The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Teldor.
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 an elegant book bound in elf-skin on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Teldor' scribed in unearthly green ink.
Author: Teldor Date Sat Feb 23 02:03:41 2002 Subject origin of Teldor Rosenguard Teldor Rosenguard, Third son of Cale Rosenguard, spent his early childhood on his families ancestral land near Pontigoth, In southern Ergoth. Like his father before him, he and his older bothers were being raised to live a life of nobility. It was to be a life in which they would work to ensure the prosperity of their land and the people who lived and worked upon it. For Generations, the Rosenguard family had maintained a reputation of honor and fairness. Then, during the turbulent times proceeding the War of The Lance, Everything changed. Determined to live in peace, and not put the lives in his care at risk, Cale Rosenguard began to appease a growing number of local mercenaries that had banded together in an attempt to profit from the growing unrest and instability on Ansalon. At first, these appeasements took the form of food, livestock and steel. It wasn't long before the effects of these payments were felt at Castle Rosenguard. Food became scarce, steel even scarcer, and the fields went unplowed for lack of horses a and mules. Cale had decided to make these payments because he believed that the steel and horses could be replaced, but the lives that they were purchasing could not. . Soon, the substance of the requested payments was to change. The mercenaries now began to request men and weapons. . Cale had heard rumors that the mercenaries were now beginning to be openly hostile, and some suggested that they were supported by, or at least in part be, growing armies on the eastern half of Ansalon. These armies had not yet made there way to Southern Ergoth, but Cale had heard rumors of them on more then one occasion. Cale had sacrificed steel and his families' wealth to protect the lives of those on his land, but he could not trade their lives for the lives that would be lost elsewhere at the hands of the mercenaries wielding weapons from Rosenguard. Cale, Having told the mercenaries of his land's ruin, starvation, and his inability to supply them with weapons, wanted to believe that his prior cooperation would allow his land to be sparred from their growing aggression. The Mercenaries came in the night. They burned the village where his people lived and took the lives of more then half the people who had for years worked and lived on his families' ancestral land. Cale knew that it was a warning. He had pleaded with the other local nobles for help, but they were either already ruined or still appeasing the mercenaries the way Cale himself once did. Together with his two eldest sons, Danar and Feldrin, Cale gathered half his garrison, about twenty men, and the men who had survived the mercenaries slaughter be seeking shelter within the walls of Castle Rosenguard. They set out to confront the mercenaries, who they estimated to be about 30 in number. Teldor remained home with twenty men to protect his sister and the families of the men who had set out to confront the mercenaries. It was late one rainy night when Teldor was informed that the men had returned to Castle Rosenguard. As Teldor would soon learn, the lookout should have informed him that his brother had returned, for he was the only survivor. Danar had told Teldor of their slaughter at the hands of the mercenaries. Outmatched by less then two to one, they were no match for the well trained, and battle hardened mercenaries. Danar believed that not more then ten of the mercenaries had fallen before he saw his father and brother slain, and his men routed. Knowing that they could not defend themselves when the mercenaries returned, Danar and Teldor took whoever was left and whatever supplies they could carry, then they fled into the wilderness. Hoping to find shelter on a neighboring land, they had traveled for only 6 hours before they saw the glowing amber and smoke in the predawn darkness behind them. Their hearts sank, as they knew what they were looking at. When the sun came up the next day, in the place where Castle Rosenguard had stood for generations, there would be only smoke and ash. Author: Teldor Date Sat Feb 23 02:15:04 2002 Subject origin of Teldor Rosenguard II After three days of hard travel, Danar, Teldor, and the others, now refugees, found shelter in the small town of Condor. The town had been half destroyed it self not long ago. Now it was filling with other displaced people. Commoners, all of them, they fled in the wake of similar destruction at their homes. Now, angry and armed, they were coming together here. Danar, consumed with a passion and fire Teldor had never seen, quickly organized and almost forcefully took charge of the mob. Teldor had observed that when they first arrived