The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Kiyohime.
A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Eyes hurt? Turn Color OFF!! (regular story dates)
Astinus says 'Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'
Astinus gently places a dirty book showing much wear on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Kiyohime' scribed in earth-colored yellow ink.
Author: Kiyohime Date: Mon Oct 8 00:50:16 2007 Subject Guided by Mishakal So, I've made it to Palanthas, and frankly,not impressed. Oh, there are shops, inns, enough guards and local Enforcers to even give a Kender pause,and a busy port,but, the city lacks identitiy. I mean, the Library is about all they can boast of. Oh, and that arena where smelly fighters can get smellier beating on each other,if you are into that sort of thing. But, no art, no theatres, nothing to set it apart from any other town. Even near the centre of town, they have this big forboding tower,that is guarded to keep people from straying in,because they could die. Some amusement that is. I miss Silvanost. Hate to admit it. But, I have my calling, and I am told that the Holy Order of Stars may very well consider me a Heathen , of all things, if I do not present myself in a timely manner. Heathen indeed. I don't mind helping people, even enjoy it. But, I don't mind making a little bit of coin either. I mean, potions and all this education cost someone,and i don't see any Knighthood coming to my rescue financially,so. So, I guess I will visit the Temple,and present myself to them for consideration. So far all I've seen are those Dark priests running around, which doesn't bode well. On a serious note, I haven't detected any of those diseased beasts posing as priests yet. They are the only ones I don't charge for to eradicate.Horrible things. The RustLord must be sent back to his tower in the Abyss,and kept there. And I hope to be part of the group who does just that. And in the meantime, I need to find a way to independently earn my way. I have no objection to applying the healing arts to fill a purse. I mean, it is all about give and take, after all. Author: Kiyohime Date: Mon Nov 19 21:17:39 2007 Subject Travelling in Strange Company? Well, we arrived in Palanthas more or less intact, although the band of Mercenaries I rode in with garnered more than a casual glance from the local miltia and one or three Squires of Solamnia, who promptly ran off to report to their Knights, no doubt. I continued on from Imperial Square, west, to Diamond Way, then north to the local Temple of Mishakal. After exchanging greetings with the resident Bishop, she directed me to continue west, outside the city a ways, to the Main Temple, where I would assume duties as Head Priestess, which sounds great, but actually means I have to get the place cleaned up and running again after the long, unexplained abscence of the previous Head Priestess. I went back to the Square, making my good-byes with the band I had travelled with from Nordmaar, asking them to give my regards to Master Angor and Boss Shronius, and that I would no doubt be travelling with them again by summer. After hearing (for the thousandth time) the lineage and lack of an indentifiable father of both men, and their strange personal practices, (really, they like the two leaders of that band of war-dogs) they grunted a few farewells and dispersed to the nearby taverns, brothels and other unsavoury places about town,leaving me to make my way to the Crystal Temple on my own. I returned to the Temple in Palanthas, changed into the raiment of a Holy Order priestess, covered it with the mantle of Mishakal and the dark blue cloak I generally wore, and, drove the wagon I frequently called home off to the western horizon,following the sunset to my first appointment. Hopefully, I will hear from High Priestess Emla soon, but, as Kender go, she is certainly most Kenderish, so, who knows when that will be. Author: Kiyohime Date: Sun Nov 25 19:14:31 2007 Subject Getting set up Upon arriving at the Temple, I was once again awed by the massive blue crystal structure. It had been quite a few years since I had seen it, and it still struck a chord in my soul. The bulidings themselves were still in very good condition, but the grounds had pretty well grown over, and the courtyard was filled with the debris of years of neglect. I was met by a few new acolytes, who were randomly trying to make sense of the gardens. After a quick evaluation, I sent two back tp Palanthas, to give a message to the Solamnic Knights, requesting a couple gardeners from Vingaard be sent with haste to the Temple, to oversee