The Great Library of Palanthas

An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.

Stories of Ansalon from the view of Snefru.

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 gorgious hardback on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Snefru' scribed in unearthly purple ink.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Wed Aug 28 06:42:59 2002


Subject  Interesting, i hope.




Excerpts from Snefru's Book: "Reflections of Reality"


"...constant travels at such a young age helped me mature faster,
I am sure,
than if I had continued living the sheltered life i did with my
family. I can
only imagine what it would be like to possess all knowledge,
Gilean forgive
me..."

"...is fascinating. I never expected that i would be accepted as
a brother
among any group of people as fast or as closely as I have been
amont the
Wildrunners.

i must admit - the complexity of Wildrunner life and society is
beyond the
imagination of most, if not all, outsiders..."

"...having been taught the ways of the Wildrunners, my ways now,
and passing
through the womb, I am now a fully accepted member. I have
decided my life
here as a guardian of Wildrunner history and knowledge. Such an
honor I would
not have expected in all my life."

" I have learnt the price that mages who use wild magic pay
because of their
art. We are branded as renegades by the Conclave of mages and
hunted down
mercilessly.

And although this is true of most of the mages of the Conclave,
especially the
black robes, not all the mages have treated us badly. "

" The events that have occured of late concerning the Lord of the
Undead
Chemosh and his Lich-Cleric Ryven brought sorrow to the hearts of
my brothers
and sisters.

Tenlon and Tilganthus are dead, their souls captured by the vile
Lich Ryven.
Even now they gather again to discuss these events..."

" It seems that the outside world percieves us as a weak force,
to be toyed
with at will. Dark Clerics, among them the one known as Decten,
have tried to
enter our forests for their own, undoubtedly sinister, purposes.

Thankfully, we were able to stop them before any apparent action
on their part
had been taken. "


And thus the Chronicles continue...



Author:  Snefru
Date    Sat Oct 12 16:48:46 2002



Subject  Piece...



A page from Snefru's book "Reflections on Reality". It appears
that the
outside world will never leave us alone. It is strange how they
all come
together against us Mages of the conclave, members of the Knights
of Takhisis
and others who just join in the fray. It is almost unbearable. It
is saddening
that we have taken no obvious position on these attacks. The
Elders let them
slide by - they appear to have more important things taking up
their time. I
do not understand why this is happening - we harbor no hate
against anyone.

It has come to me of late that our position in Krynn's politics
has always
been rather shady. We ally ourselves with the Solamnics or choose
not to fight
at all defense, even when we attack. It the Elders' choice of
isolation from
Krynn that has led to this, in my belief. I find myself
advocating a more
interactive policy. One that will help us to live in peace. This
peace might
have to be forced upon our enemies with force, but it is a price
we have to
pay in order to gain the respect that will discourage any further
attacks on
our people.

It is sad that even I could come to think of the present
situation in this
context... everyone knows I am an advocate of peace. I am a
scholar and
historian - war does not further my cause. Yet I find myself at a
fork on the
road to the future, I can choose to not react or I can choose to
take action.

Although it may seem that taking action will only lead to death
and
destruction for the runners, the long-term benefits for us exceed
the
disadvantages - and greatly. I have decided to come out and speak
of this to
my fellow runners, they already feel that I am disturbed. Some of
them,
especially the Mindrunnners can feel the turmoil and the
conflicting emotions
inside of me. I will make my ideas clear though, I fear it might
be too late
if I wait any longer. Blessings be to Gilean, Chislev and Zivilyn
for the
gifts they have bestowed upon me.

Lorerunner Snefru Maleekee.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Sat Oct 19 04:01:13 2002



Subject  Excerpt from "Reflections of Reality".



The gap between Conclave and Wild Mages is widening. What is
strange in this
scenario is that the Red Robes were the ones who took a form of
action against
us.

Much as I abhor violence, I was forced to react by attacking one
of their
order. It was a matter of strategy and tactics - Nothing else.
The root of
this aging problem with the conclave is our magic. They call us
renegades -
rebels against their "organized, controlled" magic. Their words
are always
very amusing and show an immaturity I would not have thought
possile in an
institution as old as theirs. Still, I shared my vision with some
of them and
they scoff at me. My message has been sent and it is not my duty
to enforce
it.

