Before you stands the Tower of the High Clerist. This is one of the most hallowed places in all of Ansalon as it is here that the Order of the Sword is headquartered but also where almost 25 years ago, Sturm Brightblade, of the Order of the Crown, gave his life to keep the Dragonarmies of the Dark Lady from breaking through and capturing the City of Palanathas. He is buried in the crypt below and according to legend is incorrupt.
The fortress has a one hundred foot tall, eight-sided wall around it with towers at each of the meeting points of these walls. There is one gate on each one of these walls that are made of ironwood, banded with steel, and strengthened by magic, and from those gates it leads you into the courtyard surrounding the actual tower. The five gates that face the Plains of Solamnia were part of the old dragontraps, but are no longer operational.
Today there are knights milling around as throngs of people of all races head to the Tower of the High Clerist. Priests of the gods of Good are present as are the kender that are often seen in their wonderlust. As you approach the gate you are stopped by a young Knight of the Crown. "Name and purpose please" he states.
Urgosh and I came on a pilgrimage.
Really? A minotaur coming on pilgrimage to the Tower of the High Clerist? I am sorry but we do not allow your kind in these hallowed halls. responds the knight.
yes really. By the way do you remember by any chance who huma was?
Huma Dragonbane? Of course I do. He is an iconic figure for the Knights of Solamnia and it is he who put the Dark Queen to flight. I know his story very well.
Perfect, then did huma and his companions came here to the High Clerist tower?
Huma and his companions did come to the High Clerist's Tower, but what does that have to do with a minotaur?
Tired, frustrated, and discouraged. Those were the words that would best describe Chaucer Tarsi's mood that morning. Replaying the events of the last week remind him why. He had entered a tournament in Northern Solmonia, hoping to impress one of the handful of Knights who were there looking for squires. He had done well, even won the jousting event, and still he heard the same excuses. "You are too old" or "I already had my eye on another," or those who just chose to be honest, "I am not in the mood to sponsor a peasant." The honesty helped, but after a year of the same responses from the Knights in the provinces of Solamnia, he had had enough. So he resolved after that tournament to doing something rash, like interrupting a council meeting of a ruler of the order of the Crown something. He wasn't sure what he would do, but the time for subtlety was passed, and he knew, if he was ever to become a knight as he had always dreamed, he would have to take matters into his own hands.
That desire is what had guided him here. The Tower of the High Clerist, maybe the most impressive of all the historic sights related to the Knight's of Solamnia. He had spent the last year visiting sites of historic battles and of importance to the Knighthood, in between stops at keeps and outposts looking for a sponsor. For some reason though, he had avoided the Tower. He didn't know why, maybe he was just saving the most sacred of landmarks for last, or maybe it was that feeling deep in his gut that a visit here would cause him to be changed forever. He wasn't exactly sure, but ever since he had caught sight of the massive tower and the walls that blocked the Westgate pass and had protected Palanthas for generations, his mood was transformed. In his mind's eye, he saw the battles that had taken place there that he had studied. He saw armies assaulting the walls, he saw siege equipment dotting the plains before the Tower's outer defenses, but more than anything, he saw, over and over again, the dragon land on the wall, the legendary hero Sturm Brightblade stand alone against the dragonfear, against the Highlord who rode it, and whose actions bought his companions enough time to defeat the evil that was threatening to engulf the world just a few decades ago. He knew, he was riding on sacred soil.
By the time he got to the gate, it was already packed with travelers. An odd sight met his eyes, as Chaucer noticed a… By axe and anvil, what is that thing? I have heard of beasts that go about on two legs with horns, but I never thought a minotaur looked like that… Could it be…? He knew that the closer he got to Palanthas, the more likely he was to encounter odd sights, as well as new races, but to see a minotaur at the gates of the Tower of the High Clerist was unexpected to be sure. By the time he got to the guard, his poise had, thankfully, returned.
"My name is Chaucer Tarsi, I come from Northpoint and I am here to pay homage to the sight and memory of Sturm Brightblade, along with the thousands of other knights who have defended and given their lives to protect this hallowed place." He paused and then looked at the Knight who stood before him and added in almost as an afterthought, "I am also hoping to become a Knight of Solamnia and am looking for a sponsor, you don't happen to be looking do you?"
Chaucer Tarsi of Northpoint writing in the ledger before him. As I am a newly named knight of the Crown, I am sorry, but I am not looking for a squire at this time. You may want to talk to some of the older knights if you can make an appointment with them
Would you mind since it appears that for now i won't be getting inside to tell me what huma and is companions did here in the High Clerist's Tower, i actually do not know that story. And after that would it be possible for you to tell me who his companions were?
