, I marveled at the sheer skill and uncanny speed of this mysterious woman. But we had the odds this time, and she was steadily losing ground. She suffered no serious wounds, but even she could not maintain this level of battle against four Knights. She stepped back, saluted me with her sabre, and was gone in a ruby flash of light. -- More -- 380 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- * * * * * The Dawning of a New Age In the days following, I began to study her, taking special interest when word of her armies reached the halls of Vingaard. It was during this time I began to understand that this lady was, in all likelihood, my birth sister. She bore the name of my blood father, and I decided to reclaim my heritage, changing my name from Makar to uth Matar. My days were numbered in Vingaard. After a controversial battle, in which I slew a common thug who insisted on harassing a lady, I was declared to be a Knight of the Black Rose. An old friend of Ladindell's had risen to the position of High Justice at this time, Lord Aaron Silverblade of the Rose. He knew my aspirations to become a Rose Knight, and vowed that they would never be realized. I felt betrayed by the Knighthood, and left to pursue other goals, namely love, fortune, and the ongoing study of my sister, Kitiara. -- More -- 400 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- I wedded the dark lady of the plains, Eden, and together we grew to be formidable warriors indeed. The days following were dark, filled with blood and carnage. I yeilded to the unbridled, and ever present, thrill of battle which brought me to arms with many of my old companions, including Bayerd Brightblade. I did not seek to kill them, nor did they seek my death, I simply enjoyed war. At this point I had given in completely to my rage, but I was suddenly sobered one day by the memory of my original sponsor into the Knighthood, Lady Diri. I vowed never to let my heritage haunt me as she had, for I knew where that path led. The bloodlust subsided, and I put to rest the rage that had dwelled within me for so long. I began to wander the lands, seeking knowledge above all else. It was during those days that I met the old Knight Teth Dallyon, who I grew to respect in a way I did no other. He seemed to me to be the ideal Knight, and in him I found a leader I could respect and therefore follow. As it turns out, he knew my mother, and she had also respected him as she did no other Knight. It is truly amazing, this winding river of life that seems to flow from generation to generation, though we may not even know it. Teth had long since left this mortal -- More -- 420 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- world, turning to the arcane shaping of the lands themselves. To me he taught this tricky craft, and together we dreamed of the ancient Knighthood of Vinas Solamnus, before the corruption that had followed the Cataclysm had reduced the Knights to shadows of what they once were. We decided to research this golden age of Solamnia and combine our magic to reshape the path of the Knighthood, in hopes to guide it back to its original glory and splendor. At first, our changes were met with heavy resistance and distrust. But in time, things began to take shape in a way we had only dreamed of. The Knighthood rose from the ashes like a reborn phoenix, and twelve Knights were chosen to pioneer this new age. Teth and I were not among them, for we had already fulfilled our calling. The rest was in the hands of the mortals. To be continued... -- More -- 440 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The history of Morrigan uth Matar, Volume III, as composed by him- self on the fourteenth of Mishaman, in the three-hundred and fifty- first year following the Cataclysm. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- VOLUME III The River of Time Some time later, (I write that because time passes differently in the realm of the immortal than it does on Krynn) I began to search for a way back to Krynn. I longed to walk the familiar halls of Vingaard again, to feel the wind upon my face as I stood beside fellow Knights in glorious battle. After many years of studying the intricate patterns of the world, I found an avenue of escape. The journey was grim, leaving my body shattered and my mind without much of the arcane knowledge it once possessed. But it was worth it, for I found a way back to Solamnia. Back to the Knighthood. Back home. And now here I -- More -- 460 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- sit, at a time previous to the time that I departed, yet aged beyond my years. My hair is grey and my face lined, though if the calendar be followed unerringly, I am in my early youth - a mere 19 years old. Yet I have seen far into the future, beyond the point where my mortal flame will have flickered and gone out. It is those things that drive me today, for I know more than most of the future, and hope to change it. It causes me to marvel as I think of the way my ascendants unwittingly shaped the course of my life. I now