*A mark is placed at the end of these pages indicating that the
writer plans
to continue at some other time*

(OOC) Im "continuing" this later on, in more excerpts... etc.

Master LoreRunner Snefru Maleekee.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Wed Nov 13 10:33:05 2002



SubjectExcerpt from Reflections of Reality



*Report written by Snefru to the Council of Elders*

It all happened very unexpectedly. I was in my study, checking
recent scout
report when the youngling Paladan comes in and informs me that
Justiv and
others on the watch detected someone on the other side of the
portal.

Paladan then informed me that the intruder was a Black Robe. My
interest was
piqued; what business did a black robe have so close to the
portal? How did he
find it in the first place?

My encounter with a Black Robe earlier in the week led me to
believe that it
might be him. Somehow he has found a way to track me and was here
for revenge.

The thought remained on my mind until me and paladan arrived at
the portal.

Together with Justiv and Theloth we crossed to the other side.

The Black Robe was waiting for us, his face not visible due to
the time of day
and his lowered hood. At once I realized he was not the mage I
had battled
before; his physical attributes were different.

This one seemed old, but held himself almost regally. I cannot
remember
exactly what happened next, for the shock I recieved was greater
than any I
had experienced in my lifetime. The Black Robe pulled back the
hood covering
his face - it was Llewyn! I could not contain my emotions, and
tears streamed
freely down my cheeks. The sadness I felt at that moment might
have killed me
- it was too great for my soul to bear.

The first question that came to my lips, as soon as I could
speak, was: WHY?!

It is true I have not spokn to, nor seen, Llewyn since that night
when he
spoke of his dream to me. He had seemed distraught, yet never did
I imagine or
think that anything might drive him to leave the WIldrunners.

Llewyn told me that was beaten by Sorthrus - the High Archmage of
the Red
Robes. When given a choice, during his trial, he chose to return
to the Black
Robes.

The conversation did not last for long - I was so over-whelmed
with emotion
that no extended conversation was possible. Llewyn did ask one
thing though:
He asked to be allowed to walk through Zhan as he once did. He
understood that
he will probably be refused this request, still he has to ask.

Thus I bring this report to the Elders with a heavy heart. I also
wish to
inform you that I hope that your wisdom allows you to reach a
decision quickly
in this matter. These events have tore through the essence of my
being and as
such I do not believe I can give an opinion based on what's best
for the clan.

Master LoreRunner Snefru Maleekee.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Thu Nov 14 10:25:24 2002



SubjectExcerpt from "Reflections of Reality".



Fullfiling a dream is almost definitely one of the most
satisfactory feelings
a being can achieve. Through years of study, research and hard
work I have
achieved the rank of Master LoreRunner. Certainly, my
responsibilities have
increased, yet I find myself welcoming them.

I do not diffrentiate between my work and my everyday life. They
intertwined
in such a way that they are indiffrentiable. My thirst for
knowledge is
unquenchable and only increases as time passes.

Even though I am content with the way my life has been heading,
some things
still trouble me. Too many for my own liking.

I feel no direct goal or purpose towards which my life is
heading.

And, even though I love my work, I feel that my lack of true
friends outside
of my family will have an adverse effect on me as time
progresses.

I wish to serve the Wildrunners through exceling at my work.

Through serving Gilean, who gives me the power and strength to
Yet, for the
life of me, I do not know if what I do honors my diety.

I study and learn, acquiring more and more knowledge and
information daily,
still... I feel that this is not enough. There must be some other
way,
something more obvious and prestigious... I feel at a loss for
words,
something I never experienced before.

What to do? The answer eludes me.

*The writing continues in darker colored ink* I have decided. I
will travel to
the temple of Gilean in Palanthas.

I will try to communicate with the priests there... maybe they
can help in
discovering the path I have to walk to serve Gilean.

*A line runs from the end of the words to the bottom of the page*



Author:  Snefru
Date    Wed Dec 18 18:29:15 2002



Subject  A New Day.



