The banqueting hall of Baron Rosarch is
buzzing with activity. Groups of adventurers arrive at
regular intervals, some seemingly fresh from the dungeons
with bloodstains and rents in their clothing, others clearly
having taken time to clean themselves up to look their best
for this occasion. All are greeted by liveried servants and
offered refreshments and places are indicated around the
massive table which dominates the room. When all are seated
an elderly butler with a voice that seems to fill the room
with almost magical ease announces "My Lords, Ladies and
Gentlemen, pray silence for her Ladyship Miranda
Hardcastle."
At the head of the table a small, middle
aged woman rises to address the gathering. She has clearly
made sure she is at her best for the meeting. Her black hair
is bound up in a silver tiara and she is wearing a long,
spotless, black velvet cape. While once she may have been
able to match any of the court beauties age and perhaps
experience have left their mark and now, much to her
disgust, she is commonly referred to as "handsome." There is
no mistaking however the force of her personality nor the
intensity of her gaze as her eyes sweep around the room. "My friends I will not speak for long
for we all have important roles to perform and I wish to
allow you all a chance to make yourselves known to the rest
of our guild. Let me just say that we are all here for one
simple reason, to declare our unstinting support for our
King. Let us never forget while we fight monsters in the
dungeons that we must answer to the needs of the Crown
whatever they may be." She pauses and scans the faces of all
those seated at the table as if seeking some reflection of
her sentiments. "For those of you who do not know me I am
Lady Miranda, daughter of the Baron Hardcastle of
Frost Ward and an Enchantress. "It is over a year now since I left the
safety of the Court to adventure and I and my companions
have penetrated deep into the Icehaunt Catacombs. I saw much
bravery in the dungeon and met many who were there, as I
was, for love of their King and country rather than personal
gain. I therefore sought and obtained the permission of
Baron Rosarch, former head of this guild to recruit and
reform the Royal Guild of Adventurers. I am pleased to be
able to be here today presiding over such a noble gathering
and able to confirm the Royal seal of approval for our guild
which traces its roots back to the reign of King Edwin I of
Bereny." With great solemnity she places upon the table in
front of her a large document bearing the Royal Seal. She
pauses barely able, it seems, to continue before muttering
quietly "your Grace" and sitting down abruptly.
A figure familiar to all at Court rises
to his feet. The King's cousin Duke Abner Reinhart
dominates the meeting with ease, his hawk like gaze
unsettling all on whom it rests. "My Wife, the Duchess
Jessica, and I are pleased to see so many loyal subjects of
the King gathered here. I wish you all well and am happy to
count myself as one of your number. All those who love their
King as I do will do well, but remember this is a time for
action not empty words." Lord Shao Lei, a balding goateed
man in the grab of a monk arises: "I was born the second son
of the old and noble Sivad family, a name that will forever
live in the annals of the kingdom. As a youth I became
disenchanted with the material world. I forswore my
birthright and name and joined the brotherhood. However,
with the newly discovered threat to the kingdom, my blood
doth begin to boil. I have re-examined my earlier motives
and have decided that I was honor bound by my family name to
help the King. At heart, no matter the name, I remained a
true son of the House of Sivad. My sword and heart are at
the Crown's call."
A hush falls on the hall as
Elladrial, an Elven Warrior maiden, stands to address
the company. Standing with the spring sunlight illuminating
her golden hair she looks like a statue of Bethseline
herself. More than a few male hearts are set racing and
barely concealed frowns of jealousy cross many female faces,
not least that of Lady Miranda. As Elladrial speaks her
voice is soft and yet tinged by such an air of sadness that
all who hear cannot help but shed a tear. "I have most
recently learned of my lifemate's slaying at the hands of
the infernal Jenna. The good King stands as our best hope
against these foul and hideous creatures. HE is my best hope
for revenge!" She sits gracefully and an almost audible sigh
runs round the hall. Duke Abner pats his wife's hand
reassuringly and Lady Miranda absentmindedly pulls a greying
hair from her head and scowls momentarily.
