The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Zurthis.
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 leather bound tome with glowing glyphs on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Zurthis' scribed in faded yellow ink.
Author: Zurthis Date: Sun Feb 2 10:00:05 2025 Subject [Mundane] Nature's Blessings! (1/2)
Awakened by a choking jolt as if his stomach and not his lungs were filled with the heavy and lingering morning mist, Zurthis quickly rolled off his netted hammock with a charged push that seemed magically galvanized. He fumbled for the dagger hidden in the feather stuffing of his pillow, grabbing his prized Vallenwood staff as he rushed with focused intention deep into the forest. "The gathering of flowers, weeds and herbs is always best in the early morning hours." Wisps of dream and reality intermingled as he moved with zeal into the forest."Perhaps today it will be Dreamleaf instead of Wolfsbane or Banscent". As he rushed through the forest, not once losing his footing, Zurthis nodded with satisfaction at the smokeless campfire holes underneath makeshift earth mounds. The earth mounds rose like tiny ant hills embedded with stones that radiated heat. In spite of their wild drunken celebrations the night before, Zurthis proudly noted that none of his compatriots slept around disturbed mounds. He sped up, noticing that he had almost cleared the forest and reached the outskirts - large open grounds with rolling hills as far as the eye could see. Finally, he arrived at his destination: a small patch of bushes whose ilk dotted the landscape. With an expert motion he extended his tongue and licked his finger, trying to catch the direction of the wind. He snickered slightly as he unencumbered himself near a patch of Dortberry bushes. "A toast to your seedlings" he giggled in a moment of childish delight. Minutes later, he was almost back in the forest, pouches filled to the brim with Dortberries which he would consume during the day. Suddenly, the morning stillness was interrupted by a loud screech which struck the silence that surrounded him like lightening. Looking up he caught sight of a red-tailed hawk rising up in the air ahead, "Oh no, no no no no no, not today!": He shouted, "I've been helping all week and you haven't helped at all, it's human form ONLY today. Today. Human Form. No Exceptions!". He stopped for a moment feeling that he may have slighted his companion, professing in an apologetic manner. "The scouting unit's almost back now and the Kagonesti will be angered if the supplies are not ready in time for their next mission." A louder screetch accompanied by an angry flutter of wings followed as the hawk floated into the horizon. "And you already knew that too! Find some other beak-nosed Druid then!" Zurthis continued, his beard glistening with Elderberry juice as he sputtered, "Rather can't stand that insufferable Kagonesti scolding me anymore!" Zurthis pulled his harvest dagger from the folds of his sash and tightened his grasp on it. At that moment, the graceful movement of a nearby butterfly caught his attention. He repeated words last spoken by his grandmother but in an admonishing sarcastic manner - the same words she would often use whenever she wanted to hint at her aged wisdom and experience. "Nature's Wonder! A chrysalis grants rebirth, but never a second chance at what is gone!"
His was a well-practiced technique: methodically crisscrossing through the trees to ensure that he'd examined as many as possible while charting a path through the forest made clear by undisturbed earth. Occassionally, he would stop to gather Arrowgum, a sticky resin created by the plant that could be used as an adhesive. He would hesitate each time, balancing the needs of his group with his personal interest and desire to preserve nature and take only what he needed. Hours would pass and the sun would rise to its zenith, acknowledging the effort, Zurthis laid his belongings and staff to rest at the bottom of a Pine tree. Pushing back the strong desire to close his eyes for a well-deserved nap, he examined the content of his pouches instead. Zurthis made quick inventory of the flowers, herbs and weed including Lungwort, Fireweed and Ipecac for his own collection. With the utmost care, he unbuckled the strap securing the hard leather beltpack across his chest. The pack held a second set of pouches with a far less benign variety of herbs collected for the benefit of the rangers and warriors of the group. Using the tips of his fingers to gently nudge and arrange the herbs inside he noted the poisonous Wolfsbane, Rage-wort and Tonguehalt. He considered heading back to end his chagrin over the supplies. Yet, tugging on the edge of his mind was the thought of this frantic morning and his desire to consume Dreamseed infused Elderberry Tea "Time to slow down and admire the Everblooms... Dreamleaf could be found near a pond or river bed. He would even make use of the opportunity to gather Haltweed or Palinta for the group's healers. Zurthis arose with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Moving a few steps from under the tree, he gently lifted his Vallenwood staff, channeling nature's energy through the earth into his body and through his body into his staff. He twirled slowly completing a circle with the staff horizontally extended. Slowly fireflies gathered around the tip of his staff with a dim light that gently glowed, Zurthis uttered a few syllables in the ancient language of the Druids. A warm bright white light beamed through his staff. He waited patiently as the light grew stronger, spreading further into the staff with each pulse. Once fully illuminated, Zurthis planted the staff deep into the ground where the staff made contact with the roots of the nearby tree; instantly illuminating the interconnected network of roots that stretched as far across the ground as the eye could see, almost illuminating the horizon itself. Examining the glowing roots, Zurthis needed many minutes before he finally noticed a pattern with the most heavily concentrated glow moving westward through the root network. Sighing loudly, he muttered, "Perhaps not ONLY human form today."
