Warriors And Knights

“Yesterday will forever be beyond our reach, but tomorrow will always be there for us to catch and grasp with both hands.”

The Warm rays of sunlight  fell upon my cheek as I rose my head up from a night’s rest, I stepped out of bed and over to a small desk which supported a small ceramic jug of water and poured myself a cup, I opened my window shutters fully to gaze out across the courtyard and over the high walls of The Citadel into the wooded valley below the Cliff-Keep Mountains. The sun gently nestled above a far peak hundreds of leagues away, it’s gentle warm tones bringing an early warmth to the still cold spring air.  The sound of birds singing and the morning breeze rustling the trees was quickly broken by a loud knock at the door “ William, get up! The Grandmaster wants to speak with you immediately.” A muffled gruff voice exclaimed from behind the door. “I’m already up Gustor, just let me finish dressing.” I replied while frantically slinging a white cotton shirt over my chest and pulling on the rest of my basic attire.  A few more moments passed and my sword was firmly attached to my belt and a leather breastplate added to the shirt ”You can never be too careful.” I opened the door into the long stone corridor and rushed off towards the Grandmaster’s Tower, passing by several more rooms before reaching the stairwell. For the past 12 years I’ve got up got ready and met with the other ‘knights in training’ in the courtyard below, I would practice with weapons and armour with Sir Valence, learn battle tactics with Sir Ozgard and learn the Guardian Knight’s code with The Order’s Grandmaster ‘Roderick Powell’ I woke up thinking today would be just another day, but how wrong could I have been. Today would be unlike any other day I could possibly imagine.

…

I barely had to knock once on Roderick’s door before it swung wide open unto his chambers. I was greeted with a beaming smile across the old man's face.”12 years ago you were sent here by your mother as a favour I once owed her Father. And now before me stands as fine a man as I could've hoped to help train, today your training ends and you will join us as Guardian Knight proper. But of Course there must be celebrations, it isn't every day that a young knight finishes their training! ” I could do little to help the smile from creeping across my face. “Th-Thank you sir, it has been an honour.” I bowed my upper body slightly whilst holding my hand to my heart. “No need for the pleasantries, come there is much to do today and we must prepare the proper rites before the feasting and merry-making  can begin!” Roderick gestured to me to follow as he strode out into the hallway. I eagerly followed, barely able to contain the excitement and joy. Closing the door behind me I followed him down into The Citadel’s armoury. A large room well stocked with most forms of arms and armours. The greatsword was my preferred weapon of choice however like every other knight before me I was trained in every weapon and armour type so as to let me discover what combination of arms and armour felt the most natural plus if I somehow lost my greatsword it also meant I could use anything else in a pinch. Roderick went to the backroom of the armoury and by taking a small key off from his belt unlocked a chest that contained our most prized possessions. He handed me a polished steel necklace and a white tabard, The necklace was finely engraved with the symbol of our order.  

The tabard was white with a slight gold trim and featured our emblem in it's centre, a downward red sword amidst blue flames. Roderick gestured to me to kneel before him “Upon receiving the heraldry of our order and upon completing training in both mind and spirit, I hereby grant thee the status of Knighthood and dub thee Sir William, Guardian Knight and Soldier of The Burning Blade!” As Roderick finished his declaration he raised his sword from one shoulder to another completing the rites of progression and bidded me to stand. “When you were sent here lad I didn't think you had it in you. You had a bright mind aye but your body was frail and weak compared to other kids your age. If it weren't for the legacy of your Grandfather and the debt I owed your mother I wouldn't have allowed you to train but I gave your mother my word I would train you and that I did, however now I see that I could not have thought more wrongly of you and I'd consider you one of the finest knights in our order.” The grandmaster praised.  It was rare to achieve such praise directly, especially so close to having finished my training, and what did he mean by my Grandfather's Legacy and debt to my mother? “There is something I must tell you, a secret I've been forced to keep till you-” Roderick’s words were cut short as the ground shook to the sound of stone crumbling. The door burst open as a fellow knight in training fell into the room, he was missing an arm and his torso was badly burned. “Grand-master! The Citadel is under attack, th-they just appeared out of thin air.* The soldier paused for a few breaths* One of the watchers saw what looked like a flicker of light in the forest and in an instant the land was scarred and burned, the trees reduced to ash and in their place stood an army they must be at least 10,000 strong.” 

“Your arm what happened?”

“That's the thing sir they have these machines seemingly fuelled by the fires of hell itself! That's what the sound was, the outer wall was hit by what looked like a small meteor and what it didn't destroy in the initial blast was only left as molten rubble.”

“Raise the alarms and call every knight to defend their home. This place is not called The Citadel for nothing! William get yourself armoured up and meet me at the west wall, let's show these invaders our wrath and teach them some honour.” 

I quickly equipped myself as best I could with our signature full plate and wore the tabard and necklace with pride. I strapped my Great-sword to my back and headed out to group up with Roderick. The day was far from over

…

For too long I lived to stand in my father's shadow and to think he had the tenacity to banish me! Hellfire and brimstone shall be his punishment, my wrath wrought unto his precious Citadel. To think I used to hold this place to such heights and now nothing is pleasing me more than seeing it's walls sundered and it's defenders scrabbling together as best a defense as they can.  “Lord Zash, our arrival was a success; their outer walls have already been breached.” 

