Other History of Algoron
These two works are by Seolfor from the forest who logged lore of the early dragons. What I can add to this is that Qevarris was the first dragon to be seen again on Algoron after all dragons vanished from early history in the Dragon Wars. Also, the Justice will get a chuckle from the Silver entry, otherwise a fine and valuable work. Iolius.
This book dedicated to the metallic dragons that lives and have lived on Algoron. Written by Gradilus Seolfor.
The Metallic Dragon Family of Algoron
Brass
Tiguexteac - Sculpter of the dunes. Appears to have grown more and more sleepy. Known to be flying with the greater angel of light, and still today his names ends fear into the red aurauns hearts.
Paziameira - The most famous of the metallic wyrms. Known for her infinitive patience and excellent skills in both fighting and conversation. She seem a bit weary after the great war of the gods though. Hatched a few years before I was born. Also the first one to call the metallic wing to war, against the Talon.
Aramayx - Also known as Blayze among friends. Turkov the ogre was laid cold by Aramayx the young. Scarred by the Talon structure, but that is avenged now.
Spenianth - Hatched, roared, attacked the great wyrm and died.
Aulryz - Hatched while my raven flew over the Dragon Vale
Mnelethys - Hatched some time after Zandreya granted the eldritch power to the elves.
Kraythisu -
Kanianx - Hatched after the delivery of the Aurora.
Trixipaxia - Hatched after the third world games
Laisreyn - Hatched some time after the third world games was over.
Shumais - Hatched when i learned of dragons able to change their form.
Kaiana - Hatched some time after the fall of Kadiya
Bronze
Khalendryos - Pyropus Luminarium. Great wyrm , wise and a bit secretly. Hatched at the same time as Lakhiuthman, and some time after Exaurdon.
Lakhiuthman - Bronze Dragon. Spent many hours with that one.
Hatched at the same time as Khalendryos. Still alive but sleeps most of the time.
Exaurdon - Once a happy flying Bronze, now nothing but a memory of older and better times. Do not remember the hatchday of this one. It was a bit after Xiervanthian if not wrong.
Bolt - Bronze. Never seen him.or her.
Panderym - Bronze. Not seen this one either.
Proletar - Young Bronze Hatchling. Seen after the great war of the gods.
Arthinix - The name escapes my memory, but it might be i've seen it.
Kalthanix - Hatched some time after the Darkonia was settled.
Tiaranenth
Aeszthyra -
Inazuma - Hatched some time after the trees began walking.
Latrodectus - Hatched when the elves and dwarves was at war. Quite happy with the elves.
Lexxorgrymth - Hatched just before the Aurora Borealis arrived.
Irizima - Hatched some time after the delivery of the Aurora Borealis
Equorith -
Auzrykaazr - Hatched after the fall of Kadiya
Copper
Baohoma - A copper dragon from the days the world was young.
Ubikolisk - Another dragon i do not know.
Phintomini - Kind one with a taste for stories and talking.
Taermalektros - Spent many hours learning this one how to read. He also helped me to see the ancient text in the dragonvale
Aeneimber - Copper dragon.
Othsenthes - ?
Aleryial - Not so long after Darkonia was founded this hatchling was spotted.
Zelazious - Same as above.
Pyaus - Hatched sometime before the arrival of Aurora Borealis, my ship.
Yatebalublu - Hatched not long before the arrivel of the Aurora.
Cerperoth -
Ravsimedar - Hatched when the Aurora was delivered.
Ehecatl -
Lochlioc -
Gold
Ayvendesador - The Great Gold. First of the gold dragons to hatch. Wise and peaceful, he values life high.
Aurumn - Gold Dragon. His lair now nothing but a sealed tomb. Good friend of many,
Aureliusade - Unknown to me.
Elaevardoran - Barely remember it. It hatched after Exaurdon.
Zaraianamina - Female gold dragon. Nice one with a taste for long conversations.
Zxesthiivrn - Gold dragon. Hatched some summers after Aramayx of the brass wing.
Immolare - Hatched some time after Gew was awakened.
Larenati -
Savenath - brother of larenati. Hatched at the time of the great hatching.
Nycastax - Hatched around the time of verminasias first great festival.
Tazisk - Hatched at the time Shalonesti and Thaxanos went to war.
Eunectes - First seen when the Aurora was young at wood.
Aurelian - Read about it in a missive, about the time Paziameira shed a new skin.
Silver
Wyrenth - Silvery wyrm and a good friend. Not sure, but he might be the first of the silvers to hatch. Known for taking great care of his friends, and a bit eager to engage the red aurans. First silver to hatch. He managed to drive Suulazultsur away from the Arkanian skies
Shadra Skydancer - Female Silvery dragon with a taste for mushrooms. Her kindness unmatched, and her flying skills was extraordinary. I truly miss to see this beauty in
the skies. Shadra hatched some time after Paziameira
Xiervanthian - Great Wyrm of the silver. A good friend and a skilled fighter. Seems dormant at the time of writing this. Hatched some time before king Gavilan of shalonesti was assassinated.
Jh'talith - Hatchling , hatched sometime after the foundation of Darkonia.
Aeternitas - or simular.
Aenarion - Female?
Solvaryn - Hatched at the time eldritch came to the vallenwoods.
decided to fly alone, not so long after the hatching.
Sylpheed - Hatched not long after the delivery of the Aurora.
Kaikias - Hatched about the same time as Sylpheed
Miliabaeth - Hatched not so long after i became aware of dragons are able to change shape.
Orncaex - Hatched not so long after i returned for a few days.
Erisande -
A book about the Chromatic dragons on Algoron. Written By Gradilus Seolfor.
The Chromatic Dragons of Algoron
Black
Tuusk - Black dragon or wyrm. Greedy, but ok if paid well. I rode this one a day, the day Paziameira filled 100 summers, i paid and rode the black one to land me about one of the pirates ship. I do not see this one anymore, it hatched some summers after Paziameira i belive. And a little bit earlier then Zsiera the white.
Roac - Belive it is a wyrm now. Hatched not so far in time from Xiervanthian.
Thaxsenisus - I know little of this one. might be a wyrm, or very great dragon.
Vezuvesare - I remember the name, and that he died in shame. That is all.
Fugral - Buried and dead.
Hiron'inj - A black dragon from the days Paziameira was young. Counted among the dead i belive.
Lubnatsi - Just a name.
Xammux - Black dragon. Hatched some time after Aramayx.
Charok -
Slavicarious -
Vorto -
Slyzaxthiya - Hatched the day many lair was completed.
Jeursenix - Hatched some time after Jerrand the monk left gareth keep.
Vorto, Hatched when the spellcrafting was first learned.
Ancalagon -
Malthorgyn - First saw this one after we destroyed the gates of thaxanos
Zazbaz - First spotted after i returned to train Yaviel
Akhekhu -
Karthanax -hatched after the fall of Kadiya
Neceron - Hatched some time after Abaddon was discovered.
Blue
Jormungander - The most famous among the chromatic dragons. Known among many as the Storm, and among some other again as the Donkey-Dragon. The writer of this book was once invited to its lair. Think it hatched at about the same time as Ayvendesador or Paziameira.
Alayanwyr - Blue dragon. Might still be alive, but i am not sure.
Seether - Blue dragon or wyrm. I belive i had the shed skin of this one once.
Strike - dead dragon.
Mako - Even more dead.
Vizierian -
Siasxid -
Cettoce - Hatched at the time Zandreya blessed the elves with power to make trees walk.
Anzu - Hatched at the time Kadiya, Raije and Devion was sent to fight malachive.
Vaekim - I first saw this one after the delivery of the Aurora.
Khaldestryz - hatched when the pets started to betray their masters.