notice the temper of my mother, but also her unwavering devotion to bettering what she believed in and realizing her destiny. I, too, notice the wild, unpredictable nature of my human father, who preferred to leave rather than face his problems. Even as the ink dries on this parchment, I sit and view the grand halls of Vingaard with the wonder I felt as a child. Truly, my path to peace was long and far from ideal, but those of you who know me best know that I wouldn't have it any other way. * * * * * It is through an amazing course of events that I sit to write -- More -- 480 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- this, the last of my volumes that have collected to record the tale that is my own. I sit, bathed in the shimmering light of the one who awaits me patiently, scribbling furiously to finish before I can turn my thoughts to him. Just a moment longer, my dear friend, I know I have kept you waiting for years, but it will only be a short time now. * * * * * A Return to Glory As the days gave way to years in Solamnia, the Knighthood flourished under the command of its leaders, though I note with interest that none of those leaders were of the original founders. The Knighthood is changing, as ever, and it is a young, perhaps too young, Knighthood. But it is being blessed, nonetheless. The elders, for the most part, have come and gone. The founder of the Brightblade family has served his time in Solamnia, and served it well. His attention is now turned inward, as he attempts to rebuild his family castle. The Knighthood will remember you well, Bayerd Brightblade. The oldest Knight to walk these halls, and the only one who I remember in my early -- More -- 500 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- days, Lord Kayen Makalis Bloodbane has stepped down from the reigns of Grand Master. His line of Knights flourishes still, and a finer Knight I have not known. But today the Knighthood is led by a full Conclave for the first time in a long time, and I do mean today. For today, my dear friend Alban Brightblade has been appointed the High Clerist of the Sword. Alongside him serves myself in the seat of High Justice, and Lord Peldor Trueheart, the High Warrior. One of our eldest Knights, Kuti Silverblade, was appointed Grand Master to succeed Kayen. The days have been good and productive, though Kuti and I have had our fair share of heated arguments. It was amazing to me when I realized that as much as I love the Knighthood, so does he, though he seems to be wrong about everything and do everything backwards. It is difficult to keep an open mind, and I have failed to do so in the past. This past year has been one of my darkest. War has broken out with the recently emerged Blue Dragonarmy, a war which left me in the role of a zealous warrior - a role I'd not played since my dark days as a mercenary. The battles were glorious, and many times Paladine blessed -- More -- 520 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- me in battle, as I defeated enemies which overpowered me in odds and strength. Many times I stood on the brink of death, but lingered to make sure that the battle would be won. Paladine blessed me with discipline and bravery, and he blessed me further for using them. The war came to an end as the Dragonarmy saught peace from the Alliance and withdrew from Flotsam and limited its area of control. But beyond this the days were dark because I ceased being human and existed only as a Knight. My only thoughts were on fighting, bloodshed, winning battles, winning the war. When the war came to a close, it was difficult to change my thinking. It was during this prone time that I suffered the most temptation I have ever faced. Recent diplomatic missions had taken me to the dark city to negotiate with the ringwraiths, the Nazgul. I believe it was this visit that spurred on the dreams that were to plague me for months. My dreams were filled with darkness, darkness beyond ogres and draconians. Darkness beyond dragons. Darkness from the far away land of Gondor. I knew little of what the dreams meant, but I could think on nothing else, for just as they filled my nights, they, too, occupied my days. I began to search for answers, and found mentors in Middle Earth - both light and dark. -- More -- 540 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Lady Iliana, Captain of Gondor, mentored me in the Quenya, the ancient tongue, as well as the history of Gondor. It was through her aid that I came to understand the meaning of the name I was called in my dream, "Morimahtar." What clearly resembled my true name, also resembled me, for it meant the Black Knight. I felt a summons stronger than any I have ever felt, as I was drawn toward the dark city of Minas Morgul. The time to lay down my sword had come, and I went to Minas Morgul in search of answers. I found those there who revealed themselves to me, who beckoned to me to yield to the summons. I very nearly did. As I allowed emotions long suppressed in me to arise, as the first lady since my return from the heavens