Astinus' Office
Dominating the center of this room is a massive birch desk. Legend claims this desk has supported the thousands of volumes of history Astinus has recorded. A large pot of ink, a container of sharpened quills, and a candelabra complete the desks decorations. Small windows line the room, allowing light to trickle in and gently illuminate the entire room. A comfortable couch rests against the west wall. Tapestries hang on the walls between the windows. Shelves line the walls, filled with tomes of the more recent records of heroes and villians upon the face of Krynn.
The librarian notices you aren't reading anything...
Astinus hands a heavy platinum-covered book to an Aesthetic standing by you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Segwarides' scribed in earth-colored grey ink.
As you glance down at the page you read..
From the pages of Segwarides's book..
Author: Segwarides
Date: Wed May 20 19:57:00 2009
Subject Fresh beginnings
Coming from the town of Kaolyn, Segwarides grew restless hearing the
continuing rumors of goblins massing in the east. Having spent a great deal
of his youth learning the plains as well as the forests of the region, he
felt himself ready to set off to find out the truth of the rumors. His
father seemed against his leaving, but when pressed as to why he was
resistant to Segwarides' leaving, he would not give a conscious answer,
absently stroking his deeply tanned and clean-shaven face. His father did
give him an oil-wrapped leather bundle, with instructions on how to care for
the blade as he left for Caergoth. Entering the city of Caergoth with the
intent of gathering both supplies and leads, he eventually took passage to
Palanthas to see if any information could be found. What he found was a
Solanmic Knight that seemed to be intent on him keeping his sword in its
harness. After speaking to the Knight for some amount of time about his
concerns, he found out that the Knighthood was expanding in numbers. Perhaps
Segwarides could join the Knighthood for more training and perhaps the
chance to stop the goblin hordes that are said to be massing in the east,
past Lemish.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sun May 31 14:58:54 2009
Subject Assignment
Sitting within the current command compound of the Knighthood in
Palanthas, Segwarides was reading a recounting of the Third Dragon War.
Having lost himself with his reading, he did not notice until it was nearly
too late that a ranking Knight had entered the room with him. Hastily
standing and giving a formal bow, Segwarides was introduced to Lord Railen.
Explaining to Lord Railen that he was newly recruited into the Knighthood,
he was awaiting a Knight that was willing to take on his training. Lord
Railen spoke of other matters before offering to take the new squire. Being
instructed to turn in early as his training and duties as a new squire would
begin with the morning sun, Segwarides went to the barracks that he was
assigned to await the coming dawn.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Tue Jun 2 14:59:15 2009
Subject Training and mending
After a morning of weapon and tactic training with Railen, Segwarides was
ordered to buy himself some armor. Having been raised to make what he used,
the idea of buying new armor was slightly strange, but it was a command from
his Patron, and thus must be followed. Taking the pouch containing the coins
with him, Segwarides went to find a suitable armory. Glancing into the pouch
he noticed far more steel than he had ever seen in his short life, but it
was not near enough for new, so used would have to do. Finding an armory
that at least catered to the Knighthood was a second challenge that was
surprisingly more difficult, but in the end completed. Walking into the
front of the shop, Segwarides noticed right away that most of the armor was
made for people much taller than him. Hailing the armory master was a task
due to the busy nature of the establishment, but when he arrived; Segwarides
placed an order for used with the exception of a new breastplate fitted to
his frame. Paying for the goods that were in stock, Segwarides returned to
the training grounds to await Railen so that he could report that the new
breastplate would take several months to create and fit properly.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sun Jun 7 17:54:07 2009
Subject Choices made
After riding from the clearing, Segwarides reflected on what had
transpired that morning with Railen. Being told of the role of the Defenders
within the nation was something that followed along with his natural
impulses. Railen was bound by honor of his grandfather to be in the
Defenders, and Segwarides was bound by honor to follow his friend and
mentor. Committing himself to the defense of Solamnia was far more important
to him than becoming a ranking Knight within one of the other Orders. Railen
was correct, the Oath is what a Knight must live by, using the Measure to
guide him. A short time later, after arriving at the gates of Palanthas, the
feeling of unrest could almost be seen within the populace. There was
trouble brewing within the lands of Ansalon, and it was now starting to show