Rimunath - Hatched some time after the fall of Kadiya
Green
Cyanthor - Green dragon, Hatched shortly after the great war of the gods.
Xznaventh - Green dragon.
Arrheni'chcl - Green dragon or Wyrm.
Habritssyx - Green dragon.
Smaragdinus - Green dragon. Hatched near the time Xiervanthian hatched. Slain by Kheldan and a silver dragon
Asphyx - Green dragon. I faintly remember this one, it died before Paziameira had her lair constructed.
Acidar - Forgotten dragon.
Alcotomay -
Ollivaxsuhat - Hatched some time after AWG was first held.
Soreth - Hatched some time after the destruction of balifore.
Emaralsot - Hatched not so very long after the burial ground was found.
Tharantrax - Hatched about the time Shalonesti went to war.
Odhranthral - Hatched when i went away.
Odzmanouk - Hatched not long before the third Algoron World Games.
Mirelth - Unknown hatching date.
Sythreen - I first saw this one after the third world games.
Lacerta -
Red
Boris - Red wyrm from ancient times, he died in ancient times as well.
Qevarris - Few remembers this one, i am not among them.
Ember - Red dragon.
Aarastalinas - I actually remember this one. Well enough to know he was not a great one.
Pyros - Red dragon or wyrm that might still be alive.
Sear - Red dragon or wyrm, possible that he still is flying, somewhere.
Dieirf'ashki - Younger red that is seen in the skies now and then. Hatched
some time before the great war of the gods.
Meklor - Red dragon killed by Wyrenth of the Silver wing. Most likely dead.
Xab'Xaszab -
Zuuzeka - Just before the first algoron world games.
Arc'lighter - Hatched some time after the destruction of balifore.
Axgyiel - Hatched at the time Maylstrom flew into the land.
Galeru - odd one, doesn't look like the rest.
Aeulux - Hatched at the beginning of the second world games.
White
Zsiera - The most famous of the white dragons. Has a couple of scars and bruises, but i think it is still alive. Fanatic beliver in the dark gods.
Suulazultsur - Male white dragon.
Trilantra - Unknown to me.
Carrion - May be the first white dragon. Only heard its name.
Sleet - Often hunts with Vizerian the blue, and is the weaker of the two.
Xzeidsa -
Ocki - Hatched before the Aurora Borealis was delivered.
Tikhondrius
Herensuge - Hatched when The Aurora was delivered
Liderc - Hatched just after the third world games.
Hakuren - Hatched some time after the third world games.
The History of the Order of Austinians, by Lioness Tygereye
Since the Fall from Grace mortals have debated, banded together, and
warred over how best to serve the Gods. The following text attempt to form
a picture of the history of the Order of Austinians.
In the time after the Fall from Grace elves, dwarves, and humans split apart
into separate clans, towns, and kingdoms each blaming the other for the
Fall. These schisms were the cause of many battles and wars. Some priests
of Good believed the intolerance and war would further drive mortals from
the Gods. They took to traveling from village to village easing the pains
of the victims of war and preaching the way of Good.
These friars were mostly humans, but soon won converts from some of the more
peaceful and open-minded dwarves and elves. The group grew and solidified,
finally building a temple outside the major kingdoms of Shalonesti and
Serpantol, choosing to separate themselves from the wars and racism endorsed
by the various militaries.
Slowly, as the secrets of magic leaked out of the Conclave, people sought to
put magic to good use. In this time elven mages and white robes seeking a
more peaceful life joined the priests on their travels. While reverent to
the Gods of Good, the Mages of the Austinians felt their art would prove
more practical in assisting others and performing good deeds.
After the Ogre Wars, while the yinn slowly drove down from the north, travel
grew increasingly dangerous for the healers. During this time Warger closed
its doors, and strife and arguments filled the ranks of the human
Knighthood. Hill dwarven and a few minotuar crusaders were converted and
recruited along with disenchanted human knights to act as defenders of the
Order. These holy warriors traveled with the clerics and mages on their
journeys ensuring their safety on the dangerous road.
In the dangerous years that followed the small Order did its best to heal
and convert others in the war torn lands. The yinn finally saw the Orders
Temple of Good overrun and destroyed. Shattered and splintered, the elves
returned to the forests, dwarves to the mountains. Many of the defenders
either joined with the Knighthood against the yinn, or were involved with
the splinter group, Valor.
After the yinn were finally driven back, the order of independent priests
and good doers existed only in memory and records, especially in the memory
of the long-lived elves. Inspired by the tales of these selfless priests of
old, a shalonesti-elven mage of Austinian, Belegar, chose to emulate and
attempt to bring back this lifestyle.
Orphaned in the war and raised by a human and a half-elf, Belegar felt few
ties to the warring clans and kingdoms. Freely he wandered the lands
performing good acts, enlisting the help of other good priests, and winning
converts. Human priests and mages soon joined him, but he also reached out
to the other races, encouraging them to help others as they could. Kender,
dwarves, minotuar, and even most astonishingly, yinnish converts soon joined
him on his mission.
With a small, but suitable and talented following, Belegar had a Church to
Austinian constructed along the road between New Thalos and Althainia.
Wishing to show mercy and goodness to all, he bid that all be welcome there.
This church became the center of the reborn order's operations.
Pleased with the work of His mage, Austinian did visit the church Himself
and bless Belegar for his good deeds and generous heart. The church stands
today and the Order of Austinians continues to show mercy and goodness to
all regardless of race, alignment, or affiliation.
The Dragonvale Knowledge
The Serpantol Empire
This book appears to be a sort of guidebook to the Lost Empire, the Serpantol. The people of the Serpantol Empire were a very conservative and non-militant lot. They were interested more in the study of magic and the powers of the mind. The Conclave was a creation of the Serpantol Empire, although the magi were quick to declare themselves a sovereign entity from the old Empire. Along with the Conclave, the art of Meditation was a product of Serpantol, as well as the art of hand to hand combat, artfully mastered by the monks of the Serpant's Eye Temple. The Serpantol Empire was also partially responsible for the build-up of the Knighthood, and organization upon which the people of the Empire depended for protection and assistance. The Serpantol Empire and culture was totally annihilated by the Yinn, who stormed the lands after the Knighthood succumbed to political pressure from the Yinnish general Tayana. The old city of Serpant's Eye was renamed dae'Tayana by the Yinn, in honor of their heroes, and to date, the Yinn control the whole of the lands of Serpantol, and most important, the Temple of Serpant's Eye, wherein lies the collective knowledge of the Serpantol Empire, now lost to all but the Yinn. It is widely whispered that this knowledge, in complement to the existing might of the Yinnish race, is what made the Yinnish armies indefeatable against such superior numbers during the Wargar-Shalonesti conflict.
Dae'tok, Our Empire
This work appears to be a careful disection of the New Empire of the Yinn written by a scribe from Altirin. The book explains how the superior military tactics and sheer size and ferocity of the Yinnish people lent to the total annihilation of every army that has gone up against them. The book doesn't delve much into Yinnish culture, merely the aspects of it that pertain to the military might of the Yinnish Empire. The work briefly discusses the origin of the Yinn, where were they before they took over the lands of Old Serpantol Empire? The Yinn called this old homeland dae'Tok, and since the invasions have come from the far north, it is believed that they are arctic creatures, but none have yet to find any evidence of Yinnish civilization beyond the current Empire.
Great Betrayal
This book carefully examines something known as the 'Great Betrayal,' and how it impacted dwarven commerce during the Dark Years. It speaks of the creation and subsequent unification of the 5 Dracons, although it doesn't explain exactly what a Dracon is. The book speaks of horrid fires, of dragons attacking and eradicating towns in search of the Dracons. It tells of dwarven refugees of the Dark Wars trickling east into Shalonesti only to be turned away, as the elves fought their own battles against the dragons. Strangely, there is no mention of metallic dragons anywhere in the book. The book ends with the seperation of the 5 Dracons, but the last few pages are missing.