Brother Scootario arises, a plain
ordinary looking man save for the words Death or Glory
emblazoned on his robe and rather bizarrely for a priest he
appears to have letters tattooed on his knuckles. "I have
dedicated my life to the Gods. They have recognised King
Mark as our lawful ruler. Whether healing friends or slaying
foes I pledge my life and soul to the Crown. 'Nuff said."
Lord Titus Groan rises to his
feet,. Standing with the easy confidence of a born warrior
he introduces his considerable retinue of followers, all
proudly wearing the Crown Brooch of the guild. The compact
group of warriors, monk, priests enchanters and the sole
rogue in attendance look like an effective and tight knit
adventuring group. Introductions over he draw's himself up
to this full height and placing his hand over his heart
swears, "I hereby pledge allegiance to the Royal Guild of
Adventurers, and swear an oath of loyalty to the King on
behalf of myself and my small but determined group of
followers. We will strive to drive back the monsters from
the dungeons and uphold the King's law whenever necessary.
In particular we seek to find and eliminate any Hordelings
or Jenna that threaten the security of Bereny from The Mines
of Miasma and would welcome the help of others in doing
this. Long last the Royal Guild of Adventurers! Long live
the King."
A wizened old man, his skin aged and
parched by the sun until it looks like old leather raises
his head from contemplation of some strange gem he holds and
speaks. "I am Asra Kahn, priest, explorer, scholar
and now confessor to the Lady Miranda. We do not have time
here to speak of my youth but I came back from the far
continent with the Baron Hardcastle's famous expedition. I
know at first hand the pearl without price Bereny has in the
King and I will end my days in his loyal service."
"I am Baron Axomin, I Lead the
Barony of Visnic scouting party in Red Mountain Keep." A
white robed enchanter snaps out his introduction with the
authority of one long used to command and not prone to long
or flowery speeches!
Talia D'Arelon is a striking
warrior maiden, her armour marked by numerous encounters in
the dungeons. She stands forward and speaks; "I have come to
pledge myself to the Royal Guild of Adventurers. I bring
with me Brother Aurelius, an upstanding priest, and no mean
warrior himself. My short companion is K'Zukrah, a dwarven
berserker, short in stature yet stout of heart! Together we
have fought bandits, goblins, spiders and orcs. Together we
pledge to fight the enemies of King Mark, Gods bless him!
Words are cheap, we return now to fight the good fight!"
Lord Anton Drax stands "The
origin of my name is of petty little import in these
tumultuous times. Know you all that I am a loyal Royalist,
and would shout it from the highest mountain. True, it is no
secret that I sponsor an expedition into my...er, the old
Drax area - but so does our King. Long life to Him that
Rules!"
The atmosphere in the room seems to grow
perceptibly colder, Lady Miranda motions to the servant
standing by her chair and whispers some message in his ear,
Duchess Jessica lays a restraining hand upon her husband's
arm and several members seem about to speak. The atmosphere
is broken by Lord Dominic DiAngelo who swaggers to
his feet and with a flourish of his feathered hat addresses
the gathering. "Greetings, all, fine peoples! Those of
import among you know who I am, and, what I do,". He pauses
to twirl his magnificent moustache. "After all, I bought my
title with YOUR gold! <Bwahahaha!> But, for the other
new faces," he bows extravagantly, his eyes somehow seeming
to individually meet those of every lady in the room, "I am
Dominic DiAngelo - fighter, adventurer, lover - an
extraordinary man! "
Lady Miranda utters what can only be
described as a girlish giggle while many of the assembled
Lords look on bemused. A flurry of whispers around the table
is stilled only when a plainly dressed and unassuming man
rises to his feet. "I thank you Noble Lords and Ladies, for
allowing me to attend. Though I, Maginot, am of common
birth, I feel that these are tremendous times we live in,
and my fondest desire is to join your fine guild, to be a
part of what is best, and aspire to the greatness found here
amongst you all. I have taken up enough of your valuable
time, noble Lords and Ladies, but know that I am most
sincere and determined, and pray you find me worthy to
reach, to prove my heart's grasp."
