An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Codex.
A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap is at 65. You change? 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 small leaflet on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Codex' scribed in blue ink.
Author: Codex
Date Sat May 4 22:36:18 2002
Subject Quest of the lost Soul.. The begining
Sitting on a grassy knoll under the shade cast down by Khalkist
Mountains,
Codex looked over the small city of Jelek. His eyes scan the town
below for
moment, searching. A bright blue flash shimmers for a moment,
then another, in
the forest surrounding the city. 'Uthayn and Orak, watch over
Jelek.. The
city should be safe...', he says, looking over his shoulder.
Behind him, the bright shimmer of green catches the light, as
Kistmaro, a jade
dragon of Zhan, snakes his head down. 'The Emerald is a wise
one and will
keep watch over Neraka with the help of the others. Intuylo is
quite capable
of handling the city affairs, while the twin topaz' see to the
defenses.'
Moving to stand up, Codex looks one last time on Jelek. Turning
his gaze
northward, he stops for a moment. Far off in the distance,
darkness hangs over
the land. From here it seems merely a black speck on the horizon.
Dargaard...
Shaking his gaze, refusing to relive the memories, he whips
about, moving
closer to the jade. 'Yes, you are right.
The land will be fine in their hands until we return.' Placing
his hand on
the cold, solid hide of the dragon, 'Take your elven form,
Kistmaro. We
shall head out at sunset, and though we the journey we take is
most important,
we are in no rush.'
Kistmaro snorts in obvious disapproval, ' You know full well I
dislike
polymorphing. I cannot show power and install fear into others as
a mortal.'
Snaking his head and away, the dragon snorts again, the heat of
his breath
turning the leaves of the nearest tree upwards in rebutal.
'Yes I know, my friend. But I request it. We shall walk, for I
must ponder
over what it is that must be done. And surely you would agree
that we shall
find a more friendly reception, if you walk beside me as an
equal.' Codes
turns his head upward, catching the dragons gaze as it turns its
head abck
towards him. 'Even if we arent. We both have spent our years
upon this land,
in solitude. We shall begin our trek side by side.'
Kistmaro snorts again, yet giving in, he nods slightly. For years
he stood
alone among the gem dragons, respected as a warrior and leader,
yet left to
his own because of his views and quick to temper attitude. This
one, this
half-elf, is the first to have walked the same path as he. The
two hold each
other in the largest of respects, knowing the others internal
struggle with
his soul... or lack there of.
Gathering his pack and double checking everything, Codex nods and
stands up,
looking eye to eye with Kistmaro. Long black hair whips wildly in
the wind as
a pair of the darkest green eyes stare back at him. His features
are rough and
rigid, yet a softness can be seen as he looks upon the half-elf
whom has
earned his trust. and proven his worth faithfully.
Slinging the pack over his back, Codex places his hand on the
elf's shoulder.
'Come then my friend... a journey unlike no other waits us.. A
journey of
the lost soul.. A story... A story.. of my life.'
Author: Codex
Date: Thu May 10
22:37:18 2007
Subject "Waken to the rising sun, my
child.."
The last remnants of Solinari's glow crept
across the valley, casting its
silver hues upon the forest floor.
Morning's dew, freshly fallen,
collecting upon each thirsting
blade of grass, aiding each decaying leaf
with its natural
progression, radiating each ray of moonlight. A soft
wind,
collecting the less hindered leaves, blows across the
landscape. Movement
stirs beneath a large gnarled and disfigured
birch tree. The mound of dead
foilage at the tree's base shifts,
and begins to rise upward. The breeze
intensifies, scattering
the rising mound into the wind. In its place, a
man, rising to
his full height, finally comes to stand.. And slowly...
His
eyes open.
Amber eyes look out across the valley,
roaming it's surface. When at last
they are satisfied that no
threat is to be found, he turns full circle. He
bows in respect
to the cursed and dying birch. "I thank you again for
your
shelter, and for the insight woven into my dreams. Much you
have told and
taught me this night, and for that.. I am
greatful. " He turns once more
to look upon the valley, and
the slowly lightening sky above. Grabbing his
pack from the
hearth in which he had slept, he slings his pack and begins
his
trek down into the valley before him.
He felt it once more.
The breathing of the land. The whispers of the
trees on the
wind. Some welcomed his return, some did not. It was no
more
than he had already expected, nor was it the first time. A
cursed life will
bring about it's own accord.
The forest,
regardless of its feeling, showed him respect none the less.
Though he looked no more than of a man in his middles years..
The land knew
different. It could see past the rugidly handsome
good looks. Past the
long wavy black hair, the eyes of
entrancing amber, the lean muscles. It
knew his past... And it
remembered. He stooped low on for a moment, over a
dark black
spot upon the forest's floor. His gaze moved from the spot,
back
to the twisted birch upon the hill that had given him
shelter. "One day..
I will be able to right those wrongs that
you have been forced to endure at
my hand, .. "
Codex
returned to his journey. His mind adrift, so much to do. Only
once
more along his walk did he delay. He gazed upon the
entrance to a cave.