The Passage Rites of the Dead
This appearse to be a priestly textbook on embalming and burial ceremonies. It is written in old elvish runes, and is difficult to decipher. The book speaks of wards against evil, charms that grant the deceased peaceful rest and ward off the curse of undeath. It also speaks of a great tomb of dead elven kings and leaders, and discusses the manner in which they were laid to rest. This tomb was stocked with gold, precious weapons, and legendary wealth. The text apparently assumes that the read knows where the tomb is located, as it doesn't divulge that information.
Ancient Spellbook
The spellbook is very ancient. Although the spells in it are old and very dated, the notes written in the back are somewhat interesting. They read, (some of these notes are torn, smudged and unreadable) ".... We know not what to call this new era. The time of war is technically past, and so I lay to rest this book of combat. I must confess, I was none too sad to see the dragons lay waste to the foul knights of the Eclipse. Although their transgression was before the time of my grandfather's grandfather, the legendary sacking of the tower will live forever in the souls of the Magi. It is with a glad heart that I put away the tools of war and prepare my Conclave for a time of enlightenment and peace.
Signed, Demagant Thill, High Sorcerer of the Conclave
The Sunset Dawn
This is a summary of the books of the Sunset Dawn, found within the Dragonvale. A critique for truth is available here.
Sun of Dominance
This book speaks of the founding of the Brotherhood of the Eclipse, a form of self-proclaimed 'higher evil.' The Clan Eclipse was founded by a man known only as San Gohdam, who felt that the world was in imbalance. The Serpantol Empire and the Knighthood were powerful forces in the world, and were unchallenged. Gohdam believed that such complacency was a prequel to disaster. It was on a red day that Gohdam saw his vision: the sun, burning high in the sky, was being overtaken by a single black dot...a moon. Despite all of its power and strength, a shining giving of life was easily overcast by something that was simply closer. Gohdam was inspired, and gathered about him Knights who would hear his message. Gohdam spoke of true Brotherhood, of the Ends justifying the Means. Gohdam spoke of a higher purpose, that the Knighthood was outmoded, made up of men so stuck in their armor that they couldn't see people as they were. The Eclipse was coming, and it would strike close to home, it would strike the heart.
Honor in Brotherhood
This work appears to be a continuation of Sun of Dominance. It speaks of the fast rise of the Eclipse to power, and how the scales almost tipped in the other direction, until the Knighthood did some recruiting and began to fight back. Villages were sacked, but only for money and food to feed the brothers of the Eclipse. Lives were not needlessly taken. But this practice didn't last long, and before too long, the 'noble' brothers of the Clan Eclipse began to kill mercilessly, without motive, and without guilt. Gohdam spoke out against these individuals, and it came as no surprise to his followers that Gohdam was found dead in his tent one morning. His throat had been slit in his sleep, and truly malicious act, and those who had done it separated from the Eclipse, and became the sons of Malice. These cruel and heartless warriors spread misery and sadness, in the name of spreading misery and sadness, and not necessarily for any good reason. The ranks of Malice inflated quickly as those who were tired of being limited by the beliefs of the Eclipse changed loyalties. This, however, gave the Knights an even more evil target, and Malice found itself in a position of unwanted attention as the Knights and the magi of the Conclave centered their might on Malice. With reprieve from conflict, Eclipse set about to licking its wounds, and slowly regained the nobility and respect even of the Knights.
Rise of the Eclipse
The Clan Eclipse grew quickly while the Knighthood busied itself with the clan Malice. After a few dozen years of growth and strengthening, Eclipse again made its presence known in the world by making an unholy pact with Sah'ron, a daemon of the foul Abyss. Known as the Dark Alliance, the Ecliptic warriors ravaged the countryside, in the traditional Ecliptic style, they razed and pillaged, but they did so only to secure what resources they needed. It became well known after years of raids that when scouts of the Eclipse are spotted, just open the town gates and let them in, and chances are, they'll leave most everything alone. Eclipse spread and grew with the dark assistance of Sah'ron, and eventually decided to attack the Conclave, as they were the weakest of clans. Unable and unprepared for combat, the magi had no choice but to forfeit themselves to the Eclipse. The raiders sacked the tower of the Conclave, and stole the Draconus, the spirit of the dragons. With this new power, they commanded flights of dragons, and began what would be known as the Dark Years. The scourge of dragonfire and destruction was ended when a unified army captured the Draconus, and split it into 4 Dracons, each piece to be untrusted to a different clan.
Writings of the Dragonvale
1. 'It was given unto the Thane of Wargar to protect the Dracon of Might. It was given unto the Speaker of Shalonesti to protect the Dracon of Truth. It was given unto the Lord of the Knighthood to protect the Dracon of Justice. It was given unto the Master of the Conclave to protect the Dracon of Magic. It was given unto the Moderate of the Eclipse to protect the Dracon of Souls.'
2. 'It was in the Year of the Great Famine that the Thane was killed by the Moderate's assassin, known to us only as the Targeter, and the Dracon of Might was brought into the possession of the Minions of the Eclipse. It was our duty, then, to restore the balance of power. It was not a decision that we made with haste or gladness, but one born more of an unholy union of desperation and necessity. The Moderate was found and destroyed after a bitter war that claimed the life of Rhall'katak, the great Red. To our dismay, the Dracons were not in his possession, and his followers were quick to vanish
into the anonymity of obscurity as the fall of the Clan Eclipse was imminent.
'But Eclipse did not fall. A man whom we later learned to have been the Targeter took the reigns of the clan, and steered Eclipse into power once more. Under his careful yet ruthless hand, Eclipse was resurrected, but the location of the two lost Dracons remains unknown. '
3. 'After the revival of the Eclipse, the Lord of the Knighthood succumbed to political pressure from the Yinnish Empire of dae'Tok, and surrendered a portion of the old Empire to their control. The Yinn stormed the region, and took not only the entire old Empire, but a significant portion of Shalonesti as well. ' Infuriated at the incompetence of the Knighthood, the elves of Shalonesti severed ties with the Knights. After the dust settled, the Yinn had stolen the Dracon of Justice from the Knighthood. ' Worrysome of conflict, but fearful of the power of the Yinn, the Wargar and Shalonesti mobilized and attacked the Yinnish Empire. Despite superior forces, the army was decimated, and the Yinn remain in control of the old Empire to date, although the location and status of the Dracon of Justice is unknown.
'Years of civil war within the Knighthood followed, and was finally resolved when the Lords of Valor went their separate way. Although many attempts were made to recover land lost to the Yinnish Empire, all met with failure, and the old Empire was lost to the Yinn.
'After 3 score years, the Shalonesti were betrayed by a faction of elves known as the Ka'tath. They assassinated the Speaker of Shalonesti and fled the old kingdom, taking the Dracon with them. These outcasts, known as the Dark Elves, were fiercely hunted, and many slain, although the Dracon never surfaced in the course of bloody vengeance.
4. 'It was then that the Dark Alliance was destroyed, and the freedom of soul was returned to our brethren and our order. The times of darkness have passed, and to prevent such an unholy pact of happening once more, the Dracons were forced to be separated into 5 parts, called by the youth as the 'Parting of the Dracons.' Where the Dracons are placed remains a mystery, even unto us, the constructors of our Birthright. '
5. If you know your runic, the wall reads: "The Draconus was our life. It was part of our license to live. We would be kept as slaves of the gods if not for our willingness to sacrifice a part of our essence to the Draconus. For we are the Children of the Wing and Scale, and we are more powerful, more intelligent, and of a higher universal being than the mere mortals of the land, the flightless ones. Who can blame them for their jealousy? Who can blame them for their hatred?"
