The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Gruuk.
A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Want color back? Turn Color Back ON!!
Astinus says 'Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'
Astinus gently places a massive tome bound in dragonskin on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Gruuk' scribed in burnt grey ink.
Author: Gruuk Date: Fri Nov 13 19:06:24 2009 Subject Harsh Beginings Gruuk was born in a tribe who's name roughly translated into common means 'Bloody Hand'. When your born into a tribe of green skinned Goblins with orange skin your in for a rough time, so it was with Gruuk.He had almost been killed countless times before the age of ten, but some how he had managed to survive. At the age of ten he was accused of killing the tribal chief, though many said he couldn't have. Truth be told, Gruuk doesn't know himself, because he was so drunk at the time of the muder he can't remember. His punishment was banishment from the tribe forever, Gruuk made it three quarters of the way through 'The Gauntlet of Banishment' before collapsing, at which time the tribe finished beating him to a bloody pulp then left him for dead. After the tribe moved on, he was found on the verge of death by the reclusive Goblin only known as 'The Mad Ancient, who was feared by all in the area. Using leechcraft and magic the Ancient brought Gruuk back from the brink of death. In return for his life the aged Goblin made Gruuk his slave. Gruuk's master was quite harsh in the treatment of his slave, but compaired to his previous existance, the young Goblin was living well. Thus, under the lash, in a dark and secluded cave near a lonely moutaintop, began Gruuk's study of magic. Gruuk's chance for escape came suddenly one day, as a group of warriors from three different tribes, who banded together for the purpose mad an assassination attempt on the Ancient. As the warriors stormed into the cave, Gruuk hid in one of its dark corners. Deciding it was now or never he made a run for the door, dispatching a warrior with a blade in the back on the way. Once outside he ran for two full days without stopping, finally falling into a deep sleep of weariness. Gruuk was awakened by the sound of clanking metal and the tromp of heavy footstrps. Hiding behind a tree, he watched as a band of Marauders passed on the road. Out of fear he did not make his presence known. After they had passed on he started travelling down the road the way they had come, eventually arrivingat Neraka. During his short stay in the city, he tended to stay in the shadows and avoided everyone. One day while outside the gates looking for small creatures to terrorize, he stumbled across a band of Marauders and found himself conscripted into their ranks. Listening to the talk of the members of the band, Gruuk learned of the great war and of the Dragon Army. Looking to him, like he was going to live in sevitude his whole life, Gruuk decided he would find a way to join the Dragon Army. If he was going to live in sevitude his whole life anyway, why not serve the greatest power in the land. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Nov 14 07:06:25 2009 Subject The Search is On When I awoke in the dim cave I didn't stir. I just lay there with my eyes closed thinking. I had decided to join the Dragon Army, the question was how. Knowing of the temple in Neraka, so I decided to start there. Someone there would be able to point me in the right direction. Then my thoughts move on to the arcane, stay Renagade or join the Conclave. I had noticed my studdies had gotten bogged down of late. So I figured I'd check it out. If I liked what I saw I'd join. If I didn't being on the run wouldn't be so bad. My mind made up I arose, and staying in the shadows crept out of the cave. I made it out without getting put on some menial job some ogre or Hobgoblin were to lazy to do. "Thank you Nuitari." I prayed as I reached Neraka's gates. For standing there as if waiting for me was one of the few people I had met in the city, Ayasana An officer of the Dragon Army. Walking up to her I said, "I want to join the Army." "I wanted to talk to you about that," she replied. Then suggested we go to Palanthas. During the trip, I asked her many questions about the Dragon Army, and she answered them all. Once at the center of Palanthas the Baroness told me, "Rest." Then walked off soon returning with some usefull equipment. While putting it on I suddenly noticed an imposing figure standing before us. He handed me a globe, and I replied, "Thanks." Suddenly Ayasana wacked me in the back of the head sending me sprawling. "Bow before the leader of the Dragon Army!" she commanded. Climbing to my knees I bow low. When I finally look up, the Emperor was gone. As I climb to my feet Ayasana walks off, "Don't get killed", she said over her shoulder and was gone. to be continued Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Nov 14 07:46:44 2009 Subject The Search is On (Part 2) After my encounter with The Emperor I wasn't sure what had happened. Was I in or not? Well at least I had made the connections. The rest could wait, I had another connection to make. So, I made my way to The Tower of High Sorcery. Once there I was barred entry by the guard, so I tried to sneak in. That failing I decided direct confrentation was needed, big mistake. I got the beat down of my life and sent on my way. I was pretty discouraged at this point so I made my way back to the center of Palanthas. When I got there I saw a female elf wearing a white robe. I wanted to ask her about joining the Conclave, but she was an Elf and a white robe no less. Even though I was trying to hide she spotted me. Then walked right up to me and said, "Do you want to