Chaucer listens to another cryptic answer from Kendros, then smiles and nods. Inside though, he once again is overwhelmed by uncertainty about the nobleman. Chaucer glances around at the others, but sees no sign of the doubt and concern that is boiling inside himself.
I am just nervous about going to Palanthus, that must be it. Chaucer tells himself, and even while thinking it, he knows that isn't the case. No matter what awaits us in the Lord City, I will be ready for anything with this young man. Heart and purpose resolved, Chaucer whispers in Juliette's ear as he taps her flanks. Juliette starts off in a slow trot behind the nobleman as they begin their journey to Palanthus.
Waiting to hear from the elf.
On the way to Palanthus, Kendros gives an introduction to the Jewel of Solamnia, mentioning some of the landmarks and the history of the Lord City. He talks about the Blue Lady's War and the Temple of Paladine.
As a side conversation he approaches Chaucer, You seem cold to me since the High Clerist Tower.
The ride to Palanthus went by quite uneventfully. Not that that is surprising, out of every road in all of Solamnia, the Road from the High Clerist's Tower to Palanthus might be the most secure, most well traveled, and most well guarded road of them all. He listened quietly to Kendros speak of what to expect when they got to Palanthus, and his imagination was hard to contain, envisioning tall buildings, packed markets, and many other wonders that Kendros described that his small town mind had trouble comprehending.
Though the trip was relatively uneventful, Chaucer make sure to speak to each of his companions along the way.
To Urgosh, he asked about the conversation he had overheard him having with the guard. "Who is this Kaz character? I know the stories of Huma like the back of my hand, but never have I heard of Kaz the Minotaur." He also laughed and said, "The first time I saw you, I admit, I was a bit fearful that you would rip my arms out of their sockets… I am certain that I have some misconceptions about your race to be sure."
During another portion of the travel, he inquired of Aminah, asking her of her homeland. He asked Faelyn how he had come to Solamnia, and he inquired of the kender as well, though it took nothing more than a greeting for the kender to begin sharing his life story with the would-be knight. Chaucer laughed at his willingness to share, and enjoyed spending the day listening to stories that he wasn't quite certain were true or not.
Finally, as they neared the city, Kendros pulled him aside and confronted him of his cold demeanor. Chaucer was stuck, so he opted for the simplest route, the truth. "Kendros, you are right, I have been a bit cold, mainly because, I am not sure I can trust you." Chaucer says clearly and without hesitation. I watched your actions at the tower, and I saw you somehow coercing, a fine knight in Sir Gerrick to disobeying orders and allowing us to leave. That disobedience will surely land him a demotion or reprimand at the very least. If there was a good reason for it and it was our last resort, then maybe I could understand it. But it was far from our only option, but you seemed determined to manipulate Sir Gerrick. If you would manipulate him without a second thought, how do I know you aren't doing the same with us. Chaucer spoke with no hostility, but a few days of mulling his feelings over in his mind had brought clarity to his thoughts that allowed him to express it all clearly and concisely. He continued to Kendros, "You speak of important business that you have in Palanthus, but you aren't willing to share what that might be with those of us you have asked to travel with you. I understand the need for privacy. But your motives are less than commendable up to this point, and I refuse to be used or manipulated to do something that will hurt anyone else." Chaucer takes a deep sigh and waits for Kendros' response.
You have a rather high opinion of yourself, Chaucer Tarsi to think that I would manipulate you or anyone else in this group. Was there anything that you or anyone else here could have done with the knights, even after you were rebuffed by Sir Gerrick? Just because he followed orders does not mean that he is a fine knight. If he cannot remember what transpired then he is not accountable for his actions. I made sure of that.
As for my business, I am under strict orders as well not to discuss what they are with anyone. I am allowed to tell those I am with that I must be in the LordCity by a given date. Why is one person following orders good and another is not? Do I detect yet another double standard?