“Excellent, tell the men to continue drawing the enemy’s attention to defending their main gate.” 

Hmm what would father do I wonder? As much as I despise him he's not stupid and knows this castle better than anyone. Well. Almost anyone. I searched over the ramparts for any sign of him. He's not here. 

“Where are you hiding oh great grandmaster?” A moment passed as I scanned the battlements further in thought ”Oh of-course you'd want to show us your ‘wrath’ but where would you attack from?  Your main gate is swamped with my army so you'd try to cut us off at the head yes, but how would you get to me? Unless.” Another moment passed as I searched for some kind of secret exit. There! Along the west wing hidden away from sight a rocky outcropping in the mountainside. Almost hidden. 

“Tell my Abyssal knights to meet by that outcropping. I have you now father.” 

…

The siege had only just begun but it was already looking bad, our main gate was swamped with soldiers clad in black iron, and although the outer walls still stood they wouldn't last against the assault of this new devilry for long. I ascended up to the western wall where stood the Grandmaster and 20 knights, he laid out his plan of attack to us, it was simple but effective. We would attack from a secret passageway and act as a vanguard to cut the head off the snake and then flank the enemy and box them in. It was a long shot of course we're outnumbered 10 to 1 but we had to try something and I had my faith in the Grandmaster’s ability to lead us to victory. We discussed in the dim torch light as we headed down the secret passageway making sure not to be too loud in case there was others listening

The History of House Tarrenhall

House Tarrenhall is a Vassal of House Vandris. The home of House Tarrenhall is the ancient mountain fortress city Tarrenhall itself, rumoured to date back to the first races it has stood for over a thousand years and is a beacon of hope in dark times. The current lord of House Tarrenhall is Arven Dalore a proud elven warrior who has led for over 500 years, he has skilfully kept the house’s even when others fell and in times of utmost need successfully defended our fortress from invaders. A large portion of the populace live within this fortress, its vast halls home to ancient elven magic letting life grow on the inside and at its heart lies a great Oak the size of a castle. Birds sing, wildlife roam grassy fields and the skyline changes to mimic the outside world. Legend has it that Tarrenhall was once the seat of an elven king long ago and that his powerful magics is what has caused the city to prosper today. Not just elves live in Tarrenhall though, it’s halls are home to all manner of races. Dwarves and Gnomes can often be seen in the deepest depths of the mountain halls extracting gems and archaeological remains as well as tinkering and experimenting with magic (such is the nature of Gnomes), Humans and Half-Elves find themselves fitting in where they can and are prominent members of the Elven society.

The population split is : 40% Elves, 10% Humans, 15% Half Elves, 10% Dwarves, 10% Gnomes, 10% Halflings, 5% other races.

Aside from it’s famous mountain keep, Tarrenhall is known for their immense understanding of the arcane and an ability to enchant weapons and armour in much shorter time as such their main export is these magical items, this ability has also made them a valuable ally to House Vandris.

House Tarrenhall also maintains good relations with the Elven capital of Varlant on the isle of Arentin, armies of Varlant having come to their aid in the past. However as of the past several hundred years or so varlant has become eerily quiet. 

House Tarrenhall is known as one of the largest vassals across the continent, almost rivalling the great baronies in terms of standing army and importance as it is also one of the oldest houses. Legend has it that it used to be a barony itself but some untold evil brought the House into ruin and Vandris has ruled ever since.

The Tale of Raelthos the Wise

Raelthos Dalore grew up as the youngest of 3 siblings and as such was often overshadowed by his older brother and sister’s antics. He led a rather peaceful life inside the walls of the Tarrenhall minding his own business learning tales of adventurers and practising with the weapons and armor of his Elven heritage. With his older brother and sister barely around, always off adventuring and helping their father run the land Raelthos was left to mingle with the commoners and other nobles and to appreciate life’s finer details! It wasn’t long however before Raelthos was off adventuring and making tales of himself as he went.

He started small, dealing with the odd stray wolf or goblin that wandered too close to some of the nearby villages, but he soon rose up and had a small band of adventurers he could call his own, dealing with more dangerous and bigger foes the party of Tol Acharn ventured forth to slay foes and free the people of the evil’s lurking in the dark and on the edges of civilisation. After several years adventuring together Raelthos and fellow human companion Aressia, began to show feelings of love for each other and it wasn’t before long that a full blown romance ensued.

On what was to be their toughest mission to date Tol Acharn camped near what was thought to be the lair of a marauding band of lizard men. During the night Raelthos had a dream, a vision of his destiny, of the great deeds he was to accomplish  and of the happy life he was to lead alongside Aressia. The dream offered him power to help tackle the lizardmen and to achieve his destiny, and in that dream state he accepted this seemingly harmless gift of power. As dawn broke the adventurers set off once more to reach the cave and fight their enemy. It wasn’t long before the lizardmen were decimated and they stood victorious however their victory celebrations were cut short by a deep rumbling growl that filled the cave. As mid-day approached and more light entered the cave there atop a mound of gold was a green dragon, it’s eyes fixed upon the group!