the recovery efforts. In the meantime, we all agreed that the medicinal gardens needed the most effort from our group, and I set a few tasks to them to be attended to. Inside the Temple was in very good condition, a bit dusty, but otherwise in good repair. The Library and meditation chambers were dry and orderly, and the quarters were neat. The fountain surprisingly was still pure, and the old records were intact. I went up to the Observatory, and looked at the lands around, with Palanthas on the far eastern horizon. The fields were tended by local farmers, and milk cows grazed quietly. I went back down to the wagon, and began to bring my collected luggage in, setting up in a home that wasn't on wheels for the first time in years. Author: Kiyohime Date: Fri Feb 1 03:58:14 2008 Subject Something in the Wind "It would seem this new Dragon Army is preparing for some sort of battle, there has been a lot of activity in and around the city of Sanction, and demands for iron and other metals are high", reported the priest of Kiri-Jolith. The other gathered priests nodded assent, looking over an aged map of the lands. A human priest of Habbakuk pointed at a dark area further north, "And what of Kalaman? Do the Knights of Takhisis still hold the city?" The armor clad priest nodded and added," The Solamnic Knights are probing the area, but so far, the Dark Knights still hold firm, although the bulk of Takhisis' Knighthood itself has been idle." Kiyohime watched the elder priests debate the meanings of these reports, knowing that again, they would worry over the threat and mull over what omens meant what and who should divine information from which Shrine and then all return to their chambers feeling accomplished in the words but achieving no deeds. Looking over at the empty side of the large conference table, she couldn't help but wonder where the Knighthood of Solamnia was, this was their forte', the descision to further investigate and act was to be theirs. Looking up to gain the attention of the Advisors, she smiled gently until all was quiet. "My Brothers and Sisters, we can analyze this until the snows all melt and the spring fades into summer, but it will be the Grand Master of the Knights who will make the choices on the various courses of action, and we are to support those choices, and aid the Knights in whatever endeavour they meet. Therefore, I will go to their Keep, and meet with them, and see what they have made of this situation, until then, I think it would be best to see to our normal duties, and prepare for whatever the future may bring. Remember, we are not a militant Order, we have no army, we simply aid those who battle the Darkness" Looking around her, she noticed the priests nod reluctantly, resigning themselves to making reports and documents for her to take to the Solamnic base. Author: Kiyohime Date: Wed Mar 5 05:03:37 2008 Subject Visiting Palanthas An old cart pulled by a large ox makes its way east towards the city, creaking slowly down the well worn road. A figure, wrapped in a grey cloak, negligently guides the cart with loosely held reins, paying more attention to the countryside then what is in front of her. Looking up in mild surprise, she sees the gates in the distance, surprised the journey is almost over. "Well, beast," she whispers to the ox," looks like something is going on up there, lots of people milling about, wonder what's going on?" The great ox snorts some dust, mutely continuing his way down the road. Reflecting on her mission, Kiyohime checks for the satchel with the scrolls the senior priests prepared for her. Satisfied she hadn't lost them..yet..she sits up, stretching and stifling a yawn. When the cart dipped down into a low point of the road, she flicked the reins to stop the cart, and climbed out. Removing the grey cloak, she brushed down the painfully white surcoat with the emblem of the Holy Order of Stars, pulled the Medallion of the Chosen Prophetess out from the blue gown beneath the surcoat, and retrieved the staff she carried as her badge of office for the Temple of Mishakal. Satisfied all was in place, she walked ahead of the ox, who followed closely behind. "Wonder if they got the Order's message that I was coming?" she thought to herself. "I'd hate to show up unexpectedly, might delay my report to the Knighthood," she continued to muse. Knowing the Knights of Solamnia were always preoccupied with things, like, war and criminals, she mused that they would have little time for visiting clergy, so many important people must come and go in such a large city. Ah well, "she thought," hopefully I can find someone to give me