Zurthis leapt from his hammock with practiced ease, snatching his hardened leather chest armor from the forest floor and sliding it over his head and arms in one swift motion. His hands worked in tandem, tightening the belts that secured the armor snugly to his body. He spared a fleeting glance at his now-empty hammock, longing for the comfort he was leaving behind. With a tug on the rope preserving its suspension knots, he loosened the hammock and meticulously folded the netting before tucking it into a crease in his leather backpack. A quick inventory of his gear followed. Satisfied, he inhaled deeply and hoisted the pack onto his shoulders. He could make out groans, soft curses, and the dull thuds of recruits begrudgingly rousing from their hammocks. Their silhouettes, barely discernible in the dim morning light, some shuffling others hurrying as they prepared for the day. Minutes later, the sharp commands of Kagonesti drill sergeants filled the air, their voices alternating between Common and Elvish. "You there! One more minute!" bellowed one. "Lmemmamem intm manndb dhem!" snapped another. Each sergeant followed their orders with a piercing animal call, unique to their unit. Occasionally, a slow recruit was shoved toward the assembly point; a clearing in the forest designated for training. Any who thought to address the sergeants received only glares, discouraging any further attempt at discussion. At the assembly point, the weathered Kagonesti drill sergeants barked relentless orders, reprimanding those who failed to maintain formation. During the inspection, a sergeant gave Zurthis a once-over and ordered him to double-check his equipment, and provisions. Zurthis acknowledged the command with a curt nod and complied without hesitation. As the golden rays strengthened, the recruits' groggy stares gave way to expressions of curiosity and impatience. A new sound rippled through the trees-the rhythmic beating of immense wings. At first distant, the sound grew louder, setting off a flurry of murmurs among the recruits. As realization dawned, some groaned while others hooted in excitement; today's exercises would not begin with the usual grueling marches, drills and sparring. Moments later, colossal shapes emerged above the treetops. Their sheer size left no doubt: a Flight of Windriders! Mounted gryphons soared overhead, their vast wings casting fleeting shadows as they passed. In a disciplined arc, six riders guided their majestic beasts into a descending spiral, landing gracefully a few meters from the assembled recruits. The Windriders paid no heed to the awestruck crowd, exchanging only brief words of respect with the most veteran of drill sergeants as they dismounted. Zurthis, watching with hidden amusement, taking note of the recruits nearest the gryphons. Their expressions wavered between curiosity and fear, and none dared step closer, wary of losing an eye, a limb-or worse. Instead, they gawked at the fierce magical creatures from what they hoped was a safe distance.