even here in the Lordcity. Segwarides determined to train to his upmost
potential to be ready for when the time comes that his sword and his
abilities would be needed to defend all that he held dear.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Mon Jun 8 23:56:25 2009
Subject Troubling news and responsiblities
Sitting within the library reading a volume of the Measure, Segwarides
sees Railen all but stagger into the gathering hall covered in what looked
like blood. Hurrying to his side, Segwarides checked to see that his friend
was unhurt. Finding out that another squire had been taken captive by a band
of goblins and had to be ransomed back did nothing to ease the concerns over
rumors, but the welfare of the squire was more important than a group of
goblins. Railen said that they were near to Tarsis. Immediately Segwarides
asked when they were going to deal with them. Railen nodded silent approval
of Segwarides' concerns for the unknown squire, and spoke to make ready for
the ride within the hour.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Mon Jun 15 02:09:25 2009
Subject Knighting and Declaration
After their return from the southern lands, Railen had spent sometime
within the library's walls. The Plainsman, Wulf, had decided to return to
Palanthas with the ban of Knights and squires. Railen seemed contemplative
of him. Arriving in the library, Segwarides found that Railen was reading a
report. 'You wished to see me, Railen?' Without taking his eyes off the
report, Railen nods slowly and indicates the chair across from him. With
little preamble, Railen speaks, 'I have petitioned for you to be knighted,
my friend.' Raising an eyebrow at the statement, Segwarides is slightly
stunned. 'Certainly there is the matter of my time.' Railen waves most of
the ensuring arguments away. Railen speaks 'You are ready for this, more so
than I was at you age.'
The next day, Railen met with Segwarides in the practice yard. 'The Council
is ready for us in the chapel. Come, it is now time.' Following Railen into
the keep's chapel, Segwarides finds that there were only the members of the
Council present. He is the only squire to be knighted this day. The acting
High Clerist beckons to Segwarides to step forward to being then calling to
the Triumvirate to bless the ceremony. The High Justice begins by telling
Segwarides to kneel and draw his sword. Holding the sword's blade vertically
with the hilt over his heart, Segwarides begins to recite the Oath of
Ennoblement. After the recitation, he transfers the sword's blade to his
hand and holds out the hilt to the High Justice. He takes the sword and
gently taps Segwarides' shoulders before commanding him to rise as a Knight
of Solamnia. Standing before the Council, Segwarides begs a moment more of
their time. 'I wish to declare my intent to remain within the Order of the
Crown as a Defender of the Crown.' With a nod of approval from Railen toward
Segwarides, the rest of the Council grants the petition.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Wed Jul 1 21:41:41 2009
Subject Reporting to the Council
Having seen Railen safely back to Palanthas was the least of the worries
now facing the young Knight. Segwarides had seen something that could be
called a miracle, or that of trickery, but never the less, the elf woman had
seemingly healed Railen of his most serious wounds. The gathering crowd
however decided that the elf was a witch of some sort. Protecting her while
he investigated things further was a prudent move, and one not regretted.
Seeing that Railen was out of mortal danger, Segwarides set down to prepare
for his audience with the Council to give a full report over the battle near
the Lemish border.
Standing before the Council was not an easy thing to do when the time came.
His every action was questioned; especially the one to bring back all the
wounded to Palanthas. He felt a good amount of disgrace until the acting
High Clerist told him that while the campaign near Lemish was not concluded,
bringing all the wounded was a wise maneuver for one so new at his role of
Knight. The Council was eager to hear of the attack on the camp that had
brought Lord Railen into his present condition. He described what happened
in detail that he could remember, as most of it was a blur after Railen was
stomped upon. His killing the ogre was something that caused him a bit of an
embarrassment as it was the second time he had clashed against one of the
race and again, walked away with minor wounds. What was of more a concern
was what had happened after he had returned with the wounded. About the elf
woman named Coria seemingly healing Railen after she mumbled what sounded to
Segwarides as a prayer to one of the 'old' gods. A strange thing indeed if
it was true.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sun Jul 5 15:35:37 2009
Subject Harsh Reality
Watching Railen and Coria go back into the Keep with a slight bit of
amusement, Segwarides went to look on the Plainsman in the infirmary. Seeing
that he was still as much a hot head as he was on the return to Palanthas,
did not surprise Segwarides much. If he decided he was going to attempt to
join the Knighthood, he certainly was going to have to get over that phase.