in Condor, they got less then a warm reception. He heard the quite mumbling and whispers amongst the mob assigning blame for their current situation with the nobles. Teldor knew that in a way, the mob was right. Although he couldn't speak for the families that had once owned the lands that many of these people once lived on, he knew his father's heart. He wondered if explaining his father's intentions would dissolve any of their anger, but decided it wasn't the proper time to try. Despite their anger, They readily followed and trusted Danar. Teldor knew that this was a mix of people. Some, like the group with Teldor and Danar, and been burned out of their homes and had loved ones slaughtered. Others had probably deserted their land long before that point. And yet, they were all ready to fight at Danar's side. After seeing the repoir that Danar took with the commoners in the mob, Teldor might have mistaken him for one of them had he not known him his entire life. His brother spoke with an anger and vengeance that made Teldor uncomfortable. Was Danar just trying to inspire them? Perhaps play to their emotions? Teldor wasn't sure. All that he could think about was how two weeks prior to this point, Danar had sold a ring given to him on their mother's deathbed in order to make payment to the mercenaries. Now, two weeks later, he was eagerly preparing for the event that very sacrifice was meant to prevent. Teldor was right. Danar had changed. Over the next three weeks, they pursued the mercenaries. Danar showed no mercy. He slaughtered mercenaries, as well as people he suspected of aiding them. He burned villages and estates, like Rosenguard once was, in his pursuit. No trial, no defense, Danar was judge and executioner. Now consumed with anger and rage, Danar had blood on his hands that he would never be able to clean off. As a child, Teldor had once visited the ruins at Skullcap in Daltigoth. He knew all of the stories about what had happened there, and the turmoil that consumed his world in that time. He remembered wondering what it was that motivated such hurt and destruction. At the time, he thought it was the quest for wealth and power. However seeing his brother Danar he now realized that was too simplistic, too childlike of an explanation. He found himself thinking, that had someone fought for them, or had they stood up and faced the mercenaries from the beginning, no matter the cost, would the cost to his brother have been as great? Would the innocent people now dead at his brother's hands be alive today? Teldor had heard over the last few weeks of the growing turmoil and fear in the east. He wondered how many more good people like Danar were about to be lost, or cause the loss of someone else. Where would it end, he wondered? It was then that Teldor said his good-byes and headed east. He was young, still a child by human standards. He had grown up watching his father provide for the people in his care. This had in many ways, defined his father's life. Teldor believed his father led a good life, but he now realized that people need more then someone to care for them and provide for them. They need someone to protect them, when no one else will. It was this cause that Teldor was going to devote his life to. Yet, as he headed east, he had no idea where to start or how to live such a life. That night, he sat tired from a long day's travel. A warm fire took the chill out of the autumn air. By the fire's dim light, Teldor ordered his pack. Author: Teldor Date Sat Feb 23 02:17:25 2002 Subject origin of Teldor Rosenguard III He had with him only the clothes on his back, a few steel, some dried bread and meat, a worn out water skin and a small book. It was this book that kept his attention until slumber took him. It was an old book, ragged and missing pages. Teldor had found it in his families' ancient library as a child. He had not really ever understood it, the book having been written in a much older form of common. However for some reason he couldn't explain, Teldor couldn't leave it alone. It was the only possession he took when he fled Castle Rosenguard. The book had only a faded illustration on the cover, that of a large bird and a rose. Its remaining pages were faded and contained only two illustrations. It was these illustrations that Teldor studied until falling asleep. They were not really illustrations, but maps. Maps of a land in the East called Solamnia, and a great city called Palanthas. Author: Teldor Date Mon May 6 12:53:28 2002 Subject A prayer answered It had been two days since Teldor slept last, His nights having been spent in meditation, his days in silent prayer within the chapel. It had been only a week since he was chosen to lead, chosen to carry a burden he niether wanted nor deserved. Now, he stood in front of the window, his hands clenched behind his back, staring into the courtyard below. His thoughts focusing on the past weeks events, he began to recall the