The Kayen Texts - The Foundation of the Shadowknights of Necrucifer
Editor's note: I have included the Kayen Texts as the founder of Shadow's vision of what his Knighthood ought to be. Kayen always believed in the nobility and virtue for his lawful evil order which we find so contradictory. The refute for these texts and what Shadow are today are found in the Falsehood of Necrucifer. However I include these so that younger knights understand what the founding basis was for the Shadowknights of Necrucifer and to assist them understand why we fight evil. St John.
* Independence breeds chaos. Submit and be strong.
* Death is patient. It flows both from without and from within. Be vigilant in all and skeptical of all.
* One who follows the heart finds it will bleed.
Prophecy foretells the return of Necrucifer, who will slay both Austinian and Kwainin and take the land as his own. The Shadow Knights seek to ensure that the world is prepared for his coming.
Any who would enter into the Shadow Knights must begin as a Petitioner in the Legion. They must remain in the Legion until they are deemed ready to advance to the rank of Novice. At this time, members may choose entry into either the Templar, the Crimson Rose, or the Gray Robes, or remain in the Legion. The Legion is the military might of the Shadow Knights and the center of political power as well. The Templar form the clerical order of the Shadow Knights. They practice the healing arts and are dedicated solely to Necrucifer. The Crimson Rose is in charge of both external intelligence and internal security. They work their art by stealth and quick, deadly force rather than brute strength. The Gray Robes are an order of wizards. Theyoperate completely outside the conclave of Algoron, refusing to swear allegiance to any of the three robes. They work with the Templar in maintaining order both in conquered lands and their own home territories.
When joining the Shadow Knights, each member dedicates his body and soul utterly to the cause. All thoughts of self are submerged, sublimated. Yet this does not mean that members cannot think for themselves, which brought about the creation of the code. The code is complex in the extreme, yet elegant in its detail. Strict adherence to the code is required, but each case is considered on its own merits, and exceptions can be made. A Shadow Knight is allowed to lie, cheat, steal, and commit murder, as long as it can be proven to advance the vision. Since a knight who violates the code is seen to have also violated the vision and broken the blood oath, the punishment is usually death.
History of the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer
The roots of The Shadow Knights began when the Knights of Gareth's Keep accepted a young applicant into their page initiate program, Shay Kayen, son of Ryen, a wealthy merchant of Verminasia. Ryen had forced his son into the Knighthood, fearing that the young boy's growing curiousity and studies of the founder of Eclipse, San Godham, would turn into something much more morbid and sinister.
As a page initiate in training, Shay learned all that he could about the structure, organization, and mentality of the Knights. The youth, however, did not gain the favor of the Knights of Gareth's Keep. His rebellious attitude and lack of respect for their oath and their gods won him few friends amongst his peers and mentors.
Shay continued to study the Knighthood as a warrior studies his enemy. In less than a year, he grew to know more of their politics and infrastructure than many who had lived within it for most of their life. His studies complete, he left Gareth's Keep under the cover of darkness, returned to Verminasia, and was accepted into the Eclipse.
It was here that he crossed paths with his childhood friend, Ishamael Rinji. As children, the two had dreamed of San Godham and his ideals, wearing mismatched pieces of armor and waving swords nearly too heavy for their youthful builds to lift. Now, it seemed, those dreams might become reality.
It was then that the two met Malcom drak'Martys, Prophet of Necrucifer. It was Malcom whose visions would spur the movement forward. Little is known of exactly what the Master of Darkness revealed to his prophet, although it is said he foretold much of what was to come.
Malcom, though quiet and reserved, taught them much of their destiny. They learned more than the biased histories of the Knighthood could ever possibly reveal. Most importantly, they learned that San Godham had never intended for the Eclipse to accept any race other than humans. It was Targetter who had made this change, among others, after the Dark Knight's death.
The three worked together in secrecy, speaking in hushed whispers to those around them who might support their cause. In time, their following grew, as did their influence within the Keep of the Eclipse. They set about building a new order of Dark Knights and made preparations for the day when they would overthrow the current leadership of the clan and rebuild it in San Godham's image.
On the day of the Great Betrayal, the Yinn Highlord of Eclipse, Vokkyn dra'Har, was slain by Ishamael. The generals of the keep and those still loyal to them were caught completey by surprised. Although they outnumbered the rebels, they did not possess the organization to defeat them. In the end, the Keeper of Eclipse, Martyr Drashe, surrenderd the clan in exchange for his life. Shay Kayen was chosen as the new Highlord of the rebels. Those who remained that were not of human blood were made slaves, and the humans who remained within the keep began the arduous task of rebuilding its infrastructure.
Their rule did not last long. Those exiled from the Eclipse gathered their forces, hiring soldiers and mercenaries to aid them in retaking their home. The battle which followed was one of the bloodiest in the history of Algoron. Athough they fought valiantly, the Shadow Knights were outnumbered nearly three to one. The sun set upon nearly the complete destruction of the forces they had gathered.
Driven from the keep and abandoned by many of their former allies, the Shadow Knights all but collapsed. More than three-quarters of their number fell in the war or deserted afterward. The people of Algoron regarded them as remnants of a lost cause and took little to no pity upon them.
In the span of less than one month, the Shadow Knights had been reduced to a small handful. Many of its original founders had survived the war, however, and the following year, they began the construction of a massive citadel of marble and granite hidden deep within the Ivory Wastes south of New Thalos. Pirates were hired to transport the supplies necessary for its construction, doing so stealthily under the cover of darkness. Although rumors spread rapidly, no one was able to confirm them. Once its construction was complete, the Shadow Knights then began slowly collecting the fragments of their order and reforging them once again into San Godham's image.
Not long after, the prophet, Malcom, received a vision. Necrucifer would return. They vowed to deliver Algoron to him as a gift when he came.
What is Shadow?
We are more than a group of hoodlums who run around fighting and killing. We have a purpose and a code by which we live. We are Knights.
There are many citizens of Algoron who consider us "bad people." I, however, do not. It is my firm belief that what we do, we do for the betterment of this world. Austinian and Kwainin are both weak and ineffectual gods. With the coming of Necrucifer, everything that they stand for will cease to exist, and the world will be a better place.
It is not our intent to cause death and destruction. It is not to terrorize innocent men, women, and children. It is not to spread hatred.
Then what is it?
Enlightenment. Unification. The end of Anarchy. The end of Chaos. The end of balance.
We are Knights of Necrucifer, and thus we are held to a higher standard than any other. We act with compassion towards our enemies. We treat them as we would wish to be treated. We fight with honor. We aid those weaker than ourselves.
Our code states that a Shadow Knight is allowed to lie, cheat, steal, and commit murder, as long as it can be proven to advance the vision. What does this mean? A Shadow Knight will never lie to a superior officer, or anyone of the clan for that matter. These acts will NOT be committed over trivial matters. These exceptions will only be made in matters that will aid in the fulfillment of the prophecy. Short of an event causing the death of Austinian himself, I do not expect a Shadow Knight to lie, cheat, or steal.
Then end of struggle. The end of light. You fight only to prolong the inevitable... Peace. In the meantime, innocent people die for nothing.
Submit or die.
Shay Kayen
----Ambactus a Caligo
----Extinguishing the Sun
----Dark Lord of the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer
Sects
The Legion
Any who would enter into the Shadow Knights must begin as a Petitioner in the Legion. They must remain in the Legion until they are deemed ready to advance to the rank of Novice. At this time, members may choose entry into either the Templar, the Crimson Rose, or the Gray Robes, or remain in the Legion. The Legion is the military might of the Shadow Knights and the center of political power as well. The Templar, the Crimson Rose, and the Gray Robes are separate with their particular skills and areas of responsibility. While it may look to an outsider as if the Legion is the dominant force in the Shadow Knights, all three orders provide necessary functions and are considered equal in power and authority, differing only in jurisdiction and function.
