The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Kalevi.
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 leather bound tome on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Kalevi' scribed in light purple ink.
Author: Kalevi Date Wed May 1 21:40:27 2002 Subject The Quest-Visions of the Past It had been a day much like any other. Governor Kalevi Darksaber of the Khur Province began the morning inspecting the troops, more accurately the mostly barbarian militia recruited from Khur itself. Slowly but surely progress could be seen in their development, they were learning the techniques necessary to become a true army. After that, Kalevi withdrew to his private wing within Fort Kortal, meeting with various chieftains and shaman for much of the afternoon. Evening was upon him and he retired to his study where he worked further, recording the events of his past. He had reached the period of documenting the events of his time within the Dragonarmy. As Kalevi picked up his pen he suddenly froze as the vision appeared before him Kalevi saw a grand army that pledged utter support to the one who would bring forth a symbol of the past, the corpse of the one whose fate remains a mystery. To many within the Knighthood this would be a very strange reference. To Kalevi it was immediately recognized. Immediately, Kalevi set forth for Storm Keep to consult Danvighar before beginning the task at hand. Along the way, he thought about the past. Emperor Lithiumsurely that was whom the vision referred to. Kalevi remembered those times. He was Blue Dragon Highlord at the time. Emperor Lithium was at the height of his power when he suddenly disappeared. For a time the Dragonarmy seemed doomed to plunge into chaos as the Emperor's fate left a great deal of uncertainty. Then the Crown of Takhisis appeared suddenly. A new Emperor was crowned and Lithium's fate remained an unsolved mystery. During his time at the Storm Keep, Kalevi learned he was not alone in receiving a vision. It was apparent that the Queen wished that Danvighar take control of Sanction, Saige of Neraka, and Kalevi control of the military of Khalkist region. It was indeed an intriguing prospect. It was decided that each person depart to accomplish the necessary task to prove they had been chosen by the Queen herself to occupy such a position. Kalevi pondered where he should begin the task. Little information was available as to the fate of the former Emperor. Kalevi decided he should return to the place he last saw Lithium, the town of Solace. He journeyed in disguise, maintaining a low profile. As he approached the city, a feeling in the back of his mind told him to turn. Kalevi had learned to trust such things and turned to a new path, leading to a remote and unexplored section of forest. Darkness and the stench of death was all he saw until Words would fail to capture the image before Kalevi's eyes. It was as if the forest opened up all at once with the sun illuminating a section like a beacon. At first glance, Kalevi thought he saw an armored man standing in the middle of the opening. He walked further, immediately recognizing the flaming armor of the Red Dragon Emperor. "Lithium?" Kalevi said, barely audible. As he approached, Kalevi noticed within the armor wasnothing. There stood the armor like a cicada skin, full of form but lacking life. It would appear the mystery would remain just that. He gathered the armor and journeyed back to Khur, feeling a sense of success. Though Kalevi did not encounter what he expected, he knew he had accomplished the Queen's will. The armor itself was not important, it was the remembrance of the past as Kalevi prepared for the future Author: Kalevi Date Sun May 5 13:28:33 2002 Subject The Quest-Weapons of War Kalevi Darksaber, having completed his quest, began the journey back to Khur upon his dragon mount. Being such a longer journey, he was left with a great deal of time to reflect. Though his very soul knew he had accomplished the task laid out by Takhisis in a vision, Kalevi's mind was left puzzled by what Emperor Lithium's armor would accomplish. To many, the days of the Dragonarmy were long past and those who were once apart of the Dragonarmy often were looked at with contempt. Besides, Kalevi himself was once Emperor. The question was, what would this lifeless armor accomplish that the living Kalevi himself could not Caught up in his thoughts, Kalevi suddenly heard what seemed like a whisper. "Your past is linked to your future. Do not forget the lessons learned and the knowledge others have not partaken in." Suddenly, Kalevi glanced downward, noticing that his mount had chosen a different route through the Khalkist Mountains. It was a remote section, sparsely visited. "Descend