Kaz is a minotaur who originally fights for Takhisis but rebels against his ogre superiors and leaves the Dark Queen's army. After deserting the Dark Queen, Kaz is captured by a band of goblins and is freed by Huma Dragonbane. He swears to repay Huma and becomes a valuable ally to the Knights of Solamnia- giving them details of the Dark Queen's armies and their tactics. Kaz becomes a loyal friend to Huma, risking his own life for Huma's more than once. He and Magius are the loyal compagnions that help Huma accomplish his deed
Burpy will go on and on and for days and days and will talk about how his Auntie Philomena Lockpicker was a good friend of Kaz the minitaur and how they used to try to jump over the green moon, Guitari, together. He also goes on about how when he was just a little kender his Uncle Trapspringer gave him a golden lockpick and showed him how, even as a little kender, he could be very sneaky. During the trip he sings the best known kendersong in the whole wide world and even the moon since he can swear that Aunt Philomena sang it as she and Kaz the minotaur jumped over the green moon, Guitari, which only kender and minitaurs can see, at least he has been told.
Your one true love's a sailing ship
That anchors at our pier.
We lift her sails, we man her decks,
We scrub her portholes clear;
And yes, our lighthouse shines for her,
And yes, our shores are warm;
We steer her into harbor-
Any port in a storm.
The sailors stand upon the docks,
The sailors stand in line,
As thirsty as a dwarf for gold
Or centaurs for cheep wine.
For all the sailors love her,
And flock to where she's moored,
Each man hoping that he might
Get down, all hands on board.
The kender is very happy to listen to the stories of your desert homeland and asks if there is whey in Khur.
Urgosh is rather calm and mostly in a good mood. He listen and play along with the kender, and listen to the others's telling tales of their homeland.
The midday hustle and bustle of Palanthus was an all too familiar sight for Shen one he quite frankly grew tired of, out in nature is where he belonged on the hunt for prey. This visit however was simply a quick supply run one of necessity however the forest had grown far more hostile then usual and the sudden influx of travelers had caught Shen’s interest. Although not a man to chase trouble Shen had grown tired of surveying the lands surrounding Palanthus his homeland and sought an adventuring party as a means of traversing the more hostile regions necessary to reach other parts of the world in hopes of acquiring a reputation, beautiful women, as well as a fatter coin purse.
It was mid-day when Shen caught sight of a Cleric traveling with a up and coming Knight it was apparent by the strut in his step he walked with new found authority, as well as a Mage, Minotaur and a Kender rambling on as Kender tend to do. Shen approached with hopes that an offer of his abilities to track and his worth in a fight would allow him to travel with such able adventurer’s anything beats another day stuck in the outskirts of Palanthus with his crazy mom rambling on about prophecy and ghosts he had gathered more than enough food to keep her for a while and looked to experience the world.
Faelyn spent most of the trip reading. Well, what little bit of reading he could do on horseback. He used the reading time as a crutch during the long trip since he didn't quite know how to act in such a diverse group. He secretly found the sociology of each race intriguing though. He had seen many Kenders walking and shopping on the streets of Palanthus before, but he had never spent this much time with one. Not to mention that he had never even met a Minotaur or a nomad from Khur. Traveling with both proved to be an interesting learning experience. He lived for these experiences. There are important things I can learn outside of books. He thought to himself as he actually started gaining some real life experience for the first time in his life.
Faelyn had always been a loner. After years of being subject to the taunts of his peers, he had never taken to people. Sure some of his professors and the librarians had been cordial, but that was expected from professionals. He had never met anyone who had taken the time to actually get to know him. Born in House Servitor and raised by his grandparents, he had not even met his mother or father nor was he ever allowed to discuss them.
Traveling with a Knight of Solamnia and a would be knight also proved to be a learning experience. From his study of the code, Faelyn thought the two would be much more preachy and annoying. The two actually seemed to be pretty ordinary and even pleasant. When Chaucer took a little interest in him, Faelyn decided to put himself out there a bit.