The Templar
This sect forms the clerical order of the Shadow Knights. They practice the healing arts and are dedicated solely to Necrucifer, to the exclusion of all other gods and goddesses, including other dark deities.
The Crimson Rose
The Crimson Rose is in charge of both external intelligence and internal security. To this effect, most are skilled diplomats with quick witted tongues and the ability to line many a pocket if the need so arises. Theywork their art by stealth and quick, deadly force rather than brute strength.
The Gray Robes
The Gray Robes are an order of wizards. They operate completely outside the conclave of Algoron and refuse to swear allegiance to any of the three robes, including black. The Gray Robes work with the Templar in maintaining order both in conquered lands and their own home territories.
Tenets
The Vision
The Vision is, in simple terms, a statement of the ultimate goal of the Shadow Knights. It is embodied in the phrase, "Ambactus a Caligo." It is no less than the total and unquestioned domination of the entire world of Algoron.
The Blood Oath
The Blood Oath is simple. "Submit or die." When joining the Shadow Knights, each member dedicates his body and soul utterly to the cause. All thoughts of self are submerged, sublimated. Yet this does not mean that members cannot think for themselves, which brought about the creation of the code.
The Code
The code is complex in the extreme, yet elegant in its detail. Strict adherence to the code is required, but each case is considered on its own merits, and exceptions can be made. Unlike the Knights of Gareth's Keep, the Shadow Knights are allowed to lie, cheat, steal, and commit murder, as long as it can be proven to advance the vision. Since a knight who violates the code is seen to have also violated the vision and broken the blood oath, the punishment is usually death.
The code is divided into three major precepts:
1) Independence breeds chaos. Submit and be strong.
2) Death is patient. It flows both from without and from within. Be vigilant in all and skeptical of all.
3) One who follows the heart finds it will bleed.
Editors note: This is challenged in the "Falsehood of Necrucifer".
The Test
For all sects, continuation past the rank of Esquire requires that the individual pass a test of loyalty. The test is dangerous and often cruel in the extreme, and failure usually results in death. The nature of the test is determined by the individual's sect leader. The sect leaders understand and appreciate the fact that a Dark Knight must be strong in order to fulfil the vision. There can be no weak links in the chain. Therefore, the test is never made easy. Quite the contrary.
Following the completion of the test, the individual is kept in seclusion, fasting and praying, for four days prior to the ceremony. At the end of this period, he or she is blessed by dark clerics and sent forth. The Dark Knight comes before all those currently in residence and is formally promoted by his or her sect leader.
Warning: Those who do not successfully complete this test will be no longer be welcome within the ranks of the Shadow Knights.
The Legion
Legion Esquires should excel in three areas before they can be promoted to Dark Knights. The ways of combat, knowledge of weaponry, and tactics.
Combat: To show superiority in combat the Esquire must alone defeat 4 different enemys. One of the mage classes, one of the thief classes one of the clerical types and one of the warrior types. Every victory must be proven by a member of Shadow, above rank Supplicant. Defeat in these one on one situations will not be accepted. Defeat to a multitude of enemies will be frowned upon but accepted.
Weaponry: To prove that the Esquire knows his way around weapons and knows where they can be obtained, the Esquire must retrieve two weapons. These two weapons will be different for each test.
Tactics: The Esquire will take a group of Petitioners and Novices and he must use his tactical knowledge in organizing them. Positioning for an assault, flank attacks, ambushes. With his select group of 3 he must cause notable damage to enemy lines.
The Crimson Rose
First, the esquire must compile a list of the immediate heirs to leadership in each of the world's clans and kingdoms. Next, the esquire must report who each clan wars, and the looting policies they have, as well as reporting each declared war between kingdoms. Finally, the esquire must defeat a paladin in combat, to be verified by any of rank supplicant or higher. This need not be done alone.
The Templar
The test for the Knighting of a Templar Esquire is as follows:
The first three tasks will be to spend a weeks time (5 RL hours) doing each of the following: Preaching Necrucifer's glory in the Church of Austinian, remaining in the walls of Storm Keep, prepared to assist any of the order in healing, rescuing or equipment gathering, and finally providing direct assistance to a younger, less experienced member.
To further explain... we seek to prepare this world for the coming of Necrucifer. In order to do this, the common populace must be made aware of certain parts of the Prophecy as well as other pieces of information regarding His return to Algoron. The Esquire will further this end by speaking for all who so choose to hear. What better place to accomplish this than the Church of Austinian. It is my desire that the Esquire also build his own character by being subjected to what will surely be a hostile audience. Perhaps some of the unbelievers can be converted as well.
Secondly, the Templar is responsible for support magicks on the battlefield. To instill this duty in our young Esquires, they are to remain at a ready status within the walls of Storm Keep. They are to accomplish no personal tasks and not venture out unless called upon. Their primary purpose is to assist any members that should find themselves in need. This need may be the curing of a simple curse or disease, the procurement of a specific piece of equipment or the organization of a rescue attempt for one of ours that finds himself in trouble. While serving this duty, the Esquire is obligated to attend to the needs of all, no matter how small or trite it may be. He of course will prioritize his tasks so that the most imperative are accomplished before the more mundane. Assumption of this duty however does not make the Esquire a slave to the masses of Storm Keep. If a task is requested that the individual can just as easily accomplish himself, then he will be informed of such and sent on his way. If the individual still cannot perform the deed, then the Esquire will assist him.
Thirdly, the continued training of our younger members is of extreme importance to the longevity of the order. The Esquire will spend a period of time mentoring and training a single member of Storm Keep in what is more or less an apprentice/master type relationship. The Esquire is to instill the values of Storm Keep such as honor and duty within the young soldier and he is to assist in molding his faith so that he becomes a true servant to the Father.
Finally, the Esquire is to approach two individuals who's path has not yet been chosen. He is to inform them of the goals and aspirations of Storm Keep and attempt to get them to join our fight. He must successfully bring in one new member to complete this portion of his test.
When the above four tasks are accomplished, the Esquire will report to the Warder and myself for a final interview. At this interview we will test his faith as well as his knowledge of the realms and survival within it. When we are satisfied with him, he will be promoted to the rank of Dark Knight.
The Gray Robes
The quest for the Knighting of an Esquire of the Gray Robes consists of five parts, to represent the unity of the Shadow Knights and it's four sects.
As the Gray Robes are the magical backbone of the Shadow Knights, the Esquire must spend some time in the Keep to assist the younger clansmates or the unskilled in the magic arts.
Secondly, to prove their magical knowledge of this realm, the Esquire will be sent out to collect a number of warp stones, depending on the Esquire's level of training.
Third, the Esquire must rescue a clansmate out of high danger, or at least take part in the rescue in some shape or form.
Fourth, to prove the members of the Gray Robes are at least as powerful as the mages in the conclave, the Esquire must defeat a mage of the tower. Whether this be by a duel or live combat, the mage must be of approximately the same training as the Esquire.
Finally, the Esquire must spread the wisdom that he or she has gained to all members of Shadow. To do so, the Esquire must write of their experience on the way to becoming a Knight.
Requirements to Join the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer
Ensure that, when looked upon, we may see a description of your appearance.
Write a missive to the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer describing your past, history, or travels in Algoron.
Walk the world on your own for a time. The duration is not as important as being sure that, during that time, you learn something of either yourself or the world around you. It must also be sufficiently long enough to impress whomever you speak with when you contact us and are ready to join.
Once you feel that you have walked the world alone for a sufficient amount of time, contact a recruiter of the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer. You will be given, and must pass, an entrance interview.
