An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.

Stories of Ansalon from the view of Oisin.

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 paper booklet on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Oisin' scribed in dull green ink.

Author:    Oisin          
Date:      Wed Nov 14 03:30:06 2007
Subject     The History of Oisin

A young man steps up to the doorway of the Smiling Mug, after
days of
traveling he looked forward to having a brief moment of rest
before
the completion of his journey. Scanning his surrounding he gently
pushes the door forward, allowing the rooms light to flood the
darkened roadway. With a brief sigh he steps through the door and
walks up to the bar.
 
'A bottle of Rum please Sir.'

'Sorry son but we dont serve that here, alls we got is ale or
you
can have some of this piss water.'

'Ill just have the pint of ale then if you dont mind.'

The bartender turns around, an aging man he wipes the sweat off
his
forehead and places his red handkerchief into his back pocket.
Reaching up he pulls on the tap filling the glass to the brim
before
handing it over to Oisin.

'Thatll be 24 coppers.'

Oisin reaches into his coinpurse and pulls out a gold coin which
he
tosses onto the counter.

'For the next one also.'

The bartender nods and sweeps the coin off the table. 'So where
you
from sailor?'

'I am no sailor Sir, though I do hail from Caergoth.'

'Ah thatd be the smell of the sea on yea then. I knew I smelt
something, for a second there I thought Id be losing my touch.
What
brings you to hereabouts then?'

'I come seeking entrance into the Knights of Solamnia sir.'

'A Knight? Our bard will be wanting to talk to ye then! He
hasn't
been to active of late, but he loves to hear some good stories of
adventures if you have any.'

'No sir I am not a Knight ye...' Before Oisin can complete
his
sentence the bartender bellows out for the bard. From around the
corner a smilling man walks out laughing to himself.

'What you want? whats the yelling for? I was busy entertaining
some
patrons.'

'Tybalt! This young man here is a Knight, I thought you might
like
to hear from him some tales he comes all the way from Caergoth
and
that young Missus you were entertaining will be more than willing
to
come back another day.'

'A knight you say? I may just want to hear from you, please
wont you
join me for a talk over here?' Turning around the bard Tybalt
walks
over to an empty table and pulls out a chair sitting down upon
it.
Oisin looks and gives a quick shrug, grabbing his pint of ale he
walks
to the table and pulls another chair across from the bard.

'Sure I guess I can have a chat with you...Sir Tybalt.'

'Tybalt would be just fine young man. And what is your name?'

'Oisin, Oisin uth Detrian of Caergoth.'

'Well Oisin you certainly seem young to be a Knight, a squire
perhaps but a Knight? Things have certainly...'

'Excuse me Sir but I am not a Knight, nor a squire of the
Knighthood. The bartender was quick to hear but not as quick to
understand. What I tried to tell him was that I came to Palanthas
to
seek entrance into the Knighthood.'

'Ah I see, he does that sometimes. Its a selective hearing
thing, he
turns it off and on automatically when he pleases.'
Oisin smiles in acknowledgement before the bard continues his
speech.

'Well your from Caergoth, anything recent going on's over
there? Its
been a long time since weve had any travelers pass by from that
direction.'

'No Sir not much has happened of recent in Caergoth, besides
the
usual activities.' The bard thinks to himself and sighs.

'So then Oisin have you any stories at all? Your father a
Knight?
Anything?'

'No Sir my father was not a Knight, he is one of the Merchant
Nobles
of Caergoth, he has holdings in several businesses as well as
several
acres of land. My family has not been a member of the Knighthood
since
the Great Destruction. With the death of my forefathers Detrian
TwoBlades and his brother Pellidas.'

'Is that so? Please Oisin continue.'

'Excuse me Sir? Continue what?'

'Tell me about your ancestor Detrian. Certainly he must be of
great
importance for you seeing as you carry his name, do you not?'