critiscm he had come to hear wispered quietly in the streets. Critiscm of Himself, his fellow knights, and more importantly the knighthood in general. What disturbed him the most though, what tore at his soul, was not that he had heard rumors that he was regarded as a puppet. No, The idea that kept him awake at night was the idea that the Knights has forsaken Paladine. Over and over again he thought, is it possible? Could we have turned our back on him, on any of the patrons we so honor. Now However, the insults were slowly turning to acts of violence against the knights. Teldor found himself clenching his fist so hard, that his knuckles now appeared pale and lifeless. He needed to act, but would his actions be in keeping with the oath and measure he had sworn to live by? He recalled a time when he never doubted himself, and secretly prayed for that time to return. It was then that the room became bathed in a brillant blue light. At first the light was so Bright he was forced to look away. slowly the light dimmed and Teldor's vision returned. Finally, when Teldor was able to focus once again, he found himeslf in the presence of an enormous Blue Pheonix. Overcome with Reverance, Teldor remained silent. Teldor Had entered the Knighthood as Knight of the Crown, and Like all crown knights, had devoted himself to the virtues of obedience and loyalty. These were the virtues of the Crown Knights, and Teldor knew then well. As he knew the virtues, He also knew the Patron of the Crown Knights. That patron being the Blue Pheonix, or Habbukuk, and it was that phoenix he found himself before now. Teldor braced himself, for at first he expected to be disciplined or worse........ instead of anger, the Pheonix exuded confidence, instead of reprimands, it gave him strength. and finally, it gave to him an advisor and friend. The Pheonix had summoned Aurumnus, the Leader of the Gold Dragons fron the Dragon Isles. Aurumnus, like he had been for past Grand Masters, was asked to assist Teldor as friend and council. Then as quickly as he had come, the Blue pheonix was gone, Consumed in a flash of blue light. And so Teldor and Aurumnus began to discuss the last weeks events, and that night, at last, Teldor slept. Author: Teldor Date Wed May 22 12:17:17 2002 Subject A knight Overdue Teldor stood at the window looking out into the courtyard of the Solemner keep. As he watched the rain fall, he maneuvered his fingers around a small figurine that was grasped behind his back within his hands. It had rained on five out of the last fourteen days. Normally, Teldor would not have taken so much notice of the weather. However, everything about the last two weeks has remained in his thoughts. As he turned from the window, to walk across the room, his sight was draw to a bloodstained corner of the common room. He glanced at it only a moment, then as he had done everyday since it was left there, he tried to put it out of his head. "I really should have those floor boards replaced," he said to himself quietly. Stepping over the corner as if it was no different from any other area of the floor, Teldor approached a large table with numerous maps and wooden figurines laid out upon it. Remembering the figurine he still carried in his hands, he bent over the table and placed it back in what seemed to be a specific place. He then stood motionless, studying the map, and occasionally stoking his mustache. He had been so deep in thought, that he had not noticed the arrival of Lady Melody, nor the two squires Rek and Bevier. It wasn't long before Lady Melody and the squires had joined him at the map, apparently all equally concerned. "It has now been two weeks, and Lord Kadith is overdue," he said in a quiet voice, not turning his attention form the map at all. "I believe we have waited long enough for his return. The time has come to go find him." Lady Melody agreed, and Teldor turned his attention to the squires. They were both young, energetic, and eager to prove themselves. In many ways, they reminded Teldor of himself, when he was a young squire to Lord Kadith. Teldor began to speak to the squires, but his glance was once again on the blood stained floor boards in the corner. "Two weeks ago, a Knight of the crown returned to the Solamnic keep here in the Lord City. He entered the keep, badly beaten and bloodied. Before he died, he reported on a dark cleric who had held him captive and tortured him. Who this cleric served, the knight could not say." Teldor continued to speak, only now he was focused on the squires. "The Knight spoke of other disturbing things he overheard while being held captive. Lord Kadith, took five men, and with Darvan looking over them, they departed for the area of Galen Draco's keep to investigate the dying knight's report." Teldor's face now solemn, continued, "not long after that, the Crown knight died from his injuries, and we have not heard from Lord Kadith or his men." Pointing at a road drawn