Zurthis shifted his attention to a nearby gryphon, admiring the intelligence reflected in its penetrating gaze and the pride displayed in its posture. Instinctively, his attention turned to the contours of its muscled body: powerful forelegs and hindlegs both ending in paws with wickedly sharp curved claws. Just that one look sent a chill through his spine, and he shuddered at the thought of the terrible things that would have befallen those encountering these magical creatures near their aeries atop the peaks of the Khalkhist mountains. Acknowledging the sudden wave of nervous energy overwhelming him, Zurthis took a deep breath, and focused his thoughts on pushing out gruesome thoughts and images. He calmly reflected on the fact that these creatures were bound by the magic of the Vedvesica scrolls; noting with mild discomfort the seemingly obvious contradiction in accepting a fate as such for an intelligent and emotional creature. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the frantic movement of the drill sergeants as they attempted to regain control. Directing their attention to the recruits, they cried out: "Attention! Lmintmemnn hkemwmem!" Seizing the opportunity, a graceful high-elf Windrider stepped into the centre of the assembly extending his arms to each side outwards with recruits. He took a long look at them before speaking in Common. He spoke quietly as though intending to force the recruits to further quieten their chatter. "Greetings to you all, I am Flight Leader Lilmintharas. Today, my Flight unit is here to aid you. Todaywe will support you with the practice of primary skills required for aerial combat!" Lilmintharas gave a long pause after his last statement; building up a palpable sense of curiosity across the recruits with every time he turned his head to view a group, finally he relented. "You must be asking yourself why you would need aerial combat training, for many will not choose this path.". "Well, it will come as no surprise to some but should be clear to all that the Windriders are involved in many of the Wildrunner's special missions". "Therefore, to ensure our success we have a responsibility to prepare you for mounted aerial combat and engagement such that when whenever the need may arise; you will rise to meet it. For your training today, your task in the will be to learn the art of both assault and support". "Each of you will carry out a set of activities designated for the two roles. As Assault, you shall be clearing ranged "enemy" targets as cover to your support to guarantee their survival while they place and/or remove equipment and/or extract injured from the battlegrounds. As a support, you will swiftly deliver arms and equipment, and assist with evacuating the wounded off of the battlefield." "You will each have one opportunity to prove your abilities as an assault and as a support. Working alongside your counterpart to carry out the mission at hand to the utmost of your capabilities". "Recruits, before we begin..you should know that this is a chance to prove your readiness. Impress us and you may have secured a space within the Wildrunners. Perform and you shall continue with the training that will one day shape you into a Wildrunner. Do NOT disappoint!"
Zurthis' heart pounded with each high-pitched whistle, signaling the next pair to rush toward the awaiting gryphon. With only one pair ahead of him, a sudden twist gripped his gut, his knees buckling with a jolt. He became acutely aware of the sweat streaming down his face, dampening his thick beard. The glistening sweat droplets formed along his brow, slipping into his bushy eyebrows. He wiped his clammy hands on his leather trousers before brushing his brow with the back of his hand. "There's always a first, Zurth. Here, take this and dry your hands. Wouldn't be any good if those quivers slipped." The voice at his side jolted him back to reality-his training partner. Zurthis took the cloth towel extended toward him. "Thanks, Glintham" He noted the short bow slung over his companion's shoulder and the quiver of barbed short-tip arrows, expertly secured to his belt with the green sash indicating his role as Assault. "It's time, look up... here it comes, Zurth!" The shrill whistle pierced the air before he had a chance to react. His mind and body responded instinctively, pushing him forward. Dropping into a crouch, he secured the leather harness connected to the supply box. Using his heels, he pushed up, his back slightly arched to lift the heavy load. Once the box was secured in his grasp, Zurthis surged forward toward the clearing. Glintham had already reached the pick-up point, turning back to gesture at the descending gryphon. Zurthis pushed harder, reaching him just as the creature executed a flawless landing. Glintham nodded as the Windrider motioned for him to mount. Once astride, Glintham turned, steadying the supply box to assist in easing its transfer onto his lap. Zurthis managed to hook his right foot into the leather saddle stirrup and threw his weight forward, gripping the gryphon's body as best as he could. Without hesitation, the beast launched skyward, a single powerful flap of its wings sending them soaring. Zurthis clung to the saddle-and to Glintham-praying not to fall.