my friend," Kalevi said to his mount. The blue dragon responded, puzzled, "Here?" Kalevi replied, "Yes, it would seem that I am finally realizing what I need to do. Landing in a small valley, Kalevi looked up towards the mountain before him and he remembered the past A cavern was located on this mountain, twisting until it reached a chamber filled with weapons. Kalevi knew this as he was among those who placed the weapons within it all so long ago. It was in those very early days, when Bramwell lead that loose federation of fighters that would one day become the Dragonarmy. A true warrior to his very soul, Bramwell had a flare for planning for a variety of scenarios. It was a habit Kalevi himself inherited. Arms caches were hidden by Bramwell throughout the Khalkist Mountains should the day ever come that the Queen's warriors ever need them. And now Kalevi, faced with the vision of strengthening a new army, decided the use of one cache would be a good idea. Kalevi, along with is mount, scaled the side of the mountain, searching out the cavern's mouth. Suddenly, a tongue of fire struck the ground a few yards before him. "Halt intruder!" came a massive, snarling voice. Looking upwards, Kalevi saw the cavern entrance and the head of a red dragon sticking out of it. Kalevi glanced back at his mount. Words did not have to be exchanged, both knew to approach this cautiously, but to be prepared to fight if necessary. "I mean you no harm, sir dragon," Kalevi shouted out. "I was under the impression that this mountain contained a cache of weapons that I intended to use in the service of Takhisis herself." The red dragon replied, "You are correct, but I have claimed the caverns as my own. However, I may be willing to give you the weapons you seek if you can prove yourself." Kalevi continued forward, reaching the red dragon. "And how shall I prove myself?" The red dragon replied, "That is for you to figure out, human!" Kalevi looked at the red dragon, studying it as he contemplated what he should do next. Then it dawned on him. Kalevi removed the large backpack he was wearing and lowered it to the ground. Opening it up, he reached inside, removing the helm of Emperor Lithium. The red dragon gasped audibly. "We fought together once so many years ago humandoes he still live?" Kalevi shook his head, "It does not appear so." The red dragon replied, "You have proven yourself worthy, take what it is you came for." The cache of arms was removed and packed up to take to Khur. The vision was one step closer to realization, though its path proved unpredictable. Through Takhisis, success would be accomplished. Author: Kalevi Date Tue May 14 19:58:20 2002 Subject The Quest Part 3-Preperations for Battle Having taken a cache of arms from a secret lair in the Khalkist Mountains to his troops in Khur, Kalevi Darksaber was one step closer to building a glorious army. The troops stationed in Khur were surprised to receive such a vast amount of weaponry. As the news spread, new recruits flocked in droves to join under the banner of Takhisis. Kalevi stood in his map room within Fort Kortal, studying a huge map of Ansalon. In the room with him was his blue dragon mount, in human form, and a Story + representative of the Knights of Takhisis sent by Danvighar himself to aide Kalevi's planning. "So let me make sure I am clear," Kalevi said to the representative "our forces control the territory within these borders?" As he spoke, Kalevi traced a rough outline on the map with his finger. "That is correct sir, except" Kalevi responded with a slight trace of annoyance in his voice. Pointing to a spot in the northern Khalkist Mountains, the representative said, "There resides forces of the great demon Asmodeous. Though within our borders, the people stay far away from the land in fear that the demons who reside there will attack." "And no one has sought to vanquish these intruders?" Kalevi asked. "No sir, the demons are too powerful, no one has dared challenge them. We have only sought monitor the forces." "Based upon the observations, what are the number and general location of the demon forces?" "We are not completely sure. The demons have created a lair within the side of a mountain" Kalevi glanced at the representative, obviously annoyed. "However sirwe have seen numerous Dretch, estimated in the hundreds. Several Vrock have also been observed. The forces appear to be led by a Hezrou commander based upon one report. As you can see, it is a dangerous forcethat is why they have been unchallenged." "No I do not see!" Kalevi responded, fairly bitterly. "It would seem to me that this force of demons is pathetic at best. Dretch are stupid cowards that can be easily dealt with especially if the Hezrou commander