TO CHAUCER DURING THE TRIP:
I am Faelyn Sindrel. I have spent the past few years studying at the University of Palanthus and working at the Great Library for the Aesthetics. I am originally from Silvanesti. I was sent to the High Clerist Tower to return some manuscripts that had been on loan from the Clerics. And you? It seemed you were looking for a sponsor?
As Faelyn spoke more with the would be knight, he began to feel more and more comfortable with him. He even felt a small bond. Chaucer had come from humble beginnings as well and was not accepted by the people he idolized the most. There is something about this one. Something different... When Chaucer explains the rejection of the Knights at the tower, Maybe Palandine has a better plan for you Chaucer. From my reading of history, Strum Brightblade epitomized the Code more than all of the Crowned Knights of his time and he was an outsider as well.
As you approach the gates of the Lord City of Palanthus, you see the hustle and the bustle of the Jewel of Solamnia. It is a place of great activity. Kendros suggests that perhaps the cleric and the group make their way to the Temple of Paladine and he will accompany them to the Old City. I am sure that the Revered Daughter will want to be immedateily made aware of what transpired. Perhaps, Chaucer and the rest of you would like to accompany to my destination?
You all notice, as you approach the gates, that a half-elf is eyeing you with interest.
On the way, Kendros will ask the Silvanesti, What exactly did the Master of the Red Robes teach you?
Will do Kendros, I still have nothing better to do right now he replied
Chaucer found himself enjoying the unique company he had found himself in. The minotaur Urgosh, who definitely blew the misconceptions that Chaucer had of the race, shared a interesting take on the historical account of Huma Dragonbane. "Kaz the Minotaur was a companion of Huma Dragonbane? I must say that I find it hard to believe that no one in Solamnia would have included Kaz in any of our legends. Of course, we humans here in Solamnia have had our moments of discrimination against those that aren't like us, so I am sure it is possible. I wish there was somewhere or someone we could talk to who might know."
Urgosh wasn't the only one that intrigued Chaucer. Each of his companions had something about them that aroused Chaucer's curiosity. The stories of Aminah's homeland, the kender's stories and songs, and more stories from Urgosh's race all intrigued the young would-be knight. However, the elven scholar stayed mostly quiet and to himself. After addressing him by name, he shared a little about him, a chance that Chaucer felt like he should take advantage of. "Well Master Faelyn, I am glad to have made this journey with you. Thank you for your encouragement, but the journey to the knighthood was supposed to be easier than it has proven. But then again, I started late, and haven't done anything to warrant the attention of those I admire. If only my journey would end as Sturm Brightblade's did, it would make this portion a bit easier to endure, but then, what need is there for hope and faith." Chaucer stopped and laughed, and continued by saying. "I apologize, but as my mother was fond of saying when I was younger, I knew not a stranger, and that hasn't changed. I am sure that is more than you wanted to know. So tell me, what is the Great University like? What was it like working at the great Library?
Chaucer stopped short and turned to look at Urgosh and then back to Faelyn. "The library, of course! If there was any place in all of Krynn where we could find Kaz's contributions to the legend of Huma, it would be at the Great Library of Palanthus! Faelyn, do you think when we get to the city, that we could go to the library and seek the legends of Huma? Or are those texts off limits to the public?"
Chaucer enjoyed the trip to Palanthus immensely, however, it wasn't all good. The full conversation with Kendros still stands in his mind. "I am glad you are following orders, but your actions have not elicited trust, which has caused me to cool off in terms of my interaction with you." Chaucer said explaining his behavior, "But to suggest that you wouldn't manipulate a group of strangers you just met for your own purposes, when you did that exact thing with a knight standing at his post, seems inconsistent. Chaucer said reminding him of his actions with Sir Gerrick once again. "And to say that he won't be held accountable because he doesn't remember is ridiculous. He was on gate duty, and the Tower was on lockdown. If people left during that time, it is going to fall on all the knights on gate duty, Gerrick included. Chaucer takes a deep breath before finishing his comments to the young nobleman. "Kendros, I want to trust you. But your actions have not earned you any in my eyes, and in fact, they have taken away whatever I offered you initially. If there was a reason for your actions, than maybe I could overlook your rashness, but right now, I can see no justification for what you have done. That is why I have been cold to you. I hope it doesn't always have to be like this. Chaucer says with finality as he moves back towards the others, hoping that Kendros wasn't the selfish nobleman he thinks he might be. As he falls back into conversation with Burpy the kender about his great aunt Sharlita, he looks one more time at the nobleman from Solanthus and thinks, "Prove me wrong Kendros, prove me wrong.