Sealed shut, by an emerald wall. Nodding
his head in acknowledgement, he
moved on. Finally he came to
stand before a set of twin pillars. Lingering
upon their beauty,
memories set aflow, stories long forgotten, and yet never
lost to
him, he sighed in relief. Placing his hand upon the cool stone,
he
said, "At last, ... I am home.. "
Author:
Codex
Date: Sat May 12 05:39:46
2007
Subject 'The land lightens, to the
dawning..'
Landing lightly on dirt path, Codex turns and
thanks the gryphon for
delivering him safely. The gryphon takes
to skies once more, a fresh meal,
its new mission. As the beast
disappears over the treetops, Codex turns and
makes his way for
the city gates.
He walks slowly, deep in his on thoughts. His
return had been more welcomed
than he had imagined it would be.
For seven years he had slept. His path
for knowledge had run
dry. Codex had tried almost everything he knew. He
gave way to
both gods that had turn his soul asunder. Chislev would
not
answer his prayers. Oh yes, nature would speak to him, but
she, herself,
had turned him aside. The dark lord, Chemosh, only
laughed. Taunting him
mercilessly with what could be.. But
Codex knew all to well what truly
would be. No.. That life was
behind him. It was in that time that Codex
gave way to his
exhaustion. Taking up a stretch of hearth beneath the birch
tree
that so long ago he had cursed, he closed his eyes and told the
world
it was time for his rest.
Codex entered through the city
gates, and passing the guards made his way
for a small park and
one of its empty benches. He seats himself under the
shade of a
tall yet young oak tree, and sinks deeper into his memories...
Seven years of sleep, but far from peaceful. Dreams of
nature's beauty.
Nightmares of tortures cruelty. God versus
Goddess waged war over him. At
times, literally on him. His
body the battlefield. His soul the prize. At
last the battle
gave way.. Suddenly.. To a still browness. He walked
his
dreams in wonder. He expected blackness.. Or even more so
the toal
grayness of the abyss. Yet over time, the landscape
formed, and refolded
upon itself, until at last some distinction
was made. And finally, when he
realized that he looked, at what
he guessed to be the inside of an amazingly
large tree.. He
heard a voice.
"Your story is known to me, Codex, for all
I know and know, I, all. Entrust
unto me, for I have encompassed
you. Your journey shall me to encompass me.
I cannot promise
you, the undoing of what you have wrought. Nor can I cure
you of
the demons that have cursed your life. But trust only in me,
and
your life may be fulfilled. And at last.. Complete.
"
Codex stands and walks over to the small pond nearby.
Looking into its
reflection, he gazes upon his own image. A body
encased in his tribalistic
tattoos. The ram upon his shoulder
seems to dance with each ripple of the
water's surface. Though
he can not see his back, he knows the birch
imprinted there is
rippling as if wind was truly able to catch it's leaves.
He
leans closer, and it is there. Within the reflection of his
eyes. His
amber eyes... Nodding, he stands. Taking his leave
of the park, Codex
returns to the city street. He is resolved.
His path is laid, and he must
follow it through. He has returned
to his brethren, his fellow Wildrunners,
his roots. Now he seeks
out more. An understanding of what he is to
become. Knowledge
of how to control it. Mastery of its use.
Finally he comes to
stand at the gates of building. Here, at last, his path
will
widen, and his choices will come full circle. He looks up,
gazing over
the Temple of the Stars, and takes his next step on
his long journey.
Author: Codex
Date: Mon May 14 04:43:35 2007
Subject "Life
begins anew, as daylight breaks.."
Message had been sent
to the Wildrunner that Codex would be staying in
Palanthas for a
while. His exceptence into the Order of Balance had
went
smoothly and now all the neccesseties had been completed.
Now he stood
within a small bedroom provided to him. His clothes
had been placed upon
the dresser for him by one of the
understudies. His eyes moved from the
newly sewn robes, to the
closet door, where the gear that he had worn here
was hung. He
was again of two minds, of about which to wear. He decided
to
improvise, and moved toward his gear...
The members of the
temple gave him a wide birth as he passed. Each
whispering
disgustedly as the sight of his appearance. "How could he...
"
and "Shameful.. ", seemed to be common themes. When at
last he stepped out
into the courtyard and found the priest with
whom we was to study, he
smirked. A gentle breeze took hold of
his robes. Moving through the long
slits he had made several
times from waistline to hem. His arms flexed and
relaxed, his
robes now sleeveless, and also collarless. The priest
merely
smiled, 'And here I was thinking you were wishing to
delve into the arts of
the pray and divination. Not a tailor's
kit and fashion. ' .. Hours
turned to days, days tunred to
week. Progress was being made, that much was
known. He had been
able once again to commune with his new found advisor as
he had
during his sleep. Once again the great tree had enveloped him,
and
granted him some wisdom of what was to be done. Hours of
meditation. Days
of fasting. He felt as though he was once
again on vigil in Zhan. It was
in these times, that his memories
would flood down upon him, like waves
crashing against the rocky
shore. Threatening to bring the stone tumbling
down under its
frothing mass. A dream, from his resting sleep, creeped
back
into his mind..