join the Conclave?" "Yes!" I replied. "Then follow me," she said as she cast a spell creating a gate. I followed and found myself at the Conclave. To my surprise I found out she was the leader of the Order. Even more surprising she accepted me into the order and gave me a grand tour of the Conclave grounds. Bringing me back to Palanthas through another gate, she told me, "Your mentor will be contacting you soon." Then she vanished into thin air. Author: Gruuk Date: Sun Nov 15 07:03:08 2009 Subject The Outcast Accepted When Gruuk met his new mentor, High Archmage Lynx, the meeting went about how he expected. He did get one surprise though, his first lessons were to be in weapons combat, not the arcane. Gruuk spent days working hard on his dagger training. Toward the evening of the second day sweating and thirsty he decided to take a quick break and go get a drink by the hot spring. As per his usual practice he stayed in the shadows, old habits die hard. While relaxing near the pool but out of sight, he over heard one of the higher level members if the Order demanding he be expelled for being a Goblin. Gruuk snuck back to the practice area and tried to get some more practice time in, but he was very upset. After all the years of frustration he thought he have finally found a home, some place he was accepted. It was starting to look like he might be wrong. Later he talked with a few other conclave members, and they all said they were all on his side, a Mage was a Mage no matter the race. His spirits raised by such overwelming support, Gruuk went back to his practice, and doubled his efforts. For the next two days Gruuk worked extra hard not only on his dagger skills but on all the spells he had learned before entering the Conclave. He wanted to impress his Master and prove he was worthy to be a member of the Order of Mages. On the following day Gruuk went to see his mentor, and was told by his secretary, that High Archmage Lynx would not see him until a decision was made on whether he could stay. The next day Gruuk tried to go back to his practice, but his stress level was just to high. So he decided he would go soak in the hot spring to try and relax. When he opened the door to leave the Tower of Knowledge he was surprised to see a scroll floating before him. He reached out and grabbed it, and upon examination found it was addressed to him. Breaking the seal and reading it, he found it was and order for him to report to the Hall of Mages. Gruuk ran there and was shown to a bench just outside the doors to the Great Hall. Not a sound pasted the doors, and the longer Gruuk sat there the more uptight he became, magic was the only thing he had ever love in his whole life. If he was expelled from the order he didn't know what he was going to do. Finally unable to contain himself any longer, he rose and barged into the Hall, interupting a mage in mid sentance, "...The Three Moons..." Standing before the twenty-one representatives Gruuk said, "I will leave." When a voice answered, "I was going to let you stay, but you may leave if you wish." Author: Gruuk Date: Thu Nov 19 15:36:37 2009 Subject Conclave, Fractured? Though the Moons had spoken, the controversy had not died down. Many in the Order are still determined to have me expelled. The leader and most out spoken of the get rid of the beast crowd is Khyldes. Not only does he speak out openly against my presence, he has done much research of ancient laws and writs to back his position. Staying in the shadows as always, I have also noticed that those who openly support my presence, get evil looks from those who don't. I can only guess at the arguments that must be going on behind closed doors. It seems to me that the spirit of the vow to promote and protect magic is dead in those against me. If it wasn't for my love of magic I wouldn't even care. I have redoubled my efforts of study and practice, not for any crazy notion of proving myself worthy of the Conclave, that is clearly a hopeless cause. Many will never accept me no matter what I do. I do it because I crave power and wealth, and my arcane powers can bring me both. Author: Gruuk Date: Thu Nov 26 08:08:13 2009 Subject Joy and Frustrations I was over joyed, report after report kept coming in about one Dragon Army victory after another. Palanthas had fallen and Sanction was holding her own. What a great time to be a Goblin in Krynn. As happy as the news was, and as much I wished to take part in the great war, I had more important things to do. And things were not going well. Goblins are natural born skulkers not wizards, and I think its starting to show. Though my magic studies are going fine, my first Conclave test is proving disasterous. Time after time I have failed and the frustration is building. Author: Gruuk Date: Sun Dec 6 12:13:42 2009 Subject Small Victories As I sat in the Conclave library studying an ancient tome on my latest spell, I sat back and sighed. Though I was tired it wasn't a sigh of weariness, but of relief. I had passed my first test. Though it was actually more of a rite of passage than an official test. A small victory but one none the less, so I decided to celebrate. Closing the book on the table before me, I rose and put it back on the shelf, then headed to the coutyard to see if anyone cared to share a drink with me. On the way down I heard someone working out with Liam, but decided it would be better not to disturb whoever it was. When I got to the courtyard it was empty, looked like I was drinking alone. I walked over to the lake and sat down, taking out the wine skin in my pack. It was a rare vintage I had procured from a merchant in Palanthas and had saved just for such an time. Drinking most of the skin I finally passed out next to the still water