The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Darcon.
A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Eyes hurt? Turn Color OFF!! (regular story dates)
Astinus says 'Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'
Astinus gently places a worn folio on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Darcon' scribed in rich brown ink.
Author: Darcon Date: Thu Aug 14 20:37:48 2008 Subject Darcon's Background Darcon was born in the outskirts of Solace to Justane and Catrina De'Orion. They were simple people who made their living off the land. Darcon's older brother Darious, born 5 years prior, had already left the home to squire under a local knight. That left the family of 3 to get along without the strapping boy. Justane was sad to see his son go but knew that it was for his own good. He didn't want the boy to grow up and be a slave to the land as he had. He knew that his was an honorable trade, but also knew that his line would never make an impact upon the world being simple farmers. He wanted more for both of his sons. Darcon was raised to know the value of a hard days work. His father taught him that there must be a delicate balance to the land in order for it to be prosperous and plentiful. He taught him to accept the life and death of all things as their life or death contributes to that balance. Darcon wasn't as strong or tall as Darious had been but what he lacked physically he gained mentally. Justane recognized this and began making plans for Darcon's education. When he was 5 Darcon was enrolled in the local school. He took to it well and enjoyed learning all he could from his teacher. He constantly questioned everything making sure that he knew every detail of what he was learning. Though his teacher was sometimes annoyed at the constant scrutiny, she tried her best to offer up any knowledge of the subjects to Darcon. She recognized that the other kids would just do what was needed to make it through while Darcon paid every attention to the slightest detail. She enjoyed this change of pace and considered it the challenge of her profession. On occasion an older gentleman would visit the school. He always wore the same red velvet robe that was lined in silver and black. His name was Jenner and turned out to be the local mage. He would visit the school in the hopes of finding a new apprentice to aid in his research at his nearby tower. On one such occasion, Darcon was sitting in the school yard reading a book about the relationship of elements while the other kids were playing. Jenner had arrived earlier that day and was keeping an eye on the kids while the teacher attended to some other errands. Jenner spied Darcon sitting alone with his face buried in a book. Upon walking toward the boy he took note of its title. "What is your name boy?" Jenner asked in a low but kind voice. Darcon did not look up from his book. "I am Darcon De'Orion master Jenner." he replied. "I know your father well. I buy the area's finest produce from him. What is it that you are reading?" "I am studying the relationship of the elements Master. I wish to understand not only how things grow, but why they grow. This will help me to understand the balance between all things." "Well then, I shall leave you to your studies Darcon." Jenner stated and then turned to walk away. The teacher returned shortly after and Jenner took his leave of the school. When school let out Darcon gathered his belongings and walk to his home. He expected that his father would be out in the fields tending to the crops and his mother would be busy preparing tonight's supper. When he got home we was surprised to find the neither was the case. His father and mother both were engaged in conversation with Master Jenner. His father spied him first. "Welcome home my son. I trust that your studies went well today. Master Jenner, your mother and I were just discussing you." Justane stated bluntly. "It seems that he has taken interest in your education." Master Jenner stepped forward. "Darcon, do you remember our conversation earlier?" Darcon set his books down on the kitchen table. "Yes, I remember Master Jenner. I was reading about the elements to better understand the balance." Jenner smiled and continued. "Darcon, I wish to teach you. I have devoted my life to the balance and can help you to understand it as well. If you decide to be my student you will live with me at my tower. Your duties will include helping me with my research in any way I deem fit. In return, I will be your teacher in more things then just the balance. I shall teach you of magic as well." Jenner's face turned solemn. He knelt down and put his hands on Darcon's shoulders. "I live far from here Darcon. You must understand that if you do come, you will seldom see your family. You will devote yourself to your duties and studies." "I understand Master Jenner." Darcon replied and turned to his parents. "What do you think?" Justane spoke. "Darcon your mother and I love you very much. You make us proud to be your parents and we thank the gods for you. We have discussed this before on several occasions and have always wanted the best for you. We believe that you should take this opportunity." Darcon turned to his mother. "Mother, I love you. I will miss you very much." He turned back to his father. "I have made my decision. I will go with Master Jenner." Jenner clapped his hands together. "It is settled then. Tonight you will pack your things and say your goodbyes. We shall leave for the tower on the morrow." Darcon did just that. Several years passed by. All the while Darcon was schooled in the magic arts. Jenner was quite pleased with his new apprentice. He found that teaching Darcon was easy, and having the extra help around the tower was a relief to his aging body. Occasionally they would travel back into town and Darcon would be allowed to visit with his parents. The visits were always pleasant. He would stay the night and Jenner would be there in the morning to begin the journey back. When he turned 17 years old Jenner came to him. "Darcon, the time has come at last. You must depart tomorrow. You are to seek out the Conclave and submit yourself for testing. It is time to see if you are ready to uphold the balance. I must remain here and continue my work, but I have faith in you and the balance. I have no doubt that you shall succeed. After that you may do as you choose. I have done my best in your training, but there is nothing more that you can learn from me. Tonight you will pack your things. I will provide all that you need for your journey." "Master, I am grateful to you. You have been like a father to me as well as my teacher. I will do as you ask. After I am tested, and if I survive I will seek out a new teacher. I promise that I will return to visit whenever I can." Darcon moved across the room and hugged his teacher. Jenner retired for the night and Darcon did as he was told and packed his things. In the morning Jenner was waiting in the courtyard when Darcon emerged from the tower with his belongings. He had horse already hitched to a cart packed with provisions. He handed a small belt pouch with some money to Darcon and helped him to stow his belongings in the cart. Darcon climbed up into the driver seat of the cart. Looking down at his master he says, "Farewell Master Jenner. I shall return as soon as I am able to." "Safe journey to you my friend," replied Jenner, "May the gods grant you good fortune." Darcon urged his horse on and began his journey to Palanthas.
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him and bids you to make a selection.
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