Faelyn pulls his stead over toward the nobleman. Justarius was just beginning to teach me the basics. Much of my training involved learning the language of magic. He suggested I focus on conjuration. I still have much to learn. I hope to reunite with him while we are in Palanthus.
Looking a little nervous to carry on: As you know, he is a red robe. He has been good to me. To be honest, I am a little concerned. If I am chosen by his order, I will be forever separated from my people... He trails off not knowing what else to say.
Kendros replies to the elf, Yes, the elves can be intolerant, as can the Solamnics, even those of low birth looking at Chaucer. A conjuror of Lunitari? Justarius, as Master of the Red Robes, I believe is an illusionist. [b]
To Chaucer, [b] Sturm Brightblade was only respected because he gave his life to save a crumbling institution that did not deem him worthy to wear even his own father's sword and armor, but that is now a moot point now that his body has been stolen or desecrated by the Heroes of the Lance.
As the group winds their way through the streets of Palanthus towards the Temple of Paladine, Kendros goes down a side street. The street is desolate and it looks like traffic here is non existent. As he continues he leads you to the Tower of High Sorcery. As you near the gates, a Black Robed figure emerges from the gate. From behind a hood a strong Silvanesti accent is heard, Kendros of Solanthus, you have arrived to the Tower of High Sorcery at the appointed hour at the appointed date. Here you come, by invitation of the Conclave of Wizards, to undergo your Test. Are you ready
Yes, Master of the Tower, I am ready.
Pulling his hood down, the archmage looks at those who accompany Kendros. Interesting. Faelyn Sindrel, I am sure that Jenna will be interested in this encounter. For those who have accompanied Kendros to the gates of the Tower of High Sorcery, you may give him your regards, wish him luck or say your eternal goodbyes.
As the gates of the Tower of High Sorcery open, Kendros and Dalamar the Dark, walk through the Shoikan Grove and onto destiny.
While traveling and speaking to Kendros:
Justarius said he was unsure of my future, but that I had a natural knack for conjuration magic, especially that of the teleportation school. He felt I would have a need for it someday.
At the tower:
As the party nears the gate of the Tower of High Sorcery, Faelyn's heart begins to race. I knew there was something different about this nobleman. I wasted days that could have been spent learning. Faelyn wants to kick himself for not being as perceptive as he should have been. This thought is quickly interrupted by the appearance of a black robed mage.
In the presence of the Dark Elf, Faelyn's emotions kick into overdrive. He feels his heart beating in his throat and his mind is clouded with voices...whispers of the past. His soul feels a strange connection to the archmage, but it is overtaken by sudden feelings of dread. A Dark Elf with a Silvanesti accent? This must be...Dalamar the Dark! Once again, his thoughts are interrupted though. This time at the words of the Dark Elf:
"Interesting. Faelyn Sindrel, I am sure that Jenna will be interested in this encounter"
Shocked back to reality, Faelyn bows before the mage. Please let Justarius know that I am back master. He turns to Kendros as he dismounts and heads toward the gates with Dalamar. May the Great One watch over you during your test.