The journey to the target location lasted only minutes, yet each second stretched endlessly. Exhilaration coursed through Zurthis as he mentally mapped familiar landmarks across the terrain. He had almost lost himself in thought before a sharp elbow to the ribs brought him back. "We're here, Zurth You're up soon supply drop-off and I cover!" The Windrider began a slow, spiraling descent toward the clearing. "Fire on those targets! Three minutes to supply box delivery" Glintham, bow in hand, swiftly measured his shots, releasing a flurry of barbed arrows at the humanoid hay dummies scattered below. In moments, he had struck four of the seven."Enough!" the Windrider called, sharply banking downward. Zurthis tightened his grip, his legs pressing firmly into the gryphon's sides while he held onto the supply box. The Windrider's voice rang out over the roaring wind. "Three minutes! Get that supply box delivered to placement and get back here!" The moment the gryphon's claws grazed the ground, Zurthis leaped off, stumbling slightly before gaining his balance. He scanned the area for the designated drop-off point-the Wildrunner resupply flag. He had memorized the location, yet in the heat of the moment, he rushed towards what he thought was the right position. As he neared, a sinking feeling gripped his gut. The flag was missing. He had misjudged the placement. His eyes darted frantically until he spotted the actual drop zone-a few dozen meters further, partially hidden behind a cluster of tall grass. Cursing under his breath, he pivoted and sprinted toward it. But in his haste, his foot caught on an uneven patch of dirt. Zurthis barely had time to react before he lurched forward. The supply box slipped from his grasp, hitting the ground with a dull thud. The lid burst open, scattering its contents-rations, bandages, and small weapon caches spilling across the clearing. Panic surged through him as he scrambled to gather everything. His hands worked feverishly, shoving supplies back into the container. "Zurth, move!" Glintham's voice tore through the clearing. Zurthis snapped his head up. The Windrider was already turning the gryphon, preparing for takeoff. Heart pounding, he hoisted the supply box and bolted, his legs burning as he pushed himself forward. Reaching the placement point, he dropped the box and sprinted back towards the gryphon, yet the beast's wings were already unfurled and seconds away from lifting off. Realizing that he wouldn't make it, Zurthis immediately visualized his red tailed hawk wildshape form calling upon nature's energies to transform into the bird of prey. With one final burst in his new winged form, Zurthis darted towards the gryphon, reaching it just as its powerful legs pushed off the ground. His claws dug into the saddle, latching on to the leather. Victorious, Zurthis let out a loud screech. Glintham looked back at him "You better not have gotten us disqualified!!"
Zurthis marvelled at the forest full of Vallenwood trees, each rising up magnificently towards the sky almost blocking out the sun. All around him was the invigorating smell of a new day, with subtle floral notes intermingling in the air with the heaviness of the fresh earth made lighter by the cool breeze that nudged him gently down the road leading to Solace. As he closed the distance, he would regularly shut his eyes and focus on listening for the melody of creature calls. While many of the fauna thrived unseen in the shadow of the great Vallenwoods, their sounds nevertheless could be discerned by those familiar with these lands. Zurthis felt great reassurance and comfort as he acknowledged how even predator and prey seemed to co-exist with seemingly mild disinterest. As the peaceful harmony characteristic of the forests surrounding Solace permeated his mind and body, Zurthis felt a sudden wave of tiredness and an ache to lay his pack and lie down. The mere acknowledgement of proximity to his childhood home had reflexively ushered his guard down, inadvertently triggering his instinct to reaffirm control over his physical and mental faculties. Having served during the past years as part of a unit of Wildrunner scouts, his missions would usually all but completely drain him of both physical and spiritual energies with only little respite after each mission. Now having almost completed his journey from Qualinost to Solace and acknowledging his return, all of his muscles, joints and nerves seemed to strike back at him at this very moment of seeming intransigence. Zurthis pondered for a moment the benefits of heading straight to his childhood home to rest. He hesitated knowing that both fond and fickle memories awaited him. Instead, he chose to explore his hometown, hoping it would invigorate and prepare him for the burden to come. As he travelled, he tried to focus his attention on familiar landmarks whilst reliving positive memories-each passing moment he experienced a revitalizing energy coursing through the Vallenwood staff which he held tightly. Nearing Town Square, the slow rumbling sound of cart wheels on the dusty road leading into the market drew his interest and attention. Occasionally, he would take a deep breath and furrow his brow as he attempted to confirm the identify of incoming travellers whom seemed familiar. All morning, Zurthis had watched farmers, fishermen as well as other craftsmen and traders casually roll in on their wagons or push their carts, their destination: the Solace market. While trying not to stare too much, Zurthis would trail each new arrival with curiosity; secretly hoping he could recognize and perhaps have a shared memory to recollect.