What business does a minotaur have at the Tower of the High Clerist?
Business ? none really i just came to see some of the things that Kaz the Minotaur Companion of Huma saw. Its kinds of a pilgrimage.
Who? Kaz the Minotaur? What are you talking about minotaur?
Chaucer please make a perception check.
Chaucer and Urgosh please make a perception check.
You might want to make sure that you are posting as Chaucer.
"Newly named you say, well congratulations." Chaucer exclaims as he extends his hand to congratulate the Knight. "Mind if I ask your name and when you were accepted into the Order? You never know, maybe I will be telling my kids someday of the day I met a legendary knight at the High Clerist's Tower."
While Chaucer was congratulating this new knight, he couldn't help but overhear the conversation taking place not too far from him, between another knight checking in visitors and the minotaur. Chaucer, even while waiting for the Knight to accept his congratulations, was racking his brain for any information or stories he could remember about Kaz the Minotaur.
Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Yes indeed that is exactly who i meant. So there you have it. My kind had been admitted on these grounds before and yes while i do realise i am no Kaz i am here on no other business as you say as then a pilgrimage to some of the locations that he visited and traveled too while he was alive. he replies while a smile and joyous tone.
There is nothing official of ANY minotaur having anything to do with Huma Dragonbane. To think he consorted with wizards much less a minotaur, what wonderful legends. However, I see no reason why you cannot come and look, as long as your weapons are peacebonded
To Chaucer
My name is Gerrik Uth Malik. I am originally from Palanthus and am a Knight of the Crown. It is good to know who you are, Chaucer Tarsi
Really nothing official you are sure ? he replies with a heartfelt laugh
Kaz was the one who became a valuable ally to the Knights of Solamnia- giving them details of the Dark Queen's armies and their tactics. Kaz even became a loyal friend to Huma, risking his own life for him more than once, and with Magius, the greatest wizard who ever lived they defeated Takhisis and forced her out of the world.
handing his greatsword i understand
Perhaps that is the propaganda that you have been told but there is nothing in our history about a minotaur aiding the Dragonbane
that is a surprise, while i am at it are there any rules one must follow while inside the tower?
"It is an honor to meet you Garrik Uth Malik. May Paladine himself shine on your face and bless the roads your feet walk. I don't want to keep you from your duties any longer, but if I see you while I am in the area, I would gladly buy you a drink and talk further." Chaucer gives the man a final salute, adjusts his lance across his lap, and directed Juliette through one of the massive gates in the outer wall. As he passed under the massive portal, the curious thoughts about the minotaur, the disappointment from the past week, it was all gone, and all that filled his mind was a picture of himself, in full battle armor, riding in formation, returning victorious with hundreds of other Knights from battle. As the image flashed in his mind, Chaucer immediately acted out the part, sitting up straighter, slipping his shield on his arm and raising it to his chest, and to complete the image, he moved the lance that had laid across his lap into proper parade placement high in the air .
Marching humbly in the row of the pilgrims, Torald approaches the Gate. He waits until he reaches one of the knights.
Torald Othric of Griffonstone. I'm on my pilgrimage to the tower of the High Clerist after being knighted.
Greetings Brother Knight, where did you receive your training? It is always a pleasure for to have knights come to this Tower. I myself was recently knighted and was knighted so in these allowed grounds says Garrik.
As the top of the High Clerist tower finally came into view over the mountain pass, the young Mage reflected on the past year. Graduation from the University of Palanthas was a significant accomplishment for an elf of his House. Not to mention the luck of meeting and befriending the red robed wizard, Justarius. After the horror of his childhood in Silvanesti, he finally felt like things may change for the better. I wonder where the losers are now who said I would never amount to anything. Probably doing some form of menial labor. The memories of his childhood were still painful. He had never fit in with "his kind". The emotional scars were one of the main things that helped him get through the tough four years of school in Palanthas. But...all that was in the past now. He knew things were changing. He looked forward to the new start. Different time...different place Faelyn.
He had traveled the past few days with a pilgrims' caravan. The trip was mundane. The only thing that really caught his eye was a Knight of Solamnia that traveled with the group. Faelyn had been commissioned by the Aesthetics to deliver a set of scrolls that had been on display in The Great Library of Palanthas back to the Knight of Solamnia in the High Clerist Tower. After delivering the scrolls, he would have nothing but time on his hands.
Name and purpose please!