Upon being introduced, Lord
Farqham stands up from within the shadows where he was
seated and approaches the open light of the banqueting
table. A sudden quietness occurs as the gathered members
look upon what at first glance appears to be the great King,
Mark Tredach himself! But as shocked eyes and minds adjust
themselves, differences can be seen. This man has a younger,
more boyish, rosy-cheeked visage - and he is shorter, more
heavyset than the King. A hauntingly familiar voice cuts
into the prolonged silence as Lord Farqham begins to
speak: "Lords, Ladies, fellow Guild Members: I
can tell by your faces what you are thinking. Yes, it is
true, the King's blood does run through my veins, but let me
assure you, I am but a distant cousin to his Highness,
sharing little but the Tredach name and the petty title of
Lord that comes with it. But let not my appearance detract
from why we are gathered here today. Rather let it serve as
a reminder - WE SERVE THE KING! Being of the Tredach line I
was brought up and nurtured on Clan Tredach history. One
story told without number to me was the story of First King
Lionel, and how Great Selador Himself told Lionel in a dream
that 'if the line of Tredach should ever be deposed, the
times of Thunder would come again'. Every time I look in a
mirror, I am reminded of this story. "I do not want to see
the times of Thunder. I do NOT want to die, knowing that the
LINE OF TREDACH was deposed, and I did NOTHING to prevent
that from happening! No sirs, I will FIGHT to keep my king
alive, or I will DIE trying!" He becomes so emotional that
the fire sprite sitting in his palm suddenly yelps and fire
spurts towards the ceiling. Choked up, unable to continue,
Lord Farqham sits woodenly back down in his chair.
As the startled exclamations brought on
by this performance die away Lady Miranda rises once more to
address the meeting. "Thank you all for making the effort to
mark this historic occasion. Shortly we will hold a meeting
of the Founder's Council to finalise arrangements for the
administration of the guild. Before we do, however, let us
all declare our intent in the Oath of Loyalty and the Royal
toast."
The hall resounds with echoes as with one voice all declare:
"I swear everlasting and unconditional allegiance
to King Mark, his heirs and successors. To him I offer my
life to protect his life and all that I have in his
service for the protection of Bereny." And finally "My
Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, a toast - King Mark of
Bereny."
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kingdoms, recover hidden treasures, conquer
horrific monsters -- there are virtually no limits
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An open-ended computer-moderated adventuring
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possible!
The banqueting hall of Baron Rosarch is
buzzing with activity. Groups of adventurers arrive at
regular intervals, some seemingly fresh from the dungeons
with bloodstains and rents in their clothing, others clearly
having taken time to clean themselves up to look their best
for this occasion. All are greeted by liveried servants and
offered refreshments and places are indicated around the
massive table which dominates the room. When all are seated
an elderly butler with a voice that seems to fill the room
with almost magical ease announces "My Lords, Ladies and
Gentlemen, pray silence for her Ladyship Miranda
Hardcastle."
At the head of the table a small, middle
aged woman rises to address the gathering. She has clearly
made sure she is at her best for the meeting. Her black hair
is bound up in a silver tiara and she is wearing a long,
spotless, black velvet cape. While once she may have been
able to match any of the court beauties age and perhaps
experience have left their mark and now, much to her
disgust, she is commonly referred to as "handsome." There is
no mistaking however the force of her personality nor the
intensity of her gaze as her eyes sweep around the room.
"My friends I will not speak for long
for we all have important roles to perform and I wish to
allow you all a chance to make yourselves known to the rest
of our guild. Let me just say that we are all here for one
simple reason, to declare our unstinting support for our
King. Let us never forget while we fight monsters in the
dungeons that we must answer to the needs of the Crown
whatever they may be."
She pauses and scans the faces of all
those seated at the table as if seeking some reflection of
her sentiments. "For those of you who do not know me I am
Lady Miranda, daughter of the Baron Hardcastle of
Frost Ward and an Enchantress.