on the map, Teldor motioned for the squires to come closer to the table. "That is the route we believe he took," Teldor said confidently. "His task, was to investigate, and that too will be your task," Teldor stated as he turned to look at the squires. "Each of you will travel separately, and without a group of men traveling with you, you should attract less attention I would think. Follow the same route, Rek, you travel east of it, Bevier you to the west of it." The squires nodded in understanding. "You will look for any sign of Lord Kadith, Darvan, or the men that departed with them," Teldor instructed the squires. The squires again nodded in understanding, bravely prepared for what ever might lie ahead of them. " very well," added Teldor, "Rest tonight, and leave tomorrow." The squires saluted and left the room to make preparations for their journey. Teldor and melody briefly looked at each other, then once again turned their attention to the map, and the figurines arranged upon it. Author: Teldor Date Mon Jun 3 23:21:06 2002 Subject A Matter of Conscience It had been two days since Lord Kadith and The Squire Rek returned, and yet the Squire Bevier has still not been heard from. Teldor paced around the room, angry at himself for allowing the squire to accept such a mission. he thought about the squire, and although Teldor knew that Bevier was doing his duty as called for by the measure, he was also conscious of the fact that Bevier ws not yet a knight. "Is it possible, he was not yet ready," Teldor asked himself. It was not untill he remembered once being told about his paceing wearing out the floor boards, that he stopped and collected his thoughts. This was his responsibility. He had spoken with he other knights, and they had agreed that the best course of action was to give bevier more time before a search party was sent looking for him. Teldor knew that given the circumtances, this was the best oourse of action, and yet, he could not sleep at night. It was early in the morning. the sun had not yet risen, and the cobblestones of the street were still slick with the morning dew. Teldor had left quietly. takeing only some provisions, and a horse from the Solamnic Keep's stables. He knew the route that Bevier was to take on his search for Lord Kadith, and it was that route That Teldor travelled this morning. He rode hard, his cloak pulled around him tightly to shield him from the chill morning air. Stopping only to rest his horse, he rode on through the night loking for any sign of the Squire's passing. It was early the next morning, when he spotted tracks on the forest floor. Stopping to study them, Teldor quickly recognized the imprints, they were the very same as those left be his horse. That is, they were left by a horse shoe with the same unique design. A design, that is commonly used by the Solamnic knights. encouraged by the find, Teldor rode on, and it was not long before he came upon a clearing. At first delighted by the site of the clearing and the stream that ran next to it, Teldor's thoughts of rest quickly subsided as he entered the clearing and found all the signs of a small skirmish. He noted the small stains of blood, the disturbed soil, and even some crude pieces of debris that were probably knocked lose from some less then sound armor. What he didn't find, what he most wanted to find, was something to indicate the squire had been this way. Teldor dismounted his horse and walked around the clearing, studying every detail as best he could. It wasn't long before Teldor picked up the trail leaving the clearing the to west. turning, he quickly mounted his horse and rode west, a little slower now then before, a little more cautious now. it wasn't far from the clearing that he came upon what appearred to be a camp site. there were two crude canvas tents, both ripped from end to end. The fire looked to have been trampled by a stampede and all about the site was scattered debris. Teldor rummaged through the site, looking for some clue as too what had happened. He could find no bodies and yet clearly there was blood present. He thought to himself about the possibilty that anyone could break camp in such a foolish mannor, leaving behind a clear sign of their presence. It made no sense to him, and yet there were no one here, dead or alive. The blood stains, although not fresh, did not seem to be too old either. They appeared to be focused on the west side of the ruined camp, and so, Teldor grapsing the Holy symbol that held his cloak closed at the shoulder, said A quick prayer to the Triumverte and headed west once again. It was while heading west that he came upon a Single man in Plate Armor. The man had been travelling west as as well, and at the sound of Teldor's approach from behind, turned to face him. It was then the Teldor realized That the man was the squire bevier. he had been badly wounded and was covered in blood, not just his own either. Teldor Sat upon his