True he was good with a sword, but had no where near the training that was
going to carry him through a major confrontation with any trained foe. He
would need patience in all things, and most importantly, he would have to
forget he was the Chieftain's son and was no better than any other man
within the ranks of the Knighthood.
As these thoughts filtered through Segwarides' mind, Wulf was being tended
by the healers. His jaw was swollen and bruised, but the semi-conscious
Plainsman didn't even notice. Waving the healers away and lifting a bucket
of water, Segwarides splashes Wulf full in the face. " It is time to get up.
You have had your nap; it is now time to see if you can handle yourself in a
more controlled setting. Please dry yourself and meet me in the practice
yard in on hour's time." Walking away from the infirmary with a slight shake
of his head, Segwarides knew this was not going to be a pleasant time for
the Plainsman, with a return campaign to the Lemish border so soon in
coming.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sun Jul 12 18:26:49 2009
Subject Recent tidings
Picking up some of the recently used practice equipment, Segwarides
simply shakes his head at how Wulf can be so wise and yet so foolish at the
same time. His time in the training yard has been bringing returns, but he
isrough on the equipment. The other young squires have been commenting him
on his skill and on his honor. Time is the only thing that he lacks. Time
that Solamnia does not have to give. Breaking his musings as Railen shuffles
into the yard, Segwarides completes his task and turns toward him. "Taking a
stroll outside the city walls, Railen?" Railen winks and runs a hand through
his hair, "I wasn't strolling." "It seems that the Lady Kiyohime has taken a
special interest in your friend, Coria." "It seems that Coria has some
talents with the healing arts that Kiyohime has taken her interest in."
Looking at how Railen was shuffling about and hearing the rumors around the
Keep, Segwarides could readily guess what was coming next. "What is this
about a special Council meeting, Railen? It can not be about Wulf, could
it?" Railen shook his head slightly as he spoke, "Nay, it has to do with
you, my friend." Raising an eyebrow, Segwarides responds, "Habbakuk's sake,
tell me this isn't about the ogre." Chuckling slightly, Railen smiles, "It
might have something to do with that. I have talked with some of the Council
about you and they seemed to have taken an interest." Muttering under his
breath a few more choice curses, Segwarides turns to face Railen fully. "We
have more important things to do than spread over-blown deeds of daring."
Railen replies grimly, "But that is what the Knighthood is all about, my
friend." "It should not be that, Railen. Vinus Solmanus must be rolling in
the Dome of Creation to see the Knighthood in such a state." Nodding in
agreement, Railen continues, "Aye. But we need good men who can lead in the
position to do so when needed. I have asked you to grant you more
responsibilities. I trust in you, my friend. With my life, and the lives of
the people of Solamnia. Segwarides smirks slightly adding, "As long as I
don't find you conveniently under another ogre's boot, then things will have
improved." Railen chuckles then nods, "I will try not to do that again."
Author: Segwarides
Date: Tue Jul 28 20:37:54 2009
Subject Arrest warrent
*To be posted all around the surrounding roads and plains of Palanthas*
Let it be known that two persons of the Red Robes have attacked a lawful
member of the Knights of Solamnia this day. While shopping in on of the many
shops within the walls of Palanthas, the Knight known as Segwarides was
attacked by two Red Robes with no prior provication. Seeing the attack, Lord
Alenth uth Sbweb, came to the aid of the then wounded Knight and covered his
withdrawl as the odds where unfavorable and innocent witnesses were present.
The two mages have been identified as Leodas and Ciskei by persons that have
seen them frequently in the mageware shop. All lawful members of the
Palanthan milita and Knights of Solamnia should seek to have these two
arrested and brought in for questioning. As they are mages, they are to be
treated as highly dangerous. Use extreme caution while dealing with them.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sat Oct 3 15:35:09 2009
Subject The quest of Justice (pt. 1)
Having watched the return of the small group of squires from the High
Clerist Tower that were subdued by a goblinoid there, Segwarides was ready
to take the next step in bringing those persons that murdered Coria to
justice. Sending a pair of messenges out; one to the Council, and the other
to Gaelehad, Segwarides waited for the responses that he needed to have.