and woke slightly hung over the next day. I worked and studied spells for the next two days. I even managed to learn a new one. From what I have heard and read, the teleport spell is quite fickle, and can leave you just about anywhere, I searched for information oon it's combat uses, but couldn't find anything. Figuring I was as ready as I would ever be, I casted the spell. Beginners luck took effect and it worked on the first try, landing me in Lemish. Though I had heard of the city, this was my first visit there, a dark and forboding place my visit there was pleasant. After buying a few commodities available there I decided I should be moving on, but promiced myself I would visit it again in the future. My next attempt at teleport was not quite as successful as the first and took numerous tries to work. It landed me in Palanthas, an as I roamed the city, the head of the Conclave caught up with me and officially made me a Conclave Apprentice. I was so over joyed that I walked down to the seaside and got drunk off my wine skin in celebration, passing out next to the watchfire. Now I wait for the summons of my mentor, to find out what's required of me next. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Dec 12 14:14:10 2009 Subject Hidden Secrets Unchained from the fetters of conventional travel, I have been popping up all over Krynn. Due to the randomness of Teleportation this is not always a good thin. As my last trip showed, when I popped up in a place I didn't belong and took a particularly brutal beat down. Making my way back to the Conclave, forlorn and irritated, I went immediately back to my studies. While in the combat section of the library looking for a tome on uses of Fireballs, I found a scroll hidden behind a row of books on a top shelf. It was highly magical and once I started studying the scroll I could not stop, spending hours in that dark corner of the library. The scroll was like an epiphany, pointing me in directions I had never thought of, and unlocking magical doors I never knew were there. Once I understood the magical text completely, mystical words came to my mind unbidden. I whispered the words through no will of my own, and in a horrifying flash of bright light the scroll crumbled into dust. The flash was noticed by everyone in the library, but being used to such things few paid it any attention. Ophelia did walk over and asked, "Is everything OK?" With a grin I replied, "Everything is just fine." Author: Gruuk Date: Fri Dec 18 14:54:44 2009 Subject Gruuk Gets Bored When the Dragonarmy took Palanthas, I was thrilled and used the impending chaos to reek plenty of havoc of my own. But eventually the city grew stale, with the kender always under foot and the holy guard cramping my style (why the emperor let them live is beyond me). So I decided to find a new playground. Using Teleport was not working out to well, everywhere I went to I got serious beat downs. Each time making my way back to the Conclave to lick my wounds. Things were looking pretty bad, especially when I lost all my gear. During this time I did not forget my studies and mastered Fireballs among others spells. Finally I Teleported into a gate of a strange city. At first look I saw that this city held potential, since the gate guards were sleeping on the job. I also found that there was an underground temple to the dark gods, where I could hide from the sun during the day. It was looking more and more like this was a place where a goblin could have some fun. Staying in the shadows, naked as a jay bird I went on the hunt. It was like shooting ducks in a barrel, it was just to easy. I quickly procured enough money to buy a nice sturdy staff from one of the magic shops then started enjoying a little rest and relaxation, ie. killing and pillaging. Eventually I ran afoul of the city guard, but managed to escape and hid in the dark temple as I healed. At this point I really needed a drink, but could not find one antwhere in the city. Needless to say I was in a foul mood and decided to take it out on the guards of the city. After a few kills I was feeling better, but getting edgy for a drink, when to my surprise while looting a guard commander's body, low and behold a fith if Cap'n Morgan's. After going on a bender and waking up some what hung over, I decided it was about time to get back to my studies and made my way back to the Conclave. Author: Gruuk Date: Mon Dec 21 05:00:01 2009 Subject Hanging at the Conclave Once I got back to the Conclave, I jumped on my studies. After a while I decided to take a break and went down to the courtyard. When I got there two of my brother mages looked at me in surprise, and asked me what happened to my equipment. With a quick explaination they understood completely, then told me I couldn't go around streaking through the Conclave, and hunted me up some new cloths. Though I was doing fine, it did feel good to have some physical protection again and I thanked them whole heartedly. I even offered them a drink off my bottle, but they declined. I then went back to the library and continued my studies. On my next break while I was relaxing in the courtyard, the Highmage popped in. At this point I was glad of my new equipment, since the last time I saw him he gave me money for just that and it was already gone. Getting up my courage I asked him if he would like a drink of my Capt'n, but he declined being busy with important affairs. Then our white robed Archmage popped in, but she was gone so fast I didn't get the chance to offer her a drink from my bottle. After studying long and hard I learned a few new spells, the most important one being Gate. I practiced it for a couple of days in the libraries controlled environment, then decided to try a real world