directions to wherever I am supposed to go. Author: Kiyohime Date: Fri Jun 27 03:44:42 2008 Subject Broken Dreams, Fading Hopes Walking throught the gardens, under the crescent moon, I felt very restless. Something was amiss, but, I couldn't quite identify it. It was as if there was a break in the normal tranquility I felt under the stars. A darkness, growing, but not yet blossomed. I stood with my head bowed, and eyes closed. My hands clasped in front of me. Mishakal, please guide me, what is it that must be mended? Looking up to the heavens, I felt the world fade, colours changing, then solidify again, becoming real. I found myself standing before the gates of a city, the road dusty and well travelled. The people were dressed differently, in loose clothing, darker skin, dark eyes. Cloth rolled about their heads, forming some sort of headress. Strange music playing. I knew this place, I had been here before. New Thalos. Someone was here, someone my goddess wanted found again. But their pain was not physical. It was much deeper than any wound of the flesh. A loss unbearable. I drew my cloak closer around me, uttering a prayer of concealment as I walked to the gate. This was most certainly a human city. It had its own grace, but, still rough to elven eyes. Where to start? Something tugged at me, drawing me to the seedy waterside of the city. The stench of a human shipyard always bothered me. They always seemed to dump whatever right next to the ships, which had a smell of their own, with tar and odorous cargo. I pulled my hood further down, trying to keep most of the smell away, when I saw someone stagger out of one of the taverns along the wharf. The attire looked familiar, as did the wearer. But this person was very, very drunk. As I followed, the person sort of collapsed in the street, the one helping? them seemed a bit too accustomed to this routine, but tried to comfort the wretch as the contents of their stomach spewed out into the already filthy road. As they regained their footing, a passing night watch's lamp shone enough for me to glimpse the face. I knew this person, She was once a proud Knight, and had prominence in the Order. This was very disappointing, and sad. I felt a chill, knowing this was who Mishakal sent me for. Lady Aramynia uth Lethlan, Knight of Solamnia, Vicar of Paladine. A dream broken by loss, and hope fading to despair. Author: Kiyohime Date: Thu Jul 10 04:14:19 2008 Subject A Night's Vigil for a Knight I waited outside her door. The night was going to be a long one for her, and many shades of things past would haunt her sleep. I sat by the window, watching the stars travel thier path, as the first sounds of distress happened. The monk on duty went to check, opening the door and looking in on her. My keen hearing heard her reply about a bad dream. The first of many, I knew. The watch changed hands, when again, the sound of struggle was heard. The new monk on duty was startled, looking to me, I nodded, and he carefully opened the door, his concern showing for our guest. The night went on, her tribulations followed suit. Midori came up and relieved the monk, and it was not long before she heard the cries of one lost in dark dreams, and went in to comfort the tortured knight. A short time later, Midori came back out, concern lining her eyes. I smiled my encouragement to her, nodding approval. As the sky begin to lighten, again anguish voiced itself, and Midori was in the room quickly. I could hear the cries of sorrow and loss, finally released from the prison of her mind. I quietly walked over and looked in the room. Midori held Aramynia, while the tortured memories bled out. Heal the body, heal the mind, and always tend the soul. I gently closed the door, and went to my chamber. All would be well, now. Author: Kiyohime Date: Mon Feb 9 00:45:48 2009 Subject A Thistle in the Rose Garden All was busy and in order at the Main Temple of Palanthas. Teachers were giving lessons and practices to the eager acolytes, priests demonstrating blessings and benedictions to the clergy, the Templars showing the techniques of the flail and mace. All was flowing smoothly . In the chapels, prayers were heard and hymns sung. Very good. The groundskeepers, monks who were also in training, were tending the plants and trees of the gardens. In the library, all was quiet and.... Kiyohime's left eyebrow jumped almost to her hairline. At one table, sat some travel stained being. The robes of the Order he wore were cut and tied and...not at all the way they were supposed to be. Not so much dirty, as, well worn. By the looks of him, he was more suited to living outdoors than