"It is over a year now since I left the
safety of the Court to adventure and I and my companions
have penetrated deep into the Icehaunt Catacombs. I saw much
bravery in the dungeon and met many who were there, as I
was, for love of their King and country rather than personal
gain. I therefore sought and obtained the permission of
Baron Rosarch, former head of this guild to recruit and
reform the Royal Guild of Adventurers. I am pleased to be
able to be here today presiding over such a noble gathering
and able to confirm the Royal seal of approval for our guild
which traces its roots back to the reign of King Edwin I of
Bereny." With great solemnity she places upon the table in
front of her a large document bearing the Royal Seal. She
pauses barely able, it seems, to continue before muttering
quietly "your Grace" and sitting down abruptly.
A figure familiar to all at Court rises
to his feet. The King's cousin Duke Abner Reinhart
dominates the meeting with ease, his hawk like gaze
unsettling all on whom it rests. "My Wife, the Duchess
Jessica, and I are pleased to see so many loyal subjects of
the King gathered here. I wish you all well and am happy to
count myself as one of your number. All those who love their
King as I do will do well, but remember this is a time for
action not empty words."
Lord Shao Lei, a balding goateed
man in the grab of a monk arises: "I was born the second son
of the old and noble Sivad family, a name that will forever
live in the annals of the kingdom. As a youth I became
disenchanted with the material world. I forswore my
birthright and name and joined the brotherhood. However,
with the newly discovered threat to the kingdom, my blood
doth begin to boil. I have re-examined my earlier motives
and have decided that I was honor bound by my family name to
help the King. At heart, no matter the name, I remained a
true son of the House of Sivad. My sword and heart are at
the Crown's call."
A hush falls on the hall as
Elladrial, an Elven Warrior maiden, stands to address
the company. Standing with the spring sunlight illuminating
her golden hair she looks like a statue of Bethseline
herself. More than a few male hearts are set racing and
barely concealed frowns of jealousy cross many female faces,
not least that of Lady Miranda. As Elladrial speaks her
voice is soft and yet tinged by such an air of sadness that
all who hear cannot help but shed a tear. "I have most
recently learned of my lifemate's slaying at the hands of
the infernal Jenna. The good King stands as our best hope
against these foul and hideous creatures. HE is my best hope
for revenge!" She sits gracefully and an almost audible sigh
runs round the hall. Duke Abner pats his wife's hand
reassuringly and Lady Miranda absentmindedly pulls a greying
hair from her head and scowls momentarily.
Brother Scootario arises, a plain
ordinary looking man save for the words Death or Glory
emblazoned on his robe and rather bizarrely for a priest he
appears to have letters tattooed on his knuckles. "I have
dedicated my life to the Gods. They have recognised King
Mark as our lawful ruler. Whether healing friends or slaying
foes I pledge my life and soul to the Crown. 'Nuff said."
Lord Titus Groan rises to his
feet,. Standing with the easy confidence of a born warrior
he introduces his considerable retinue of followers, all
proudly wearing the Crown Brooch of the guild. The compact
group of warriors, monk, priests enchanters and the sole
rogue in attendance look like an effective and tight knit
adventuring group. Introductions over he draw's himself up
to this full height and placing his hand over his heart
swears, "I hereby pledge allegiance to the Royal Guild of
Adventurers, and swear an oath of loyalty to the King on
behalf of myself and my small but determined group of
followers. We will strive to drive back the monsters from
the dungeons and uphold the King's law whenever necessary.
In particular we seek to find and eliminate any Hordelings
or Jenna that threaten the security of Bereny from The Mines
of Miasma and would welcome the help of others in doing
this. Long last the Royal Guild of Adventurers! Long live
the King."
A wizened old man, his skin aged and
parched by the sun until it looks like old leather raises
his head from contemplation of some strange gem he holds and
speaks. "I am Asra Kahn, priest, explorer, scholar
and now confessor to the Lady Miranda. We do not have time
here to speak of my youth but I came back from the far
continent with the Baron Hardcastle's famous expedition. I
know at first hand the pearl without price Bereny has in the
King and I will end my days in his loyal service."
"I am Baron Axomin, I Lead the
Barony of Visnic scouting party in Red Mountain Keep." A
white robed enchanter snaps out his introduction with the
authority of one long used to command and not prone to long
or flowery speeches!