is destroyed quickly. The Vrock are dangerous, but in a limited number they should be easily overwhelmed. I find it troubling that no one has confronted the demons before. That is about to change. You are dismissed," Kalevi said to the representative. After the representative had left, Kalevi turned towards his dragon mount. "Any suggestions my friend?" The dragon, who in human form appeared to be a graying man in his fifties with piercing blue eyes and a tinge of blue to his skin, pondered quickly and then spoke. "It is as you have already said. We should be able to win this battle easily, especially if the Hezrou commander is killed quickly. However, Hezrou are not easily killed with normal weapons." "Then we should seek out a weapon that would give us an advantage" Kalevi said. "Yes, and I have one in mind. The lost Spear of Pestilence." Kalevi nodded, "How convenient, last I heard it was within a temple of Morgion in the central section of the Khalkist Mountains. We could acquire it on our way to confront the demons." During the next few days, Kalevi's troops prepared for the journey northwest to the demon lair. Though no one openly objected, it was obvious that many were reluctant. Despite Kalevi's words while speaking with the representative of Danvighar, he secretly held his own reservations, knowing the battle ahead would be a hard one as the troops were unproven in war. The troops marched forth through the Khalkist, lead by Kalevi. As they gradually neared the lair, Kalevi and his dragon mount departed the troops, ordering them to continue on without him. It was time to seek out the temple of Morgion. (to be continued) Author: Kalevi Date Tue May 14 19:59:51 2002 Subject The Quest Part 3-Preperations for Battle (continued) Its location was unknown, but Kalevi remembered the legends from his time in the Dragonarmy. Though the followers of Morgion were quite secretive, it was suspected that many of them were in the ranks of the Dragonarmy. Rumors spread of a temple dedicated to Morgion in the heart of the Dragon Empire located in what was called the Valley of Death. Takhisis seemed to guide Kalevi in his search, as he felt compelled to go this direction and that. Eventually he reached a particularly harsh valley that smelt of death itself. Landing, the dragon mount asked Kalevi, "Do you wish to go alone?" "Yes," Kalevi said, walking towards what first seemed a crack in a steep embankment. Slowly they entered, traveling through numerous twisting passageways. Suddenly a passageway opened up to a great room that bore the smell of death and disease. In the middle of the room stood what looked to be a living person stricken with leprosy. Within its right hand it grasped a long spear. Silently, Kalevi walked forward and reached for the Spear of Pestilence, removing it from the figure's hand. Suddenly the figure let out an inhuman screech and swung at Kalevi. Dodging the blow, Kalevi quickly reached for his long swords that he carried on his back. The figure swung again with the spear. This time Kalevi parried the attack and countered with his own swing. The figure was able to avoid the attack. Kalevi pressed hard in his attacks, swing with one sword then the next, pushing the figure into the defensive. Finally, Kalevi struck with a deathblow, decapitating the figure in a single swipe. A slight hissing sound could be heard, troubling Kalevi. He quickly grabbed the spear and quickly left the room as the figure exploded in a cloud of poisonous gas. Exiting the temple, Kalevi looked towards his dragon with a look of success. "We must rejoin the troops. The time for battle is now." Author: Kalevi Date Thu May 23 20:48:11 2002 Subject The Quest Part 4-Demon Assassin Having acquired the Spear of Pestilence, Kalevi Darksaber was now ready to confront the demonic Hezrou commander who terrorized the northern Khalkist Mountains. He returned to the troops he had ordered to accompany him on the journey. Kalevi headed straight for the command tent, searching out the man he left in charge of the army during his absence. The commander awaited, a grim look upon his face. "What news do you have for me?" Kalevi said to the man before him, a trusted ally from the days of the Blue Dragonarmy. "Frankly sir, I worry about the troops. They lack confidence. As time passes, there is increasing rumbling about the battle ahead. However, we have received quite a bit of intelligence information. Interviewing the natives of the area has confirmed Lord Danvighar's representative's estimates as to the number of demons. The demons generally are confined to their lair, though they occasionally terrorize the region around their lair. There are numerous brutal stories that have further demoralized the troops. The