As the party walked by seemingly absorbed in their own conversations Shen took the opportunity to address not one in particular but the entire group "What a Motley crew of travelers you all appear to be aimlessly walking these streets like baby Calf’s looking for their MAMAs tit. Don’t you know these parts aren’t safe for stranger’s lads? A little girl will sooner slit your throat and take your purse after calling you over with a cry for help here before you find a shred of dignity or honor. However for the benefit of one more sword in a fight and at the cost of a small cut of the loot I would act as a sort of guide for this rag tag group of adventurers no one messes with Shen in old Palanthus, I guarantee it" Shen flashes a million dollar smile and winks "I know the land surrounding this area better then you know your own taint. I’ll be damned If I’m going to die board in this city!" To ChaucerandUrgosh "You two seem the non- uppity type care for ALE I know a place where it’s fine, cheap and the tavern wenches are extra friendly?"
Standing before the group is a rugged looking man whose kegonesti blood though definitely visible in very subtle ways was nowhere near as prominent as other half breeds if it weren't for the ears he could almost pass for a human. Draped in hides and wearing a peculiar 2 handed worn looking elvish style blade. His youthful, ruthless, adventure seeking attitude was apparent in every possible way.
Dalamar responds to the Silvanesti I am no courier service, countryman. Go to your school or to Jenna's shop if you want a message to be sent to Justarius.
Burpy is going to run up to the half-elf and say I like ale too! In fact, ale is one of the best things I can think of! My name is Burpy Hairytoe! he says as he tries to shake the half-elf's hand.
I have no idea what just happened and who all these people name mean that was mentioned. Can someone explain to me who and what just happened? Replied Urgosh as Kendros entered the tower.
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Aminah can't help but take in the wonders of the city of Palanthas when she arrives. She never in her life has seen a city of this size, a metropolis that could hold many Khur cities in its walls.
She says, "This city! By the gods I have never seen its like in my entire life. How does so many live in one place? This is far more than what I expected even for the legendary city of Palanthas."
As for the elf that approached the party, Aminah says to him, "There is no need to be rude sir elf. I assure you we are quite capable of handling ourselves on the road. I have traveled far more dangerous lands by myself and I expect little trouble in a blessed land such as Solamnia. I hear that this country is the most lawful nation in Krynn, I doubt your claims to the contrary. And even if there is trouble with ragabonds, I assure you my sword and my faith in Paladine shall protect me."
Damn you Faelyn. Why would you speak to him? Faelyn once again kicks himself for being so foolish. What the hell was I supposed to say after he mentioned Jenna? Faelyn watches the two men depart with enviousness. Maybe someday that will be me. After the two men leave, he address the party: Let's go find a suitable place to rest and strengthen ourselves with a warm meal. I am sure Aminah will need to see the Revered Daughter in the morning and I obviously will need to make a stop at a friend's store...
Traveling deeper into the market district involved in his thoughts, Faelyn is startled at the sight of the half elf. He must be a ranger or rogue to be able to appear without sign. Faelyn grins at the cleric's response. See has got spunk. I like it.
As my friend has suggested, we are well able to defend ourselves. We could use the suggestion for a place to rest. I will pass on the ale for some wine though. He jokes as he notices the man's ears and sword. Facial stubble...another bastard. He will fit in nicely.
all this is so very confusing. wonders the Minotaur a bit lost.
Burby is very happy to tell Urgosh about Dalamar the Dark. Dalamar the Dark, even though he is an elf and didn't look too dark to Burby, is an elf and a powerful wizard. He makes a pretty good stew and cupcakes from what Burby understands. I wonder why he didn't offer us any stew or cupcakes, that was very rude wasn't? If I knew how to make stew AND cupcakes I would have offered some. Do minitaurs like to eat cupcakes?
He continues. From what Burby understands people who want to be a wizard have to take a Test. The Test is a 1000 questions. If they pass they get to be wizards, if they don't then they get turned into kitties.
Does that help you understand what is going on, minitaur ? Hey, I just thought of something, since you are my friend and I don't want anyone to steal you because I know sometimes people steal cows, can I brand you so that even if someone steals you they know that you are mine?
Burby, who are Revered Daughter, Jenna, Justarius. And as far as branding goes i don't like it so much but if you were to offer me a earing with your name in it it would do don't you think?