He was in the forest surrounding
Qualinost. He could see the Tower of the
Sun jutting out above
the treetops. Movement from behind made him wheel
about.
Walking from behind a tree, stood a woman of natural beauty.
Long,
flowing curls of earth brown hair did little to hide her
elven ears. Her
face was soft and smooth, her body lean and
supple. Eyes, the color of
jade, looked pleadingly upon him. He
tried to move, yet it was as if he was
rooted in place. She
reached out a slender hand to him. He reached for
her, but she
was far out of his range. Stepping closer, she spoke at
last,
'All I am, I give to you, Codex. Embrace me as yours..
' The crash of
crashing foilage broke her off. She turned and
screamed. Three elves,
presumably guardmens from their attire,
appeared from behind another tree.
The rushed upon her.
Grabbing ahold of her, they carried her off to his
right. He
followed them with his eyes, his legs still locked in place.
They disppearred behind another tree and never appeared again.
His heart
was heavy, emotion ran over him like never before. He
begged and pleaded,
yet no word escaped his mouth. Distraught,
he lowered his head, only to
hear more footfalls. A man
approached. Dressed in noblemen's clothes, the
man unsheathed
his sword. His sword rose as he walked closer. "In what
world
is a half breed fit for my daughter's hand, " he said. The
sword
stopped in it peak, hovering a few feet above Codex's head.
"Mariam is
forever lost to you, bastard child. In this life..
And the next" The sword
flashed in the sunlight, and as he
prepared himself for the end, he awoke..
Codex sat there for
an eternity. It had been so real. His mind raced over
the
dream. Something inside his mind was fighting against him.
Hiding the
truth. Then he remembered. The ceremony of becoming.
The appearance of
the Goddess. But more importanly, her spouse,
and fellow god. Zivilyn.
His mind sunk in on one thing. The
book which never left his hand. And it
struck him at last.
Palanthas Library
Candles snuffed out, as the
doors to his chambers slammed shut behind him.
Author:
Codex
Date: Fri May 18 06:34:44
2007
Subject "Light revives that which darkness
forgot.."
Standing upon the southeastern tower of
Qualinost, Codex nods to the
guards. He makes his way into the
parapet, closing the door behind him. He
moves to the window,
Solinari's light bathing the room in it's silver glow.
Seatting
himself on the shift cot, he withdraws a red book from his robes.
He looks at its cover and smiles, knowing that miles away in
Palanthas,
Astinus is writing his story. Putting to page,
Codex's theft of one of his
prized novels. He turns the page and
begins to read..
Page 126 'Mariam turned the corner,
leaving the ballroom behind. She
bounded into him. A young
half-breed servant to the royal house.
Half-human,
half-kagonesti, he was handsome by means of both traits.
She
held beauty by all Qualinost standards. Their eyes met, and
both knew...
'
Codex continued reading, hastily flipping
through pages..
Page 201 'Mariam's father, Meqryst, hold
the sword high above his head.
Codex froze in place, the spell
holding him, kneeled "Mariam is forever lost
to you, bastard
child. In this life.. And the next. " The sword flashes
in
the sunlight as it begins it's descent. Codex readies himself
for death,
and is startled back to reality as the sword brushes
his hand.. Having
fallen to the ground. He looks up. The tip
of a rapier, protrudes from
Mewqryst's chest. Codex stands, the
spell lifted, and looks over the
shoulder of his would be killer.
Mariam looks him in the eye, pleading,
shocked, yet all of her
love is known to him. Knees hit the ground, and the
body slumps
forward as she releases her grasp. He reaches for her,
but
fails. She is being dragged away by the guards from which
she had just
escaped. He watches in horror as someone grabs of
hold of him. He wathces
in disbelief as they are drug apart."
Page 214 The Speaker stands from his seat among the
council. "Codex
Ji'jin, you are hereby sent forth from this
land. It is my judgement,
though no banishment is placed upon
you, you are to walk among the forest
for 100 years. " Codex
hangs his head, but he is relieved. One hundred
years. Their
love would stand this test. "Mariam Llastron, your
crime
stands as murder. As our people hold dear all life, you
have taken that of
another. And as such, have called forfeit to
your own. You shall be cast
forth into the White Rage River,
that Mother Nature shall wash of all sins
before excepting you
into her bossom. " Codex cried out in rage, but no
one
listened. Mariam was escorted out of the tower but her last
words were
given to her love. "I love you, Codex..
"
Codex shut the book after page 216. His emotion gave way
to exhaustion.
Exhaustion gave way to sleep..
Author: Codex
Date: Mon May
21 04:48:50 2007
Subject "Warmth flows over the cold
valley.."
Gentle bubbling mixing with crashing waves,
creates a symphony worthy of
a royal gala. Here on the peak of
the cliff where the branches of the White
Rage River meet far
below, Codex stands. He gazes downward, pondering for a
mere
moment. No. He knows that to survive the five hundred foot
plummet
would be impossible. His amber eyes, fill with a look
all to unfamiliar to
him. Sorrow. Something he hasnt known for
far too long.