demons demand tribute from the natives. They periodically visit the lair with gifts. A witness informs us that the lair consists of a narrow tunnel approximately one hundred meters long. Eighty meters deep the tunnel connects to two side tunnels that apparently house the bulk of the demons. At the end of the tunnel lies an open chamber where the Hezrou commander stays along with about two dozen other demons at any time." "Interesting. Prepare the troops, I have an announcement to make." Kalevi readied himself for the impending battle. He chose a several pieces of Story + lightweight, yet strong armor, allowing for great flexibility. Shin guards, knee guards, calve guards, breastplate, shoulder guards, and arm guards. Upon putting them on, Kalevi covered himself in a dark, tattered robe, the kind the natives of the area wear. He rummaged through some personal items and found a jeweled chest and took it with him. The troops were ready by the time Kalevi finished. He stood before them saying, "The time for battle is now. However, it has come to my attention that most of you hold reservations about the struggle before us. Therefore I have decided that you will serve only in a support role. I will go forward myself. The rest of you will march to the demon lair and wait outside, killing or capturing any demons should the opportunity arise." With that Kalevi left the troops and began the short trip to the demon lair, Story + alone. Upon reaching it, Kalevi pulled the hood of his robes up upon himself. He walked to the lair's entrance, coming upon a group of Dretch guardsmen. The Dretch snarled as Kalevi heard what must be Abyssal seemingly coming from within his own mind. Assuming the Dretch were inquiring into his presence, Kalevi bowed slightly, holding up the gilded chest saying, "I bring a gift for your master." Apparently the Dretch approved and Kalevi walked forward into the lair. The tunnel was dark, with only an occasional flicker of fire. At about eighty meters, Kalevi saw two side tunnels as expected. He continued to walk inside, reaching an opening. There before him sat the Hezrou commander on a raised dais. Glancing around the room, Kalevi took a quick count, twenty-two Dretch and two Vrock. Walking before the Hezrou, Kalevi lowered his head. "I come paying tribute to your mighty power," Kalevi said. A voice within him said, "Present it human!" Kalevi raised the jeweled box before him, opening it up and revealing precious jewels and gold. "Excellent!" the demon said telepathically. Suddenly a massive roar of a dragon came rumbling through the tunnel. The mass of demons all turned to the entrance. Telepathic messages bounced from demon to demon. "We are under attack by a blue dragon!" "Send the troops!" (to be continued) Author: Kalevi Date Thu May 23 20:49:28 2002 Subject The Quest Part 4 (continued) The demon's attention distracted, Kalevi reached within his cloak, pulling out a stick no more than two feet long. Quickly he pressed a trigger, extending the Spear of Pestilence to its full size. In a blink of an eye Kalevi jabbed it up and forward, hitting the Hezrou commander mid chest. Two Dretch, on either side of Kalevi, noticed what happened as the Hezrou cried out in agony and rushed forward to attack Kalevi. Quickly Kalevi reached within his robes and threw a knife at each demon, hitting each square in the head. Kalevi then jumped up, grabbing the end of the spear as he went over the Hezrou, pulling the spear out in an arching gash. Landing behind the Hezrou, Kalevi thrusted the spear into the back of the commander's head. Chaos ensured before him as he saw most of the demons pouring out the side tunnels and heading outside the lair. Yet there were still twenty Dretch and two Vrock to deal with within the chamber. Many rushed towards Kalevi. Kalevi kicked the Hezrou down the dais, hitting one Dretch. Another reached Kalevi, swinging a large sword. Kalevi blocked it with the staff of the spear and countered with a slash across the demon's abdomen then kicked the Dretch off the dais. Then it happened. A Dretch moved forward towards Kalevi. Suddenly another Dretch struck it down. The sight was repeated five times. A Vrock moved to attack one of the Dretch responsible for killing a fellow demon. Kalevi threw the spear, hitting the Vrock in its chest. The fight ensued, Kalevi killing three more Dretch, while the remaining Vrock and tree other Dretch were killed by the mysterious Dretch aiding Kalevi. Thus six Dretch and Kalevi remained alone in the cavern. "Excellent work," Kalevi said to the Dretch as all six began to slowly shift into Sivak form. Kalevi walked forward, exiting the chamber and through the tunnel, reaching the plains before the demon lair, carrying the