stirred interest in me, I realized that when one emotion thrives, others thrive as well. Lady Iliana was taken, by a strong elf-lord. My past repeated still, always drawn to what I could not have, was I. I resolved to not make the same mistakes I had made in the past, and did not allow my emotions to cloud my judgement in regards to Iliana. In so doing, I opened myself to bitterness and resentment, which the dark servants of the Annatar seemed to mend. I saught their counsel on the meanings of the dreams and how I could find reprieve -- More -- 560 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- from them. The following is excerpts from a letter I sent regarding the dream. * * * * * The Test of Faith ... In this dream, I am riding forth into battle with an army of my Knights to a dark citadel, under the watch of a full moon. This strange course of events is no doubt due to my family crest being a full moon rising over a dark citadel. In any case, as I prepare to signal for the attack, I see a rider astride a black steed and in dark armour, much like my chosen mount and ancestral armour. I spur my steed forward to meet this lone defender of the citadel, as it is proper for leaders of opposing armies to meet before battle. Cloaked in black, with a hood drawn deep over his face, hiding it in the shadows, he calls to me by my childhood name, Mori. He tells me that the time has come for me to join him. Not prepared to hand myself over to the enemy when by all accounts -- More -- 580 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- I have the obvious advantage of an army behind me, I ask him to move aside, as he is obviously mad and presents an obstacle to my conquering of the dark citadel. His mystery continues to unfold as he tells me that I am the only obstacle in my way. This I do not understand. He calls me my childhood name again, formally this time, and tells me that I am his Mori Matar. I assume that the loss of the uth from my surname is due to language differences, but still it seems strange to me that he would call me by my childhood name and a name that I did not take until adulthood, as well as in a way that seems to imply that I am property of his. I command him to stand aside at this point, but he only laughs and tells me, You look, Mori Matar, but you do not see... and he vanishes. I turn back to my army, but see instead an army of orcs charging toward me. I have nowhere to run, at my back is the dark citadel, and a dark figure watches from the battlements who I assume to be the rider, who must also be a sorcerer if I am to judge from his vanishing. I spur my magnificent midnight-black warhorse toward the gate of the dark citadel, intending to at least get a wall behind my back so I must only fight on one front. -- More -- 600 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- I reach for my sword, but do not find it. The voice of the rider, which by now sounds strangely familiar to me, calls to me inside my head and says that it is time for me to lay down my sword and do battle. This obviously makes no sense, so I have not tried to make heads or tails of it. As I watch the orcs approach, they are chanting a battlecry of my name as I was called by the rider, Mori Matar! Mori Matar! As they near me and I prepare for death, they move around me as if I do not exist and begin to do battle with the Knights - my Knights! - that have appeared to defend the gates of a mighty fortress which has replaced the citadel I have seen already in its place. My head reels at this point, and I reach to cover my eyes with my hands, trying to clear my head, when I notice black robes upon my arms that are not the colour of my family cape, which is deep crimson. On them I see script that is strange to me, but that I understand to mean the Black Knight. Perhaps this is a reference to a Knight of the Black Rose, but it is not in my native Solamnian script, so I do not know. The dream begins to fade at this point, but as if from a great distance the rider's voice calls to me again, saying, "Now you see, -- More -- 620 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- but do not understand... But you shall, for you are mine, Mori Matar... that you cannot undo. And in my mind, I see only an eye, terrible and the deep crimson of my family, resting in the full moon that our legend tells us that watches over us and our dark castle, which now lies in ruins... * * * * * Much of the dream is revealed to me now, and much still remains a mystery. Of the revelations, I can reveal only a few. It was often of my ancestors that the time for them to die in battle would be heralded by the face of death in the full moon that watched over us. It was also revealed to me that upon my birth there was an anomoly in the skies of Krynn, called a Night of the Eye, when the moons of Krynn align to look like a giant red eye in the night sky. I know not whether this holds some meaning for me, but the possibilities are interesting. In the end, I chose to ignore the summons, and though it took weeks, the tugging at my