Zurthis arrived at the central market before noon, he quickly made note of the various travellers he had encountered on the road earlier. They had by now already setup their stalls by hanging up or displaying their various wares, having positioned themselves at designated spots - most stood idly by as the townsfolks examined their goods, nevertheless a few younger traders would often shatter the silence by drawing attention to their offerings through loud announcements and enticements. He often would switch focus from the sellers and traders in the market to the townsfolk, abandoning the stream of memories bubbling to the foreground of his attention in favour of the rhythmic flow of activity As he examined various stalls that dotted the circular market and the townsfolk going about their way, he chose a new perspective to consider. He made note of the variety and quality of goods for sale and those purchased by the townsfolk in an attempt to discern the condition of the townsfolk through their baskets. As he switched back and forth between thoughtful observation and whimsical reflection, Zurthis couldn't help but notice how many had acquired aged and even slightly decaying produce. Baskets were filled with grey eyed fish and grey meats, as well as fruit and vegetables that had turned dark and mouldy. Many of the townsfolk seemed not to care and by the look of it even seemed slightly pleased with the spoilt products according to immediate observation. Having spent many a year in the wilderness having favoured a more nomadic and rugged lifestyle Zurthis was at a complete loss as to why any of the shrewd townsfolk would willingly part with their precious coinage for foul tasting and likely harmful goods. "These times really must be the worst" he thought, "How can anyone manage to eat that now let alone a few days or a week from now". Zurthis continued with measured pace to explore the market, noting with growing horror how both those grizzled by age and tiny children carried spoilt food. Not a single hair was split over freshness in the discussions between the traders and townsfolk. Zurthis made note with absolute bewilderment that on multiple occasions some would even prefer the mouldy produce to the fresh and glistening fruit and vegetables resting on large drawers or hanging from beams in the stalls. His thoughts would often be interrupted by the frequent cacophonous outbursts of laughter coming from the market as elders called out to each other showing off the prospectively poisonous wares. Eventually, the rising murmur accompanying the hustle and bustle of the townsfolk as they loudly shared their opinions and gossip on where one could find the most despoiled products proved too difficult for him to block out or accept. Finally, Zurthis stopped and cried loudly startling the nearby traders out of their lazy afternoon stupor, "What by all the gods of Krynn is happening here! Have you all gone mad? Are you all bewitched? What form of illusion or deception is this? These goods are not fit for animals let alone people!". "Be gone! Leave us!" animated many of the wealthier merchants and traders in near unison. Others chose to quip back in reply."Why should he have to leave? Perhaps he should head down instead to the garrison of the knights of Solamnia or the local watch as well as the mages of the academy to let them know of a plot that has resulted with the bewitchment of the people of Solace. No worse an outcome than any which you have brought upon yourselves!" Zurthis felt completely taken aback by the angered responses of the merchants and in particular their anger and ridicule towards him. He quickly mumbled an apology as he pushed through a path between the crowd that had formed to judge his latest protest. Such was his annoyance at being ridiculed that Zurthis managed to make it out of the central market and was already on his way home before a hand managed to grab his shoulder.