'Mariam.. I can only say how sorry I am to
you. I'll be honest.. I had
forgetten. I let myself push you
away. The mere memory of you, haunted me
for years after. I
never knew how to deal with it. I loved you, more than
life
itself. I would have given anything to take your place. And at
last,
I thought it was time to join you. It was then in that
moment, that I stood
before the cliffs of Zhan, that I was
whisked away by the mother of the
land. In her arms, I was
reborn, My mind cleared of it's past, nature was
to be my newest
love.... ' Codex lowered himself to the ground, dangling
his
legs over the cliff. Looking to his left, he holds his hand,
palm down,
above a small patch of rock free earth. As his eyes
close, four small
shoots spring forth from the ground. Quickly
they rise to the rbight sky,
taking form. Leaves begin to
unfold, buds begins to take shape from each
tip. Four different
colors blossom into beautiful roses. As they finally
form, Codex
reaches down and picks the bunch from the earth. He looks
back
to the gorge below... And drops the flowers into the wind.
'For you... , ' he loweres his head 'I will not recant
what came next..
Most of which, I care not remember. Even
though I can not forget any of it.
I will not ask for your
forgiveness, in the life that lead after. I beg
only that you
remember what we felt for each other, and know that it shaped
me
to be the who I am. And that alone has in turn helped to shape
the world
in a tumbling effect. It is for that reason that I
have come to remember
you. And to let you know.. '
Codex
moves from his position. On his knees, he places both hands on
the
edge of the cliff, and begins a inaudible prayer. Down the
cliff side, the
rock begins to shimmer and reshape. Rough edge
gives way to smooth surface.
Protrusions move forth. Dips and
valleys slink back into the rock.
Finally, after several long
minutes, Codex removes his hands and stands. A
eagle screeches
from below to his right. He watches as it soars past
the
reshapen rock. The eagle loosk at it, then rises to the
cliffside. It
passes Codex, giving him a nod as it soars into
the sky.
.. I will always love and honor you.
Codex
turns to leave. Far below the peak, the cliff shows his work.
Now
forever etched in memory, a large stone statue of Mariam, in
all her
resplindid beauty, stands recessed into the cliffs wall.
Her arms forever
open. Welcoming all in need. Waiting.. For
her lover's embrace.
Author: Codex
Date: Tue May 29 06:17:20 2007
Subject "The
world warms to the day, life begins again.."
Codex
shucked his makeshift robes, tossing them over the dresser. He
was
back in his quarters in the Temple of the Stars in Palanthas.
His departure
from Qualinost was a welcome one. More to
himself, then to the army there.
The meeting with Raina and the
Lady Ayasana, had been interesting, to say
the least. Aya's smug
demeanor, and quick witted sarcasm, reminded all to
much of
himself. He had been able to restrain his anger at being
pulled
away on a useless errand. Raina had seen to that.
Still.. Maybe some good
would come of it. Maybe a soul sould be
saved..
He slumped down into the warm water of his bath.
Closing his eyes, he
leaned back and rested. Tiredness over took
him. Once again the dreams
played through his mind. He tossed
in his sleep, the water of the bath
splashing over the edge. The
sound triggered a change in his dreams...
He was falling.
No. That wasn't right. He was floating. Floating
through a
long, dark, tight tunnel. When at last the tunnel expanded,
the
colors changed. Dark browns collided with earth greens. The
world before
him began to take shape. Forming... Birthing. The
land grew, breathing
with life like a new born child. A voice
played into his head. "Forgot, my
child.. , " a woman's
voice calmed him. "Let the worries of your past life
be lost.
Shed yourself of the troubles and doubts. Breath anew the world.
Take into yourself, Mother Nature. Open your eyes once more,
and behold
your love, the land. For she will return your love
unfettered. Embrace
unto you, the warmth of the sun, the
softness of the earth, the gentleness
of the breeze, the
companionship of its natural inhabitants. Be reborn,
Codex.
Take the first step upon your path. A Wildrunner. Our child.
My
appointed. Awaken, my runner.. "
His head snapped up.
The water was now cold. He stood, grabbing his
robes.
Redressing, he darts for the temple alters. Standing in
the foyer, He turns
his head. He nods to the acolytes as they
exit the Alter of Zivilyn. He
brethren in prayer give him berth
so that he may enter, yet he merely
declines. He turns to his
left, and enters the Alter of Chislev.
Author:
Codex
Date: Thu May 31 07:14:39
2007
Subject "A change in the winds..."
Standing at
the entrace to the Alter of Chislev, Codex stops in his
tracks.
Something whispers in the back of his mind. Something is
calling,
challenging his advise. Anger. Pure malice. He closes
his mind to the
voice. Slamming shut the mental door, and all
others, he makes his way to
into the alter. The room is lush in
foiliage. A indoor garden. A single
window in the domed ceiling
lets light pour within. In the center of the
room stands a
statue. A beautiful woman, resplendent in a flowing gown
of
woven vines, stands with hand outstrechted, palm upwards,
seeking the rain.