soul faded. It was during this time that those closest to me noticed a difference in my demeanor, and I hope they will understand why I did what I did during this time of darkness, for I could not explain it -- More -- 640 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- then. For once in my life, I had stayed planted when my desire was to leave. Perhaps it is for this wise decision that I am blessed. The days following saw the grandest tournament that I had ever witnessed, and participated in, as the joust was on the agenda for the first time. Kuti and I made our peace, and resolved to work together despite our differences. I was at home in Solamnia again, having finally overcome the destructive nature of my family, of both my families, that lay dormant for long years, only to resurface and threaten its victim. * * * * * The Destiny of a Knight As we rode forth to do battle with Verminaard, Alban, Tianar, Kyle and I discussed the nature of dragons. I consider myself quite an expert on the subject of dragon nature, and I knew a way to face Verminaard without his beast interfering. The red dragon was doing his duty for Verminaard, there was no love lost between the two of them. -- More -- 660 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- They did not share the bond that my half-sister and her noble mount share, nor the mutual feelings of preservation for the other. Many a time I had used my knowledge of dragon nature to face dragons, even alone, and though I sometimes failed to defeat them, it was always a worthwile challenge. Only months ago, I had faced off with a white dragon in Icewall who nearly got the best of me as she surprised me with a cone of frost that blew me from my steed and to the very brink of death. Since, I had returned and slew the foul beast. But a white dragon is a far cry from an ancient red, the type I would be faced with today. Through my own discovery and risk, I diverted the attention of the dragon from Verminaard, and engaged him with my teammates. Verminaard was falling before our combined might when we blinded two of the four of us, and we decided to retreat temporarily to restore our sight. I could not protect my teammates blind, after all. When the curse of the Dragonqueen wore off, restoring my sight, we enterred the room again. The dragon's constant radiation of fear aided Verminaard though the dragon did not directly aid him otherwise. Alban and I had seen enough battles with dragons that while we definitely felt the -- More -- 680 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- affects of the fear, we were not paralyzed by it, as were the others. So tormented by this fear was Kyle that he could not even move a muscle. It was then that the red dragon sprung and attacked Kyle, seeing a helpless foe that would satisfy his hunger. Kyle, unable to move, was being slaughtered. I suggested retreat, yet he did not move. I ordered him to leave, but he stood fast. I shouted to him to flee for his life, but he did not hear me. Swearing in frustration, Alban and I tried to save him, as I moved between the dragon and him, distracting the mighty beast. Time and again we tried to break through to Kyle, but his gaze was steady and undeterred. He did not hear a word we were saying, as the red dragon turned his awesome might to me. One cannot really fend off a dragon's attacks, one can only try to minimize the damage that will inevitably be done. I sacrificed shoulder, arms, and legs to avoid mortal blows to my head, throat, and chest. I could only hope to hold off the dragon long enough for Kyle to -- More -- 700 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- regain his senses. I ordered everyone to leave, but to their credit, Tianar and Alban remained. I was hurting badly from the beating being administered by the dragon's mighty claws and maw, and crushed by his tremendous tail. But I was not dead yet, I had some life left in me. I focused only on dodging the dragon, Verminaard's attacks were nothing in comparison. Kyle stood still, severely wounded from the damage the dragon's initial attacks had done to their helpless prey. But I stood in the dragon's way now, shielding him from harm. Surely he would snap out of it soon. The most terrible sound one can hear when facing a dragon is a sharp intake of breath, and never has it sounded more terrible to me than it did today. As the dragon rose to its massive height, spreading wide its glorious wings, the hiss of rushing air travelling swiftly into his lungs filled my ears. I looked at my wounds, and knew that it would be costly to not flee. I turned to Kyle, but his ears were still deaf, so awesome was the fear emanating from the ancient red dragon. I could have run and escaped, easily, but Kyle was under my protection -- More -- 720 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- and I could not - no, would not - leave him to die alone. The sounds around me faded and the world slowed to a crawl as I turned to look into the maw of the dragon that was rising high above the ground. I looked into