"Zurth! You're back!" shouted a voice from behind him. Zurthis quickly turned about preparing to refute the claim. He mumbled a polite greeting betrayed by the look of annoyance plastered on his face. He could not tell who this stranger was and had no further interest in exploring childhood memories. "Zurth! It's me, Lilly, I hope you still remember" "Don't you recognize me anymore?! Oh Zurth! How disappointing!". Zurth looked at Lilly with an expression caught between mild apathy and feigned interest. Finally, he managed to contain his anger enough to deliver a response, "Lilly! Of course! I remember! Please don't pay too much attention to me now. I just arrived and already I wish I hadn't. Frankly, I am unsure what's befallen this town or its once honest merchants! Selling, trading and exchanging spoilt food! What madness! What could drive matters to such a horrible state?" By the time he had gotten to the primary cause of consternation, Lilly's expression had almost completely shifted from concern to amusement. Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed as she flashed a toothy grin. Grabbing him by the arms, Lilly exclaimed, "Yes, yes!that's how I noticed you! There I was minding my own business, mixing the dyes and tanning the leathers when I heard a commotion and saw a crowd. I overhead a few merchants complain loudly that an outsider dressed as a priest of Chislev was making a fool of himself, distracting the customers.. she continued slightly sarcastically, "Angering Shinare. Even jeopardizing their rightfully earned divine blessing and all." Waving a hand in the air, she continued with growing excitement, "Don't mind them at all. You've done nothing wrong! They're just quick to defend themselves and even quicker to blame others. In fact, I believe they're just afraid of what a priest of Chislev could do she said with a wink and glint in her eye. "Let me share what I know. A few weeks ago, a priest of Shinare was invited to Solace to attend the official opening of a new inn and butcher, the Ruminant's Best. The locals including livestock farmers and traders had turned a large barn into an inn and a market for livestock trading - patrons could even directly examine the bovines from the comfort of their tables while having a taste of the herd for breakfast, lunch or dinner!" "My oh my, what a successful inn it turned out to be! I heard that for a while there the Inn of the Last Home was even having trouble keeping up with them! Imagine!" Annoyed at the ease with which Lilly recounted the story, Zurthis wrinkled his nose to take his mind off the smell of leather dyes. Taking a quick shallow breath, he stopped tapping his Vallenwood staff to interrupt her, "And how would this have anything to do with spoilt food. Sounds to me that someone pleased Shinare enough to bless the whole damn town, nobles and wealthy merchants included they're got all manner of customers all day long as you describe it. Why would that any bearing on Lilly cut off Zurthis with a laugh "Oh no, only wealthy nobles and merchants could actually afford to patron this inn. You see shortly after opening, in the midst of all the attention, the owners of the inn chose to exclude all but the wealthy and powerful. It seems that they had taken the priest's words at the opening ceremony literally, believing that with each bigger and bigger bill that was paid they would remain in Shinare's favor.
"Soon enough, they began inviting high priests, knights, magistrates, even archmages and headmasters from the academy of magic. They even went as far as to fashion a small altar to gather donations to construct a temple of Shinare with promises that they would break ground on a new temple and an even bigger inn. Zurthis followed diligently but as soon as Lilly paused for breath, Zurthis pleaded for clarity. Taking a quick deep breath, Lilly continued, "Well, as soon as those rich and powerful patrons who had thus far been satisfied by the company of even more rich and powerful started to offer suggestions to garner even more favor from Shinare, things took a somewhat darker turn..." Zurthis raised his eyebrow in anticipation, "Oh did they begin cheating their patrons?" "Oh no- no no, they gave their patrons exactly what they asked for!" replied Lilly. "In the following weeks, they hosted several games all held in honor of Shinare, for example they held a cattle milking competition pitting manual labor against magic and steam powered gnomish milking machines. They also held a bovine beauty contest with the occasional fully painted cattle and bulls! Imagine that painted horns and hooves! Lilly took a deeper breath, continuing."Well, they didthe owners seemed to relish the attention and of course the profits from each event. That's also when they took things too far. While most of these were largely harmless and maybe somewhat entertaining for some, the owners chose to take things down a darker path. First, it started with the bull baiting games - hunting hounds from the kennels of the Knights of Solamnia nipping and biting enraged bulls to the death. Then the fights began" "What fights then? Bull fights?" "Nonot that..on one of the nights, an altercation broke out between two patrons.One had cheated the other in an earlier dealing on a herd of cattle.During the altercation, a few of the hired muscle - all minotaurs serving as part of mercenary units got entangled into the mess. Punches and daggers flew and ultimately a lot of blood was spilt on the barn floor. In spite of the broken bones and slashed limbs, the crowd had gone wild... all week long the town raved about the fight that broke out at the Ruminant." <<<< Sorry! Had to split over two stories instead of one :( >>>>
"A few weeks later, that very same group of minotaurs were hired again for a fight. This time it was meant to be staged but those who accepted did so on account of the score that had to be settled. A challenge was assumed and unbeknownst to the patrons, the fight transformed into a formal dual akin to the death duals held in the Great Circuses of the Minotaurs! One of four challengers died that evening from a fatal stab wound before the local watch managed to intervene." "The fight shocked many but no one more than the priest of Shinare, in the anger and grief that followed, many blamed him for his constant encouragement and patronage.He often exchanged words of support and many a time he did give Shinare's blessings on the altar created near the inn. "It seemed that Shinare heard his prayers and as comeuppance to the owners, the rich and wealthy merchants of Solace, a protective blessing was placed less a curse on them then a foil to their commercial activity... Lilly hesitated before adding, "None can be harmed by their misdeeds, even if they themselves sought it. So the townsfolk have taken it upon themselves to remind them of it each week. They consume the food that would otherwise rotted and Shinare protects them from any harm." Zurthis scratched his head and beard thinking deeply, "And the townsfolk they willingly choose to do so each week? To eat decayed and mouldy food? What for?" Lilly seemed taken aback by the question "Well, I can't speak on behalf of all but those who seem to enjoy it, also seem to always remind the merchants of the consequences of their unrestrained greed."
