An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.

Stories of Ansalon from the view of Vahan.

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 well written novel on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Vahan' scribed in dark green ink.

Author:            Vahan
Date    Wed Jun 28 18:43:15 2006
Subject  The History of the Kar'Tess Family as noted by
Vahan Kar'Tess, Part I


The Kar'Tess family line is a strong one which has been absent
for some
time from the modern day Knighthood.  While our blood ties to
Solamnia run
deep, it is just recently that I myself am finding out about my
own family
legacy.  My name is Vahan Kar'Tess and I hail from Southern
Ergoth.  It is
within this letter that I shall divulge the information I know
and with it I
shall include the appropriate documentation for such.  

Our blood runs back to the days of the early knighthood, era 1760
when one
of my ancestors found himself fighting alongside a man known as
Elias
Solamnus, son to Vinas Solamnus.  Seeing this man's noble cause,
my ancestor
took it up as his own and followed the Elias.  Joining with the
Knighthood,
my ancestor realized this group had a divine purpose and
dedicated himself
and his family to the same.  

For years the Kar'Tess line served in the Knighthood until the
fateful days
following the cataclysm.  In those dark times, when the Knights
of Solamnia
were being hunted down and slain along with their families, my
forefathers
felt it best to leave Solamnia and find safer haven elsewhere for
my
family's sake.  It was during this time that my ancestors settled
on the
bluffs just north of what is now modern day Serval in Southern
Ergoth.  With
the estate being just to the north and across the seas from
Caergoth, it
provided a strong means of business through the shipping
industry.  

After several years, those living in the surrounding areas came
to hear of
the strong Kar'Tess estate and rumors spread of Solamnic
heritage.  A large
group of people made their way to the gates of our family estate.
 My
ancestor feared the worst, knowing he could not willingly kill
these people.
He went to the gates however and answered their call. 
Surprisingly, my
ancestor was joyous to find out that these people did not want
war, they
wanted protection.  These men and women were mostly farmers, poor
from the
dark famines wrought upon the land and being as such they cared
little for
placing blame upon any other man for the cataclsym.  Seeing this
and being a
man of strong faith, my ancestor took these people in and the
Kar'Tess
estate grew into the workings of a small castle complex. 



Author:            Vahan
Date    Wed Jun 28 18:46:11 2006
Subject  The History of the Kar'Tess Family as noted by
Vahan Kar'Tess, Part II


(Continued...)  

The Emperor of Ergoth, though in control of little these days,
grew rather
curious and slightly jealous when he heard rumors of this
Solamnic and his
growing territory.  Fearing this man slightly, he sent a
contingent of his
armies up to the northern tips of Southern Ergoth, where our
family's castle
stood.  Knowing he could not defend his newly built castle
against this
army, my ancestor agreed to meet with the Emperor himself.  After
a journey
to Daltigoth and a session of delegations, the Emperor was
impressed with my
ancestor and grew slightly envious.  He wanted that man for his
own and
therefore promised my family that we may continue our ways upon
his land if
we would send our best young soldiers to serve the Empire.  After
many
nights in prayer, though the gods no longer answered, my ancestor
saw wisdom
and strength in the future for our family by accepting this and
did so.  

Since those times, my family has grown strong and still continues
to house
and protect the families of the men and women who beseiged my
ancestor for
his protection.  Young men are still trained in the manners of
the
Knighthood and sent to serve the Empire of Ergoth's small
remaining armies. 



I myself have just returned from such.  I, Vahan Kar'Tess, son of
Kalis
Kar'Tess, was sent to the Academy of Military Sciences in
Daltigoth at the
age of 16.  By 20, I had completed my studies and training and
was sent to
an outpost near the Valens on Ice Mountain Bay.  Here I was given
the rank
of captain and command of a handful of troops along with a
corsair.  It was
our duty to protect the outpost as well as certain merchant
vessels who had
an interest in a mineral found deep within the ice.  After
serving four
years on land and sea fighting off pirates as well as raiding
thanoi, I was
replaced and released to return home.  It was upon my return that
I was told
by my father of my past ancestry.  Knowing such, I could not
simply lay down
my sword and take up the family business as many had done in the
past.  I
felt it only right to make an attempt to restory my family's
honor and it's
name to the Knighthood.  My father understood this, knowing he
still had
help from my younger brother Glenn to run the estate.  

With his blessing, I left aboard one of our merchant ships and
made my way
to Caergoth.  It was here that I spent some time learning about
the current
Knighthood.  I knew plenty from my studies growing up, however I
realized
that my military life was much different from the Knighthoods.  I
had to be
strict with myself and force myself to adapt some new habits. 
Falling in
with a small group stationed in Caergoth, I befriended several
younger
Knights of the Crown and came to approve of their purpose. 
Gaining the
information I needed to enlist, I traveled from there to
Palanthas where I
now reside and complete this letter.  It is with high hopes that
I submit
this to the Knights Council, seeking admission into such a highly
devoted
Knighthood.  
 
Signed,
Vahan Kar'Tess

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.'