Talia D'Arelon is a striking
warrior maiden, her armour marked by numerous encounters in
the dungeons. She stands forward and speaks; "I have come to
pledge myself to the Royal Guild of Adventurers. I bring
with me Brother Aurelius, an upstanding priest, and no mean
warrior himself. My short companion is K'Zukrah, a dwarven
berserker, short in stature yet stout of heart! Together we
have fought bandits, goblins, spiders and orcs. Together we
pledge to fight the enemies of King Mark, Gods bless him!
Words are cheap, we return now to fight the good fight!"
Lord Anton Drax stands "The
origin of my name is of petty little import in these
tumultuous times. Know you all that I am a loyal Royalist,
and would shout it from the highest mountain. True, it is no
secret that I sponsor an expedition into my...er, the old
Drax area - but so does our King. Long life to Him that
Rules!"
The atmosphere in the room seems to grow
perceptibly colder, Lady Miranda motions to the servant
standing by her chair and whispers some message in his ear,
Duchess Jessica lays a restraining hand upon her husband's
arm and several members seem about to speak. The atmosphere
is broken by Lord Dominic DiAngelo who swaggers to
his feet and with a flourish of his feathered hat addresses
the gathering.
"Greetings, all, fine peoples! Those of
import among you know who I am, and, what I do,". He pauses
to twirl his magnificent moustache. "After all, I bought my
title with YOUR gold! <Bwahahaha!> But, for the other
new faces," he bows extravagantly, his eyes somehow seeming
to individually meet those of every lady in the room, "I am
Dominic DiAngelo - fighter, adventurer, lover - an
extraordinary man! "
Lady Miranda utters what can only be
described as a girlish giggle while many of the assembled
Lords look on bemused. A flurry of whispers around the table
is stilled only when a plainly dressed and unassuming man
rises to his feet.
"I thank you Noble Lords and Ladies, for
allowing me to attend. Though I, Maginot, am of common
birth, I feel that these are tremendous times we live in,
and my fondest desire is to join your fine guild, to be a
part of what is best, and aspire to the greatness found here
amongst you all. I have taken up enough of your valuable
time, noble Lords and Ladies, but know that I am most
sincere and determined, and pray you find me worthy to
reach, to prove my heart's grasp."
Upon being introduced, Lord
Farqham stands up from within the shadows where he was
seated and approaches the open light of the banqueting
table. A sudden quietness occurs as the gathered members
look upon what at first glance appears to be the great King,
Mark Tredach himself! But as shocked eyes and minds adjust
themselves, differences can be seen. This man has a younger,
more boyish, rosy-cheeked visage - and he is shorter, more
heavyset than the King. A hauntingly familiar voice cuts
into the prolonged silence as Lord Farqham begins to
speak:
"Lords, Ladies, fellow Guild Members: I
can tell by your faces what you are thinking. Yes, it is
true, the King's blood does run through my veins, but let me
assure you, I am but a distant cousin to his Highness,
sharing little but the Tredach name and the petty title of
Lord that comes with it. But let not my appearance detract
from why we are gathered here today. Rather let it serve as
a reminder - WE SERVE THE KING! Being of the Tredach line I
was brought up and nurtured on Clan Tredach history. One
story told without number to me was the story of First King
Lionel, and how Great Selador Himself told Lionel in a dream
that 'if the line of Tredach should ever be deposed, the
times of Thunder would come again'. Every time I look in a
mirror, I am reminded of this story. "I do not want to see
the times of Thunder. I do NOT want to die, knowing that the
LINE OF TREDACH was deposed, and I did NOTHING to prevent
that from happening! No sirs, I will FIGHT to keep my king
alive, or I will DIE trying!" He becomes so emotional that
the fire sprite sitting in his palm suddenly yelps and fire
spurts towards the ceiling. Choked up, unable to continue,
Lord Farqham sits woodenly back down in his chair.
As the startled exclamations brought on
by this performance die away Lady Miranda rises once more to
address the meeting. "Thank you all for making the effort to
mark this historic occasion. Shortly we will hold a meeting
of the Founder's Council to finalise arrangements for the
administration of the guild. Before we do, however, let us
all declare our intent in the Oath of Loyalty and the Royal
toast."