He looks upon the statue from a distance, and
turning he shuts the doors.
He walks across the room, and
steps within inches, face to face with the
marble eyes of the
statue. Unblinking she looked back at him. And for
that.. He
grew angry. "Why? WHY!?! , " he screamed. "Your chosen!
HA!
Oh yes, I took what was offered. I did as you asked. I
took your band of
rabble, for that is what they were. I taught
them. I trained them. I
split them, and yet made them stronger
for their diversity. All for what?
To be cast aside. To be
shunned. You interceded yourself once within my
life. Your hand
guided me from my path of distraught, and turned my soul
from
wanton death. And yet you could not change what was to come? A
life
of torment! "
Codex turns his back on the statue,
crossing the room, he comes to stand
before a small birdbath. He
looks down into its water at his own image.
His thoughts race,
but movement by his reflections shoulder causes him to
stir. He
jolts to the left, spinning about. The statue stands before
him
now, alive. Its outstretched, that was poised a moment
before over his
shoulder, now slowly lowers. The eyes have
changed. Human. Or something
close to it. They are they
deepest shade of green. And they are sad. The
head of the
statue lowers. It speaks. "Codex. Sit my child, and I
shall
tell you that which I took from you. That which not even
Astinus has
pinned. " Codex sits upon a mossed rock, and looks
to the statue. "After
some years of service to the Wildrunner,
you found something which you did
not believe would be possible
ever again. Love. Or at least, a longing for
love. Her name,
was Tsari. She was a beauty worthy of poetry. Yet... She
would
come to befall her own fate. One which you were unable to stop.
Seeking power, with no where else to turn, she bartered her
soul, to the
Dark Lord of the Undead. Chemosh. Angry,
heart-broken, and uncomprehending
you turned to me. There was
nothing I could do for her, yet you would not
hear of it. You
fought for her. You sought every avenue of recourse you
could
find. None were of use. At least, in a disheveled form of
yourself,
you too gave yourself over to him. 'My soul.. For her
hand' were your
words. My eyes filled with sorrow. _My_ heart
broke with the loss. YOu
must see, Codex. The choice.. Was
yours and yours alone. I begged you. I
pleaded. I offered you
all that I could. And, as is written in many a
story, the heart
won. Your choice was made to stand by Tsari's side,
regardless
of her place at the Dark Lord's side. "
Codex was on his
knee on the floor, his face buried in his hands. He
searched his
brain for the memory. He could not grasp it. It was hidden
from
him it seemed. The statue stepped closer, and place its hand
upon his
shoulder. His mind calmed immediately, and the voice of
his god spoke to
him. "If you so wish it.. Follow me into the
past.. "
Codex awoke to a darkened room. The statue had
retaken its place. Once
again lifeliess. The dream had shown
him the truth of what he had been
told. He slowly rose to his
feet, gathering himself. He looked to the
statue once more.
Nodding he left the room, returning to his quarters.
Author: Codex
Date: Sat Jun
2 06:49:17 2007
Subject "Life takes up the breeze, reveling
in it.."
The dreams had not stopped. Days had past since
the statue had revealed
his past. Nights withered away in
tortured sleep. Flashes of the past.
Horrors unspeakable.
Mother Nature had told him of what he had become. His
guide, his
god, the Tree of Wisdom.. Had shown him.
Dressed once more
in his make-shift robes, he walked the corriders of the
Temple.
He stopped in the spacious auditorium. He looked to his
left,
seeing the open altar room of Chislev. The statue still
unmoving, basking
in the sun's light. He turned his eyes,
looking to the right, slightly
behind him. A dark room. He can
hear an oddly familiar chanting coming
from the room. The smell
of death, seems to linger near it's door. He
stares into it's
darkness. Something pulls at his chest, ever so slightly.
Something is calling to him. Or rather.. To a former part of
himself. He
strains, yet finally he breaks his gaze. Shaking
his head, he turns and
enters the altar of Zivilyn.
"When
at last your are at full peace, it is possible for understanding
from
the World Tree's view, " the priest states. He circles
around the altar and
Codex. "Our devoted, exists in all spaces
and times. Wisdom is his power.
To exist as such, is to obtain
wisdom from when and where it is most needed.
" The priest
turns to a mantle, lighting two unique incense candles.
Both
made of oak bark, from a fallen tree. He moves and seats
himself in front
of Codex. "Imagine your self, a large oak.
Your branches swaying in the
world's breath. Your roots digging
deep into the earth's soil, seeking
water. Your leaves turning
skyward to the sun's feeding hand. Your bark
giving comfort and
solace to the land's creatures. "
Codex opens his eyes to
his mind. Surrounding him are a multitude of
yarn-like strings.
All seem to jumble around him. All lead away in
various
directions. Up. Down. Left. Right. Forward. Behind
him. He reaches
out and takes the line leading directly forward
away from him. As he pulls
it, The world explodes in color. He
sees himself, kneeling in the altar of
Zivilyn. He is looking
upon the present. The now. He releases the line,
the world turn
dark again, save for the lines, as the string returns to
taut.