jeweled chest in one hand and in the other the Spear of Pestilence crowned by Hezrou's head. The sight was amazing. Numerous demons lay dead as Kalevi's troops surrounded the plain, showing triumph on their faces. About a dozen Dretch were being shackled. Before Kalevi's massive blue dragon mount lay an unconscious Vrock. "Victory is ours!" Kalevi shouted as the troops cheered. Author: Kalevi Date Fri May 31 20:25:41 2002 Subject The Quest Finale-The Tower of Takhisis One week had passes since Kalevi was successful in assassinating the demon commander who devastated the northern Khalkist Mountains. Having returned to Khur with his forces and several captured demons, Kalevi noticed a profound change in his troop's attitude. Doubt had been replaced by confidence. Now the troops truly felt ready for battle. As the news traveled of Kalevi's success, many in the Khalkist Mountains expressed longing to join the army. While some merely made their intentions known, all too many traveled to Fort Kortal where the growing army was becoming too much for the facility. Yet actions taken years ago were soon to bear fruit at a perfect time. Obviously it was not just a coincidence, but part of a greater plan. Kalevi sat in his meeting room, as usual accompanied by his dragon mount, Maelstorm, in human form and his Sivak bodyguard. Before them spoke Kalevi's chief architect, giving a progress report. "The tower's construction has at long last approached completion. As per your orders, sir, the facility was carved in the heart of the mountain near the roadway where the roads to Neraka, Sanction, and Fort Kortal meet. We believe the secret of its construction has been kept all these years since you first ordered it upon obtaining the Crown of Takhisis. As far as outsiders know, the only thing of any note about the area is that there is a village of miners and farmers near the mountain. As requested the tower was literally carved from the mountain ensuring the facility is more structurally sound than had it been constructed from brick and mortar along the follow given guidelines." "The walls enclose a square 3,000 feet wide. They are 30 feet tall and 15 feet thick. There is a gate on the north and south side. At each corner and at every 300 foot interval there is a raised platform 15 feet above the wall walkway. Upon each platform is a combination ballista/catapult. Within the walls is room for outdoor training, tents, storage, ect. An aquifer has been constructed within the walls and is accessed through a number of wells within the walls." "The tower itself takes up the center of the complex at 600 feet wide. The first seven levels make up the primary tower with each level 15 feet high. In the very center of the tower lay a spiraling staircase from the first level to the very top of the tower." "The first level consists of a training facility made up of numerous mazes for training during peaceful times, guard stations, and an access way to an underground jail facility. There is a direct hallway from the east to west gate leading to the central staircase. Should the tower come under siege grates move in horizontally, integrating the direct hallway into the maze system, allowing only one complicated pathway through the facility. Hidden traps are also activated at this time." "The second level consists of a large mess hall, kitchen, and food storage. The third level consists of the main armory. The fourth and fifth level contains barracks for the forces stationed at the tower. The sixth level contains a grand meeting hall. The seventh level contains an expansive library. The seventh level contains the tower's treasury." "Though the tower nearly reaches the height of the High Clerist's Tower near Palanthas, the bulk of the height consists of the secondary tower. It is located in the very center on the primary tower. At 100 feet wide, the majority of the secondary tower consists for the most part of the central staircase and the tower's walls. Reinforcement beams are located throughout. The outside wall holds in place innumerable 20 feet long spears with the last 5 feet being the multi-faceted spear points that spread out in various directions, forming a protective network for the secondary tower. It is impossible for even a small dragon to reach the tower with all spears in place." (to be continued) Author: Kalevi Date Fri May 31 20:27:02 2002 Subject The Queft Finale-The Tower of Takhisis (continued) "Crowning the secondary tower are three additional levels. The lower one contains the war and planning room. The middle level contains the lookout. This room has numerous windows and provides an expansive view of the land for miles around. The upper level contains your private residence, sir. All rooms