The news hit Snefru like a lightning bolt. Chislev had decreed
that his
usefulness to the Wildrunners had ended, his labor no longer
required. His
whole body went numb; his senses dulled and his mind empty of all
thought.
Minutes later, he came to. Having fell to the floor upon hearing
the news,
Snefru stood and walked, slowly, to his quarters to gather his
few belongings.
Writing utensils, backpack, a few clothes and his book:
"Reflections on
Reality", were the only things on his person as he moved towards
the portal of
Zahn.

All along the way, his "brothers" and "sisters" watched him,
their faces
passive and eyes devoid of emotions. The change was complete, he
was
considered an "outsider" now. It tore his heart that he would
never again walk
through the paths of beautiful Zahn, inhaling its refreshing
woodland aroma,
eating and drinking from its plentiful flora and fauna. He did
not understand.
All he wanted to do was record their history, for the generations
to come. All
he cared about was studying the people of Krynn in order for his
"family" to
interact with them with more ease. His study of the magicks came
a close
second.

Walking through the portal was one of the most emotion-filled
moments of his
life, but as his mind cleared and his concentration became more
focused, he
understood that the time for change had arrived. He would carry
on with his
work; writing was his life, without it... he was nothing.
Knowledge was his
stock trade, in its absence he felt empty, souless.

It was then that he remembered his friend Zanglero. He remembered
the White
Robe's meetings with him in Solace. Memories of the time they
spent talking,
as Snefru learned the intricate art of what he called "Moon
Magick"; that
magick which the Mages of the Conclave apparently used - their
words, their
arcane symbols and their precise gestures. He also remembered how
Zanglero
spoke of being a Librarian, a job somewhat like his as a
LoreRunner. He's also
get the chance to meet his former Fosterer and friend - Llewyn.
Snefru smiled
slightly, joining the Conclave of Mages might actually turn out
to be a good
experience.

Mulling over his thoughts and memories, Snefru decided to visit
the Mages of
the Conclave, to try and bring an end to the natural animosity
that existed
between them, since he was considered a "Renegade" mage by them -
dangerous in
his practice of his "Wild" and "Uncontrollable" magick.

He had decided. Within a few days, he had travelled to the edge
of the Forest
of Wayreth, where the last remaining Tower of High Sorcery stood.
Unused to
eerie feeling that the forest gave him and weary of it, from the
tales he
heard about it from various travellers, Snefru camped at the edge
of the
forest. He waited there. If these Mages were as powerful and
ancient as he had
heard, then they would feel his presence, and they might visit
him soon, if
only to enquire of his continuous presence there. He hoped it
would be soon.

Master Scholar Snefru, formerly Master LoreRunner Snefru of
the
Wildrunners.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Thu Dec 19 15:04:09 2002



Subject  A bit later on...



After having waited at the edge of Wayreth forest for a couple of
days, Snefru
realized that it was useless - the Mages of the Conclave had not
tried to
contact him yet.

Making up his mind, Snefru packed his belongings again and headed
for nearby
Solace.

Upon reaching Solace, Snefru headed directly for the Inn of the
Last Home,
which he used to frequent whenever his travels brought him near
Solace.
Stepping through the front door of the inn, Snefru paused
momentarily in his
stride; memories flooded his mind of Llewyn, Palagnos, Khayman,
Khin, Kip,
Codex, Ghared and Paladan. He remembered the times where he'd
meet the members
of his former "family" here to discuss different issues, sitting
by the warm
fire and sipping on warm, exquisite elven wine.

Heading straight for the bar-keep, he ordered half a glass of a
special
vintage of his glass and then placing it on the table, he picked
up his quill
and started writing on a small scroll of fine paper.

When Snefru left the Inn, a note was hanging from one of the
walls... in a
strange, indecipherable script. "Lawe awzenee ya kossomahatkom,
ana mawgood
fee el gam3a. Mosoolee"

It was an ancient script that he had taught to only a few of the
Wildrunners.

Magically transporting himself to Palanthas, Snefru roamed the
streets until
he reached his destination - the Fabled University of Gilean. He
breathed in
deeply and stepped under the giant archway inside the main
structure.

Snefru had decided to wait for the Conclave of Mages to contact
him here. He
left word with various shop owners and magic-ware sellers about
his present
lodgings.

Wasting his time awaiting their decision would simply not do!
Snefru had
decided to study and research in order to fully utilize his time.