'Well yes Sir, well...he, Detrian that is was born to Sheryl Di
Caela and Cyril TwoBlades. Sheryl Di Caela of the very same
family
line that provided many great Knights to the Order. And Cyril
TwoBlades, so called because of the dual sword style he used,
himself
being a Commander within the armies of Istar. Detrian and
Pellidas
were born soldiers and quickly rose in rank among the Knights of
Solamnia. When the Cataclysm struck and the world was torn
assunder so
blessed were these two men that their familys were spared and no
harm
came to their homes. It is this that caused their death. All
around
them within the village that they were stationed not one home was
spared. Each family lost at least one person that they had cared
for.
When they saw how the two brothers had lost nothing they were
shocked.
Eventually this shock turned into anger and then it turned into
rage.
The people blamed the brothers for not saving their family's as
well
and gathering together marches to the lands of the TwoBlades and
struck out. With sword and fire they began their revolt striking
down
servants and soldiers alike. Though they did not want to hurt the
villagers the brothers had no choice, to get their family out
safely
they cut a path through the revolting villagers making a way
through
which their family could escape. Pellidas was the first to fall,
taking a cut to the neck. His family and that of my forefather
Detrian
were able to make it to the boats. After they were loaded Detrian
turned around to seek the body of his fallen brother, though his
wife
Halie called out for him to return, Detrian's love for his
brother and
his family did not allow him to bear the dishonor of leaving
without
either. He never did return, they later found out that both
brothers
were found killed, left out to be eaten by the crows like
criminals.
So it is Sir without the sacrifice of Detrian I would not be
alive
this day. I wish to honor that sacrifice by joining the
Knighthood
that he held such great esteem for.'

Sitting up straight once more Tybalt smiles brightly.

'What a great sacrifice and what a sad story. If you dont mind
Oisin
I would like to write a ballad about your forefather.'

'It would be a great honor for my family if you would retell
his
story Sir Tybalt. I thank thee, but it is soon getting late and I
must
find a place to bed for the night before my journey comes to an
end
tomorrow.' Standing up he places his chair back under the table
and
bows to Tybalt.

'Until I meet you again Sir Tybalt, thank you for the
company.'

'You as well Oisin, and may great deeds be in your future so
that I
may have more tales to speak of.'

Author:    Oisin          
Date:      Tue Jan 15 09:35:47 2008
Subject     On Dragon's Wings

Oisn lifted up the visor from his helm, wiping the sweat dripping
from
his brow. The sun beat down unmercifully this day and only the
thought that
soon they would be relieved kept the Knights steadfast at their
duty. A
group of them were assigned to guard the Southeastern Gate
leading into the
city. Oisin scoffed at the term, "Guard", no person in their
right mind
would dare attack such a Stronghold. Nonetheless it was their
duty and he
meant to see it thru, but oh how he wished he could have been
assigned to
patrol the streets of Palanthas instead of remaining a sentinel.
At least
among the streets you had the opportunity to meet more people,
visit the
shops and usually if one was lucky enough they would be called to
break up a
fight. Its not that he looked forward to fights, but they
certainly did
something to break up the monotony of the day. Oisin cast a
glance over at
the next group of people making their way through the gates, at
most he
would probably only be called on to fix a broken axle.

'Hey Oisin take a gander at these two lovely ladies heading our
way.' The
Knight next to him wispered.

Averting his gaze from the gates he turned to see two young women
making
their way up the trail. From afar he could tell that one of the
women was
well endowed. As they got closer and he could make out their
faces he had to
agree with his companion. Lovely indeed they were, but not
beautiful. These
women would enter into the city and be lost among all the other
lovely women
that resided in Palanthas, hoping to catch the eye of one of the
many noble
men that called the city their home.

'Lovely indeed' Oisin said in reply.

Now a beautiful woman, they were one in a million. He had seen
many eye
catchers but none that could capture his attention for too long.
No, infact
the only thing he could think about at this moment was when he
would be
assigned to the Drakus Kharas. He remembered distincly his
meeting with the
Lord High Warrior and his promise that one day he would be given
the
opportunity to ride atop one of the majestic beasts. Now that
would be a
true adventure, and indeed it would be a glorious one for it was
well known
that the Dragon Riders from the past and present have always made
an impact
on any of the battles that the Knights of Solamnia had fought.
Certainly the
Lord High Warrior would not have forgotten about his agreement.
Nay, Oisin
tried his best to remove the thought from his mind. The Lord High
Warrior
was just a busy man, and with the influx of new Squires he must
be hard
pressed sorting things out. Soon Oisin would be given his
opportunity, or so
he desperatly hoped at least. Oisin was startled when he felt a
tapping upon
the side of his spaulder. Turning quickly his hand reached out
for the hilt
of his sword and just as quickly the same arm snapped up in a
salute as he
spotted the man who had startled him so abruptly.

'Sir!' 'Oisin uth Detrian you are relieved of duty for the
day
please return to the barracks and may your feet aide your
wandering
home now that your mind is no longer in monopoly of wandering
from
your duty.'