Gaelehad returned to the Keep at the behest of the messenge. "We are ready
to move against those responsible for Coria's death, Gaelehad. The suspects
were captured. Three surrendered without a fight but two died when they
attempted to flee." Gaelehad simply nodded his acknowledgement. "Gaelehad,
under questioning, those that remained alive told of someone that was in the
city at the time, and hired them for a bag of steel to murder Coria. They
was able to inform us that this individual gave the name 'Supai' and was
from Tarsis. I have requested the Council to allow myself and a small group
to go and attempt to bring him to justice for his crime." "Once I have the
consent of the Council, we will be leaving at once. Make the final
preperations for the journey. May the Triumverate grant him the mercy that
he did not grant Coria. We will make certain that we arrange that meeting."
Gaelehad left to finish his duties just as Segwarides was called to the
Council. What happened inside the chamber was kept secret, but heated voices
could be heard. In the end, Segwarides had his permission to go, but he was
also taking the squires Etilyn di Delgaard and Blaine di Caela for "field
experience". This was going to be a long journey.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Mon Nov 9 10:36:37 2009
Subject Capture and Escape
A blur, and a bright flash was the last thing Segwarides could remember.
The rocking of a wagon brought him back to consciousness to see Gaelehad
chained to the other side of the wagon, equally beaten, but breathing. A
smelly hobgoblin sat in the wagon looking bored, with a set of keys on a
ring dangling off its belt. Segwarides shifted slightly to get a better look
of the rest of the wagon proved to bring a moment of pain to the young
Knight. All the others of the supply caravan were missing, most likely dead,
by the looks of the amount of weapons scattered about the wagon. The
shackles binding Segwarides were not the finest craftsmanship, but held him
securely. Gaelehad began to rouse himself when a distant cry of pain
sounded. Seeing it as the last, best hope for escape, Segwarides snapped a
kick to the side of the hobgoblin's knee, bringing it down in a heap.
Wrapping his legs around the hobgoblin's neck to choke any sounds from him
was the plan, however the hobgoblin was stronger than expected. It rolled
with the entwined knight still attached, pulling him taunt against the
bonds. Still, the roll was to prove futile as the leg lock was set and held.
Gaelehad was able to reach a set of keys on the belt of the thing during the
struggle and freed him of his bonds. Once freed, the knights looked over
each other's wounds. They proved superficial and would heal, provided they
could be away from this band of desert marauders. Arming themselves with
their own equipment and that of the fallen, the pair heard yet another
wailing as of something in pain. Looking out the back of the wagon, they
seen that they traveled near the end of the caravan. Pointing off to the
distance back the way they came, they could see a force fighting some sort
of beast. "We make for them. We do not stop, no matter the cost. May the
Triumvirate guide us, now go."
Author: Segwarides
Date: Mon Jan 25 19:59:30 2010
Subject A Recounting of events
An excerpt of the Iconochronos of Astinus of Palanthas:
The small force that was lead by the Knight of Solamnia, Segwarides T'orgh
came upon the city of Sanction by dangerous mountain pathways. Lord T'orgh
and his command were expecting a lightly defended city with the massive
Dragon Armies set out to conquer the whole of Ansalon. What they found was
nothing of the sort. A large armada of warships held the harbor, with barely
enough room to maneuver. What truly startled the Knights was the amount of
dragons left behind. Nearly all five chromatic dragon races were present,
but the only heartening view that could be seen was that they were fighting
amongst themselves for dominance. Soon after finding the city, a large band
came upon the Knights, and attacked without mercy. Many Knights and foot
soldiers lost their lives in that initial charge. Regrouping against the
over-whelming odds, Lord T'orgh and his senior Knights began an orderly
withdrawal toward the east, hoping to reach the Blood Sea. Many days were
spent trying to out pace the Dragon Armies, until finally the battered
Solamnics reached their destination. The terrible Blood Sea of Istar.