test. It worked great, took me right where I wanted to go. Getting back to the Conclave was much more problematic. I had just learned a recall spell but hadn't practiced it, so I was having trouble remembering its intricies. I could have probably made it there on foot, but I figured I'm a mage, so I have to learn to travel like one. Failing to get the spell to work for more than a week and a half, I decided to try Teleporting. The spell had served me well in the past and I was hoping to get closer to the towers. Gating was out, because I knew of no safe landing spot. Unfortunately I teleported into the middle of the ocean. I finally made it back to the Conclave but now my stuff was at the bottom of the sea, and I had been spending all my time on my studies and practice, so I was broke. Not only did I lose my precious bottle of Capt'n Morgan's, but five flasks of Icewine which is as good if not better. Not wanting to run around the Conclave naked again I gated to Palanthas and raided the pit, putting a few swords I had collected and beefed up on the way in return. I also grabbed a skin of wine... oh well, back to the cheap stuff. Author: Gruuk Date: Tue Dec 22 09:18:19 2009 Subject A Party on Noble St. (a.k.a. Gruuk Finds a Drinking Buddy) I since I was in Palanthas, I decided to hunt a few nobles and pull together some coin. While playing frieball toss I ran into a young mage who was having trouble with her mule, namely it was dead. I gave her a few tips on mage survival, then she ran off quickly about her business. I didn't even get the chance to find out her name. Anyway I went back to my business, having fun. Hunting nobles is great fun and I was quite enjoying myself, when suddenly I found a man standing in front of me smiling. He seemed like he would feel more comfortable in the wilderness than a noble neighborhood, so instead of a fireball I offered him a drink of my cheap wine. Which he declined, oh well more for me I though and took a couple of hits off the skin. Then to my surprise he broke out a flagon of ale and started drinking it. I just so happened to have procured some beer in my resent travels and I offered him some, and he tried it. Then he got out a flask of good old Beny wine, and we proceeded to get drunk. I don't remember to much after that, until I woke up with a hangover. I didn't even get his name. Now don't be fooled, just because I was enjoying a little R&R don't think I've been letting my studies slip. In fact after the recall incident I have been working even harder at perfecting the arcane arts. For instance, don't be fooled by the way an item looks. It can be highly magical and look normal. After an extended period of study and practice, I decided to visit one of my old haunts; neraka. While there I ran into my buddy from Noble Street. I happened to have a flask of rum so we started drinking. We were having a high old time passing around flask and flagon, I even through a fly spell on us, two drunks floating on air we must have been a sight. The last thing I remember is a brawl breaking out, I think I killed an Ogre, but I can't exactly remember. The next thing I do remember is waking up at the towers wondering how I got there. I was hung over but still had my stuff. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Dec 26 00:41:41 2009 Subject The Newest Adept The wonderful chaos in Palanthas hasn't abated, thanks to the Dragonarmy's long standing and correct policy of supression through violence. I even hear the emperor has been dropping in for a little fun. Not much to tell on my end, since as soon as I found out I was about to be promoted to Adept I imediately went into seclusion at The Ivory Tower to prepare for 'The Test'. Only leaving to pick up needed supplies for my on going studies and research. Though I keep my wine skin close, I have been making sure it doesn't get in the way of my ongoing test preparations. Although I did run into my drinking buddy Clide at the Palanthas Pit and we did share a round or four. When I woke up, I went back to my studies and came across a question on an aspect of Nuitari's history and decided to visit the Palanthas Library to ask about it. Asking around there, all I was getting was the run around so I slipped into the back rooms and started making my queries at knife point. Which proved to be the correct corse of action for not only did I get the information I was seeking, but an Aesthetic pointed me in the direction of two new spells in an attempt to save his life. Just as I was finishing up my questioning, our black robed Highmage appeared and officially made me an Adept. Then just as suddenly disappeared. I immediately dispatched the quivering bag of tears I was interrogating, and returned to my studies. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Dec 26 11:21:58 2009 Subject Not Again After an extended period of research and study, I began to notice sometimes my mind would soak up the arcane knowledge and at other times my mind would seem muddled by it all. During one of the darker times, I decided to take a break from my studies and do a little exploring. Experimenting with my gate spell I found myself in a strange camp, which I eventually found out goes by the name Trigol. Stumbling upon the 'Ogre's Den' I went in and hit it off with Cleft right off the bat. So much so that I sold him almost all of my alcohol collection, which was considerable. I'm not sure how long I sat at the bar, but I know I drank till I passed out then woke up and did it again numerous times (I'm not sure how many, I lost track after three). Finally I stumbled out of the bar and down the street, winding up somewhere in the desert, then the sand storm hit. It's ironic that after losing my gear to the sea bottom