the face of death as I had countless times before, and was given a choice. A choice that is not always given. I could save myself, and accept the loss of a teammate who I could not save anyway. But for me there was no choice. Perhaps it was the defiant nature of my mother. Perhaps it was the peace I felt at facing myself, my greatest enemy, that caused me to place my fate in the hands of the Gods for the first time. Always had I taken it into my own hands. It is difficult to judge whether or not that decision was wise, because one knows not what the Gods have in store. This time, though, I knew my time had come. The time to lay down my sword truly had come. All my life I had rushed things, done things my way, and it had left me in a sea of tormenting strife within myself. Not this time. I knew my place, it was beside my fellow Knight, my loyal teammate. I looked into the face of death for the last of many times, and as the dragon's maw descended, a river of flame flew forth. -- More -- 740 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- The last thing I saw Kyle fall to the flames, but there was no guilt on my shoulders, for I had done all I could. I had done all I could. My battle was fought, my race run. I felt my sword slip from my hand as the sun set for the last time, and the world went dark. * * * * * Epilogue - A Fond Farwell I was taken back to what had become my favourite place, the balcony of the mighty and hallowed halls of Vingaard Keep, where I would look out over the plains as the morning clouds blanketed them. I watched the sun rise as I looked into the heavens, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one who I had left behind among the clouds, my oldest friend who stands by me still in the garden of this great fortress. Surveying the land that meant more to me than anything, Solamnia. My native soil that had never left my heart, throughout it all. Smiling to myself as thoughts of the past, of battles fought, and friends lost drifted through my mind, I turned to one who stood beside me, who waits -- More -- 760 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- even now as I pen my last words upon this world of Krynn. Even as I stand from my desk in my home of Vingaard Keep, I will lay my sword at his feet and take his hand as he leads me to my next journey. I write this so that future Knights can learn from my life, so that I will continue to serve and aid the Knights of Solamnia despite all. If you take nothing else from this, take this one thing to heart. The worst thing a Knight faces is not death, for the hardest battle any warrior will have to fight is lying down his blade at the end of the fight. Few things matter in the grand scheme of things, remember those that do and cherish them. The time has come for me to take a bow, and bid you a fond farewell, for on this day, the fourteenth of Mishamont, or Brookgreen as we call it in Solamnia, or Spring Dawning as it is known to the elves, in the three-hundred and fifty-first year following the Cataclysm, I have died. The end. -- More -- 780 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- EOF borrow vinasfest You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book Vinasfest Vinasfest is held upon the twenty-seventhday of fifthmonth, and is hailed by Solamnians as Vinas Solamnus's Day of Life-Gift, the anniversary of his rebellion against the Emperor of Ergoth, and the anniversary of the foundation of the Knighthood. While many scholars question whether these events actually all occured on the same day, the Knights of Solamnia have traditionally held this ascertation sacred, and thus Vinasfest endures. Every year on Vinasfest, the Knights of Solamnia honorably enjoy themselves in a variety of tournaments such as jousting, duels, and other contests of knightly skill. Tournaments are held all across Solamnia on Vinasfest, the largest being at Palanthas, Solanthus, Vingaard, Caergoth, and Sancrist. Jousting, melee, and archery are chief amoung the tourneys held by the Knights, and combatants are eventually whittled down to three champions, one from each of the Orders of the Crown, Sword, and Rose. The three champions do battle until a High Champion is determined, and the High Champion becomes a guest of honor at the great feast in the host Knight's manor that evening. Becoming the High Champion of a Vinasfest tournament is one of the highest honors a Knight of Solamnia can receive in times of peace. More importantly, the tournaments are a chance for unmarried male Knights to woo ladies and carry their tokens. Many Solamnic marriages can be traced back to a Knight acting as his lady- wife's champion at a Vinasfest tourney. The feasts in the evening are generally staid and formal affairs but the venison is without peer and Solamnic brewers and vinters save their finest ales and wines for Vinasfest. Each Knight at the feast is expected to tell a tale of some honorable deed he has performed in the past year (the older, retired Knights are allowed to speak of their sons' deeds or feats they themselves performed in their youth). The night ends with courtly dancing. Everything in sight is draped with garlands of pink and red roses during this feast, and it is considered a good omen if a kingfisher alights on the tower of the local keep. Lastly, the Knights have taken to devoting this holiday and its tourney to the god Kiri-Jolith. scribed by Fourtcoer Whiteguard from the Guide to Holidays borrow warhorses You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- THE WARHORSES OF THE SOLAMNIAN CAVALRY: A Book Containing the Names, Descriptions, and Assorted Stories of the Warhorses Ridden by the Knights in the Cavalry. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- /// Introduction /// The foundations for the Solamnian Cavalry can be traced back to the formation of the Solamnic Knighthood by Vinas Solamnus. In order to fashion the Solamnic Knights into the finest and most elite combatants in the lands, Vinas naturally included the training of skills and tactics pertaining to the combined weapon of knight and warhorse. Having the Solamnian Cavalry during times of war offered the following advantages: speed of reinforcement troops and supplies to front lines, rapid communication between commanders, screening maneuvers to confuse enemy forces, increased speed in the scouting and reconnaissance of enemy troops and positions, a height advantage against enemy foot-soldiers, and the fearsome charge of the combined knight and warhorse which can destroy enemy lines and formations as well as send opponents retreating in fear and confusion. In order for a knight and warhorse to be victorious in the most dire and overwhelming circumstances, there must be a bond stronger then steel formed between the two. Through training, practice, experience, and time, the knight and warhorse learn how to perform together as one. For this to be achieved, a number of considerations must be taken into account. A knight must know or be able to predict how the warhorse will respond to the wide variety of situations they might be faced with, and likewise the warhorse must also be able to predict the response of the rider. Loyalty to the warhorse must be shown by the Knight in terms of not abandoning the mount in unknown lands, nor abusing the warhorse or leading it to a certain death. The warhorse must be able to trust his or her life to the knight as well as the knight trusting his or hers to the warhorse for the ultimate bond between mount and rider to be achieved. As a result of the amount of time a knight and warhorse spend together, not only in training and battle, but also from long journeys and adventures together, a knight usually comes to the point of regarding the warhorse more as an equal rather than a weapon or tool. Through this, knight and warhorse become trusted and loyal companions. As such, they share many sights, experiences, and feats together. The purpose of this book is to give information pertaining to the warhorses of the Solamnian Cavalry of Vingaard Keep including the knight that rides upon the warhorse, the name of the warhorse, a description of the warhorse, and any facts or tales the knight might have to share with respect to his or her mount. Now on to the knights and their warhorses... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Alfred MarKenin of the Crown, Starjumper - feisty midnight-black warhorse, male -- More -- 20 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- As to the reason why his warhorse is named Starjumper, Sir Alfred informed me: "...he got that name when he was little, because he was very wild and jumped everywhere he went, all the time. It is amazing that we have been able to train him to a warhorse actually. He still likes to jump, and do it very well." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Ant of the Crown, Bonecrusher - proud grey warhorse, male -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Arbitor of the Crown, Goliath - aggressive midnight-black warhorse, male As stated by Sir Arbitor: "He is such a large beast, that I could not think of a better name to give him." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -- More -- 40 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Sir Cherek Whiteguard of the Crown, Darkie - magnificent midnight-black warhorse, male As remembered by Sir Cherek: "A duel took place in Gelan, Calia... Defending Vingaards honour, did Darkie Whiteguard, Sir Cherek's midnight-black horse. The Morgul engaged the horse in Gelan, the fight was hard, but the mage made use of his herbs and with the powers of Morgul, he poisoned poor Darkie, who however he still stood bravely and fought. Defending himself, the mage had problem hitting Darkie, but slowly the poison started to drain Darkie's health, and he died, with his nose high, and with the colors of Vingaard fluttering in the wind. Proudly the mage, left the room knowing he had defeated one of Vingaards most powerful fighters. Please remember Darkie for his honour and remember him as a brave warrior!" -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Lady Emaleth Mayfair of the Crown, -- More -- 60 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Atlas - majestic ivory warhorse, male -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Fergor MarThasal of the Crown, Reginald - magnificent ivory warhorse, male Although no stories at present, Sir Fergor stated, "He is a beautiful animal and a great companion." Called Reggie for short. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Fourtcoer J. Whiteguard of the Crown, Felicity - spirited snow-white warhorse, female As told by Sir Fourtcoer: "Felicity is a spirited, snow-white mare, named for the happiness she brings me. She is said to be the descendant of my true father's steed, Fallstar, or so the stablemaster has told me. Someday I shall retire her to have a foal of her own so that her line may continue." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -- More -- 80 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Lord Kayen Makalis of the Rose, Grand Master, Thundercloud - steel-grey feisty warhorse, female Although the Grand Master has various horses in his stables depending upon the event such as ceremonies, diplomacy meetings, travel, and combat, he had this to say about his favorite stallion and the one he rides into battle: "...my most favorite and the one I ride into battle is a female stallion I received as a gift from the Que barbarian tribes personal stock. She is steel- grey and quite feisty. She was hard to tame at first, but became a very loyal and worthy mount. Her name is Thundercloud. The origin of her name comes from the first time I rode with her into battle. It was a rainy evening when I bore down upon a pack of rampant minotaurs. Storm clouds, dark and foreboding, loomed overhead. As I charged the lead minotaur and my sword clashed against his thick chest a thundering boom erupted from the clouds around me. Hence she has been so aptly named ever since for her color and attitude as well as that first battle." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Lord Kuti Silverblade of the Sword, High Clerist, Greytail - grey-tailed snow-white warhorse, male As told by the High Clerist: "Greytail I've met 6 years ago, when the stables of Vingaard were finely rebuilt. It was then that the Conclave decided to divert huge funds from the Treasury into procuring good riding horses and foals from the western plains of Solamnia. The aim was to train warmounts, and do justice to the ancient legends of solamnian cavalry. -- More -- 100 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- I remember that day quite well, for the air sprinkled with excitement and impatience. The older knights composed themselves quite well, the younger ones twitched at every shout at the gates. And when the beautiful, wind riding stampede was herded slowly into the stables, locked and left to rest and feed, those of us not on duty rushed inside, to see for ourselves the animals that would become our mounts. (Keep in mind that for his meager belongings, a young knight could no more buy a horse of his own then he could buy a golden hill). I spotted my choice early on, a soft-eyed, brown mare with blackish tail and socks. Enchanted, I walked towards her, when something hit me with the force of a medium size boulder, knocking me into the opposite wall of the stable. Blinking, I gathered myself, only to see a white horse head chewing on my right sleeve, which, logically enough, was missing from my shirt. As I scowled at him, the beast was horrid enough to growl back, while still chewing my sleeve. Short to say, the calm mare's image grew in my eyes by half. A bit absent-minded, I walked back out of the stables, when... yup, guess it. Something hit me with the force of a medium size boulder, knocking me... and yes. He was now chewing on my other sleeve. In that very moment, our Grandmaster appeared. I stood up at attention, and winced at the barely suppressed chuckle. Though my white shirt became a frilly white vest, I was still a Crown Knight for a whole month, remember! I see you begun to break the wild white one? Umm... Yes, my Lord. That is no, no, my Lord!! But it was to late, and I was stuck with that nightmare of a horse. Training him was abyssal, though when I did it without shirts, he didn't have a chance to ruin them. Of course, it didn't stop him from biting everything else around him, Our Swordmaster included, for which I feel shamed to this day. It is certainly improper to see a respected knight jump up, yelling, holding his um.... lower back. By the time of the first tourney, I felt Greytail, for so I named my horse (naming him dragon would only reinforce his bad nature) just about ready to ride me into the champion's place. And win we did, though not exactly in the same competitions. Though I, with the favour of Kiri-Jolith, gained the title, my horse won the veterans'.... beer drinking competition. An open barrel, near which I have unknowingly tied him, attracted him attention, and by the time the veterans were ready to try their stone heads, Greytail was burping like a