He grabs a line to the left, pulling. He sees himself standing
upon
the cliffs in Qualinesti. His moment of retrospect to
Mariam. He releases
the line. Again the world is dark. He
reaches behind him, and grabs a
line. The world changes again...
The scene unfolds. Codex is standing
upon the floor of a
forest. He is not his true self. The man before him is
hideous.
He is nothing more than a Skeleton. He is arguing with a
group
of... Wildrunners. A battle in ensues. The scene unfolds
in a hurry, yet
is hard to follow. At last the combantants have
parted and breath deeply.
The skeletal Codex reaches down,
turning the earth, scarring it into
blackness. The runners,
prepare for battle again, yet in an instance the
skeleton
disappears. He releases the string instantly. His mind
shutters.
His eyes open once more to the present time.
The
priest helps Codex to his feet. Once he is steadied, the priest
places
a medallion in his hand. Codex looks up to him.
"Welcome... To the
priesthood, my brethren. " Codex takes
the medallion, looking down at the
silver emblem of the World
Tree. He nods to the priest, and turning, makes
his way slowly
back to his quarters.
Author: Codex
Date: Sat Jan 24 04:02:58 2009
Subject The sun
shineth down at return to life
Stepping out onto the
balcony, Codex overlooked the forest of Qualinesti.
Years had
passed since last he stood upon this very spot. Yet looking
down
over the city, he saw little change. Far below Faelri waved
up to him, then
headed into the tower entrance. Codex turned his
gaze south toward the
gorge. The water levels had returned to
normal He knew without seeing it,
the statue of Mariam was still
standing guard and waiting for him. Closing
his eyes for a
moment, he shared his thoughts with her spirit. Turning he
headed
back into his office and sat down at his desk.
Codex took
quill to parchment. The knock at the door hardly paused
his
writing. The door opened, a well built Qualinesti, in dark
green attire,
entered bowing low. 'Close the door already,
Faelri, ' he said while
continuing his letter. Faerli shoot the
door hastily, the excitement plain
on his face. Signing his name
to the letter, Codex placed his quill back
within the ink bottle.
Looking over his shoulder, 'Well?'
Faelri took a step
forward, 'How was your trip, brother?'
'Fine, fine, '
Codex stood up from his desk and moved to the window. 'I'm
sure
my wellfare during my trip is not the primary question on your
mind,
fellow Runner.'
Faelri smiled. 'Even after so long it
still feels like your reading my mind.
No sir, I came to ask
whats on the minds of all our fellow Wildrunners, as
well as the
elven nations. How goes the fortifications in
Ergonesti?'
Codex looked out the window. Three years. A
long, hard fought war. It had
taken some time to completely unify
the southern island together as a whole.
After the war had ended,
Codex had returned immediately, he work had to be
finished. The
elven nations had finally come together. They had even
banded
together with the islands inhabitants to remove the
Marauder threat
completely. City had been built, or rebuilt.
'All is ready, Faelri. Ergoth
has been cleared of its threats.
The elves has banded together under the new
banner. Ergonesti is
flourishing. The humans have been aiding in the ship
building. A
small fleet shall be ready within the year to begin the move
of
any that wish to go.'
Faelri look ecstatic, 'Truly a
great day has finally come..'
Codex walked back to the desk,
and rolled up the letter he had just pinned.
Taking up a slab of
wax, he set it to the flame of a nearby candle. When it
had
melted, he smeared some over the letter, sealing it. He reached
into his
pocket and withdrew a bright, new ring. Stamping the
ring into the wax, he
placed his mark upon the seal. He crossed
the room to Faelri. Codex handed
him both the ring and the
letter. 'See that this letter makes it to Snefru,
brother. The
Wildrunners will wish to know of my return. The ring is yours
to
keep.' Codex walked to the door, grabbing his pack. 'I am
headed for
Palanthas for a while. I must return to the Holy
Order.' Codex left the room
quietly, leaving Faelri standing in
the middle of the room entranced with
the ring in his hands. He
turned it over in his hand, staring at the
engraving. The elf
that had made the ring had taken delicate care in
emblazoning the
Ergonesti symbol of Unity.
Author: Codex
Date: Fri Jan 30 20:13:28 2009
Subject A cloud
rolls in, turning day to night
Codex stepped out his
room, adjusting his make shit robes. He pulled the
door shut and
turned, heading for the Hall of Stars. The passing clerics
still
giving him a wide berth. Codex had no care for what that thought
of
his outfit. It suited his purposes well. The slits allowed for
movement, the
lack of sleeves for made climbing easier. He was
still a Wildrunner first
and foremost. Rounding the corner he
stood in the hall and looked around. He
glanced to the temples of
neutrality. For a week now he had fasted at the
altar fo Zivilyn.
Yesterday he had spent inside the temple of Chislev,
recalling
memories of his former days. Today.. today would be a test.
Codex
moved forward toward the darker side of the hall and came
to stand in front
one particular temple's doors. He looked to the
dark onyx ring upon his
right hand. Nodding, he crossed the
threshold and was plunged into
darkness.