being inside such a grand temple. Books and scrolls were piled about him, as he scratched away at some parchment with a brown quill, dipping it in the ink well with an intensity one would see at a dinner table for starved goblins. "Well". she muttered to herself, "we shall see about this." as she walked over to the unkempt 'scholar'. Author: Kiyohime Date: Sun Mar 1 05:13:58 2009 Subject Way back Home The dinner at the Priestess Kaelay's home went well, even though we had little time to discuss my return to Silvanost with the half-elf Codex Ji'jin. I could see concern in Kaelay's eyes, as she knew anytime I left Palanthas, the slaves of Darkness would sieze the opportunity to capture or even kill me. My assistant, the monk Miedo, showed concern as well. I'm sure he is hoping to go along, although I am not certain of who all will travel the long way to my Homeland. I could see Kaelay wanted to travel with us, but still, the lingering doubt of how she would be received there hung over her. Still, I had to go, and I would not require any others to take the journey, unless they wanted to do so. For now, it was time to check in on the half-elf,and see if he found any of the extra records I allowed him helpful in his quest. His was certainly a bold undertaking, and not without peril. The Undead and their souls were not trifling matters, and it would be best if someone watched over him carefully. The Lord of the Dead watched over His Realm jealously, and would not be forgiving to those who meddled in His affairs. Author: Kiyohime Date: Sun Oct 4 02:32:58 2009 Subject The Storm Watch Sitting in one of the towers of the Temple in Palanthas, I looked over the city as the sun set. People returning home, some going out. The nightwatch going around lighting the street lamps. The gullys picking up any trash in the streets, more often then not just mising their bags and re-dropping it, while another gully comes along and repeats the process. I could see the Solamnic outpost, as the night guard went through the regular ceremony of changing places with the daytime guard. All was at a reasonable peace here. All the while, a storm of sorts grew in the distance. My goddess had given me some small insight to what the future held, with some hints at what the present situation was as well. Trouble in the Wastelands, the far-away city of Tarsis. A growing concern of the cravings of the Rust Lord, and Lord Chemosh's activities. The Darkness-that-won't-be-Named, not in this Holy Temple, was about Her Unholy mischief as well. Even the elves in faraway Qualinost were restless, as was their cousins the Kagonesti. It seemed the only quiet ones were the dwarves, deep in their mountain fortresses. The loss of our beloved Coria was already such a blow, almost unendurable, given the circumstances. A group of Solamnics, led by Sir Segwarides had left to track her assassins, had left for parts unknown to me, and the Knighthood was still being quite tight lipped about it all. I would just have to trust in them for now. They had graciously released our young acolyte, Rinald, from prison. The foolish lad was using some small divinity for self defense unwittingly striking one of the knights-in-training, causing an uproar that embarrassed the Order, but was tolerated quite calmly by the elders there. I have him working on his apology and penance as I sit here, to redress his error. I watched the last glow of the sun slip into the velvety indigo of night, taking solace in the knowledge that it would return, as always, the next day, promising a bright future ahead. Author: Kiyohime Date: Wed Oct 28 01:40:53 2009 Subject Dark Horizons Sitting by the fountain in the Temple courtyard used to allow me a small slice of serenity. The pure water flowing over the stones into the pond. The reeds gently rustling with the breeze. The gold and white koi swimming silently. Now looking at the water just reminded me of the recent meetings and reports we had. The scrying, the divinations (those used bowls of special water, hence the memory). The heated arguements, the cold negotiations, the void of unity we once had. The Dark faction of the Holy Order fairly well locked themselves in their side of the massive hall. The Balanced side wanted nothing to do with any of it, and pretty much all left, seeking solace outside the Temple That left a few worthy priests and myself to either investigate the rumours, or ignore them. I could try to contact the Knighthood, even though most of the friends I had there were gone. But now I suspected they were in the general area of trouble. The area darkest to myself. I looked around the gardens, up