horse stareing at the battered squire, realizing that despite his wounds he was still Author: Teldor Date Mon Jun 3 23:30:17 2002 Subject A Matter of Conscience conclusion Heading west, still trying to complete the quest assigned to him. Teldor smiled with pride at the squire. after resting for some time, so that Bevier could eat and Teldor could care for his wounds. the two of them departed together they road back to the solamnic keep in the Lord City, and while the rode Teldor listened to Bevier's tale of capture and escape, and his narrowly meeting up with The squire Rek. The ride Back was more enjoyable and Teldor, knowing that the squire was safe, allowed himself to enjoy the beautifull fall foliage as they rode home. Author: Teldor Date Tue Jun 4 18:20:11 2002 Subject A Day of celebration It has been a quite day, A day in which the squires Rek and Bevier had spent in silent Mediation and reflection. This day of meditation was as much tradition as it was a chance for them to search their hearts and pray for Guidance on the Vows and commitment they were about to take. It was now just after sunset, and the knights had already begun gathering at the solamnic keep. Teldor had spent the last hour polishing his armor and makeing the final preparations for a meal, a meal he always insisted on prepareing himself. This was a special day, for on this day the squires Rek and Bevier would be takeing their final oath and entering the Order of the Crown as Knights of Solamnia. Teldor entered the chapel silently, Lady meldoy walking at his side. He noded at the assembled knights and made slowly up the asile of the chapel. the squires were now visible, still kneeling before the alter at the front of the chapel. Teldor and Meldoy moved forward, progressing up the asile before finally coming to stand before the squires. Teldor smiled at them briefly and then spoke, raising his voice slightly so that all of the gathered knights could hear him. "Having spent this Day in reflection, is it still your wish to take these vows, to enter into this life of service to your fellow knights and the triumverte?" The squires each responded confidently, "It is." Teldor smiled, and then reached up and removed a ceremonial sword from the alter. He briefly held it aloft, then lowered it to the level of his chest, the Blade pointed toward the Drak vaulted roof of the chapel. The squires stared into the blade, their reflections visible upon the polished steel of the ancient blade. Once gain speaking so that all could here, Teldor addressed the squires. "Do you pledge yourselves to uphold all that is Good, present yourselves honorably and defend the weak and defenseless?" The squires replied, "I do." Teldor continued, "Do you pledge yourselves to live your life according to the Oath and Measure, allowing them to guide your actions, and swear to defend them if they come under attack?" Once again they replied, "I do." Teldor proceded, "Do you pledge yourselves to the Order of the Crown, swear to follow its virtue's of Loyalty and Obedience as stated in the Measure?" "I do," the squires replied with resolve. "Do you pledge do defend your fellow knights, Paladine and his son Habbakuk, patron god of the Order of the Crown," Teldor asked. Once again the squires replied with confidence, "I do." Teldor smiled and lowered the blade, placeing it on each one of the squire's shoulder's. "Arise Sir Bevier WillowBlade. and Sir Rek LoreBlade. Welcome to the Order of the Crown," Teldor said as he smiled with pride at the two Knights. He then embraced each of the knights in a hug as the gathered knights cheered in support of their new brothers. "come, let us celebrate with a meal," said Teldor. With that, he made his way down the asile of the chapel. Following behind him were Lady Melody and the two Knights, who had entered the chapel the night before as squires. Author: Teldor Date Tue Sep 3 19:19:02 2002 Subject An Unexpected Battle Teldor sat in his office working, startled by the sudden banging noise from down the hall, he stood up and walked over to the door. Opening it, he stepped outside into the hall and listened. After amoment he heard it again. Teldor began to walk down the hall towards the noise, but increased his pace to a run upon hearing not just banging, but gutteral groans as well. he ran down the hall, following the sounds to the dungeon. When he arrived, he saw Lord dartain standing before an occupied cell. He stood screaming into it, as the door began to shake on its hinges and and bulge. uncertain of what was going on, Teldor looked to dartain for an explanation. "What is going on in here?" Lord Dartain replied that someone had put some sort of a beast in the cell with Lord Decred. Teldor looked at the door to the cell, noticing for the first time the large gashes in the wood, as if an axe had been used in an attempt to break down the door, Within moments, the door bulged again as a huge horn came through the door