The Knights who followed closely behind his Captain were smiling
to
themselves. No one would dare laugh or be reprimanded in return.
Oisin
blushed slightly at having been so dealt with in front of his
peers.

'Yes Sir! And thank you' Oisin dropped his salute and began
to walk past the
man. 'Oh! And by the way Oisin' Stopping in his tracks Oisin
spun on his
heel and faced the man once more. 'You will be assigned another
week
guarding the western gates starting tomorrow, since you seemed to
have done
so well today.' 'Certainly Sir!'

Saluting the Captain once more Oisin turned and left waiting
until he was
out of earshot before he let out a loud groan. Another week
guarding the
gates and this time the western gate. Nothing at all occured
while on duty
there, what a harsh penalty Oisin thought to himself. Trudging
along Garnet
Way Oisin tried to distance himself from the Captain.

'Oisin! Hey Oisin! Wait up.'

Oisin glanced behind him to see Gillam; the Knight who had shared
duty with
Oisin, now trying to catch up with him. When finally Gillam had
matched pace
with Oisin he turned to glare at his friend.

'You could have warned me that the Captain was arriving
Gillam!'

'Easy Oisin, had I known he was sneaking up on us I would have
given
fair warning but I was just as shocked as you. Im only glad that
he
had thought to pick on you first or else it would be me spending
the
rest of the week on Gate duty.' A brief chuckle escaped from
the man
as he made fun at Oisin.

'Thanks for rubbing it in.'

'I jest Oisin you know that!' A smile on the mans face told
Oisin
it was true, 'But come with me man, remember those two women
who I
had pointed out to you earlier? Well anyway I had the opportunity
to
have a word with one of them while you were lost in thought. I am
going to meet them at "The Smilin' Mug" and you are more than
welcome
to join.' 

Oisin continued to walk a bit further before responding. On one
hand a
little fling with one of the women would do wonders for his
morale right
now, but on the other Oisin was not in the mood to so easily drop
his grudge
at the moment making him a sullen companion for the night.

'Nay Gillam but thank you for the offer. My feet are weary and
I only look
forward to laying in my bed tonight by myself.'
'Understandable Oisin,
perhaps another time.' 

Author:    Oisin          
Date:      Tue Jan 15 09:45:37 2008
Subject     Cont....On Dragon's Wings

The two continued further on until they came to the crossroads
that would
lead Gillam to the Bar, there they said farewells and parted
company. Oisin
continued on his way to the barracks, the sun would be setting
soon and if
he had any luck headed his way today he would be able to get to
the mess
hall before it became too crowded. As soon as Oisin passed
through the huge
double doors leading into the courtyard of the Barracks he heard
the might
flaps of a Dragon about to land, rushing through quickly he was
just in time
to see a Knight of the Sword dismount from the Dragon and as soon
as he had
walked through to the barracks the Dragon had just as quickly
leapt back
into the air. Its Bronze wings flapping steadily as they fought
to gain a
higher altitude. In only a matter of seconds the whole event had
come and
gone. Oisin wondered to himself who the Knight must be. With
Dragons once
more on his mind Oisin continued to the mess hall, the whole
place was abuzz
with mention of the Dragon Rider who had landed. Many were just
like Oisin
wondering who the Knight that had landed was, and many just like
Oisin were
in awe of the Dragon. It was every childs dream to come face to
face with a
Dragon, and it was every Knights dream to gain the friendship of
such a
creature. Making his way to the serving line Oisin followed suit
with the
others in line and soon sat down at an empty table to eat his
dinner in
peace. The baked eel was delicious and the spiced bread helped to
add flavor
to the meal, but Oisin could not keep his mind from wandering
back to the
Dragon. Just imagine what it would be like to ride such a mount
to battle.
Thousands of troops battling beneath you and your mount miles
away. The
rumble as the creature readied its breath weapon and let it loose
upon the
minnions of the Dark Queen. Like Huma of Eldor and the valiant
Heart, he
envisioned himself doing deeds to rival that of the ill-fated
lovers. With
his dinner over Oisin left the mess hall and traveled on to his
room. When
he finally made it there he spotted the Sword Knight positioned
outside his
room. Walking up to the man he gave a crisp salute.

'Sir!' 'Oisin uth Detrian?' The Knight asked returning
the salute as well.
'Yes Sir that would be me, how might I be of assistance?'