After completing the interview successfully, you will be asked to recite the Code of the Shadow Knights for all clans to hear, at which point you will be guilded into Shadow.
Ranks
Petitioner
A Petitioner is any new recruit of Shadow who has not yet chosen a sect.
Novice
A novice denotes a member of Shadow who has chosen and joined a sect. In order to join a sect, the member must be able to explain, roughly, the purpose of their chosen sect. Information on the sects of Shadow can be found within the library of Storm Keep or in the 'Sects' section of this web page. To join a particular sect, the Petitioner must speak with the leader of that sect, gain their permission to enter, and write a note to the Dark Lord and Chancellor for their approval.
Supplicant
The rank of supplicant is given to those who have proven themselves not only in combat but, most importantly, in faith. They have demonstrated that they have the potential and dedication to aid in the fulfillment of the Prophecy. This rank is given by merit and at the recommendation of the appropriate sect leader.
Esquire
This rank designates a member of Shadow who has completed all of the prerequisites to become a Dark Knight. Upon promotion to Esquire, the member is immediately granted their Knight's Quest, which is determined by their chosen sect. This rank is given at the recommendation of the appropriate sect leader, once that leader feels that the individual is ready for their test to become a Dark Knight. You may find more information on these tests here.
Dark Knight
Upon finishing the Knight's Quest, an Esquire is promoted to the rank of Dark Knight. At this time, the member is allowed for the first time to wear a uniform other than the standard issue "{wRank{x of the {wSect{x." The rank of Dark Knight is not given out lightly, and is a highly respected position within the ranks of the Shadow Knights.
Warder
Dark Knights of an exceptional caliber are granted a promotion to Warder, at which time they become involved in recruitment, as well as any leadership duties as assigned by the sect leader.
Elder
An elder is granted to those Warders who have sacrificed their lives to the Shadow Knights, the Prophecy, and Necrucifer. Generally, they have spent a great deal of time within the walls of Storm Keep, and are granted even more authority within their individuals sects.
Sect Leaders
The four sect leaders are each in charge of their own appropriate sect. There is the Field Marshall of the Legion, the High Templar of the Templar, the Master of the Crimson Rose, and the High Mystic of the Gray Robes.
Chancellor
The Chancellor is second in command of the clan.
Dark Lord
The Dark Lord is the leader of the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer.
Leaders from the time of Kayen
Field Marshall of the Legion: Harold Na'vor
Lord Templar of the Templar: Verias Wa
Master of the Crimson Rose: Nikolae Kayen
High Mystic of the Grey Robes: Gwendolyne Dulac
Chancellor : Sorcia Kayen
Dark Lord : Shay Kayen
The Cursing of Storm Keep
These are the words of one Mynnerva Drakemor, formerly an Esquire of the Rose of Storm Keep. I was able to purchase this piece for a hefty price from a tradesman in New Thalos. It speaks of the Cursing of Storm Keep, of a similar dilemma and timing to our Breaking of Gareth Keep.
The Quest
Storm Keep was cool after the heat of the day. As the night drew on,
many gathered in the Chamber of Rest to converse and rest from their labors.
Several were in the hallway, when suddenly the Godchild Malachive appeared.
His attitude of haste was infectious as he outlined his quest to those
present. He needed three items. The first two were a crystal from a Wraith
or Lich in the Spirit World, and the second, the blood of a dragon by the
name of Tiamat freely given. She was located in the Dragon Tower. The
third item would be revealed after the first two had been gathered. The
Godchild then said He would return shortly to pick up the items.
The Dark Lord, Hsai Wa, immediately formed two elite task forces to retrieve
the items. The Wraith or Lich wished to feed off the life forces of those
that attempted to battle it. By sacrificing themselves to it willingly,
they were able to obtain the crystal that it held fairly quickly. Lord
Templar Lerost Atennim, Field Marshal Eldyn Amaricus, High Mystic Ilusen
LaFortinas and several others from the Keep returned victoriously. But the
dragon was more difficult. On their way to the dragon's lair, Reklah Kayen,
then Captain of the Shadow Guard, began to hear whispers. The voice claimed
to be that of the Godchild Malachive, and stated that the one who had
appeared in the Keep was a decoy, an act of Devion. Although Reklah was
suspicious of a voice that only he could hear, he felt it required further
investigation. The dragon, upon hearing their request, immediately demanded
that they do some favors for her in return. She wished food for each of her
five heads. While the others members of his party were out hunting the
beasts she required, Reklah took the opportunity to question her. She
became guarded with her answers when asked about previous meetings with the
Godchild and soon said that she would not help them if Reklah did not leave.
This made Reklah suspect foul play even more. But the amount of time it had
taken was pushing them very close to the deadline the Godchild had given to
obtain the items.
Questioning the Godchild
On Reklah's return to the Keep, he discovered that others had also heard
voices and whispers telling them not to trust what they were seeing and
hearing. The officers met briefly and discussed the different happenings.
The consensus was that there was something fishy about the whole quest. The
possibility was put forth that perhaps Malachive was attempting to overthrow
the Master, and the items were to brew a spell for that purpose. In the
past, the Godchild had not always seen eye-to-eye with the Master, making
them somewhat skeptical of his intentions. There was also some doubt as to
whether it was truly the Godchild who had appeared to them in the Keep.
With all these thoughts running through their minds, they determined to act
cautiously.
When the Godchild reappeared in the hallway, His pleasure in the items being
gathered was short-lived. Dark Lord Hsai Wa began to question Malachive's
motives and His purpose for the items. The Godchild was angry and began to
voice His displeasure. He said they should shut up and do as they were
told. When they continued with the questioning, Malachive caused Hsai to
stab himself repeatedly in the abdomen with his own dagger. Jaerlach
Kesepton, warder of the Templar, attempted to hold Hsiu's arm back, but
Malachive continued to compel Hsiu to stab himself and gave him unnatural
strength. Then Reklah started to explain the reasons for the questions.
'There were doubts among the soldiers', he said. Infuriated, Malachive
caused unholy flames to engulf Reklah. Lerost succeeded in extinguishing
them, but not before Reklah was badly burned.
The Master
At this point, Lysana Antecote, a petitioner of the Keep began to pray
for the Master's guidance and direction in what she should do. Several
others followed her example, and after several moments, the Master of
Darkness appeared. He was extremely displeased. He told them that it was
not their place to question His Son. Even though badly wounded, Hsui
attempted to explain that they were simply following the code which taught
them to be skeptical of all, even His Son, so the Master's rule would always
remain supreme. This angered the Master even more. That part of the code,
He stated, was written by the hand of man and not by His Hand. He then told
them they were worthless to Him. By questioning His Son, they had
questioned Him. The punishment He decreed would begin in three days time,
and would involve Storm Keep being laid waste. The Master and His Son then
departed.
Reflection
Hsiu and Reklah were injured far to badly to continue their duties, so
the Lord Templar Lerost Atennim began to give orders. Chancellor Fritzgrad
Kayen, formerly known as Fritzgrad Holtzenbach, was in shock over the
incident. Lerost shook Fritzgrad by the shoulders and told him he was still
needed by the Keep. Fritzgrad then began to regain his composure. During
the meeting to decide what to do, Lerost prophesied that "Even in this time
of trial they must not forget the lessons of Eclipse Keep. That even at the
worst, when all is going to ruin around you, hope still remains once faith
stands firm." The meeting ended and Fritzgrad ordered all members of the
Keep to remain within the Altar of Darkness for the next two days to prepare
to meet their fate. The time was spent by all in prayer and discussions of
what must be done to appease the Master. A sense of shame for their actions
and the feeling of actively disgracing His Will permeated the room. During
this time, many members of the Keep tended Hsiu and Reklah's wounds, nursing
them back to health. Reklah was unconscious for a time, but when he awoke,
it was to find his powers were still intact.