I can't say for the other but i do enjoy a cupcake from time to time
But you can loose the earring!
truen but i still will not be branded like an unintelligent animal or a slave, Burby he replied with a very serious tone, all tones of laughter suddenly gone.
I just thought it would be a good idea so I wouldn't loose you he says as his eyes fill with tears.
well it is not, you will have to settle for a ring after all i am highly noticeable. he replied putting his big hand on the kender's head.
Faelyn responds to Urgosh. Justarius is my mentor and Jenna is his daughter. As far as the Revered Daughter, I will let Aminah explain that one. Where are you from?
Faelyn smiles at the Kender's comments. Dalamar in a kitchen. That would be a sight!
Chaucer stands behind Aminah, speaking to a half-elf who seemed interested in joining their merry party, thinking about what had just transpired. Like Aminah earlier in the day, his small village perceptions were completely shattered by the sheer immense size of the city known as Palanthus. He lost himself just imagining all the heroes of the past who had walked the streets he walked, he bought of the battles that had been waged in and near here, he was entranced.
Until, of course, he was brought out of his dreaming by the sounds of a new voice. He looked around, and realized where he was. In his daydreaming he had somehow been led right to the tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus, the tower that had been cursed hundreds of years before, the tower which, as the stories go, Raistlin Majere himself took as his own a few decades ago. This was a place of evil spirits to put it kindly. As he saw a black robed man come out and greet Kendros, he knew this was not a place for him. However, he felt as though he needed to say something as the nobleman from Solanthus was led away to a possible horrifying death taking the infamous Test. So from his seat in his saddle, Chaucer simply stated, "Good luck, choose wisely, and may the light of Paladine shine upon you during your Test and trials."
Had it been enough? Had he been too hard on the nobleman who was pushing to get to his test? Was that a good enough reason to justify his actions at the High Clerist's Tower?" Chaucer questioned himself and couldn't help but feel uncertain. Thankfully, though, this new distraction had come up. "As may companion Aminah here said, there is no need for insults, however, I must admit, the offer of ale, conversation, and a bit of rest, doesn't sound too bad. Shen, you say? Well met."
As Chaucer mounted Juliette, and directed her to follow Shen's lead, he laughed at Burpy's frustrations. "My small friend, I concur, it was rather rude of him not to offer us cupcakes and stew. Maybe when we stop I can fix you up with something half as good." Turning to Urgosh, he said, "My new friend, I will do my best to enlighten you a bit on the identities spoken of when we have ale in front of us and a bite to eat."
You are free to do what you want for a bit. I will give you two days, in game time, to tell me what you are doing during that time.
Indeed lets all have some ale. Grabbing the kender by the neck he will put him across his shoulder.
Burby put your hands on my shoulder to stabilize yourself. There, you will see better. but it is only for the trip to the inn.
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during those two days urgosh will follow any one of the party that will show him around the city.
he will also buy some pastry for Burby and him to share.
Burby likes pastry.
Faelyn will visit Jenna's store and report to Justarius for instruction.
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Aminah Mikku after having a meal at one of the local taverns in the town heads off to the local church of Paladine in order to offer her prayers as well as request a place to reside while she is in the city, hoping that being a cleric of Paladine she will have access to one of the rooms rather than pay for a room at an inn. Other than this she checks out the main attractions in the city, architecturally speaking although is somewhat unnerved seeing a massive black and white tower surrounded by an evil looking grove in the city and asks a passer by about it.
Since you are a member of the order but a novice, Aminah, will be given a cell that the other members of her rank, have.
You were taken to the Tower when you accompanied Kendros. Here is the history of the Lorespire:
The Tower of High Sorcery at Palanthas, now called the Tower of High Sorcery at Nightlund, is one of the five original Towers of High Sorcery build on Ansalon. When it was orginally built, it was built with white marble walls and crimson minarets. This changed though following the end of the Lost Wars. The Tower was cursed, and the white and red turned black. The Tower also is known by other names such as Spire of Lore and Doom, Tower of Palanthas, Palanthas Tower, Tsandol Sirran (Lore-spire), and Tsandol Shurn (Doom-spire).