whale, and swaying like a tree in a hurricane. Never before have I seen -- More -- 120 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- a horse walking on crossed legs, and I hope I never will again...What a shame that was. But I have grown fond of the horse, and surely he stands up for his reputation. On his back, I have faced dragons that made older knights cringe, and seeing Greytail rear back, and pound the monster with his hooves just as if it was a training sand bag makes me smile with pride. It was also in a battle with another dragon that Greytail has known his best hour... As the chilling breath swept over me and the whole team, killing three of us, and dislodging me from the saddle, Greytail, frosted from hoof to nostril, charged into the dragon all of his own, trampling the beast to death before I even managed to whistle for him to remount." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sir Lance J. Belecthor of the Crown, Silverfax - powerful white warhorse, male -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Lord Mathrim Rhodrune of the Rose, High Justice, Dunderhead - foul-tempered midnight-black warhorse, male As warned by the High Justice: "His name, Dunderhead, was given to him by Fourtcoer after Dunder had thrown me off especially many times in a day. He is also known to bite any unwary Squire, on stableduty. It may well have been an especially nasty joke on behalf of the Stablemaster to give me this wicked beast, instead of the pony I asked for." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -- More -- 140 -- ( t b r q x ! h ?) -- Lady Yavanna of the Sword, Havoc - sleek snow-white warhorse, male -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- /// Acknowledgements /// My thanks goes out to all the Knights who helped me with information pertaining to their warhorse which was the aim of this book, as well as the assistance Squire Garion Brightblade provided me. Lord Kuti deserves my extra thanks for the information he has posted pertaining to the Cavalry. Scribed by, Tyler, Squire to Sir Ant of the Crown -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- EOF > borrow weaponry You ask the Knight for a book, and the Knight runs off to search for the book. The aged grey-haired male human leaves into the magazine. > An aged grey-haired male human arrives. The Knight gives you the ordered book. read book Hail in the name of the Holy Triumvirate! This book contains information as to the proper care of drop room and armoury equipment. These suggestions are written in the hope that everyone will observe the common courtesies, as well as allowing the Knighthood to have a more efficient and prepared armoury and drop room. If you borrow an item from the armoury, or use an item from the drop room, then it is your responsibility to ensure that the item is returned in the same or a better condition. One reason for this is common courtesy, and as an aid to fellow Knights. Secondly, items which are in an inferior condition will not be able to be sharpened to a better condition if they remain in the inferior condition for a long time. Thus, a claymore left on the drop room floor, left in a fine condition, and sitting there for several hours, will not be able to be sharpened back to prime condition. If the person who had dropped it had sharpened it, then it would have remained in a prime condition. This especially applies to items left in the armoury, as they are sometimes not touched for hours or even days. Reboots also tend to freeze items in their present state, thus donating an onyx longsword that is a little touched by battle before a reboot decreases the weapon's value greatly after reboot. (This does not always occur, yet I've witnessed it at times.) Perhaps I should have previously stated why it is important to keep weapons and armours in excellent shape. The answer is twofold. First of all, weapons tend to hit more often and harder when in prime condition, and armours are better able to fend off blows. As well, the better the condition of the item, the smaller the chance of random breakage. Drop room items can be sharpened at any smithy or armourer's workshop. However, armoury items, due to their nature, can only be repaired in select places. Armours from the armoury are currently impossible to have repaired anywhere in the realms, due to the nature of the armoury. The weaponsmiths in Bree, Vingaard Keep and Calathin will all accept armoury weapons, the ones in Bree and Calathin going so far as to mend broken weapons. Several other weaponsmith's do not know how to handle the blessed items from the armoury and thus cannot sharpen them even. Above all, be courteous. Teth of the Order of the Sword Knights may train the following skills: sword superior master club superior professional polearm confident veteran parry superior master defence confident veteran two-handed combat superior craftsman blindfighting superior acolyte awareness superior craftsman language confident professional kattack superior guru rescue superior guru block superior guru tax : 18%