at the bright blue sky, dotted with small clouds. The walls that seemed less safe to me then a few days ago. ""Quenesti'Pah," " I prayed.""What would you have me do?"" But, as silence answered me, I knew already the answer. I knew I would be expected to go there and do what I could along side the allies of Light. I would write a letter to the Priesthood, asking all who could to join me there. To do what was required of us. To travel into the vast wastes, and harsh climate, and even harsher natives. We had to go to Tarsis. Author: Kiyohime Date: Thu Nov 12 02:26:31 2009 Subject A Journey to the Grey Elves The old ox stopped just shy of the posts, one on each side of the road. I was roused from my semi-sleepy state, looking around. Why did you stop here? We're nowhere yet. The beast turned his head, lazily looking at me, when from the trees dropped several grey elves, attired in what I guess was some sort of uniform. They motioned for me to get out of the cart, so, I did. They had us (me and the ox, and the cart) surrounded. Identify yourself, and what is your business in these woods? I looked around, then back at him. The ox snorted softly. I travelled here from Palanthas, on request of one of your people. Remove your hood, and identify yourself! he yelled. I lowered my hood, and saw the derision in their eyes. Damned Silvanesti I heard one murmur. I allowed the dark blue cloak to slip from my shoulders, revealing the sky-blue surcoat, embroidered with the seven silver stars around the royal blue infinity. The one who I suppose was the leader gasped, eyes almost bugging out of his face, as he kneeled down. Prophetess! Down! All of you! She is of Quen Illumini! They all dropped to one knee, which startled me. I mean, I expected maybe an Oh, her or even maybe a Welcome Prophetess but, to think they knew such courtly behaviour, was impressive. But, that just might be the High Elf in me.I should think better of our cousins, as rustic as they can be at times. Mistress Meriele Viola'vata told us to watch for you, and escort you to the city. He paused a bit," But, you don't look quite as she described, we were expecting a more haughty, what was it she said? Prima...some name...I forget, but, to arrive on a humble ox-cart, never would have thought I'd see a high elf travel like that. Please, allow us to show you the way, Prophetess. Sooooo, Meriele described me to them that way, did she? This meeting was going to be very interesting. Author: Kiyohime Date: Thu Nov 26 17:22:33 2009 Subject A Beacon of Light Falls. The small group of priests stood on a hill-top far from the burning city. A few turned to resume tending to the wounded knights that travelled with them. So many were hurt. Some were beyond the talents of those present, and were made as comfortable as possible. Others had lost limbs. Some suffered a deeper wound. The wound of utter defeat. Sighing once again, Kiyohime looked toward the city then back at the group. Now what, she wondered. The knights and their troops would likely return to where ever the main forces were gathering, and more than a few of her priests would follow, as agreed upon in the alliance between the Holy Order and Knighthood. When, and if, she was needed, Kiyo would join them. For now, the knights insisted she take refuge somewhere, until that time came. But where? Looking over to the west, she saw a small girl, one with silver hair and bright blue eyes. The child beckoned to her, and she felt compelled to follow. When she stood beside the little one, the girl took her hand, looking up with ageless wisdom in her eyes. "Follow the River of Healing, to the Lake of Light, in the Province of Coastlund. Along the Lake's shore, find my Temple, and await there until I call, My precious servant." Kiyohime then found herself standing alone, but with direction now. To help the Light overcome Darkness, she would do as her goddess asked, and learn how to aid in turning this foul tide. Author: Kiyohime Date: Thu Dec 17 04:19:53 2009 Subject The Lake of Light They kept arriving, the wounded and lost. So many, displaced from their homes, warriors, families, and those who wouldn't remember. Our Order was able to organize the families, women, young boys, girls, the aged, into caregivers, cooks, those who could mend clothing or weapons, farm tools. While they tried to rebuild some semblance of home life, we tried to heal and restore those with the worst injuries. Ghastly cuts and batterings, burns. A few had the dragon-fear sickness, but there was little we could do to comfort them. Still they came, to the Lake of Light. An old Temple of Mishakal by the edge of the