This tower was considered the greatest of all the Towers, and housed the world’s greatest store of arcane lore and Artifacts. The outside of the Tower has gone three three different looks over its years:
The Tower stood at over six hundred feet in height. It was a cylinder shaped tower carved from an enormous block of white marble streaked with red. Flanking the main tower were two four hundred foot minarets, each capped with a red crystal dome. The circular wall around the Tower and its turrets were made of black glass, while the gates were made of silver and gold, studded with jewels. The door leading into the Tower are made of polished bloodwood, covered with arcane glyphs.
Following the curse by Andras, the walls became gray with black streaks, minarets shattered into rust red shards. The turrets collapsed, gates twisted, gold and silver turned lusterless and the jewels were gone. The remains of Andras remained on the Tower’s gates.
After Raistlin became the Master of the Tower he restored the turrets and removed Andras’s robes from the gates. The only other outward difference were the horrible noises would come from the Tower along with flashes of light. When the tower was moved to Nightlund, huge cracks could now be seen running up and down the tower. Inside, a few steps on the spiral staircase went missing. One minaret is missing its roof, the other is blocked by a cave-in.
When one entered the door into the Tower, a mosaic depicting a mage from each of the three Orders reading from a single book was on the floor. After the Curse, these hooded mages bowed their heads in sorrow. Over a thousand steps led up the hollow Tower, with landings at each of the thirty-three floors. No handrail kept people from falling over the side of the steps. Many bookshelves are found all over the Tower that were filled with arcane books before and afte the Curse. While the Tower was under the Curse, all of these shelves were empty.
History of the Tower
Age of Dreams
The Highmage Kharro declared that four more towers be built after the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth. The Tower of Palanthas was the last of those completed. Ten years after the building of the Tower of High Sorcery at Daltigoth in 2404 PC, the place that would be Bright Horizon, and later still Palanthas, was selected by Zindreth of Micah to be where the next tower was built.
The people that were living there welcomed the mages, hoping to bring greatness to their area, but the mercenaries that were there already did not approve of this tower that was going to be built. They plotted to kill Zindreth, and then in turn stopping the tower. The Mages held a banquet one night in 2404 PC, and invited the mercenaries to it. Most of the banquet went well, but at the end of it Zindreth bit into a blood orange, and instantly collapsed clutching his stomach. The mercenaries had poisoned him, and this almost led to the cancellation of the Tower from being built.
Zindreth had other plans, and the next morning he gathered his fellow wizards and raised the new Tower of Palanthas from the ground. It took all his strength, and Zindreth died after the spell was completed. When the new Highmage Usk reviewed the ceremony, he saw that that Zindreth had mispronounced Tsandol Sirran, instead saying Tsandol Shurn or Doom-spire. Usk had oak trees planted around the Tower, and he enchanted them to keep enemies away. This grove was named the Shoikan Grove. Eventually the pirate haven of Bright Horizon grew up around the tower in 2085 PC with the crash of the ship Bright Horizon.
The people that lived in Bright Horizon, mostly pirates, thieves, and sell-swords, all wanted to gain the treasures in the Tower, but were not able to get through the Shoikan Grove. Following the Rose Rebellion, Vinas Solamnus took Bright Horizon as his capital city, and renamed it Palanthas in 1773 PC. The only building that remained by 1771 PC was the Tower. The Knights of Solamnia did not like the fact that Black Robes lived so close to them, and so they made three attempts to destroy the Tower. All three attempts were stopped by the Grove, one was even an attempt to burn the Grove.
The Master, Namara, went to Vinas and said that the Black Robes would remain locked in the Tower if the other two orders were allowed free movement throughout Solamnia. Vinasa agreed to this, and so magic and the knighthood lived side by side for years.