Zurthis looked at the familiar faces in the mess hall, noting the similar expressions of irritation and signs of exhaustion. It being early morning, Zurthis attempted to shrug off his curiosity but a lingering thought prevented him from diverting his attention. Pondering this last observation, he considered how many in the hall had just returned to duty from what would have been a prime opportunity for long uninterrupted rest. Was it just him having bad dreams? Weren't there one too many tired faces in the mess hall? Returning his attention to breakfast: a thick mixed vegetable stew with bread; Zurthis considered the possibilities whilst slowly and methodically tearing morsels of bread and dipping them in the stew. The quiet was interrupted by the arrival of his scouting unit. A few members approached, politely gesturing to the empty seats. Zurthis nodded and smiled in return. Glintham was the first to speak, casting a quick scan over the hall before bursting out, rapid-fire: "Lo, Zurthis! Blessings of the Mother! First up from the unit, eh? What a night. May I join?" "Yes, a restless night please," Zurthis replied slowly in Common, motioning for Glintham to sit. Sensing hesitation from the two Kagonesti elves behind him, Zurthis added, "Many sennights have passed since we last broke bread. Surely there is much to exchange." The elves nodded, replying in unison, "Blessings of the Mother," as they took seats across from each other a short distance away. Glintham plopped down across from Zurthis, nearly knocking over the bowl of stew as he unloaded his belongings. He placed a set of throwing daggers on the table and rested a sheathed sword upright between bench and table. Zurthis raised an eyebrow at the display."Mission?" he asked. Glintham shook his head with a frown. "No, no mission. Just dull blades. A sharpening long overdue" He shifted, then leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Blacksmith. After breakfast." Then, straightening again as if nothing had been said, he tore a chunk of bread and dunked it into the stew. He spoke louder: "Everyone's back on duty. We're finally relieved, but... could just be nerves." Zurthis blinked, then shrugged, returning to his meal.
An hour later, Zurthis stood at the corner of an intersection, facing the Qualinost blacksmith. He'd been waiting patiently for Glintham ever since breakfast, watching passersby flinch at the high-pitched ringing of hammer on metal. Finally, Glintham emerged from the direction of the Wildrunner barracks. "Lo, Zurth!" he bellowed, trying to be heard over the din. As he neared, he tossed a leather skin at Zurthis, who caught it and sniffed. "A bit early for this, no?" Zurthis muttered, tossing it back with a grimace. "Is this why you brought me here?" he asked, voice rising in irritation as the smell of alcohol reached him. Glintham looked down sheepishly, then met Zurthis' eyes again with sudden intensity."You're just like the others. No one questions anything. Even after what you've seen-this strangeness in everyone-you don't dare ask why." Zurthis exhaled sharply. "You've clearly had enough already. Speak plainly, Glintham. Spare me the riddles." "I have seen it, Zurth!" Glintham whispered fiercely. "The Mother chose me, chose us. She sent a message. Perhaps she tests our resolve and commitment to maintaining nature's balance!" Glintham continued albeit losing the zeal in his eyes. He leaned in. "That skin there? It's the only way I could think to start digging into this mess." His eyes darted, following each passerby with suspicious intensity. "I don't know what to believe. It must be divination. A prophecy? Perhaps not the future even!. Or worse-perhaps we're caught in a nightmare. A spell like the one that corrupted Silvanesti... cast by that cursed green dragon, Cyan Bloodbane, through the Dragon Orb!" Zurthis' eyes widened. He had never seen Glintham in such a state and now his words seemed to echo thoughts he hadn't dared say aloud. He took a breath. "What did you dream then, Glintham? What was the Mother showing you?" Glintham's gaze sharpened. "It's madness" he muttered. Zurthis relented. "Give me that skin. No more stalling-tell me everything. You have my full attention." He added silently, And hopefully, sober up enough to make sense.