sending splinters flying. Dartain and Teldor leaned against the door to hold it in place. wondering if the prisoner was still alive inside and trying to decide what to do. Dartain looked over to the wall and ran from the door a moment, retrieving a crossbow from the wall, he turned to the door and began to fire through the now splintering door, the bolts struck the creature in the shoulder, and it cried out in pain. The creature reached up and ripped the bolt from its shoulder, then charged at the door again. this time the door gave, breaking free from its hinges and knocking Teldor back against the wall as it flew across the hallway. Teldor stood dazed a moment, trying to shake off the blow as dartain fired once again into the now open cell at the creature. the bolts sailed past the creature as it raised its head and stepped out of the cell into the hallway. For the first time, dartain and Teldor looked upon the creature clearly. It was a scale covered creature more then six feet tall, and a face that seemed to be almost out of focus. Dartain called out to Teldor to get out and seal the dungeon door as he jumped onto the creature's back, grabbing it by its massive horns. Teldor turned to the door yelling for the guards to close the door and bolt it. after watching as the door slammed shut, sealing them in the hall with the creature, teldor turned to dartain. He stood confused as the hall was now empty, occupied only be fragments of the cell door and splinters. within seconds he heard the creature and Dartain, now inside the cell, struggling. Teldor lunged forward and turned to look inside the cell, where he saw Lord dartain wrestling with the creature, the two of them apparently having rolled into the cell from the hall. The creature had lifted Lord dartain up and slammed him into onto the ground before it. Dartain's throw to the floor provided and opening, and Teldor pulled out his sword and charged at the creature. The creature had lifted its foot into the air above dartain, leaving its side exposed as Teldor swung his blade at the creature's flank. Too late, Teldor's blade sliced through the creature's flesh along its ribs, and it cried out in agony as it slammed its foot down. Dartain quickly rolled to the side, but did not fully clear the massive foot as it came crashing down upon Dartain's Leg. The creature turned to Teldor and swung, but was caught unaware of his still outstretched blade. The creature yelled as its hand slid across the blade and quickly pulled back. Dartain rolled and kicked the creature in the chest, breaking ribs, and knocking it back against the cell wall. Teldor leaned in with his sword and thrust as the creature, catching it in arm and pinning it to the wall behind it. The creature. with one arm pinned in the wall, swung its other hand at the middle of teldor's blade, still clasped in his hand. The massive blow knocked the sword from Teldor's hands and threw him back against the wall, leaving Author: Teldor Date Tue Sep 3 19:37:29 2002 Subject An Unexpected Battle II the sword still pinning the creature to the wall. Lord Dartain struggling to stand on his damaged leg, drew his sword and swung at the creatures free hand. The creature screamed out as its hand was mangled and nearly removed by the blow. Teldor, now unarmed, charged at the creature's chest with his shoulder. The collison drove the creature against the wall behind it as its ribs broke, and it cried out. The Creature quickly lowered it head and swung the horns at Teldor's chest. Teldor still too close from his charge, couldn't move in time and screamed as the horns pushed their way through his armor, and knocked him to the floor. The creature leaned its head back, pulling the horns from Teldor's chest and looked to dartain. Teldor screamed as the horns pulled back, and looked down, thankfull for the thickness of the armor that prevented them from going any deeper. Teldor looked up at the creature, now moving towards dartain, and swung his leg at its knees. The creature easily stepped over Teldor's kick as it moved to dartain. dartain quickly jumped onto the creature, and wrapped his hands around it neck, squeezing tightly. The creature struggled, trying to throw Dartain off, and after a moment began to slow, and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Teldor, clutching his probably broken ribs and wound where the horns entered his flesh, stood up and pulled his sword form the wall, as Lord Dartain cried out to look. Teldor turned, and was amazed to see Lord Decred laying in the puddle of blood where the creature has been a moment before. The Dark Kight was unconscious, and there was no sign of the creature. Teldor and Dartain looked at each other, unsure how the clerical bindings on the cell could have failed. They stuggled to catch their breath, as they stared at the unconscious Dark Knight, trying to decide what to do next.
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