The pressure of the
room was ominous. Codex walked to the front of the
temple, coming
to stand before the large marble goats head mounted on the
wall.
The smell of rot filled his nose, threatening to turnhis stomach.
He
disregarded it completely. He looked to the head, as he heard
the voice. 'At
long last, you have returned, my disciple..'
The voice hestitated for a
moment, 'You are tainted to me
Codex. The Tree of Wisdom.., ' a cold
laughter filled the room.
'Zivilyn is a twit. Lost within his on self,
indecisive to any
course of action. Power, action! That is what I have given
you
before Codex. And so it could be yours again.' The voice purred
these
words in allurement.
Codex shook his head slightly as he
spoke. 'I come not now ot side by your
side, m'lord. I am here
only to uncover the truth and find what I must.'
'I care not
for your petty need for remorse, insolent whelp. My
greatest
General, now nothing more than a bum in search of
crumbs. You have become a
disgrace of what you were for me,
Codex.' The voice emphasized with disgust
in its tone.
Codex
looked into the eyes of the marble carving defiantly. 'Tell me,
Lord
of Undeath. Tell me of.. Corpeus.'
Steam billowed forth
from the nostrils of the carving. Codex instinctively
lifted his
arm to his face. The candles upon the alter blazed brightly for
a
moment, then the room was snuffed of its light.
Codex looked
about himself. Slowly his surroundings became clearer. He
was
watching his life unfold before him again. He watched
quietly, even as he
knew those before him could neither see nor
hear him.
Upon the cliffs overlooking Zhan, the skeleton stood
over an elf, sword
pointed its throat. The elf was pleading,
'I'm sorry, Codex. I've been
searching for you for some time
now. I knew you would return here,
eventually. Don't you
remember? We used to come here together as runners.'
The
skeleton sheathed his sword, moving past the kneeling elf to
stand
before the twisted birch tree that he had cursed the year
before. 'I've come
to find you, ' the elf was saying, 'to
join you. I have watched what you
have become, and I desire that
which you have. Power.'
Codex turned to the elf. 'You
understand the price you will pay?' 'And I pay
it, ' the
elf said as he came to stand before the skeleton' 'So be
it.' The
skeleton stepped before and placed his palm upon the
elf's chest. The elf
screamed as his body twisted and contorted.
The forest below screamed in
retort, a call of pain of loss for
another of its beloved.
The skeleton merely laughed.
Codex
awoke to the present upon the floor of the Hall of Stars.
Brethern of
different gods stood over him, asking him questions.
He shrugged them off,
standing. His mind was awash with turmoil.
Pushing through the small crowd,
he made for his room.
Author: Codex
Date: Sat Feb
14 07:35:34 2009
Subject A fresh breeze.. a meeting (Part
1)
Codex pushes yet another book violently off the table
before him, sending
it sliding across the floor. He pulls a large
volume from one of the many
stacks and begins thumbing through it
in disgust. Murmuring to himself
quietly, he reads through the
pages hastily. Codex grabs his quill,
scratching a few short
notes before slamming the book shut and setting it on
top of the
pile of books by his feet. So engrossed and obsessed ove
the
finding what he sought, he pays no attention to his
surroundings, nor the
fact that he is no longer alone.
An elven
priestess stood a few yards away from him. She had stopped
short,
looking down her nose at the disheveled man before her
mistreating the
sacred tomes of the Order.'I beg your pardon,
do you treat everyone's
property thusly?, ' she says as she
reaches to pick up the battered book.
The priestess sighs
heavily, "Beating the pages will not make them succumb
to your
wishes"
Again, Codex thought. The acoloytes of the Temple
library had pestered him
repeatedly. Without looking from his
notes, Codex says iritatedly, 'I've
told you already I will
return them to their place, now go back to your
studies,
acolyte.' Codex grabs yet another book, and returns to
his
research.
The priestess crossed her arms across her chest,
'Acolyte? I see, and do you
have any other wishes, master?, '
adding sarcastically.
'I said you may..' Codex's words hung
as he looked up from his notes in
anger. He quickly looked over
the priestess before him. She's wearing a
white surcoat bearing a
small emblem of 7 silver stars in a circle around a
dark blue
infinity symbol, over a sky blue gown .A prophetess, leader
among
her order. The symbol claims her a devout of Mishakal, the
goddess of
healing.A voluminous dark blue cloak, with a large
hood, is around her
shoulders. Her silvery hair, and large,
almond shaped eyes, black with
violet irises, and fair
complexion, mark her as Silvanesti.
'Prophetess, my
apologies., ' Codex states as he rises to stand, and
bows
hastily. 'My apologies madam, the acolytes have pestered
by studies thusly.
I had assumed they had returned.'
The
Prophetess smirked slightly at the recognition," Apologies
accepted, of
course. You seem bent on knowledge you hold I
suppose.. these books seem to
be lacking what I seek. So, what
exactly are you researching?, ' she asked
as she thumbed
through a few of the open books, taking a seat.
Codex grimaced.
He pondered the question. Looking at the priestess across
from
him, he decided he could use whatever aid he could get at this
point.