Not before long the cries of battle erupted in the cave, the sounds of swords, arrows and spells lit up the air as the dragon roared and fought it’s invaders. It wasn’t looking good, little did Raelthos notice that as the fight drew out more of his party were being either blasted aside by the dragon’s breath or smashed into the ground by its clawed hand he looked over to Arissa making sure she still lived. She did, hurt but alive he called for a retreat away from the Dragon’s cave so that they may live to fight another day. Dragging the bodies of the fallen out of the cave made both of them an easy target for the dragon and were on their toes dodging as many blows as possible to get their badly wounded allies and friends to safety! The mouth of the cave approached and the last group of friends were being saved at which point the dragon flapped it’s wings and flew over to the entrance blocking Ralethos’s path! As the dust settled from the impact a brief moment of respite occurred as he looked up towards his doom but now was not the time for thoughts of the end, his friends needed saving and to escape and he needed to either defeat his foe or provide enough time for them all to escape.

His sword redrawn from its scabbard now crackling with lightning and his eyes emanating a pale blue glow as he thundered towards the dragon, intent on smiting his foe. Moments of battle later and the sudden burst of power allowed him to push his target back and allow enough time for his allies to escape before he did himself, leaving the dragon to his domain. Sitting around the campfire as his companions lay either dead or dying he gazed up into the night wondering where his life would go from here after such a setback, he thought back to the dream, of the promise of power and ability to achieve his destiny and quietly muttered under his breath “Grant me the power to have vengeance on my foe.” Not a moment later crackling blue arcane energy began to swirl around him trashing the camp as he watched in horror as the storm manifested into some apparition and proceeded to consume the souls of his former companions, their bodies raising up into the air before disintegrating, the only body to be left alone was that of his precious Arissa who lay asleep peacefully and unknowing of the horrors all around her. As the tears rolled down his face there was only one thing left in his heart and that was revenge. He was going to kill that dragon whether it took his life in the process he didn't care “Tol Acharn” he said “ Vengeance comes!” He doesn’t quite remember what happened in the cave, all he knew was that he walked out with a sword in one hand, dragon head in the other. Upon learning of her companions demise Arissa was overcome with grief and after handing in the bounty grew distant and laid down her bow.

Months later an opportunity came up for Raelthos to head to the elven capital of Varlant on the isle of Arentin and investigate their apparent silence these past few hundred years. Leaping to action he had a ship and crew prepared and only waited for his now engaged companion to come with him however when he went home he found she was missing, no sign of struggle, no note no nothing, as if she hadn’t existed at all in the first place. Pushing dark thoughts and immense grief to the back of his mind he pressed forward and set off, hoping to find his wife to be when he returns from his mission.

A Tale of Strife and Shadow

“The tall, thin serious man strode in, his dark cloak billowing so dramatically it threatened to extinguish the lamp flame with its draught. He advanced like a malevolent shadow consuming the dim orange light, filling the room with a presence almost more than human.”

Originally the house of Mordecai was one that garnered in the ancient knowledge and secrets of the elven civilisation (they found crumbling around them), but as time went on and the rest of the world caught up to the knowledge and prowess of the elves the need for spies and those skilled in subterfuge rose and the need for ancient magicks lessened. Seeking to acclimatise and establish themselves in this newly established human civilisation, those elven houses that remained re-formed into vassals of the human clans. The Dalachain clan was the defacto leader of the clans, and where Sylfaer Mordecai (The First Lord and namesake for the House) had placed his houses’ rulership.  

0-18

It must have been some luck that the gods smiled upon my birth and gave me away as the bastard son of a noble family. My father Rildaer was an isolated and darkened man, regardless, he dealt in information throughout the city of Dunn Hain as we had for generations. His wife Devetriel was a cold stone-hearted bitch of a woman, whether that was to do with the mark I left on the family or just who she was I could never tell, but she was at most times equally as cold to my Brother Thredor and Sister Briaris. Of my real Mother nothing was said aside from being an all too friendly scullery maid to my father. The family's master at arms was the closest thing I’d consider a father throughout my childhood. I saw him more often than my real father and he was a good deal kinder than the rest of my usual company, plus I had a knack for using all manner of weapons and it was the closest thing to real fun you could find in my old home’s dark and sullen halls. 

18-24

Upon my 18th name-day my father legitimised my status and gave me the family name, mind you that was only in case both my brother and sister kicked the bucket before myself. I took it upon myself to take the world and my fate into my own hands. Finding myself particularly skilled with blades and a knack for getting into places I shouldn’t be in I quickly fell in with a motley crϋe of bounty hunters who made great use of my more unique skills (It’s not everyday that you see an elf let alone a Shadar-Kai but more on that later). We started small, picking up jobs that were eating away at the guards’ time or putting an end to various criminal activities around the city. Of-course we did a little breaking and entering or smuggled anything and everything we could get our hands on to make ends meet.