This alliance would prove to be a good thing for both groups. During the last days of the Third Dragon War, the wizards met in Conclave at the Tower of Palanthas. Here the greatest mages on Ansalon created the mighty Dragon Orbs. With these, the knights were able to stall enough for Huma Dragonbane to get the mighty Dragonlances and defeat Takhisis. This would usher in a Golden Age for magic, and the Tower of Palanthas was at the heart of it.
Age of Might
In the distant city of Istar, the Holy Empire of Istar was born. The priests that would form the heart of this empire would grow to mistrust magic due to its tolerance of dark magic. Around the 350s PC, the destruction of all art and monuments to wizards who had help Palanthas would be destroyed in the Eve of Hammers and Flame. This would also lead to the deaths of nine mages. As the wizards were planning on counter-attacking, the Knighthood and priests killed the murders of the wizards and brought their heads to the Tower. This averted a massive war across all of Ansalon.
Eventually things would burst in the form of the Lost Battles in 19 PC. The Conclave would lose two Towers to destruction, but the Conclave did not want to destroy Palanthas due to all the magical artifacts that were stored there. They came to an agreement with the Kingpriest, and were going to turn over the Tower to the Lord of Palanthas Urian. Just as Highmage Merroc was about to turn the Tower’s keys over to Urian, Andras Rannoch called down a curse upon the tower:
“You think you have won! You have nothing! The gates of this Tower will remained closed and its halls empty until the day comes when the Master of both the Past and the Present returns with power!”
After that, he lept from a tower window, and he was impaled upon the Tower’s gate. With his death, the curse fell upon the Tower and the beautiful tower became black and twisted. The Tower lived up to its name of Doom-spire. People would move out from the surrounding area of the tower, to be away from the evil. The Conclave attempted to take back the Tower, but after several powerful mages lost their lives, they gave up.
Age of Despair
The Tower would remain unchanged for over three hundred years. The only time it was visited was when Fistandantilus (or {Raistlin Majere) appeared there in 39 AC. Thinking they could access the Portal of the Abyss unopposed, he along with his cleric and guardian attempted to enter the Portal. It had been moved, and Fistandantilus went on to be engaged in the Dwarfgate War. The Tower would stand quite until the Master came in 352 AC.
Follow the victory at the Battle of Neraka, Raistlin Majere came to claim his tower. The guardians there allowed for him to pass. Here Raistlin would study alone other than his apprentice, Dalamar the Dark. Outwardly he did not change anything with the tower, but made a few improvements inside the Tower such as adding the Chamber of Seeing.
By 357 AC, Raistlin was ready to put his plans in motion of becoming a god. He left the Tower, travelled back in time, defeated Fistandantilus, and ended up journeying into the Abyss with Crysania Tarinius. His plan was to exit the Portal in the Tower of Palanthas, and there defeat Takhisis. Raistlin saw what that future brought, and closed the Portal. With the loss of Raistlin, Dalamar became the next Master of the Tower.
For the next twenty-six years, Dalamar opened the tower for wizard apprentices, mostly Black and Red Robes. (This is the time period that you are in).
We can. If you want to use the time scribing scrolls or spells into your spellbook you can do that.
The next morning Faelyn wakes up and eats breakfast at the inn. He gathers his things and heads to The Three Moons to see Jenna. I wonder how Kendros is fairing? He thinks to himself as he opens the door and enters the Magic Shop.
I would say it would be the relationship between a teacher and a student. She already has an elven lover and I don't think you would want to cross him.
A beautiful young red robe mage greets you as you enter. Greetings, Faelyn Sindrel, is it? Have you come for spell components or to practice your scroll writing?
Faelyn blushes a bit as Jenna speaks to him. He always had difficulty looking into her grey-green eyes. She was adorned as usual in an expensive red velvet robe with gold stitching. Though her face was often cold, her dimples showed ever so slightly as she spoke.
Faelyn clears his throat and bows then speaks in elven. Amrun tura...Amin ve' nae moot arta. Llie na arae?
With a smile, Jenna says, By all means, apprentice. Follow me to my lab. What spell would you like to work on?
You seem preoccupied today, Apprentice.