His life had always been composed of two things: his books and
his magick. No
one was going to take these things from him.



Author:  Snefru
Date    Sun Feb 22 03:04:33 2004



Subject  The Tarmak.



Snefru had been having troubled days as of late. Having decided
to wander the
continent again, and not dedicate himself to the service of the
Library at the
Tower of Wayreth, he realized that he had been out of touch with
the
happeninings of the world around him and was glad he made that
choice. His
first order of business, upon his return to Palanthas was, after
occupying his
former rooms at the university, was to meet the Solamnic Knight,
Sir
Greaghoir, to relate all the information he had dug up from
hisresearch of the
race of beings named The Tarmak.

Find the Knight was not difficult. As usual, Snefru found him
diligently
moving through the streets of the city... searching out possible
trouble-makers so as to better keep the peace.

Upon meeting the Knight, Snefru bad him welcome and informed him
that he had
extra information. The Knight nodded solemnly and suggested they
move to
somewhere where they could speak more at ease; a quieter place
where they
would not be overheard.

After settling down at the Royal Advisor's office, the latter
having allowed
them its use while going about his business, Snefru began the
conversation.
Lord Greaghoir was informed that the creatures grew to heights
anywhere from 7
to 10 feet and that there were rumours that their ears were
pointed, as elves'
ears (and as Snefru's).

This was a bit of surprise to Lord Greaghoir, since he did not
suppose they
were human though they _were_ a humanoid race. Here Snefru
pointed out that
the information was not confirmed.

Sir Greaghoir then moved on to inquire about the size and number
of the
Brutes, to which Snefru had no definite answer... though he knew
they were not
large in numbers.

Sir Greaghoir was informed that the Tarmak, or Brutes as they
were called
because of their size and ferocity, were a formidable fighting
race... and
that even in small numbers they were not to be under-estimated.
Snefru
informed the Knight that it was almost unanimous in accounts he'd
read that
they were highly intelligent with a keen sense for strategy and
tactics; never
allowing themselves to be flanked in battle for instance.

Snefru moved on to explain that they were not an evil race by
nature, though
this was relative, but they had a love of warfare. It was known
that the
Tarmak would fight amongst themselves, should there be no enemy,
merely to
keep in top fighting shape.

Even among themselves, their battles were to the death.

Snefru went on to explain that the Tarmak used a variety of
weapons; including
bows long and great swords as well as axes and daggers (mostly
for throwing).
When the Solamnic inquired if they used horses, Snefru replied
that he had no
knowledge that they did... but it seemed to him illogical,
because of their
size and weight.

After a small discussion of what the current situation is; mostly
about the
scouts sent out to discover the nature of the Tarmak landing as
well as any
apparent intentions, Snefru mentioned the Blue Warpaint that all
Tarmak use.

The Warpaint was said to be magical in nature, but again reports
conflicted
about its benefits. All reports agreed that the Warpaint acts as
a tough
natural armor, aiding the brutes by defending them during combat.
Some reports
mentioned that the Warpaint went as far as healing the brutes
during battle.
All the reports also agreed that the Warpaint was considered
sacred to the
Tarmak, and that they ever divulged the method of making it.

This was all the information that Snefru passed on to Sir
Greaghoir before the
latter had to leave. Thus, Master Snefru and I returned to the
University...
and continued searching for information pertinent to the Tarmak.


So it was written, so it was recorded by Telthan Elthanos,
Apprentice Scribe
of Snefru Maleekee, on the Day of Gileadai, the 13th of the Month
ofArgon.



Author:           Snefru
Date    Wed Oct 19 10:25:39 2005
Subject  An Emissary

 It was a cold, rainy day in the Qualinesti forests.  A slight
breeze 
rustled through the leaves as the Air Marshal moved relatively
silently 
through the jungle paths; paths seen only by the trained soldiers
of the 
Wildrunner Army.  He walked slowly and without aim or purpose;
much troubled 
his mind.  Suddenly, he started to mumble as he walked,  
 
'Action, action, action.  We need to strike at them now.  Now. 
Now.  Now!  
' 
 
Snefru paused by a large Oak tree and leaned on its tough bark. 
He took in 
the beauty of the forest around him with the eyes of the elf in
him.  He had 
come to a decision.  Taking out the small parchment he got used
to carrying 
as a Master Scribe at the University of Gilean Snefru quickly
writes down 
the words to a communique.   
 