before, this time I lost it in the dry sands of the desert. The worst part is, not only can I not afford a retrieval, but I can't remember how I gated there in the first place. I pray the waxing Dark Moon will guide me back there, for I'm sure the storm will pass, then I could just walk out and get my stuff back. Otherwise it will be lost in the shifting sands forever. Author: Gruuk Date: Wed Dec 30 20:48:24 2009 Subject Gruuk the Assassin I'm afraid this time I have no fanciful stories of drunken escapades, I've been to emersed in preparations for my upcoming test. Not to say I haven't gotten mildly drunk on occassion, I have to relax sometime after all. But I have mostly just stayed in seclusion at The Ivory Tower only leaving for supplies. Why the Ivory and not my beloved Conclave you ask. Because at the time it served my practice purposes a little better. I not only have been studying and practicing, but have continued with various arcane experiments. Experiments with my Gate spell have been particularly fruitful. On one successful gate experiment I foud myself in a very strange city. It is a trerrible place, full of light, gleaming towers, and Elves. Though the place is not to my liking, I searched it in hopes of finding something useful. During my search, staying in what little shadows I could find, I noticed the city's Senators roamed the streets freely and without escort. This gave me an idea. So, I started assassinating any Senator foolish enough to be about. It is my hope that I can destablize the cities government, then the great Emperor of the Queens army can become ruler of not only Palanthas, but of Qualinost too. Unfortunately my armor woes continue, but not along the same vein as usual. For some reason I have not been able to figure out, I can't get my armor enchantment to stick. I can enchant weapons all day without even breaking a sweat, yet both spells are at the same level of mastery. Anyway, my current studies at the Ivory are finished for now, so I'm heading back to the Conclave. The library there has certain unique texts not found anywhere else on Krynn, which I need to examine as I continue preparing for the Test. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Jan 2 06:56:48 2010 Subject What Happened? Once I returned to the Conlave to continue my studies, I was summoned to my master's office. The Archmage told me I still wasn't ready for the test; I needed to gain a better mastery of my spells. So I put away my books and began what would become many long days of practicing. Over the days that followed I made sure to not drink overly much, as was my habit since my test preperations began. Then I got a gift from the gods. The White Moon to be exact, a bottle of fine Vodka. I toasted the god of white magic and took a couple of drinks from the bottle as a show of my appreciation. Then put it away until I had a special ocassion to enjoy it, and continued my practice. I had forgotten all about it until a few days later, when taking a break and going through my inventory I noticed it. On spotting it I said out loud, "Another bottle of that stuff sure would be nice." And by the grace of Solinari another bottle appeared. Now that was just a little to much for this Goblin to resist and I started drinking Solinari's 151 straight from the bottle. I woke up days later with only vague recollections of stumbling around the Conclave grounds alone and then a wild party. Noticably not hung over I jumped right back in to my practicing. Strangely the spells I've been working on are much easier to cast now than before I started hitting the bottle. Hopefully I'll be tested soon, wish me luck. Author: Gruuk Date: Sun Jan 3 05:44:47 2010 Subject Memories While sitting in the hot springs alone, Gruuk found himself thinking back on his life. One of his first memories was when a draught hit the tribe. Having orange skin the tribe would not share even a few precious drops water with him. Being on the edge of literally dieing of thurst, Gruuk stole a large glass of water from a sleeping tribe member when no one was looking. Then found a safe place to hide, to drink it. Downing the whole glass at once, he found out only afterwards that it was not a glass of water but of Vodka. Being a very young Goblin, he passed out in his hiding place and woke hours later very hung over. After that night he began drinking any alcohal he could get his hands on, finding it helped him forget his sorrows. As his mind wondered, he began to think about his days as a slave. His master and first mentor of the arcane 'The Mad Ancient', seldom drank and when he did he never shared it with his slave. During this time of his life Gruuk never had even one drink. After finally escaping from what seemed like never ending years of slavery, Gruuk made his way to Neraka. Once there, he started drinking like he was trying to make up for lost time. The only thing Gruuk loves more than getting drunk is magic. Which is why about the only time you can find him not drinking, is when he is working at mastering the arcane arts. When Gruuk awoke from his reverie, he decided he would take a break from his practice and go for a walk to clear his head. Then the Highmage appeared and made him a full fledged Magus. Author: Gruuk Date: Mon Jan 4 19:23:51 2010 Subject Memories (cont.) As the new Magus walked through town his thoughts returned to the past once again. As long as he could remember all he ever dreamed of was becoming a Magus. Even the Goblins knew of the legendary Wizards of the Conclave. Gruuk knew the only way a little Goblin was ever going to get power, was to get power. As a youngling anytime Gruuk got to get the chance to see the tribal shaman use magic, he would watch very closely. Then he would go to his