water served as hospital, kitchen and a place to ask the gods," Why?". Some of the less wounded and able warriors organized into small patrol groups, keeping a watch for any sign of the terrible Dragonarmies that may show. So far no sight, perhaps they were still reveling in their spoils. Sighing, I looked to the east, hoping for a sign of the heroes of the Knighthood, hoping that they would arrive, confident and able, and find inspiration from the Triumvirate and my own Quenesti'Pah. And that they in turn, would inspire these many souls, who still held pride in their hearts, and only needed a light to guide them against the darkness. I turned and entered the Temple again. There was still much to be done, to prepare for, when the Heroes of Solamnia returned to their people. Author: Kiyohime Date: Fri Jan 1 20:23:00 2010 Subject Restoring Hope When we left the Lake of Light, we had a sizeable group of refugees. Some went back to watch and gather what news they could about the Invaders. A few went to make contact with any others who were still believers in our cause. A number of grey elves would be acting as resisitance, knowing that they would be next on the Dragonarmies list. The Order had two small ships, that met us along the coast. No one had seen any ships belonging to the Dragonarmies, but a watch was kept, they had surprised us before, but not again. We would take who we could to Sancrist, and help set up a base, a place to regroup all the different groups with their comrades. Most were healed enough to travel, those who were still in critical shape or who had no hope of recovery were kept in the Temple by the Lake. I have heaqrd that some of the surviving leaders of the Knighthood would meet us there, once they regrouped with the remaining knights. Hopefully, this would prove true, as what the people needed, were inspiring symbols of bravery and leadership. The banners of Light would once again, rise over Solamnia. Author: Kiyohime Date: Sun May 2 03:00:13 2010 Subject Regarding the Move on Palanthas Having made the perilous journey to the Crystal Tower, successfully, the small group of Holy Order pilgrims began reclaiming the Tower from the elements. Sir Malar looked around critically, assessing the grounds. "It appears nothing has been disturbed, Priestess." glancing over at the grey cloaked figure near the fountain. "No, it would seem the Holy Seals held, and kept them disinterested"' she responded. She looked around the courtyard, then went to the stairs leading up to the observatory atop the Tower. Sir Malar followed, inspecting each door as they passed. Upon reaching the top, Kiyohime looked out across the grasslands, towards distant Palanthas, still out of range of conventional sight. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the landscape around the Tower grounds. Shaking her head, she sighed heavily. "There's still no trace of them, I fear the Knights have not arrived." she whispered. "They'll be here, I'm sure," replied Malar," We'd have heaqrd if they were waylaid, perhaps it is a simple delay, they had to reroute, it's quite an army they've gathered." he added not too convincingly. She just nodded, smiling sadly. "Still he tries to keep me hopeful, even after all this" she thought to herself. "Have the company set up in the Inner Chapel, keep all light to a minimum. We need to plan our entrance into Palanthas soon, as well." Malar frowned at this. He had argued, unsuccessfully thus far, that he should go with a couple of the warrior priests himself, and she should stay in the relative safety of the Tower. But she would have none of that. She wanted to see for herself how the city fared. Taking a deep breath of the night air, he wondered if even he would want to see that. Author: Kiyohime Date: Tue May 18 02:53:56 2010 Subject The Storm Before The Calm Lightning flashed again around the Crystal Tower, lighting up the courtyard with an eerie blue reflection. Counting 1-2-3 Boom! Kiyohime frowned at how close the storm was to the normally quiet Temple. That and she didn't appreciate lightning so close that was not of her making. Looking over at Sir Malar, clad now in vestment rather then the bolt attracting armour he normally wore. His eyes were amused slits as he smugly grinned, amusement twinkling those eyes each time a powerful flash brightened the sky. ""Fine!" she near growled," We will wait out the storm before we attempt entry into Palanthas." She half suspected he had something to do with this, but dismissed it. Unless. Unless he beseeched their goddess somehow. She glared at him, her own eyes narrowing, as he just stood there, infuriatingly