'Well.., ' pondering the correct words to use, 'Right
now.. Im researching
an adequate means of... turning undead, for
lack of a better term'
'Turning? As in repulsing, or driving
away, ' the priestess asked.
Codex shoke his head. 'I
suppose Turning one back from being an undead would
be more
appropraite. But mostly, a means of saving one's soul.'
She
sits back in the chair, eyes bemused, 'Saving one's ...soul?
You own? Or
do you mean, resurrecting a life?"
Codex
expression saddens slightly. 'No, not mine nor one that I own..
one
that I owe it to, would be more precise. Years ago, ma'am I
did an horrid
act.. one which I seek to right.. by not so much as
resurrecting a former
friend, but by setting him free.'
The
Prophetess leans forward, resting her elbows on the table,
steepling her
finger-tips in front of her."Bringing someone
back from the dead...back to
life, even the gods would be hard
pressed to accomplish that..."
Codex sat back and snorted.
'The gods...it seems we can never escape the
games in which
they play. I know my task may seem impossible, but I myself
and
living proof that it is possible. Though I will admit, ' he
states as he
leans forward, 'My circumstances were...
unique.'
She looks him over in disbelief. 'Were you really
dead, though? Once Chemosh
holds your soul, He isn't likely to
relinquish it. That is the first
problem. That the body decays
soon after, is the next'
'Oh, dear Prophetess, you speak
merely of death.' Codex reaches into his
makeshift robes and
withdraw a small red book from the inside pocket,
placing it on
the table. 'It is but a passing over the river on the
journey.
I speak of undeath.. immortality twisted in the meanest
form of treachery.'
Codex slides the book across the
table.
'I took it that the Ferry only runs in one direction,
though. And to become
undead, I think, requires one to be,"
unalive" as well, ' she points out
amusedly.
He catches her
gaze. 'Ah but you have hit a point.. and yet
missed
completely..'
(to be cont.)
Author:
Codex
Date: Sat Feb 14 07:42:58
2009
Subject A fresh breeze.. a meeting (Part
2)
The priestess looks at the book curiously, opening it
to the first few
pages. 'How did you come by this? I am sure it
is missed.'
'The book is mine, or rather of me, granted
leave from the Great Library
from Astinus. Though I will admit..
the aesthetics gave some grief over its
removal.'
'And I
took it Astinus was loathe to lend out such things.' she
mutters,
still reading a few passages here and
there.'
'Actually.. less so than you would believe.. I seem to
think he knows my
purpose, and would not stand in my way.'
Codex watches as Kiyohime reads on,
only guessing at what
atrocities she may be reading.
She grimaces slightly, 'He
would not stand in anyone's way, but, disrupt his
orderly way of
doing things.., ' she trails off as a certain passage
garners
her attention.
'As you may see.. some things are not
what they always seem.'
The Prophetess looks up from the book,
'You should not be so free with
allowing such details be known,
' pointing to the page, '..some of this
could be interpreted
against you, should the wrong person view it'
'I know all
too well, Priestess.. All too well. Which is why I have come
here
to the Temple. The Tree of Wisdom has taken me unto him and shown
me
the path that I must take. It is by his will and my need that
I seek to
right such wrongs. My life has been a cursed existance
thus far. Plagued to
be pulled as a rope between two gods til
now.'
The priestess sits back, contemplating the man, and his
life story, so
brutally honest before her in the pages of his
life. She closes her eyes
briefly, then motions to an awaiting
priestess, who leans down to receive
whispered instructions.
Codex sits back as the priestess approaches. 'Regardless.. it
is for such
that I scour these books, to no avail it would
seem.' Codex sighs lightly.
The Silvanesti before him was a
hard woman to read. Would she be able to
help, he was unsure. but
somehow he knew he would be alright. 'Perhaps I
should just
begin my journey. Maybe i can find some information
in
Silvanost.'
The Prophetess closes the book, sliding it back
to him, as the attendant
runs off to her errand. 'She will
return with a certain set of scrolls,
which you would not find in
a common search, they are not really hidden, but
more or less,
misplaced.You may find them interesting, and helpful. And
will
aid you in finding more information.' She stands, turning
away, 'Read them
well, then find me, and we will discuss
further, what you may need.'
Codex stands as she is turned to
leave. 'My thanks to you Prophetess.., ' he
ponders for a
moment, '.. I'm sorry ma'am, I didnt catch your name.'
She
stops at the library door. 'I am Kiyohime, Kiyohime
Crystalwind, Servant
of Mishakal, and Prophetess of the Holy
Order of Light.'
'Codex Ji'jin. Wildrunner, and devout of
Zivilyn. I shall contact you when I
have read through the
scrolls, Kiyohime.' He leans down and picks up a few
of the
scattered books, before returning to his seat and reading once
more.
Kiyohime walks away, in thought, 'Codex Ji'jin, we know
of you, ' she adds
whimsically to herself, 'Study well,
Codex, you have much to discover in the
coming days'
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 869 storytellers on Ansalon
pen their epic stories here for all to read.'
\n