secret hiding place and try to memic every thing he say, he wanted to make his own magic. This never worked of course, but he kept on trying. One day the dragonarmy found the nomadic village of Bloody Hand and sent in a conscript squad. Staying hidden, Gruuk followed the Human officer wearing the black robes of the Conclave. He noticed how the Draconian troops showed him great respect, and had a front row seat when the Mage killed a troublesome new recruit with a wave of his hand. That was the day he decided he wanted to join the Dragonarmy. Being a Magus might be impossible, but climbing through the ranks to gain power was not. Then after the gauntlet (The survival of which was a source of pride to him, to his knowledge no other Goblin had ever lived through it.), and his slavery to the one who saved his life. Gruuk counted his bondage as a token of good luck, more than a curse. Especially when for reasons known only to the Ancient, his master started teaching him the rudiments of magic. Then he remembered the day he asked his master, why he wasn't a Conclave wizard. The Ancient snickered, then told him Goblins were not allowed there. Under his breath Gruuk said, "I will be one day." The old Renegade laughed at him scornfully, then gave him a sound beating for thinking such foolishness when there was work to be done. Then he remembered his escape from slavery, more of a life saving tactic than anything he had planned, and his first days of freedom in Neraka. He continued working on the few weak spells he had, and even taught himself a few new ones. Finally getting up the courage he tried to gain entrance to the Mage school. The storm of controversy that erupted was hardly unexpected, and Gruuk fought for the privlage (malevolent little Goblins are not accepted into the Conclave after all). In the end it took an act of the gods, but he got in. Coming back to the present, Gruuk walked down the street in a state of shock, he had done it, he was a full fledged Magus. Author: Gruuk Date: Wed Jan 6 09:35:19 2010 Subject Gruuk the New Recruit Since before I gained acceptance into the Conclave I've been an unofficial member of the Dragonarmy. And have stayed in covert communication with the emperor through out my magic school training. Upon making Magus, and hearing the emperor was stepping down, I decided it was time to make it official. Going down to the Queens Temple in Neraka, I found Ayasana (the only other Dragonarmy member to know of my unofficial capacity) and told her it was time to make it official. She agreed and after an official inspection by Queen Takhisis herself it was made official. On my way to the induction with the other new recruits, I was feeling pretty good. Most of the other recruits were conscripts and you could smell the fear in the air, it was wonderful. After induction and my assignment under an Aurak draconian, I went back to the Conclave to continue my studies. After induction and my assignment under an Aurak Draconian named Rog, I went back to the Conclave to continue my studies. My studies have been going well and I learned a new spell, so I went to check in with Rog and he gave me my first mission. It was pretty basic really, just patrol Neraka and make sure no one was out after curfew. The patrol was uneventful, but it was quite fun dropping anything not a Draconian foolish to be out after dark, and wound being drunk through half of it. When I reported back to rog I was pretty drunk, but I didn't let him know that, and he sent me to the armory to help with the weapons. The job was very boring and the only way I got through it was by sneaking a drink now and then. That job done I reported back to Rog and informed him I needed time to return to my studies, but he said he had something for me to do first. Since there have been a lot of insirection in Palanthas of late, he needed me to escort a contengent of Draconian soldiers to the city square, then report back when it was done. When I reported back, a Bozak named Gloth was assigned over me and ordered to keep a close eye on me. Gloth complained bitterly to Rog about it, and got Colour Sprayed for his trouble. When we were alone for the first time, we pitted magical skills, now he knows who's really in charge. Now me and Gloth are headed to the Conclave, so I can continue working to make Master. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Jan 16 22:01:08 2010 Subject Gruuk the Grunt I've been pretty busy lately. After a few weeks of doing night patrol in Neraka, Rog moved us to doing curfew patrols in Palanthas. Which worked out good for me, it gave me plenty of practice with my new spell. After a lenthy explaination on what I was doing before I joined the Dragonarmy, and a long discussion, I finally talked Rog into letting me continue my senatorial assassinations in Qualinos. Not one to pass up opportunity, Rog assigned two Sivaks to the mission and broadened it to weakening the military there also. I almost lost Gloth while infiltrating the Sun Guard barraks. One of the Sivaks in the form of an Elven female, was approached but a guard that knew the form. The Sivak tried to fake it, but the cat was out of the bag. The Sivak agent was struck down and the alarm was sounded. Even then it might have been alright, except Gloth attacked the guard breaking his invisibility spell. Once he became visible all hell broke loose. The other Sivak was cut down, and I only saved me and Gloth thanks to my trusty wand. Gloth took a serious magical beating for that one, and we were sent to the battlefront. After endless days and nights of trying to suvive on the battlefield I was called back from the front lines for a special mission. Thanks to my Conclave membership, I was given permission by the Sea Queen to