are in place: throne room, meeting hall, trophy room, library, bathroom, and bedroom. The roof has been made flat to serve as an additional lookout. Throughout the entire facility are numerous portals allowing for access to different levels without having to use the staircase. This feature can be disabled in the event of a siege." "All that remains to be done is to remove the outer shell of the mountain that has hidden the tower within." With that the architect finished. It was now time. The actions Kalevi took so many years ago while he was Emperor of the Dragonarmy now provided for a premier facility for the growing army of the Knights of Takhisis. The troops would soon be moved there from Fort Kortal. And thus the Tower of Takhisis came to be Kalevi's command center. Author: Kalevi Date Thu Jul 11 20:59:23 2002 Subject A Journal Entry in "The Activities of Kalevi Darksaber" Day of Luindai, 21st the Month of Corij For the most part is has been a day filled with the normal activities. The morning was filled with observation of the training activities of troops to serve the Knighthood. I am impressed with the progress being made. Over time, the core group of Khur soldiers have honed their skills as a true military members rather than tribal warriors. It seems as if the training of soldiers outside Khur has motivated the Khur to train harder as to not be left behind. My daily inspections also serve their purpose in further motivating all troops. Everyone knows I will not hold my tongue should I become displeased with what I see. Being observed by me increases the necessity to do a good job in training. The afternoon proved somewhat different and quite interesting. After receiving a report on the current affairs in Khur, of which I plan to keep influence on, I decided it was time to visit the demons that were captured during the assassination of the Hezrou demon commander. I have left the dozen Dretch together as they prove little threat when not being led by a greater demon. On the other hand, I considered the Vrock quite dangerous and have left it in solitary confinement with numerous barrier spells to prevent any summoning of demons. For all this time the demon had not seen a living soul. The closest contact it has had was when food and water was slid into its cell. Though spears are not my normal choice of weapon, I took the Spear of Pestilence with me to visit the Vrock in hopes that it would trigger memories of that fateful day its commander fell to my attack. I wore a fairly regal cloak over my armor as to not show obvious defense lest the demon begin to think I feared an assault by it. I passed by the cell holding the Dretch first, looking in on them quickly. Without a higher demon the seemed like mindless drones, walking around in circles with little aim. I reached the Vrock's cell and opened it quickly, then walking in slowly. The Vrock sat on the floor on the far wall, quickly jumping up, as my presence was made known. For a glimmer of time it appeared the Vrock contemplated attack but no actions were taken for reasons I can only guess at. I looked the demon straight in the eye and talked to it. I told it that it had no hope of escape and should accept the fact that any attempt would only result in its own harm, possibly at my own hands. I pointed out the obvious fact that magic prevented it from summoning any demons. I ended by stating that its only hope for even the possibility of release would be for it to cooperate with my orders. The demon failed to respond in anyway, sitting motionless and expressionless. I did not expect much more than this. The seeds have been sowed though, it is only a matter of time now Author: Kalevi Date Fri Oct 28 22:06:44 2005 Subject Kalevi's Return Kalevi Darksaber. It is a name that means a variety of things to different people. For some, it brings to mind a title or function associated with him in the past: Grey Order Recruiter, Blue Dragon Highlord, Dragon Emperor, Lord of Knight, Lord of the Lily, Governor, or Lord of Doom. To others, the name brings a more vague concept: hero, warrior, leader, villain, or enemy. Many who hear the name would associate little, having only the vaguest concept of who Kalevi is, thinking him a man, once important, now gone; maybe even doubting his very exist, thinking him more legend than reality. Yet as time passes on, to most the name Kalevi Darksaber means absolutely nothing. It should be of no surprise however. So many years ago, Kalevi withdrew to the lands he governed, sealing off their borders, isolating himself from the world outside. Yet while he was isolated from the world, the world was not isolated from him. Information flowed to him, sometimes in trickles, at other times in torrents. **Several