calm. Times like these his patience really annoyed her. He half-bowed (did that look almost mocking) and murmured something informing the cadre. As he turned, he said more loudly over his shoulder to her, " Prophetess, I am on your side, remember that." and strolled off into the abbey. A peal of thunder boomed as if to add emphasis, but Kiyo suspected it was Mishakal's laughter, playfully still keeping her in line with the goddess' wishes. Sighing in surrender, she could only nod and turn to follow the knight indoors. Author: Kiyohime Date: Mon May 31 04:44:08 2010 Subject Into the Miasma The storm finally settled to a misty drizzle, with fog covering the low spots across the plains. Everyone was ready to set out this morning, pack mules loaded, horses saddled and one ox-cart hitched. Sir Malar eyed the cart balefully, but sighed heavily for about the hundreth time. "What on Krynn is she thinking, like we could make a quick escape with that junk heap." Surprisingly as he made that observation, the ox slowly turned it's head, and he could swear it winked at him. Shaking the thought from his own head, he looked over in time to see Kiyohime walk out the Sanctuary doors. Wearing a long dark grey cloak, (good), sturdy brown leather boots, (good), tight-fitting dark gloves, (ok), face swathed in a scarf leaving only her eyes uncovered, (the hood would keep those eyes hidden), ana a long slender sword at her side, hanging from a studded belt. (WTH?) With a sharp intake of breath, Malar dismounted and strode purposefully towards her. She looked up at first smiling, then an eyebrow shot up. She knew something was wrong. Pointing at the blade, he glared at her, until she looked down, around, anywhere but up. Well, she started, "I want to help defend us too." Malar simply held out his hand, the glare still fixed on her. Kiyo knew it was no use arguing. Mishakal's paladin could be quite stubborn and inflexible when he chose. Removing the belt and scabbard, she put it in the waiting hand, and went back in to retrieve her staff. Which caused the waiting Malar to wince again. The small silver bells chimed brightly in the early dawn, and the colourful red and white ribbons near sparkled in the grey gloom. A Shrinemaiden's Prayerstaff is a bit, ostentatious, wouldn't you say, Priestess? he asked through tight lips. Kiyohime was begining to regret agreeing that Sir Malar would be in command of the expedition once it left the Crystal Tower. But, it ws the only way he would allow her to go. I can wrap it in some dull cloth, but, if I need to use it, I have to uncover it, she explained quietly. Malar took a deep breath, "Cover it then, and keep it covered, he added pointedly. Kiyo nodded as Malar turned, she went over to the cart and climbed in. This was going to be a long, long trip she thought. Author: Kiyohime Date: Mon Jun 7 03:30:35 2010 Subject At the Periphery of Despair (also known as Palanthas) The old ox-cart creaked to a stop alongside the rest of the group, now dismounted. The well cloaked driver slipped down and silently join her companions. In the distance a pall of smote and dust hung over what remained of a once vibrant city, whose walls shone with the morning sun. Now those walls bore marks of assault, both mundane and arcane. Siege machines lay about the torn fields outside the city, no longer needed and already falling apart. Large cairns of rough stone dotted the landscape, along with cold ashes of once burning pyres. A few crows, seagulls and vultures still aimlessly picked around the cairns. Once proud Palanthas had bowed it's mighty head to the onslaught of Darkness. It had been months since any of them had seen the city. Then the Dragonarmies were still on the march towards it, chalking up victory after victory, as the armies of Solamnia futilely attempted to slow the advance. In the north, Kalaman fell, followed by Vingaard to the east. Solanthus was torn asunder, rumours of a dragon led army ravaging the plains. At the time, the Followers of Light of the Holy Order of Stars, were charged with helping refugees escape the tide of destruction, and evacuate what cities were left to the far west, taking those knights and warriors too injured to stay behind, and set up small bases and rally points, places to regroup and hopefully make a stand against the terror. But as quickly as it happened, the flood stopped. The Dragonarmies ceased their march. Kiyohime stood beside Sir Malar, leaning on her staff more in dismay than fatigue. Sighing deeply, she quietly remarked to Sir Malar," If it looks this bad from here, it could only be worse inside the walls.We have many