visit Urione on diplomatic business. After charming one of the queen's handmadens for an air tight alibi, I completed my mission killing the royal metalsmith. Though accusations flew, thanks to the handmaiden nothing could be proved. The handmaiden died in an unfortunate 'accident', before she could be spell checked. I was allowed to take my leave, but I doubt I'll be getting invited back there anytime soon. Once back home Rog called Gloth back from the front lines and sent us on a mission to scout Kurmost. The mission did not go well. While we were silently taking out a guard, a lieutenant snuck up behind Gloth killing him. Luckily I managed to escape and make a report. With the information I brought back, the Dragonarmy has started sending raiding parties into the city on a regular basis. I was put back on night patrol in Palanthas and enchanting weapons in the armory during the day. I have to be a lot more careful now, with my puppet Gloth gone I'm incharge if the curfew squad and I've seen what happens when Rog is displeased. Even with all this going on I have still been able to stay on top of my studies in the arcane, and have even learned a couple of new spells. It's been slow going though, the harder the spells the more intricate the incantations and such become, after all. My Conclave mentor has been busy of late so I'm still waiting to become a master. During a little free time, I was combing through the library and found an ancient tome on Draconian magic hiding in a dark corner on a back shelf. I am deciphering it as we speak, I'm hoping to add them to my spell list. Author: Gruuk Date: Mon Jan 18 23:16:27 2010 Subject A Secret Lab?! While wandering around the Conclave wasted my favorite, Absinthe, I found myself stumbling through the Black tower. A hissing voice kept whispering to me, I tried to ignore it, since there was no one around I figured it was just the green stuff. But it just wouldn't go away. At first I couldn't make out what it was saying, but over time the words became clearer. The clearer the words became the colder the air around me seemed to get. Finally, I realized it was giving me directions. I tried to follow where the voice said to go, but I was so drunk I kept stumbling the wrong way. I turned a corner, and with a loud hiss the voice stopped. At the end of the hall from me I could see a glowing outline of what looked like a door. Taking a drink out of my trusty bottle, I then made my way towards the darkly glowing light. Using the wall for support as I moved closer, I still wasn't sure it wasn't the alcohol playing tricks on me. A few steps away from the glowing outline, I tripped and stumbled toward it. I was expecting to slam into the wall, like I have so many times before, when the secret door swung wide and I fell sprawling on the floor of a long forgotten lab. As I passed the thresh hold my lantern went out and all was black, except for a book glowing on a table in a corner. I crawled to the table and examined the book. Under its faint glow I could read the cover; Spellbook of Axz Valkilrakas. Opening the stone cover I began to read it, mostly spells and notes from Axz, all of the spells I already knew until I came to the last page. The spell there was untitled and the incantation was new to me, so taking another drink I gave it a try. Author: Gruuk Date: Wed Jan 20 00:12:55 2010 Subject Ostracized Once Again Once again I find myself cast out to the fringes of society. This time by the Goblin members of the Dragonarmy. Most of the recruits show me a good measure of respect, since a Goblin Magus is a rare thing indeed, so at first I didn't notice. Then while walking through camp to deliver my latest report to Rog, as I passed a troop of Goblins, one of them said "Sikkei'hul' under his breath and the rest of the crowd snickered. I froze in mid step, then slowly turned to face the group, the snickering stopped immediately and I could smell fear in the air. A largest Goblin in the group who was obviously the leader, stood there towering over me with a smirk on his face. Quick as a flash of lightning the leader drew his sword and slashed me across the chest. "Dard" I growled, then blasted him with a bolt of lightning, sending the leader stagering backward, but he didn't fall. With a roar the leader chaged, sword held high for a devistating stroke. Suddenly my wolf familiar, who had been sniffing around the camp, came out of nowhere biting deeply into the Goblin leader's sword arm. The large Goblin howled in surprise and rage, then an arrow from behind the leader pierced my wolf dropping him lifeless to the ground. My fury aroused by pain and the loss of a friend, I sent a bolt of chain lightning into the Leader once again sending him stagering backward. The bolt then passed through the rest of the pack, killing two out right, and dropping half of the others unconscious. I could tell the last bolt had hurt the leader badly, but he refused to be daunted. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he then charged again. Deciding I had had enough and that an example needed to be set, I hit him with my most powerful spell. Just as I spit acid into his face, I heard someone shout, 'Blyxtshok!' As I was standing over the troop's leader, watching him howl as the acid was slowly was turning him to goo, I was hit from behind by an icy blast knocking me unconscious. When I awoke still shivering from the cold, I found myself lashed to a pole, my Magus robes ripped from my body and laying in a heap. A large Ogre grinned as he noticed I was awake, and brandishing a firey whip gave me twenty lashes. How I survived the agony of cold mingled with fire to tell this tale I can not say. Author: Gruuk Date: Fri Jan 22 10:28:23 2010 Subject Harsh Times Things have been rough lately. First I took 20 lashes for killing a superior, I expect the only reason they didn't kill me was my Magus status. Then I took a tongue lashing from Master Lynx, my Conclave mentor, for bringing a long dead Archmage back from the grave. That hurt more than the Ogre's whip, I thought he would be proud of me, that's some pretty powerful magic. Now the Conclave is actively joining the war between the Dragonarmy and the Solamnic Knights. Against the Queens army! Strangely, it desturbs me watching my brother and sister Mages preparing to fight and die in a battle they have no business in. I of course had to sent a secret message to my superiors, warning of the new turn of events, can't have the queens host caught by surprise. There was one good thing though I got to watch a Solamnic knight get shamed and beaten, quite entertaining. My test is eminent, wish me luck. Author: Gruuk Date: Tue Feb 2 23:50:14 2010 Subject The Door is Found, Again When not on curfew patrol in Palanthas, running midnight raids for the Dragonarmy, or hard at work at my studies, I was at the Black Tower hunting for Axc's lost lab. But Master Lynx had done cast his spells well, and for many months my search was fruitless. But others than Lunitari hold sway in the Dark Tower of Wayreth. On the Night of the Eyes, while walking the dark corridors in drunken celebration, the whispering that lead me to the dark lab came to my ears again. Except this time instead of one voice it was many. Following the direction they were coming from, I once more stood before the secret entrance. The whisperers seemed to be speaking in many different languages, and were all vieing for my attention, so understanding them was impossible. Try as I might I could not get the door to open, and though I'm sure some of the voices were trying to tell me the secret, many more were determined to be heard. So. now the doorway is found, all that's left is to gain entrance and claim it as my own. I have tried every spell I know and every trick I have learned, but thus far nothing has worked. Now whenever I walk the tower of the Black Robes, the whispers cotinue unabaited, and I have noticed and found out through desceet questions, that no others seem to hear them. I shall find the key, the lab is mine, that was the deal, and soon I shall claim my right. Author: Gruuk Date: Wed Feb 3 04:24:17 2010 Subject An Awsome Sight Got called off boring armory duty for a special assignment. A hidden encampment of Solamnic Knights had been found, and my Mage detatchment had been assigned to help root them out. Our job was to sneak into the camp before the main attack force and quietly put anyone on night watch to sleep, then regroup on the camps flank to prevent any retreat. Our passage through the camp went completely unnoticed, and our motley crew of mages, of both Conclave black robes and Renegades of various races reformed and waited for the main attack. We didn't have to wait long. It is quite an awsome sight to see a Red Dragon swoop out of the night sky and cause utter destuction with it's firey breath. In just one airborne pass, all but one tent was set ablaze, and most of the defenders were roasted. Then the great dragon landed on the edge of camp and began biting. clawing, bashing and crushing his way into the camp. Right on his heels, a troop of Sivaks flew in and started helping kill any that remained, taking the form of those they killed, causing even more confusion in the defenders ranks. As I watched the Dragon reached the one tent left unscathed, and with one sweep of his claw sent it flying into the night, leaving only what it concealed behind. Sweeping up the three large chests into his mighty arms he let out a roar of victory. Then it took to the air, leaving the battlefield. As I watched awstruck, suddenly a Solamnic Knight came charging toward me, desperate to make his escape. He must have had protections from magic, for I hit him with a lightning bolt and it didn't phase him. As he came barreling towards me other spells hit him, but also to no avail. Though he was protected from magic, it must not have been so for weapons of steel. For as he raised his sword to cut me down, the lone Dwarf Mage of our troop buried his axe in the knight's back, dropping him dead instantly. Author: Gruuk Date: Sat Feb 20 14:42:41 2010 Subject In Seclusion I tried to get in the secret lab for days, in vane. Then I decided to go to the archive and do a little research on Axc, but his his records were sealed. Trying to sneak a look was out of the question, that is until Master Lynx's disapearace caused such an uproar in the Conclave. Using the destraction, misdirection, deceit and a pawn I managed to sneak a peek. Though I took a few notes, I found nothing hinting at how to gain entrance into the lab. Then one night I was sitting against the wall from the secret door listening to the whisperings, when a voice gave a command in a language I don't know and the whisperings stopped. The lone voice then told me the secret of the door, it was so simple I never even had considered it. Once inside I found Axc's spellbook right where it was left on the table. Checking the last page it was blank, so I put it on the bookshelf, since the other spells in it were minor. The other whisperings slowly returned and continue, when ever I am in the Black Tower. Now that I'm finally in the lab, I have gone into seclusion there, working on various new spells and conducting experiments.
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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Astinus mentions 'We have had over 868 storytellers on Ansalon pen their epic stories here for all to read.'
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