weeks ago** "My lord," the young man said, bowing before Kalevi. "I have returned with the latest news from the knighthood. It seems that there is a great deal of change occurring. Power continues to concentrate upon a family known as the House of Matar. Specifically, their Baroness, Ayasana uth Matar, has risen through the ranks, becoming the Lady of Night. The knighthood is becoming stronger, more united than it has been in quite some time. Rumors of war persist throughout the land, specifically of the knighthood against the Solamnic Knights." "Thank you, you are dismissed," Kalevi said, speaking from his throne. Alone, Kalevi sat and contemplated what had been said. "Much has changed," Kalevi thought to himself. "I know nothing of this House of Matar, nor of Ayasana uth Matar. New blood often is beneficial, renewing the vitality of the knighthood. Yet to wage war against the Solamnics" Kalevi sighed, knowing what he had to do. "If my experiences are even of small value, it is worth me returning to active duty within the knighthood." Thus came about Kalevi's Return. Author: Kalevi Date Mon Nov 28 12:09:58 2005 Subject An Evening at the Tavern (Part 1 of 2) While many taverns are found in Neraka, one in particular draws a more "civilized" crowd. Renown since the days of the Dragonarmy, it is a welcome place for old-timers and know-it-alls to trade stories and the latest gossip. One night, not long ago: A man in walked in to the tavern, obviously exited. "Have I news for you all; Kalevi Darksaber is back!" "You're too late," someone replied "that's already old news." The first man replied, slightly aggravated "Maybe so, but have you heard the details? Lady Ayasana learned of Kalevi while going through some of the knighthood's archives. After months of searching, she was able to track him down and asked that he return to the ranks." "Lady Ayasana didn't seek out Kalevi," someone replied. "Kalevi sought out Lady Ayasana and after a long conversation, she has given him charge of the Lily Knights." Someone else jumped in the conversation, "I heard that Kalevi sneaked into Matar Manor and caught Lady Ayasana by surprise. After that, she was so impressed she gave him leadership." "She was impressed from what I heard," came another's voice, "but Kalevi nearly got himself killed. Jumped right in front of Lady Ayasana and before he even had a chance to speak, she had half a dozen people surrounding him, ready to kill him for the intrusion. Lucky for him he was able to explain his reasons for doing it and she believed him." Another person said, "Kalevi did sneak into Matar Manor, but his intentions were to assassinate Lady Ayasana and take over the knighthood. However, Lady Ayasana begged for her life as Kalevi's blade was at her throat and, after Lady Ayasana promised to give him leadership, Kalevi spared her life." "That can't be true, Kalevi wouldn't try to assassinate her!" Someone exclaimed. "Why not? After all, he was a member of the Dragonarmy, they played by different rules than the Knight of Takhisis do." An older man then spoke saying "Sure enough, Lord Kalevi was in the Dragonarmy, but was always different from others, even then he was quite honorable, so I doubt he would try to assassinate Lady Ayasana." "And what makes you such an expert on what Kalevi would or wouldn't do?" The other man replied, obviously offended at being corrected by the older man. "Because, unlike the rest of you around here that only know of Lord Kalevi from stories your parents or grandparents told you, I actually met him when I was a young man." The older man paused, contemplating. "I just realized, it's been some fifty odd years since I met Lord Kalevi, surely it can't be the same man, he should be dead by now." *To be continued* Author: Kalevi Date Mon Nov 28 12:20:56 2005 Subject An Evening at the Tavern (Part 2 of 2) An excitement rushed through the air, as several people couldn't wait to share their explanations: "Kalevi isn't dead because he's immortal. Long ago, while on a special quest, the great warrior Bramwell was able to drink the blood of the goddess Chislev herself. His power increased and a flash of inspiration came upon him for a potion to make a person immortal. He was able to create two potions, one for himself, and one for Kalevi, before the recipe disappeared from his mind." "That's not what happened. Years ago, a mysterious dragon came from the depths. Its body was made up of molten flames. It terrorized the Solamnic lands and all fled from it. But as it went east, approaching Neraka, Kalevi and Bramwell met it. They asked for what purpose it dared to enter Dragonarmy lands, and the dragon replied destruction. Angered by the response, Kalevi and Bramwell attacked the dragon. The