labours ahead of us." Malar shrugged slightly, "It will be a lot of hard work, but that never killed anyone directly. Besides, " he turned to look at her, That's why you're here, to do the hard work, all I have to do is keep the goblins, ogres, the odd draconian, assassins, black magicians, evilly inclined priests and any others from bothering you while you are busy." He ran his hand through his greenish tinted hair before pulling his hood back up. He reached over and pulled Kiyo's down further over her face. "And keep those eyes covered, any gully could look at you and know who you are." Kiyo frowned at the familiarity that the paladin of Mishakal treated her person with, retorting, "...or Dargonesti, being as they are soooo similar!" as she turned back to her cart Malar's cheeks turned a deper blue, as he bit his lip. Silvanesti were far from his favourite people, and this maddening priestess... He drew in a deep breath. She was Mishakal's Prophetess, so, something must be redeeming about her. He had been telling himself this a lot lately. It had been a long, long trip so far. Author: Kiyohime Date: Wed Oct 6 03:53:35 2010 Subject Keeping Vigil..and other exciting pastimes. Staying awake was the hard part. Not that the information wasn't critical or important, and some of it actually new to her. Just, nothing was in her ability to affect it. Most of the Holy Order's Militant arm was elsewhere, leaving her surrounded by these Knights from Solamnia. Who were courteous and accomodating for the most part. But. Both she knew as well as they, her part was not tactics. She found her eyes wandering toward the window again, to see one of the senior priestess' eyebrow shoot up at her, which made her snap her gaze back to the droning..er..reporting knight at the head of the table. Her mind could still run free. And it did. What was this about a "staff"? A "blue crystal" one at that. Could it be? Who was it that had it to begin with, and why? And who knew enough to take it in the first place? And who had it now? And where in all the lands was it now? Who all knew about it? So many questions, and barely any information. Except about defend this, attack that, pull back to here, advance on that there. This was Lord Grand Master Lanfer's idea. He probaly enjoyed stuff like this. But for now, his commanders felt it their duty to report to the "ranking" person present, which was the High Priestess of the Holy Order of Light, despite her total lack of knowledge of anything military. That was what she had Sir Malar around for, so she didn't have to deal with these things. But his leadership was needed elsewhere, so it fell to her to provide some rally point for these knights to gather and plan things. "I should be out looking for this mystery staff, find out what it really is and all" she thought to herself. Nodding at the knight as he (finally) finished, she beamed a smile at the gathering, which apparently signaled the next Solamnic to report the state of grain supplies and dried fruits. "How does Lanfer survive this?" she thought. Author: Kiyohime Date: Sun Nov 21 17:29:01 2010 Subject Last Stands and Other Activities The Knighthood insisted on showing me the preparations they had made around the island. Long wooden stakes, sharpened on one end and hammered into the ground along the shoreline. These were not to stab the invaders, but to 'channel' them into pre-determined "kill-zones" for our archers. And to slow the enemies advance. Large swaths of forest and brush areas cleared to deny concealment. As the non-combatants had already been sent to other parts and villages, huts were razed and wells capped to deny resources to the Dragonarmies. Livestock driven off or slaughtered and smoked/salted in case of a prolonged siege. Also, positions for harrier attacks set in place, with supplies placed secretively around for guerilla type resistance. The knights were grim, but had not lost hope to at least continue the fight, should the unthinkable occur, and Sancrist fall. Plans to rejoin with their comrades on the mainland, group with the Wildrunners and dwarven elements were being made, as were plans the evacuate as many key individuals as possible. Sadly enough, I was being considered too important to risk during this battle, and discussions were under way to send me away prior to the engagement. I try to avoid those meetings. Lord Lanfer entrusted me to aid in securing this last bastion of his Knighthood. The least I could do, until I heard from him, was do my best to shield his hope.
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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