Calling an aide to his side, the Air Marshal orders,  
 
'Take this dispatch, by Gryphon, to Palanthas.  Do it now.  I
want you to 
take it personally to the University of Gilean to the scribe that
goes by 
the name of Gamid.  Tell him thus: LoreRunner Snefru wishes that
you take 
this to the Ranking Solamnic Knight.  Inform him that I want it
done quickly 
and quietly.  He is to take the message himself.  Await the
response.  Go 
now.  ' 
 
And so it was done.  As the Gryphon Rider moved away, Snefru
relaxed and 
prepared the report he was to give at the Officers' meeting later
that day.  
 
 
Matters would have to be dealt with.  And quickly.   
 
 

Author:    Snefru         
Date:      Mon Sep 29
16:00:17 2014
Subject     First Communication

Lord Marshal of the Guard of the Sun Raina'thalisa Nalis, Member of the Speaker's Council, Senator of the most revered Thalas-Enthia, daughter of the Nalis Tribe. From Guardian Snefru Maleekee, Guardian of the People, Representative of the Five Stones Clan, Crescent Moon Tribe in the most revered Thalas-Enthia, Advisor to the Speaker on matters martial and magical, Lord of Dunya Sowda Castle I hope my missive finds you well and in good health. Chislev's blessings upon you, your household and your clan, Lord Marshal. Please forgive the brusqueness of my letter and the abruptness of my tone. In such dangerous times and with the dire tidings we've received I fear I've had to set aside politeness and tradition in order not to waste the Lord Marshal's time. I fear the pro-isolationist Senators have embarked on a fierce campaign to garner more support for their closing of the borders policy. The Speaker seems torn between what he knows in his heart is the wise course forward and the fear-mongering spread by the patrons and matrons of the old Silvanesti House. The Lord Marshal surely knows which Senators I speak of. The Senators are slowly building up support for a vote to further raise taxes on all goods sold by non-Qualinesti merchants, notwithstanding our inability to produce them. I have journeyed across Qualinesti speaking to the tribes and clans outside of Qualinost as I believe they are our people's greatest asset in the war-to-come. The chieftains and representatives of the various tribes, including my own mother's Crescent Moon Tribe, have also expressed willingness to join in the upcoming war effort, even though they favor it not. I believe they have come to accept that we shall be flung into this war, whether we wish it or not. Far better to be ready for it than be caught unawares as we are wont do to because of our complacence in the face of imminent danger. I have also discussed using the existing trade network used by the various merchants, rangers and huntsmen to the advantage of the Wildrunners if, mayhap I should say when, our people are forced to muster. I have promised favorable rates, upon your agreement and a vote by the most esteemed Senators of the Thalas-Enthia, to our would-be suppliers and have given them my inviolable word that they shall be compensated whichever way the wind blows. I have also used my meetings and discussions of the last moon to lay forward a motion before the most revered Senators which would enable war-time funding for the 1st Volunteer Militia Regiment. I had initiated the call-up and training of the regiment a fortnight ago but the war-time funding will ensure the regiment has the arms, equipment and supplies needed for mobilization. On this note, I wish to place a formal request for Veteran Sergeants and mid-level Officers to aid with the training of the regiment. I cannot stress the urgency and importance of this request. You know as well as anyone the crucial role and importance of training in preparing our soldiers. I would not wish the Qualinesti to march to their deaths, ill-prepared and betrayed by their leaders. Finally, I have been engaged in casual and informal conversation with Wizards of the High Wing and the War Wizard Company. They have begun to prepare their apprentices and students for the days to come. Some of their pupils will be ready to march with us, others will continue to see to the affairs of the kingdom and the will of The Speaker at home. We have also agreed, on an informal basis, to send out the call across the continent urging any and all of our brethren to gather and be with us in this time of great need. My dear Lord Marshal, I am looking forward to meeting with you. It has been too long since we've had time to sit down and converse. I send you this missive with my sincerest wishes for a long and fulfilling life.

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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