battle lasted quiet some time, but finally Kalevi landed the deathblow. Blood spewed everywhere and ever since, Kalevi has not aged a day." "I've heard that story too, but that's not the reason Kalevi still lives. While he was Dragon Emperor, Kalevi had many of the clerics of Takhisis devote themselves to creating an anti-aging potion. After years of work, they found success and Kalevi kept the potion for himself." "You're not quite right. Kalevi does possess an anti-aging potion, but it wasn't the clerics of Takhisis that created it. It was the Holy Order templar Virago who discovered the formula and gave it to Kalevi as a token of her friendship." "All of you are completely wrong. The true secret is that during the leadership of Lord Danvighar, a crisis befell the Neraka region. Demons opened a portal to our realm and terrorized the land. The people feared the demons, and no one would stand up to them, not even Kalevi's troops. Kalevi risked his own life to kill the Hezrou demon commander and in the resulting chaos, his troops killed all the demonsexcept for a dozen Dretch and a single Vrock. Kalevi held that demons prisoner for months, interrogating them over and over until they finally gave up. The Vrock helped Kalevi cross into the demon realm, where Kalevi spent quiet some time exploring, eventually discovering the secret to staying young." "You're missing the key point. It is as you say, except Kalevi crossed into the demon realm with several of his own troops along with the now loyal Vrock and Dretch. Kalevi started a great war within the demon realm, conquering its lands, killing many, while others turned to Kalevi's side, aiding in the war. As Kalevi pressed on, the ruler of the demon realm grew fearful of being overthrown. He dispatched an envoy to Kalevi, calling for a truce. Kalevi accepted, securing his own land in the demon realm which he rules from a fortress." After a pause, someone asked, "What does that have to do with the fact that Kalevi isn't dead?" "Because when Kalevi is in the demon realm, time passes, but he ages at a different rate." "Fools you all are, the answer is simple. Kalevi isn't human, he's really a dragon!" A commotion ensured as multiple arguments arose as to whose story was right. After quite some time, things began to calm, until someone asked: "By the way, does anyone know what ever happened to Bramwell?" *The End* Author: Kalevi Date Thu Dec 8 21:40:19 2005 Subject Kalevi's Journal Entry The time is nearly at hand: war! It was the main reason for my return to active duty within the Knights of Takhisis, yet I lack the sense of anticipation that borders on excitement that many around me have. I can barely explain the emotions I feel, even to myself. Dread is too harsh a word as it implies fear. Nor is hesitation proper as I am confident in all that I do. Maybe the problem is that I seek a word that does not truly exist. The fact is, unlike those around me, I know war intimately. It is not glorious, nor appealing. War is ugly. My mind, foreseeing things to come, causes me to already smell the stench of death. Death: not just of enemies, but also of comrades, friends. I know in the battles to come, there will be heroes on both sides, there will be noble actions and horrors beyond words. One might ask why I even bother with the war if I feel this way. It is because I can not allow those evil hypocrites, the Knights of Solamnia, to prevail. Since the beginning of time, Ansalon has seen struggle. Above all was the struggle between the great Takhisis and the jealous Paladine. Fearful of her influence, he constantly led other gods to undermine her works. Look at the ogres; a beautiful creation of Takhisis tainted by the other gods. Thus the forces that would call themselves good truly fight for their own self- serving power, not the protection of all. I know the truth, that the Knights of Solamnia are murderous thieves who seek to control all of Ansalon. History has a tendency to repeat itself. In another age there was a group who rose to power claiming to be the protector of good. The expanded in power and struck out against those who would worship Takhisis or others. The Kingpriest of Istar single handedly led Ansalon to the Cataclysm. The Knights of Solamnia are no different. The time is nearly at hand: war! I have been pleasantly surprised by the dedication of my fellow knights, their willingness to accept me so quickly, to listen to my advice. Much time has been dedicated to planning, to strategizing, to anticipate the enemy's moves. We do not go unprepared. I do not look forward to this war, yet I yearn for the victory to come!
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
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