Finding enough boats was a difficult thing, but they were away before the
Dragon Armies could cut off the final avenue of withdrawal. Of the one
hundred that he commanded, fewer than seventy made it onto the ships and
into the Blood Sea. Sailing to the east with the current of the Blood Sea
was not so difficult a thing, until they ran into minotaur pirates near
Mithas. The attack was brutal and very effective, but it did not stop the
Knights from making the cape near Kalaman. Having seen the wide-spread
armies of the Queen, Lord T'orgh requested the captain of the vessels to
travel onto Sancrist and was granted the request. He knew a build up would
be there and that was where he and his remaining men were needed.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Fri Feb 12 21:39:54 2010
Subject Duel in the Sand pt 1
Walking along the beach while the members of the Conclave continued to
sort through tomes and grimores, Segwarides sees a Red Robe standing
watching a group of what appears to be younger users of magic. Ending his
trek by stopping beside the ranking Red Robe, Segwarides studies the younger
mages for a moment. "Good afternoon, Master Mage. I am Segwarides T'orgh and
I will be a part of the Knights that is to assist you during your stay
here." Turning slightly to see whom spoke to him, the Red Robe snorted
slightly before saying, "I know who you are Knight, even if you do not
readily recognize me. We have meet before, shortly before you had an arrest
warrant place upon me and another." Startled by the blunt announcement,
Segwarides turns toward the Red Robe. "I know you now, you are the one known
as Ciskei. I see that you have progressed within the ranks of your Order."
"As have you, but you have not progressed as much, it seems. Still just a
lowly errand boy for those that lead your ancient Order. I would have
thought you better suited for the stables." Bristling at the slanderous
remarks, Segwarides looks closely at Ciskei and notices that he seems quite
aggitated while watching the mages. "I see that my presence is beginning to
upset you, and your tone toward me is boardering on the line of a challenge
that should be answered with a duel. I do not believe that my presence here
is productive to either of us, nor do I wish to be provoked further. A
messenger can be sent to me if anything is needed. Good afternoon, Master
Ciskei." Turning slowly to walk back to the main portion of the encampment
was cut short by a magical blast of lightning cutting across his path. "But
I insist that we continue this topic, and I do believe I will accept your
challenge to a duel. I would so dislike to cause any trouble between the
Conclave and you Knights", sneers Ciskei.
To be continued.
Author: Segwarides
Date: Sat Feb 13 00:48:51 2010
Subject Duel in the Sand pt. 2
The smug looking mage continued to watch the Knight before he spoke, "I
believe I will take your suggestion for a duel to settle things between us."
Segwarides watched the mage closely before responding, "Then we will use the
training circle down the shore line after I speak to my superiors so that
they will know that this is an agreed upon matter." "Speak to them if you
must, but I do not foresee any trouble from mine. Unless of course I kill
you, that is."
Given the short amount of time it took to report what had happened, a large
number of spectators surrounded the ring. There were equal numbers of both
the Knighthood and the Conclave present to watch. Having checked his
equipment before stepping into the ring, Segwarides was certain that the
mage was still more than he appeared to be. He was soon to be proved
correct.
Chanting in the arcane language, Ciskei began the duel by throwing what
appeared to be missiles made of pure magical force. Several thudded into
Segwarides' chest but some were deflected by the various angles on his
armor. Closing in on melee reach, Segwarides started measured strikes
against the mage, fearing to bring him true harm, but with more force that
is reserved for sparring practice. A few more blinding displays of magic
from Ciskei forced Segwarides backward before he could bring the mage down.
Seeing that his spells were beginning to wear down the Knight, Ciskei began
to stalk around as if looking for a clean kill, but was surprised by having
his ankle hooked out from under him by the inside grab of Segwarides' padded
axe. "This duel is over. I will give you the grace of a draw, but do not
presume to use your magic here again, in arrogant displays of power."
Read More
He states simply 'You might start with that one.. or you could take a look at the latest story..'
The Latest Entry
A Tale of some Contraption and Fairly Neat?
by Zivilyn, posted on Fri Mar 7 16:53:04 2025.
Astinus barely looked up as a wild-eyed gnome tumbled into his study, dragging
an assortment of whirring gears, sparkin(read more)....
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him and bids you to make a selection.
Authors:
All|
A|
B|
C|
D|
E|
F|
G|
H|
I|
J|
K|
L|
M|
N|
O|
P|
Q|
R|
S|
T|
U|
V|
W|
X|
Y|
Z
Astinus says '
There are 71 authors starting with the letter S
who have stories in the Palanthas library.'
\n