Deathmeer's Visit
On the third day they were visited by the Abhorrent Deathmeer, General of
Necrucifer and Malachive. He informed them that Necrucifer had given them
to Malachive to do with as He wished, and in turn, Malachive had passed them
to Deathmeer. At this time, the cursing of Storm Keep was complete and all
who wished could enter, although few there were who dared to do so. While
Deathmeer was there, Mantaroth, a minotaur and Takt, a dwarf, came with
intent to mediate. They were both notable followers of the Darkness and had
dealt with Deathmeer before. Since they were in Malachive's favor, they
were quite arrogant in speaking with Deathmeer. This resulted in Takt being
placed in a magical slumber for the duration of the meeting, and Deathmeer
taunting Mantaroth, referring to him as Mantacow, before slaying him.
Deathmeer then instructed those of Storm Keep to go forth and slay in His
name, to bring the word of His fury to the world. Furthermore, he said,
this would help redeem them in the Master's eyes. The members of Storm Keep
were unleashed upon the world. Even in their weakened state, they sent many
souls of those who fight for the Light to the Master's Darkness. The riding
forth of Storm Keep's Knights was a terrible and glorious thing. With their
official enemies cowering in their holes, they turned their attention to
other clans. War was declared on all clans with the exception of their
brothers in Bloodlust. They killed anyone they came across. Deathmeer was
pleased by their efforts, and rewarded them with 'housing'. Eclipse Keep
was brought back partially restored from the past.
Eclipse Keep
To the Arkanian continent, east of Verminasia, is where the Shadow
Knights relocated their base of operations. Though the Knights now had a
place safe from other clan members where the roof did not leak, it had no
other redeeming features. The spring was dry, and no permanent healers
could be found to work there. There were no merchants that would set up
shops within the Keep and there were no working portals for transportation.
The bindstone did not change and the Knights would return north of New
Thalos and either swim the ocean or take the boat to return home. Needless
to say, the Keep as a whole became much better at swimming than before. Odd
happenings were periodically reported. Ghosts of servants would be seen on
occasion cleaning the Keep. One day, a hole appeared in the wall of the cot
room and hundreds of rats poured out. There were so many that one could not
see the floor. Jessabelle, a druid, cast a spell of fire to kill them. Not
only did it kill many rats, but it set the cots ablaze and drove the rest of
the rats back into the hole. Lysana peered into the hole and could smell
the scent of the sewers. After sealing the hole, Lysana made a trip into
the Verminasian sewers to see if she could find the source of the
infestation, but nothing that seemed to connect to Eclipse Keep was found
there. After this, rats were seen often in the Keep.
Change of Leadership
During this time of trial, Hsai determined that his decisions and failure
as a leader had been the cause of the curse on Storm Keep. His intolerance
of mistakes made by others applied to himself also, so he did not feel he
was fit to lead after that. Hsai attempted to transfer leadership to
Skardin Varze. Skardin had only recently returned to Storm Keep after a
lengthy retirement and although he had served as Dark Lord in the distant
past, many within Shadow did not feel him qualified to lead during the
current crisis. There was talk of mutiny and Lerost Atennim was nominated
to contest the position of Dark Lord. He was chosen partially because the
Council and members of the Keep knew him better than Skardin and also
because his actions during the initial cursing of the Keep and thereafter
had made a favorable impression upon many. However, with all the other
trials being heaped upon the Shadow Knights, the Council determined that a
mutiny would not be in Shadow's best interest at that time. Chancellor
Fritzgrad Kayen stepped in and mediated. Skardin relinquished the title of
Dark Lord to Fritzgrad and Lerost was made Chancellor. Lerost gave Lysana
the authority to call the Keep together for prayer at any time. She was
instrumental in establishing a routine of daily prayers in which all would
participate, as well as regular monthly sermons. In additon, specialized
tasks were assigned to many within the Keep designed to spread the Master's
Darkness throughout all of Algoron.
The Restoration of Storm Keep
After several years of painstaking obedience, prayers and slaying of
those who refused to honor the Master's Name, Lysana was granted the favor
of the Master. She ran to the Altar of Darkness and ordered all the Keep to
come pray with her. The Master appeared while they were praying, and held
them all in excruciating pain. He used His Darkness to envelop Lysana, and
told her that He was pleased with her efforts and that it was His Will that
she should lead Storm Keep in religious matters and further His Will. Then
He left and the pain lifted from their bodies.
The next day, a messenger delivered a letter to Lerost entitled 'a letter
from Malachive. ' Inside was written "Welcome back to your home, Shadow
Knights. In acknowledgment of your suffering, you may keep the Eclipse hall
as an out post ... For now."
signed - M
Shadow Keep had been restored.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lanival: Why We Fight.
Mon Dec 15 01:56:29 2008
To: all Shadow Verminasia Necrucifer Religion RP Imm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World at large,
There has been some question of late from outsiders regarding the nature of
my order. Normally, I would dismiss such curiosity as little more than an
annoyance. However, given the recent spread of some decidedly white
propaganda, I have been roused to pen this letter. Consider yourselves
fortunate.
Some presume that the Shadow Knight seeks death and destruction for their
own sake. This is false. Some presume that the Shadow Knight loves war,
and would relish a world rife with endless battle. This is false. Some
presume that the Shadow Knight will lie or cheat to gain an individual
advantage. This is false.
The Blessed Order of the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer seeks an end to chaos
and strife. Our ultimate desire is Order; our fighting days will be over
when a new world system is in place to ensure that every responsible subject
is fed, every last shilling is accounted for, and every last outlaw is put
down. Our faith dictates how this will be accomplished: we are certain that
only one deity has the strength of will to impose this system upon the
world.
Only through the power of Necrucifer can this dream be made reality.
We know that we, mere mortals, lack the fortitude to maintain such a system
even if we are successful in implementing it ourselves. Thus, we work to
unite the world under His dark banner, whether through negotiation or
conquest. Success in this venture is of supreme importance to our goal, for
only once that work is complete can His Coming happen; we must give unto
Necrucifer a world ready to extinguish chaos.
And that, citizens, is why we fight. Some may respond to this letter with
boastful taunts and pious guarantees of our failure, but we will care not.
Ours is a higher purpose--nay, the highest purpose. Nothing will distract
us from the task at hand, and we will sacrifice our very souls to succeed.
Power to Necrucifer.
Lanival Illithi
Chancellor of the Shadow Knights
Guardian of the Abyss
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lanival: The Early History of the Shadow Knights
Tue Oct 30 11:42:20 2007
To: Corwaen Piousiim Crelius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our story begins after the Purist War. Defeated by the sheer numbers of the nonpurist force, many survivors simply gave up on their ideals and retired to a less adventurous life. But the founders of our order, Shay and Ishamael, vowed to press onward. With the few remaining true believers, they wandered like nomads for many months, quietly collecting funds from those sympathetic to our cause. To outsiders, it looked as though our flame would soon be extinguished. But we knew better.
Money began pouring in from all corners of Algoron. Our defeat did nothing to diminish our stature around the world; indeed, it perhaps had the opposite effect. Common men and women romanticized our work even more than before. With our funds growing daily, a new home was our chief goal. The desolate sands south of New Thalos were chosen as the location, and soon shipments of black marble began to come in from across the world, thanks mainly to our allies in the Pirates. Wizards were hired to maintain cloaking spells on the construction, so that we might build our new home in peace.