Faelyn followed the line of pilgrims to the gate. Greetings...I am Faelyn Sindrel. I have been sent from Palanthas to return scrolls. Here are my papers. The young, elven Mage bows slightly to the knight and then hands him his papers.
Greetings Master Elf, please take the scrolls to the library.
Pereception check.
Thank you sir. Faelyn folds his papers and places them in his back pack. He takes a step forward to allow the next pilgrim in line the opportunity to converse with the knight and looks around.
Those of you who rolled higher than a 10, see, off to the side and a little ahead of you, a young man, who is finely dressed, looking back at you. It looks like he wants to say something but then doesn't. You notice this a few times. The young man is very handsome and his clothing is of excellent make.
Faelyn speeds up a bit to come up behind the man. Well met. Do I know you sir?
The young man responds in a heavily Solamnic accent, I doubt it but you never know. with an easy smile.
|
Aminah Mikku, noble of the Mikku tribe and cleric of the holy Paladine had traveled far from the lands of Khur to arrive at the Tower of the High Clerist tower. Such a journey had not been taken by someone of the Khur lands before. Indeed, if it was her choice she would have remained among her people teaching the will of Paladine. But in her dreams she saw a vision of a tower and heard the voice of her god beckoning her to take a pilgrimage to one of the Holiest sites in all of Anasalon.
She traveled for months across the continent, crossing mountains and water and travelling through dangerous lands to arrive at the tower that appeared in her dreams. The land she arrived in was foreign to her. It was beautiful green and fertile while her land was a vast and unforgiving desert. But she had little time to marvel in the ways of Solamnia before completing her journey to the tower.
As for Aminah Mikku, she is a 5'8 woman with brown skin, black hair and brown eyes and bearing some tribal tattoos of her people. She dresses in Khurish clothing that seems out of sorts compared to the styles of the land she is in (Think Arabic clothing). She wears chainshirt armor, carries a shield with the Triangle Symbol of Paladine and wears a medallion of faith she wears proudly and openly bearing the same symbol.
She gives a respectful bow to the guard and says in common, "Greetings oh guardian of the High Clerist tower. I am Aminah of the Mikku tribe, holy priestess of the divine Paladine. I have traveled long and far from my homeland of Khur to take part in a Pilgrimage to this most holy tower. May I as a devoted priestess of the Draco Paladin gain entry to this place blessed by the Gods?"
Looking at the symbol of Paladine, the knight respondes
Greetings Aminah of the Mikku, please enter.
The young man responds in a heavily Solamnic accent, I doubt it but you never know. with an easy smile.
You appeared to be ready to ask me something earlier. Are you here on business? The elf knew better than to ask personal questions to strangers, but the man had peaked his interest.
|
|
She gives a respectful nod to the guard and says, "I thank you for your hospitality. Could you please tell me where the cathedral is in the tower? It is the first time I have come here and I do not know the layout of this structure. As my first task I must pay homage to the holy Paladine in a place of worship."
@ Faelyn, In a matter of speaking, I am he says with a glint in his eyes.
2 Aminah It would be my pleasure to offer you an escort to the Chamber of Paladine.
perception check
You notice a well dressed young man talking to a Silvanesti elf.
I was knighted in the small garrison of Solace. This is my first journey to Solamnia.
I don't think that the Knights are a precensce in Solace until after the Chaos War when they are placed there as honor guards for the Tomb of the Last Heroes.
Would you like to discuss it in private?
My counsel is my own to keep. At least for now. By the way how is the Master of the Red Robes and the Conclave?
Faelyn attempts to hide his shock at the man's words. I wouldn't know. I am on an assignment for the Aesthetics. I better be on my way. Faelyn turns to leave. How does this man know me?
Please give the great Astinus my regards.
Faelyn bows to the noble as he heads off to find the library. As you wish.
As the cleric approaches the Chamber of Paladine with her escort, the crowd behind her begins to part. The murmur of the crowd is great. Escorted by a few Knights of the Rose are three men. One is a very large man with greying hair. He appears to be about 50 years of age and is dressed in weathered scale mail armor.
Next to him is a bearded half-elf in traditional leathers with elven designs and with a bow across his back. His beard has marks of grey in it.
They flank a young man dressed in the armor of a Knight of the Crown. A look of sadness and yet of hope appears on his face.
Please move and make room for Lord Tanis Half-Elven and Caramon Majere, they have come to the Chamber of Paladine with the nephew of Caramon Majere, to pay respects to those who have fallen and rest inside. The Chamber of Paladine is closed so that they may pay their respects.