"My dream started with a bird's eye view of a massive island surrounded by a deep blue sea but somehow I could see other colours alongside the deep blue. The southernmost part of the island was tinged in red, the northern almost black with both sides tinged in green where vegetation seemed to fall directly into the sea itself. On the northern part of the island was a long chain of mountains. Sharp peaks, like serrated daggers and an endless carpet of green vegetation below them, thick and dense." "I could not understand why I was there. Only that I could sense something disturbing the Mother's blessed touch. Yet, all around I could see that the landscape was perfect and unblemished. Only a large tower stood in the southern part of the island, near the sea but before I could make out anything I started spinning. At first I wasn't sure if I was moving or falling, then I realized that everything was shaking" "Suddenly, a bellowing cloud of ash and yellow smoke came out of the mountain, as if the mountain was taking letting out a deep breath; the cloud was simultaneously rising vertically, thousands of feet into the air and horizontally covering the entire green landscape and the sea as far as the edge of the horizon itself. The grey clouds blocked out the sun turning the yellow sky into a bleeding red orange with alternating patterns of dark blue, black and green. "There in the heart of the now soot covered mountains I could sense a deep anguish, fury and endless loss. I could feel it tear my consciousness, fraying my faculties as if it were a parchment about to be consumed by fire." "Flashes of white light brought me into the heart of the anguish, hundreds of silhouettes of slim bird-like humanoid creatures, struggling to control themselves in the air. "All seemed to be consumed by a single objective: to save what must have been something truly and terribly precious to them. Their shrill screams echoed throughout and yet there seemed to be no bond between them while they frantically pursued this common objective. With every attempt they tried, the heavy ash clouds burdened them further and all seemed to always end in vain. Ultimately, their wings were not a match for the heavy ash and wind barrage. Most fell to the ground after multiple attempts, a group of them rose above and then disappeared behind the ash cloud - leaving behind echoes of their angry screams as if they were readying themselves for battle". Glintham paused, catching his breath. Zurthis had gone still. "It sounds familiar... but different. I saw glimpses of ash, yes. But no island. Screams.But no bird-creatures. In my dream, there were three magic users, performing a ritual."
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> Zurthis had gone still. "It sounds familiar... but different. I saw glimpses of ash, yes. But no island. Screams.But no bird-creatures. In my dream, there were three magic users, performing a ritual." He recounted what he'd seen-minotaur-kin mages in a stone chamber, focused on their spellwork. "They couldn't see me. I was hidden, shielded by some kind of prismatic barrier. Like the skin of a chameleon-always shifting colors." "They stood around a tiny orb-at first I thought it was a crystal ball, then it was engulfed in fire, earth, and water. It warped and flickered in and out of existence. I swear I saw images flash through itwherever it was, they had unleashed wanton destruction and the screams of their victims as they came through that orb envigorated them." Zurthis shuddered and leaned in. "Do you remember the shape of those peaks? Can you describe that tower? If this island is real, if those mages are real we must act!?" Glintham nodded gravely. "I have replayed that dream in my mind all morning. There is no doubting it. These creatures and perhaps those mages. They are from the North. Where else can one find blood red tinted waters on Krynn? They must be near the Maelstrom!." Zurthis nodded in agreement. "If those mages caused the quake and the ash cloud then they've tapped into primal forces no mage should. And yet-they bore no mark of the Conclave." Glintham narrowed his eyes. "Renegades? If so, powerful ones. Skilled enough to escape notice from the Conclave's hunters." Zurthis sighed. "We need help. Someone well-traveled. Someone who understands magic."
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 mentions 'We have had over 895 storytellers on Ansalon pen their epic stories here for all to read.'
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