The Knight smiled at Oisin and from lifted his hand, in it he
held a sealed
scroll which he offered to Oisin. 'Relax Oisin, you have been
reassigned. I
bring orders you will begin your training soon to become a Dragon
Rider. The
training is hard but if the stories I have heard told of you are
true you
will do well.'

Oisin reached out for the scroll, his hand slightly shaking with
elation.

'I dont know what to say Sir, it is truly an honor. When will I
be leaving?'
'Soon Oisin, this is just advanced warning so you will have an
opportunity
to arrange your belongings to be transfered to your new barracks.
Training
will begin soon after, another messenger will be along to collect
you when
the time comes until then I wish you well.' The Knight raised
his hand once
more in salute. 'Thank you Sir, I will be awaiting anxiously
for the
messengers return.' Oisin saluted in kind and watched as the
Knight turned
away to make his way away from the Dorms. Opening the door to his
room he
quickly stepped in, not caring to hide the huge grin on his face.
Removing
his armor and placing it to the side of his bed he sat down and
clutched
tightly to the scroll he had been given. With these new orders he
would
finally be given the opportunity he had been looking forward to
the most.
With all this excitment Oisin had trouble falling asleep, but
with the
thought that soon he would be leaving to become a Dragon Rider he
could not
wait for the night to end even though it would mean that he would
be back to
guarding the Western Gate come morning time. 

Author:    Oisin          
Date:      Tue Mar  4
09:17:44 2008
Subject     Diplomacy at its
Finest

Reaching up, the young man reached for the clasp
securing his cloak and
with a slight tug he made some minor
adjustments. With that complete his
hands moved next to his
surcoat, attempting to smooth out any noticeable
wrinkles and
bumps. Looking once more into the mirror he was fairly
pleased
with what he saw. The new armor fit remarkably well and
looked amazing, he
had no doubt as well that come time for battle
it would hold up as well;
thus being the craftsmanship of the
Solamnic Blacksmith. The armor had been
a gift awarded to go
along with his new rank. 

'Greetings m'lady, we of Solamnia
are honoured by your visit to the city of
Palanthas.' 

Oisin
made a sweeping bow to the mirror as he had once been tutored on
by
his mother. 

'No, no, that wont do I think...'

Reaching
up to his clothing once more he smoothed his surcoat out. Many
of
his fellow peers were pleased when they had heard he was to be
promoted.
Others outside of his circle however thought that the
rise was too quick,
some were shocked and a few sadly were
jealous. This isnt what bothered him
however, it was more the
fact that he felt uncomfortable in his new role.
His closest
friends assured him that it was for the best, but still Oisin
had
his doubts. For one he was unsure if he would be able to continue
his
training under the Drakus Kharas. As a Lord Knight he would
be kept busy
with other duties to attend to concerning the whole
of the Order of the
Crown.

'Prophetess...no...' Oisin let
out a sigh of defeat. 'Why the hell would
they assign me this
duty, I am no diplomat'

Turning around he made his way to the
bed, reaching for the clasp around his
neck it was the first
thing he removed, letting his cloak slide down to the
floor. The
Chosen Prophetess would soon arrive to Palanthas, it was
assigned
to him to greet the Prophetess and be her escort around
the city for the
whole of her visit. Of course he was honoured to
recieve the duty, but at
the same time he was concerned that he
might offend the Prophetess. He was
not a man born with a silver
tongue, he was infact a bit shy when it came to
meeting new
people, especially when that person held such great
importance.

Regardless, the Chosen Prophetess would be arriving
within a few days time,
he must be ready to execute his duty by
then. A small escort would be chosen
by himself from willing and
outstanding Knights to greet the Prophetess.
Once the prophetess
would be greeted at the gate the remainder of the day
would thus
depend on what agenda she had. He hoped secretly to himself
that
she would not want to explore the city, he understood what
it was like to be
on escort duty and did not wish those under him
to suffer too long in the
heat.

Turning around Oisin faced the
mirror once more and performed his best pose.
Smiling to himself
he quickly turned away in case someone would happen
through the
door and spot him fooling around. Reaching to the floor
he
quickly snapped up his fallen cloak and headed to the door.
Clasping it
firmly in place he opened the door and stepped
through, he still had duties
to attend and escort Knights to
choose. The day would be busy, everyday
infact would be busy up
until this business regarding the Chosen Prophetess
came to a
completion. 

The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD

Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him and bids you to make a selection.

Authors: All|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
Astinus sighs as he recants 'We saved 869 books from Ansalon from before the great Cataclysm through today.'