Once the construction of Storm Keep was completed and blessings were placed upon the structure by a variety of holy men and women, we entered our mighty fortress for the very first time, and the Shadow Knights of Necrucifer as you know them today were formed. These were heady days; the mightiest followers of Necrucifer from all over the lands heeded the call to join His most holy and knightly order. On fire with faith in god, the first generation of Shadow Knights produced of number of great and dark heroes whose names should not be forgotten. Some are honored in our statuary, such as the Shay Kayen, Ishamael Rinji, Ihsan Madaur, and Shay's bride, Sorcia. But let us also never forget the contributions of men and women such as Harold Na'vor, Cragesh Torlang, Gwendolyne Dulac, Verias Wa, Lu'ther Kestyll, Seethe, and many others. I was honored to serve with each of them.
But not all was perfect in our earliest days. Less than a year after the completion of Storm Keep, the earth beneath the fortress began to shake violently, and all about the Keep a ghastly hiss could be heard repeating the word, "Leave." Dark Lord Shay Kayen ordered all Shadow Knights out of the Keep and onto the old trade road that ran south from New Thalos. Just as the last remaining Knights made their way from Storm, the sand around and under our castle began to rapidly sink into the Abyss. Storm Keep would soon be swallowed whole by the gaping maw of earth. As we looked on in horror, an invisible force took hold of Shay and dragged him down with Storm Keep into the nothingness. The hole filled with sand and was gone as quickly as it had come, but there were no traces of Storm Keep or of Shay Kayen. We were without a home once more.
Days passed without word from Shay or sign from above. When it became clear that neither were forthcoming any time soon, Ishamael Rinji accepted an offer of safe haven from Gaar Volen, known in those days as Malice. And such was our fate for quite some time: to live alongside those murderers and thieves. What we had done to anger God, we were uncertain. Months passed, and it seemed that we would lose Knights on a daily basis. Some believed our order was cursed. Others believed Necrucifer simply had no use for us. But the most zealous among us remained, and spent each day in quiet penance, beseeching the heavens above to give us a sign. Our prayers were ultimately answered, though in a rather unexpected way.
The gods of all pantheons, disgusted with mortal greed, destroyed all of the world's currency and many of the world's tangible possessions. A messenger of Necrucifer came unto us and said that Storm Keep had been financed with the most ill gotten of gains, and that our Lord Himself was offended by its very stature as a grand battle-temple to Him.
The most egregiously offending parties, the messenger said, were suffering quite appropriately, and would do so for All Eternity. We asked if Shay Kayen was among these hopeless souls. No, the messenger said. His sins against our Lord were of a different sort. Would he be returning to us, then? No, said the messenger with a grin. But as a reward to those of us who had stayed faithful to Him through these trials, Storm Keep would be restored. And then the messenger returned into the ethereal darkness from whence it came.
Still under the leadership of Ishamael Rinji, we returned to our fortress once more, again faced with the task of rebuilding our strength. The days were difficult; few wanted to join an organization so obsessed with order that had suffered through such a turbulent and brief history. But I remember vividly that there was one young Petitioner who came to us in those days who bore a spark in his soul that was evident to any who got to know him. The young man's name was Kylan Crown. As devout and determined as any Petitioner we had ever seen, Kylan rose through our ranks at a pace heretofore unseen. Mighty in battle and unshakeable in faith, Kylan gave us hope that our order would not die with the passing of the first generation. Give us a legion of Kylan Crowns, the older among us would muse, and we would conquer half of Algoron.
One fateful day, the gods issued forth a challenge to all of Algoron: a combat tournament would be held. Single participants only. The prize was unclear, but the chance for glory was enough to draw multitudes of combatants. I intended to be Storm Keep's representative in the tournament, so certain was I that I would be victorious, but as I was about to leave Storm to sign up, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Allow me to represent the
Shadow Knights, Sir Illithi," said the voice behind me. I turned to face Kylan Crown with the intent of brushing his request aside. But when I looked into his eyes, I saw the dark fires within his soul burn with an intensity the likes of which I had not seen before, nor have I seen it since. Truly, I could not stand in his way.
My decision proved to be a wise one. With the determination of a man possessed, Kylan Crown defeated all comers, dwarves and elves, Armadans and Marauders. When Kylan had dispatched his final opponent, a loud thunderclap could be heard in the distance. All spectators looked towards the heavens in amazement, and a dark, booming voice could be heard. Your faith is true. Return, Shay Kayen. There is much to do. When the crowd looked back into the arena battlefield, Kylan Crown was gone. Standing in his place was the founder of the Shadow Knights himself, Shay Kayen.
Restored to his own body, Shay explained to us that God was angry with him for putting his love for his wife, Sorcia, ahead of the well-being of the Shadow Knights, and his trials as Kylan Crown were his penance. Had he not proven his dedication to the Prophecy once more, he would have been doomed to walk the lands as Kylan Crown for the rest of his mortal life, and would then suffer in the next. Shay had succeeded in proving himself, however, and naturally nearly all of us rejoiced at Shay's return. Ishamael was happy to hand the reigns of our order back to his old friend, and we believed we were on the path to righteousness once more. But this sentiment was not quite unanimous.
The first (and to that point, only) Master of the Crimson Rose, Prospal Jhanan, did not believe that Shay could change. Prospal feared that in an hour of critical need, Shay would once more place his wife ahead of his knights. He voiced his concerns to Shay and to the other sect leaders, but Prospal found himself alone. Disagreement soon gave way to outright rebellion. Prospal now intended to slay Shay and take control of the Shadow Knights himself. When we caught wind of his plan, we chased him out of Storm Keep. He escaped our grasp, but a manhunt was underway. It was at this time that I, Lanival Illithi, was made our order's second Master of the Crimson Rose. Prospal proved quite elusive. A simple seek and destroy mission would not do the trick against such a wily foe. Knowing this, I crafted a plan to ensnare him.
Shay sent word to all corners of Algoron that Prospal would be given a chance to voice his concerns to the collected body of Shadow Knights at Storm Keep in one week's time. No such opportunity truly existed, of course. We had hoped that his hubris would drive him to attend, thus making his capture quite easy. Our calculations were correct, and sure enough, we were able to apprehend the traitor and hold him captive. Shay intended to publicly try, convict, and execute him, and place his head on a pike that would stand at the entrance of Storm Keep for all time. On the day of the trial, the slippery Prospal escaped once more. To this day, I am uncertain what happened to him. I have heard that, years later, Prospal sought Shay's forgiveness, and that Shay, in his munificence, granted it. But this would be the last true internal conflict Storm Keep would face for many years.
Many relatively uneventful years would pass, though we must not forget the knights who made names for themselves during this era, among them Skardin Varze, Nikolae Kayen, Hsiu Wa, Jurann of Desormes, and others. This era of stability also featured the coming of that most pious of priests, Isadore Schwartz, to Storm Keep. I am honored to say that I served as Chancellor during the reign of Isadore as Dark Lord. This was a time of great faith within the keep, as we were honored to hold Necrucifer's two highest-ranked priests, Abbott (later High Priest) Isadore and Bishop Seethe, within our walls. The tenure of Isadore, the Voice of Necrucifer, as Dark Lord was not long, but it left a lasting impact. To this day, Isadore's policy of requiring a sacrifice of all of one's earthly possessions upon joining the Shadow Knights lives on. But it would be Isadore's final decision as Dark Lord that would lead to the next period of instability within the Keep.
Rather than choose a successor, Isadore appointed a Council of Three to pick who would lead our order next. The three men chosen to comprise this council were Falidor of Gyrax, Jurann of Desormes, and myself. The council's first vote saw each man vote for himself. The second vote saw Falidor change his vote to Lanival, and I was appointed Dark Lord, much to the consternation of Jurann. Jurann quickly moved to challenge my leadership through the old rules of mutiny, though I will not discuss his motives here. Rather than fight him, I chose to depart Storm Keep, and this is where my knowledge of the history of our order ends.